This is one of our showers before a single tile went down. Tap the numbers to see what goes into keeping water where it belongs.
★★★★★He was reliable, professional and meticulous with his waterproofing. Melinda Stothart
Free guide · Waterproofing, explained
What actually happens under your tiles.
Plain-English answers to the questions people ask us about waterproofing. General information only; the product's own instructions and the current standard always come first.
Liquid-applied membranes
Brushed or rolled on in coats to form one seamless, flexible skin. Corners and joins get reinforcing tape and waterproofing sealant first. This is the most common type in showers and bathrooms.
Comes in: water-based (acrylic and similar) and polyurethane types.
Negative-side waterproofing
Applied on the opposite side to where the water is coming from, for example the inside face of a wall when the outside can't be reached. Positive-side waterproofing goes on the side the water hits.
Good to know: we do both negative and positive side waterproofing.
Cement-based coatings
Mixed on site and brushed or trowelled onto concrete and masonry. Some are flexible and some are rigid, so the right one depends on where it's going and what it's sitting on.
Good to know: used more on concrete than on sheeted walls.
Top-quality materials only
Membranes, adhesives and grouts from brands including Gripset, Mapei, RLA Polymers, Dribond and Ardex. All our adhesives are polymer-modified products.
There's no single "best" membrane. What matters is a system that suits the surface and the tile, with a compatible primer, membrane and adhesive, applied to the thickness the maker specifies.
Prep & fallsThe surface has to be clean, sound and dry, with the floor graded so water runs to the waste.
PrimeA primer helps the membrane grip the surface properly.
Detail the weak spotsWall-to-floor joins, corners, the floor waste and pipe penetrations get treated first, plus a waterstop at the shower edge or doorway.
Membrane coatsUsually at least two coats, often at right angles to each other, built up to the specified thickness.
Cure, then tileThe membrane is left to cure fully before any tile adhesive goes near it.
Tap the numbered spots on our photo above to see steps 3 and 4 on one of our own showers.
HoursMany liquid membranes feel dry to the touch within a few hours. Touch-dry isn't the same as cured.
~24 hrsA typical wait between coats for many products. Some are quicker and some are slower, so the datasheet sets the time.
LongerCold, damp or humid weather, and thicker coats, all slow curing down. Full cure before tiling can take a day or more.
Rapid-set productsRapid-set membranes and adhesives are also used where it suits the job, for convenience. They cut down the waiting time between steps.
What this means for your jobA gap of a day or more between waterproofing and tiling is normal. It's the membrane doing its job, not the tiler slacking off. Tiling over a membrane that hasn't cured can trap moisture and weaken the bond.
Times above are typical ranges for common products, not a promise for any particular job.
AS 3740 is the Australian Standard for waterproofing wet areas in homes. The National Construction Code points to it.
The shower area: the floor and the walls are waterproofed, with the walls typically done to at least 1800 mm high.
The rest of the room: wall-to-floor joins, floor wastes and areas that get splashed (around baths and basins, for example) are treated too. How much depends on the room.
Balconies and outdoor areas come under a different standard, AS 4654.
In Queensland, waterproofing is licensed building work, overseen by the QBCC. You can check any contractor's licence on the QBCC website.
A plain-English summary, not legal or building advice. The standard is updated from time to time, so the current edition applies.
Free tools
Plan it before you ring us.
Two handy tools we wish every customer had. Work out what to buy at the tile shop, or get a rough idea of what's behind that damp patch.
Tool 01
Tile order planner
Add each surface you're tiling, pick your tile and how it's laid. You'll see what to order, with a wastage allowance, and a to-scale diagram of the cuts.
0m² to order (incl. wastage)
0tiles, approx
–boxes (add box size)
We can calculate the quantities for you.Use this planner to get a feel for it, then leave the exact numbers to us when we come out to quote.
A guide for buying, not a quote. It assumes simple rectangles and rounds up. Wastage figures are typical allowances, not rules: niches, steps, odd-shaped rooms and big tiles can need more. Buy from one batch (check the shade number) and keep a few spares for repairs.
Tool 02
Is my shower leaking?
Four quick questions. We'll rank the most likely causes, from a simple reseal to a membrane problem, and tell you what to check tonight. It's a guide, not an inspection.
What have you noticed?
Tick everything that applies.
When does it show up?
This is the biggest clue.
Roughly how old is the shower?
A best guess is fine.
Has it been re-grouted or re-siliconed before?
And did the problem come back?
Four checks you can do tonight
Get it tested properly. We highly recommend a flood test and a pressure test, both done by a licensed plumber.
The tap test. Gently tap the tiles with the handle of a screwdriver. A dull, hollow sound over an area can mean tiles have lost their bond.
The dry spell. If you can, use another shower for a few days. Damp that dries out and then returns once you use it again points to the shower.
The close look. Check the corners and the floor waste for silicone that's lifting or black, and grout you can scratch out with a fingernail.
Your results build here as you answer. Start by ticking what you've noticed.
A general guide only, not an inspection or a diagnosis. A leaking pipe, tap or waste can look just like a failed membrane, so the cause always needs checking in person. Photos of the damp patch and the shower help a lot when you text.
What we do
Tiling & waterproofing, inside and out.
Where every job starts
Waterproofing
Showers, bathrooms, laundries and balconies membraned properly before the tiles go on, with the drains and falls worked out first. It's the part nobody sees, and the part we care about most.
Based in Burleigh Waters, with 35 years' experience. When you book Integrity, it's Tony who comes out to quote, Tony who answers the phone, and Tony who does the waterproofing himself. QBCC licensed (licence no. 62463) and fully insured.
The name isn't an accident. We'd rather take the extra time to get the waterproofing, the falls and the last grout line right than rush a job out the door. Our clients tell us they notice it.
Straight advice on tile options, layouts and what will work in your space
Kept informed from start to finish, so you're never left wondering
Clean and respectful in your home, and we tidy up as we go
What to expect
From your first call to the last grout line.
1CallGive us a ring to arrange an onsite visit. Tell us the rooms and your address.
2Onsite visitWe come out and look at the job: tile choice, layout, niches, drains and falls. No phone quotes, so the price is based on what we actually see.
3Your quoteA clear quote for the work, so you know what's included before anything starts.
4Prep & waterproofingSurfaces prepped, falls set, membrane on. Then it's left to cure properly before tiling.
5Tiling & finishTiled, grouted and sealed, with the site cleaned up. Kept informed the whole way.
Reviews
In our clients' words.
4.9
★★★★★from 59 Google reviews
★★★★★
“Tony and Levi have worked their magic - from start to finish they were reliable, clean and respectful to both ourselves and our home. The tiling is fantastic, we couldn’t have asked for a more professional company to carry out our renovations”
★★★★★
“Extremely knowledgeable and master of the trade. An incredible finish. Had a solution for any challenge. The drains are perfectly placed, & the fall is spot on. Great care taken to ensure waterproofing is of the highest standard.”
★★★★★
“Tony and Levi did a quality tiling job on my apartment renovation. Bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and balcony all beautifully laid and a pleasure to look at every day.”
★★★★★
“Tony completed two bathrooms at once which was no small feat! He was reliable, professional and meticulous with his waterproofing. …”
★★★★★
“Tony and Levi have extensive experience and are very reliable. They work carefully and professionally, so I felt confident leaving the job in their hands. I highly recommend them — they are a wonderful father and son team.”
★★★★★
“We are renovating our 30 year old bathrooms and after a few quotes we chose Tony due his expertise and knowledge in waterproofing and tiling. Our tiles were not the average large tiles and took a lot more time and effort …”
★★★★★
“It was a great experience working with Tony and Levi on a challenging job. They were extremely patient and helpful in guiding us through all the available options. They kept us informed throughout the entire process …”
★★★★★
“… Very professional, tidy, easy to work with and did an amazing job. Went above and beyond to help me achieve my bathroom goals. Getting them back to do my ensuite. 5 stars”
★★★★★
“I recently had my bathroom tiled by Tony and Levi from Integrity Tiling & Waterproofing. As the name suggests, their Integrity towards the job was outstanding. …”
Hover or tap to pause.
Questions
Asked & answered.
The things people usually ask us on the first call. Anything else, just ring.
Yes. Tony does the waterproofing himself, so the same person is responsible from the membrane to the last grout line. That's how we like it: the falls, the drains and the waterproofing all get worked out before the first tile goes down.
Yes. We're happy to talk through tile options, sizes and layouts, and tell you honestly what will work in your space. If you've already picked your tiles, send us the size and a photo.
It depends on the size of the room, the tiles and what we find under the old ones. Waterproofing also needs time to cure before tiling, so expect a gap of a day or more there. We'll talk you through the timing when we quote.
Yes. Big tiles look great but show every mistake, so we take the time to get them flat and lined up, on floors and walls. Several of our reviews mention large tiles.
Yes, we've done two bathrooms at once, and whole apartment renovations with the bathrooms, kitchen, laundry and balcony all tiled. We'll always leave one bathroom operational while we work on the other.
We highly recommend getting a licensed plumber to do a flood test and a pressure test first. The “Is my shower leaking?” checker above can help you work out what you're seeing. Once the plumbing has been checked, text us photos of the shower and the damp patch.
We quote on site only, not over the phone. Call 0411 720 263 to arrange an onsite quote, or send us your name and address using the quote builder at the bottom of this page. Saturday morning quotes are between 7am and 11am and are arranged on the day, as we plan them around a round trip.
We're based in Burleigh Waters and work across the Gold Coast: along the coast from Coolangatta to Southport, and through the hinterland from Coolangatta to Helensvale. We're on the tools Monday to Friday 7am to 4:30pm and Saturday 7am to 11am.
Where we work
Tiling across the Gold Coast.
Based in Burleigh Waters QLD 4220
Along the coast from Coolangatta to Southport, and through the hinterland from Coolangatta to Helensvale. Houses, units and apartment renovations.
Suburbs we cover include Coolangatta, Kirra, Bilinga, Tugun, Currumbin, Palm Beach, Elanora, Tallebudgera, Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Waters, Miami, Varsity Lakes, Robina, Mudgeeraba, Worongary, Mermaid Beach, Mermaid Waters, Clear Island Waters, Broadbeach, Broadbeach Waters, Surfers Paradise, Bundall, Benowa, Ashmore, Carrara, Nerang, Highland Park, Molendinar, Arundel, Parkwood, Main Beach, Southport, Labrador, Biggera Waters, Coombabah and Helensvale.
Our service area (a rough guide). Not sure if we cover you? Just call.Call 0411 720 263
Just text us your name and address, and we'll call you to arrange an onsite quote. No need to describe the whole job: we'll go through it with you on site. We don't quote over the phone.