Waterproofing Membrane Installation Services in Hobart

We typically charge between $1,200 and $3,500 for bathroom waterproofing membrane installation in Hobart, depending on the size of your bathroom and the complexity of the layout. A standard 2.2m x 1.8m bathroom with a shower base usually runs around $1,800 to $2,200. Heritage homes with timber subfloors or bathrooms with multiple levels and recesses cost more because they require extra preparation and detailing work. We provide detailed quotes after assessing your specific bathroom, so there are no surprises.

No, and here’s why—we can’t verify the condition or integrity of the existing membrane without removing tiles. Old membranes might have deteriorated, separated from the substrate, or been improperly installed in the first place. When we do bathroom renovations in Hobart, we always strip back to the substrate and install a fresh membrane. It adds a few thousand dollars to your project, but it’s the only way to guarantee proper protection and get a valid AS3740 certification.

Liquid membranes need a 24 to 48-hour curing time before tiling can start, depending on the product we’re using and Hobart’s weather conditions. Cold winter temperatures or high humidity slow down curing significantly. We’ve had jobs in July where membranes needed 72 hours because temperatures stayed below 10°C. Sheet membranes are ready for tiling much faster, usually within a few hours. We coordinate timing with your tiler so there are no delays in your renovation schedule.

Yes, laundry floors should be waterproofed, especially areas within 1 metre of the washing machine and laundry tub. We see water damage from burst washing machine hoses all the time in Hobart homes. The membrane requirements aren’t as extensive as bathrooms—you don’t need wall upstands unless there’s a shower—but floor protection is important. Many Hobart homeowners skip this and regret it when they’re dealing with water damage in rooms below.

Absolutely, we do this constantly in Hobart’s heritage homes and 1960s-1980s houses with timber subfloors. The key is using flexible crack isolation membranes that accommodate timber movement without breaking the waterproof seal. We also install cement sheet backer board over timber in high-movement areas for extra stability. Timber subfloors require more prep work than concrete, but they can be properly waterproofed when you know what you’re doing.

If membrane failure happens due to faulty installation, our workmanship warranty covers repairs, including removal of tiles, membrane replacement, and re-tiling coordination. Product failures are covered by manufacturer warranties from Ardex, Davco, or Mapei—usually 10 to 15 years, depending on the product. That’s why we only use premium membrane systems and provide full AS3740 certification documentation. Most failures we see in Hobart are from unlicensed installers or DIY attempts, not from properly installed systems.

Waterproofing itself doesn’t require separate council approval, but it’s part of your overall bathroom renovation permit requirements. Council building inspectors will check waterproofing compliance before you can proceed with tiling. We provide AS3740 certification that satisfies inspector requirements. If you’re doing a bathroom renovation without proper permits, you’ll have issues selling your house later because building inspectors will flag non-compliant work during pre-sale inspections.