For waterproofing floor areas in bathrooms, laundries, balconies, and decks, Gripset BRW PFN provides a cold-applied, self-adhesive butyl rubber barrier that prevents water penetration while isolating the finished surface from substrate movement. The membrane features a high-tack butyl rubber backing and a fabric-laminated face, allowing tilers to apply screeds or polymer-modified cement-based tile adhesives directly over the sheet without waiting for a liquid membrane to cure.
BRW PFN functions as a hybrid sheet-and-liquid system. The self-adhesive butyl backing bonds to prepared substrates, while the top fabric face provides a mechanical key for cement-based toppings and tile adhesives. For critical junctions and joins, the system integrates with Gripset liquid membranes to create a continuous waterproof seal. It also acts as an anti-fracture system, absorbing vibration and flexing over cracked concrete and floor substrates to prevent cracks from reflecting through to the finished tile layer. Because it is cold-applied, it seals instantly upon contact without the safety risks of torching, heat welding, or solvent-based adhesives.
Suitable for commercial, industrial, and residential floor applications over these substrates:
Concrete must be cured for at least 28 days; cement render and sand-cement screeds must cure for at least 7 days. Ensure all surfaces are clean, dry, and free of laitance, curing compounds, and contaminants. Mechanically remove unsound layers by grinding or abrasive blasting.
While priming is generally not required on clean, non-porous, non-mineral surfaces like metals, plastics, and glazed surfaces, mineral substrates must be primed prior to sheet application:
Unroll the sheet, cut to length, and remove 100mm to 200mm of the release paper to tack the sheet in place. Slowly peel back the remaining release paper while unrolling, smoothing out air bubbles with a flat trowel, float, or heavy roller. On sloped surfaces, always start laying from the lowest point near the drain and work upwards to prevent counter-gradient overlaps.
When tiling directly over BRW PFN, always use polymer-modified cement-based adhesives such as Gripset C-LITE, C-MASTIC, or C-RUBBER. If applying a sand-cement screed, render, or concrete topping over the installed membrane, incorporate Gripset 11Y as a proprietary bonding agent and water-resistant additive into the mix, or use GRIPSET C-BED engineered screed.
Yes, Gripset BRW PFN is designed to accommodate movement. Its butyl rubber composition provides anti-fracture properties, excellent vibration resistance, and >60% elongation, helping prevent cracking in finished surfaces over moving substrates.
No, Gripset BRW PFN is for floor and horizontal surfaces only. It is not rated for vertical applications, must be finished over with screed or tiles, and is not designed as an exposed or trafficable membrane.
Gripset BRW PFN passes AS 4858 for internal wet areas and AS 4654.1 for external wet areas. This compliance confirms its suitability for certified waterproofing installations in Australian wet area floor applications.
Priming is required for most porous and absorbent surfaces like concrete or screed. However, non-porous, non-mineral surfaces such as metals, plastics, and glazed tiles typically do not require priming if they are clean and sound.
| Application | Key benefit | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| Internal wet area floors (bathrooms, laundries) | Compliant waterproofing to AS 4858. Reduces water ingress risk in critical areas. | Waterproofers, tilers |
| External wet area floors (balconies, decks, podiums) | High-performance waterproofing to AS 4654.1. Resists vibration and flexing from environmental movement. | Waterproofers, builders |
| Anti-fracture system over cracked concrete and screeds | Bridges non-structural cracks and accommodates substrate movement with >60% elongation, preventing tile failure. | Tilers, concrete repairers |
| Hybrid system detailing with liquid membranes | Integrates with Gripset liquid membranes for robust detailing around penetrations and junctions, offering a versatile system. | Waterproofers, plumbers |
Clean substrate of all dust, debris, oil, or laitance. Remove loose particles and ensure surface is smooth and dry. Repair voids or cracks if present.
Apply Gripset GP Primer to porous or dusty substrates. Allow primer to dry completely (typically 20–40 minutes) before laying membrane.
Unroll PFN and cut to length. Position fleece side upward. Peel back 300–500mm of release film, align sheet, and press down with firm pressure. Gradually peel and apply in sections, smoothing as you go.
Vinyl hand roller or flat trowel to eliminate air pockets.
Overlap sheets by 50mm at sides. For end joints or internal corners, use Gripset BRW FG Tape. Ensure full contact by rolling all overlaps firmly. Detail around drains and fixtures using fleece-backed tape or BRW TAPE.
Store rolls upright vertically at room temperature in dry internal conditions. The product's properties are not affected by frost or cold. Use within 12 months of purchase for best results. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for detailed disposal instructions.
Proper surface preparation and priming are critical for ensuring optimal adhesion and long-term performance of the Gripset BRW PFN membrane.
Surface prep: Surfaces must be clean, sound, smooth, dry, and free from all contaminants like dirt, oil, wax, or laitance. Mechanically remove structurally unsound layers. Concrete requires 28 days cure, and cement render/screeds 7 days minimum.
Primer: Required. For porous surfaces, apply Gripset GP Primer at 1 litre per 8-10m². For green, damp, or external floor applications, use Gripset E60 at 1 litre per 3m² per coat for 1-2 coats.
Surface prep: Ensure surfaces are clean, sound, smooth, and dry, free from loose materials or contaminants.
Primer: Required. Apply Gripset GP Primer at 1 litre per 8-10m².
Surface prep: Surfaces must be clean, sound, and suitably prepared. Remove all oils, grease, and other residues. For existing epoxy coatings, ensure compatibility and a clean surface.
Primer: Optional. Priming is generally not required for clean, sound, non-porous, non-mineral based surfaces. If priming is deemed necessary, apply Gripset OP Primer at 1 litre per 12m².
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Colour Material | White face fabric, Grey butyl backing |
| Thickness | 1mm |
| Specific Weight | 1.55 g/cm³ |
| Tensile Strength | >2 MPa (AS 4654.1 Appendix A) |
| Elongation | >60% (AS1145.3) |
| Membrane Class | Class II |
| Water Vapour Transmission | 0.1 g.24h/m² (ASTM E96 Desiccant method) |
| Water Absorption | 1.5% (AS 3558.1) |
| Service Temperature | -30°C to 80°C |
| Compliance AS4858 | PASS |
| Compliance AS 4654.1 | PASS |
Here are some common examples on where Gripset BRW PFN used by our customers.
