Australian Standard AS 3740 is a set of guidelines and requirements for waterproofing wet areas within residential buildings. This standard is crucial for ensuring that areas such as bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens are properly waterproofed to prevent water ingress that can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and other issues.
Key aspects of AS 3740 include:
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Scope and Application: The standard applies to the design and installation of waterproofing systems in wet areas of residential buildings.
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Materials and Systems: It specifies the types of materials that can be used for waterproofing, including membranes and sealants, and provides guidance on their application.
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Design and Detailing: AS 3740 outlines the necessary design considerations to ensure effective waterproofing, including detailing around penetrations, junctions, and edges.
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Installation: The standard provides detailed instructions on the installation of waterproofing systems, emphasizing the importance of following manufacturer guidelines and ensuring proper surface preparation.
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Testing and Compliance: It includes requirements for testing waterproofing systems to ensure they meet the necessary performance criteria.
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Maintenance: AS 3740 also touches on the importance of maintaining waterproofing systems to ensure their longevity and effectiveness.
Key Requirements
- The entire water-resistant wall lining in a shower area must be waterproofed to a minimum height of 1800 mm above the finished floor .
- The whole floor in the shower area must be waterproof, and the shower walls should be waterproofed to a specified height .
- Waterproofing construction details must comply with the requirements outlined in AS 3740 .
Objective
The objective of AS 3740 is to set out the criteria for waterproofing wet areas within domestic buildings . This standard aims to ensure that wet areas are designed and constructed to prevent water damage and leaks, and to provide a safe and healthy environment for occupants.
Revision History
- AS 3740 was first published in 1994 and has since been revised several times, with the latest revision being AS 3740:2021 .
- The standard has undergone significant changes over the years, including the introduction of new waterproofing construction details and requirements
Synonyms:
Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas