01/09/2026
Network Construction Services has been engaged to undertake specialist remedial waterproofing works to the external walls and stair areas of a residential unit complex in Drummoyne, NSW.
The building had been placed on notice by Council due to ongoing water ingress and deterioration concerns, requiring the owners to implement an appropriate remedial solution.
Finding an Alternative Remedial Solution
One of the major challenges with this project was the existing landscaped area located directly behind the affected retaining and external walls.
A traditional waterproofing approach would have required the removal of a significant portion of the landscaping, excavation behind the walls and installation of a new positive-side waterproofing membrane.
This would have resulted in considerable demolition, landscaping reinstatement, additional construction costs and disruption to the residents.
The client approached Network Construction Services to investigate whether there was a more practical remedial alternative.
Following our assessment of the existing building conditions, Network developed a methodology involving the installation of a negative-side waterproofing system to the affected external walls and stair areas.
What Is Negative Waterproofing?
Negative-side waterproofing is installed to the internal or opposite face of a structure from where the water is entering.
Rather than excavating behind the wall to access the original waterproofing system, specialist waterproofing products can be applied to the accessible face of the concrete or masonry structure.
Correct substrate preparation is critical, with cracks, joints, penetrations and other potential water entry locations requiring detailed treatment before the waterproofing system is installed.
When correctly designed and applied, negative waterproofing can provide an effective remedial solution where access to the positive side of the structure is difficult, disruptive or cost prohibitive.
Reducing Disruption and Construction Costs
The proposed methodology allows the owners to retain the majority of the existing landscaped area while addressing the underlying water ingress issues.
The works include preparation and treatment of the affected external walls and stairs, rectification of identified defects and installation of the specified negative waterproofing system.
This approach significantly reduces the extent of demolition and excavation that would otherwise be required.
For remedial projects, finding the correct solution is not always about removing and rebuilding everything. It is about understanding the cause of the problem and developing a practical, compliant and cost-effective repair methodology suited to the existing building.
Specialist Remedial Building Solutions Across NSW
Projects such as this demonstrate why Network Construction Services continues to be engaged for complex remedial building and waterproofing projects throughout NSW.
From water ingress investigations and waterproofing failures through to concrete repairs, façade remediation, balcony upgrades and large-scale remedial construction, our team works with owners corporations, strata managers, consultants and engineers to develop practical solutions for existing buildings.
Once again, Network Construction Services is proud to be the remedial builder of choice for challenging projects across NSW.
Network Construction ServicesRemedial Building | Waterproofing | Building Investigation | Construction
www.networkconstructionservices.com.au
