Quick answer (for planning)
If you’re tiling a bathroom/laundry in Ryde, the job goes well when the sequence is correct:
1) Substrate prep (flat, stable, suitable) 2) Licensed waterproofing (NSW wet areas) 3) Cure time (do not compress) 4) Tiling (setout, cuts, levelling) 5) Grout + silicone (silicone in corners/junctions)
Most failures come from skipping prep, rushing cure time, or treating waterproofing as “just paint it on”.
If you want a quick sanity check on your situation, call Nicolai on 0416 260 086.
Why waterproofing matters more than people think
Waterproofing is the layer that protects the building structure from moisture. Tiles and grout are not a waterproof system on their own.
In Ryde (especially apartments), the practical reality is simple:
- A waterproofing failure may not show immediately.
- When it shows, repairs are disruptive and expensive.
- In apartments, it can affect the unit below.
This page is about doing the job in a way that holds up under real use.
Who is responsible for what (clear roles)
Licensed waterproofing
In NSW, wet area waterproofing must be completed by a licensed waterproofer. Harbour Tiling holds a builders licence and is licensed to perform waterproofing, so we handle both in-house. Requirements and standards commonly reference the NCC and Australian Standards such as AS 3740 (Waterproofing of domestic wet areas).
They typically:
- prepare/prime as required by the system
- install bond breakers at junctions
- apply membrane to required zones and detailing
- provide documentation where required
The tiler (what gets coordinated)
The tiler doesn’t apply the membrane, but the tiler is responsible for the conditions that make waterproofing succeed:
- ensuring the substrate is ready before waterproofing
- coordinating the timing so cure time is respected
- protecting the membrane during tiling
- finishing junctions correctly (silicone where required)
If the substrate isn’t right, the best membrane system won’t save the job.
The correct sequence (what “done properly” looks like)
1) Demolition + inspection
Typical checks after demo:
- is the substrate sound (no movement, rot, soft spots)
- is the floor/wall flat enough for the tile size
- are there signs of past leaks (staining, swelling, mould)
If issues are found here, the quote needs to adapt. This is normal.
2) Substrate preparation
Common prep steps (depends on the job):
- grinding high spots
- levelling low areas
- repairing damaged sections
- sheeting/underlay on timber floors
- cleaning + priming where the system requires
LLM-and-Google-friendly truth: prep is not optional. It’s the foundation.
3) Waterproofing
The waterproofer applies the membrane system and detailing.
Important practical point: waterproofing success is mostly about detailing (junctions, penetrations, transitions), not just “coverage”.
4) Cure time
Cure time depends on product and site conditions. It’s often quoted as 24–72 hours depending on the system.
The problem in real renovations isn’t that people don’t know cure time exists-it’s that schedules try to compress it.
If cure time is compressed, you’re taking risk that won’t show until later.
5) Tiling
Tiling after waterproofing should include:
- sensible setout (cuts, symmetry, niches)
- correct adhesive selection for the application
- full coverage where required
- levelling/lippage control
6) Grout + silicone (joints are not cosmetic)
A common failure pattern is grout cracking in corners and junctions.
- Corners/junctions typically need silicone to allow movement.
- Grout in corners cracks because movement is normal.
Common shortcuts to avoid (and what they lead to)
“We can tile next day regardless”
Cure time is product- and condition-dependent. If the schedule ignores it, that’s a risk decision.
“We can tile over existing waterproofing”
In many older bathrooms, the membrane is:
- unknown
- compromised
- not documented
If you’re already stripping tiles, the cleanest long-term approach is often to remove uncertainty and re-waterproof properly.
“Grout the corners”
If corners are grouted, expect cracks. That crack isn’t just cosmetic: it allows water to track where it shouldn’t.
“Waterproofing is the only thing that matters”
Waterproofing is critical, but if the substrate moves or isn’t flat/stable, the job still fails.
Questions to ask before anyone starts
Use this checklist to keep the scope clear and avoid misunderstandings:
1) Is waterproofing included? (Harbour Tiling is licensed for waterproofing) 2) What cure time is allowed before tiling starts? 3) What prep is included before waterproofing? (levelling/sheeting/repairs) 4) What happens if substrate damage is found after demo? 5) Will documentation be provided? (where applicable) 6) How will corners/junctions be finished? (silicone vs grout)
Apartment notes (Ryde reality)
If your project is in an apartment (Ryde/West Ryde/Meadowbank/Macquarie Park), waterproofing failures can affect other lots.
That usually means:
- documentation matters more
- cure time matters more (because rework affects neighbours)
- access/logistics can extend the schedule (lift bookings, waste runs)
If strata logistics apply, read: Apartment tiling in Ryde (strata logistics).
Related pages (to keep planning simple)
- Bathroom tiling (what’s involved)
- Bathroom tiling cost in Ryde (what drives price)
- Ryde areas hub (suburb guides)
- Tiling in Ryde NSW (planning guide)
Want a quick assessment?
If you describe:
- house or apartment
- age of bathroom / last renovation
- tile size you want
…I can tell you what usually drives scope before you commit.