ARDEX Waterproofing Membranes in Marine Applications

Project Overview

ARDEX Waterproofing membranes are widely recognised for protecting buildings from water ingress. This project case study demonstrates their adaptability in marine environments, specifically in a range of NAiAD Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) that have an air filled, inflatable bladder within the collar system. These vessels are deployed for marine rescues, enforcement and recreational use, where reliability under extreme conditions is non-negotiable.

Challenge

Marine environments present unique challenges:

• Exposure to saltwater and weathering
• High mechanical stress from waves and impact
• Need for airtight integrity to maintain buoyancy and safety

Materials can sustain damage and degrade quickly under these conditions, leading to costly repairs and operational risks.

Solution

ARDEX Butynol® was selected for the inflatable bladder due to its proven water resistance and durability. The same properties that made ARDEX membranes ideal for below-grade tanking and wet-area protection translate seamlessly to marine environments:

• Superior waterproofing performance
• Resistance to vibrations and environmental extremes
• Repairability
• Portability
• Long-term reliability without compromising flexibility

These precision-engineered bladders are prefabricated in ARDEX Christchurch manufacturing facility and transported to NAiAD for valve install and dispatch to all corners of the world.

Key Component Product

• ARDEX Butynol® – a synthetic rubber membrane known for exceptional waterproofing, flexibility, and resistance to harsh environmental conditions.
  Learn more: https://www.ardex.co.nz/product/butynol/

Outcome

The result is a RHIB capable of enduring harsh conditions while maintaining structural integrity and buoyancy. ARDEX Butynol® extends the service life of these vessels, reducing maintenance costs and enhancing safety for critical missions.

This application underscores ARDEX’s versatility, moving beyond traditional building construction into specialised marine engineering.

Reference
Learn more about NAiAD RHIBs: https://www.thewhiskeyprojectgroup.com/naiad

Rotorua Museum Roof Remediation

Key Component Products

ARDEX WPM 715 (WeldTec Exposed Membrane):

• Primary membrane system across internal gutters and flat roof sections.
• Selected for its flexibility, weldability, UV resistance, and ability to conform to complex detailing.

ARDEX WPM 170 (PU Membrane/Coating):

• Applied over WPM 715 on the flat viewing deck to create an anti-slip textured finish.
• Provided a durable, slip resistance surface suitable for public access without compromising waterproofing integrity

Outcome

The roof has been remediated to its original architectural intent while integrating modern performance standards. Internal gutters, flat roof areas and the trafficable viewing deck are now fully waterproofed with detailed membrane systems. The viewing deck features an ARDEX WPM 170 anti-slip coating applied over WPM 715, creating a safe, durable finish for public use. Overall, the entire system has been designed to withstand New Zealand’s harsh UV exposure, thermal ageing and seismic movement conditions.

Maersk Cold Storage Facility – Ruakura Superhub

Overview
Maersk cold store facility at Ruakura Superhub in Hamilton required a robust, compliant roof for a new logistics facility. ARDEX NZ supplied 16,000 m² of Elevate UltraPly TPO, installed with a warm roof system using Kingspan thermal insulation panel. The system is BRANZ Appraised and includes an Environmental Product Declaration. Solar ready accessories such as Ejobars enabled immediate installation of solar panels after project completion. ARDEX NZ provided national technical support and on-site guidance.

Client and Project
Client: AP Moller Maersk
Main builder: Apollo Projects
Installer: Watertight Roofing

Roof size area: 16,500 m²
Location: Ruakura Superhub, Hamilton
Completion: February 2024

Scope
16,500 m² of Elevate UltraPly TPO supplied and installed as a warm roof system with Kingspan PIR Cold Store Panels. Solar panels installed at completion.

Solution
Elevate UltraPly TPO was chosen for proven durability, efficient installation, and compliance. The warm roof system supports energy efficiency and future solar integration. ARDEX NZ coordinated supply and technical support throughout construction.

Results
Project completed February 2024. The roof delivers a continuous, weldable membrane and supports solar energy.

Technical Details and Compliance
Product: Elevate UltraPly TPO (Adhered System)
System: Warm Roof with Kingspan PIR Cold Store Panels
Compliance: Compliance: BRANZ Appraised No.728 and compliance to NZBC E2 / B2 / F2
Sustainability: Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for Elevate UltraPly TPO membrane
Accessories: Solar ready Ejobars, Elevate pipe flashing for pipe penetrations and pourable pockets

Warranty and Support
ARDEX Warranty for 20 years. Contact ARDEX NZ for specification or support.

References
Enviromental Product Declaration PDF
Elevate UltraPly TPO Information Download Link

Big Chill Distribution Facility – Ruakura Superhub

Overview

Big Chill Distribution Facility in Hamilton required a durable warm roof system for a temperature-controlled logistics facility at Ruakura Superhub. The team used Elevate UltraPly TPO waterproofing membrane with Kingspan thermal insulated panels to achieve high R-value performance. The project focused on assured materials supply during COVID pandemic and a clear 20-year ARDEX Warranty. ARDEX NZ provided national technical support and on-site assistance from start to finish.

Client and Project

Client: Big Chill Distribution
Main contractor: Apollo Projects
Installer: Watertight Roofing
Location: Ruakura Superhub, Hamilton, New ZealandRoof size area: 10,000 m²
Completion: October 2023

Scope

A high-performance warm roof system using Elevate UltraPly TPO over Kingspan PIR Cold Store Panels.

Solution

Elevate UltraPly TPO provided a robust, heat welded membrane across large roof areas. Kingspan PIR cold store panels supported high thermal performance within the warm roof system. During COVID pandemic, global shortages affected TPO availability. ARDEX global infrastructure secured stock for New Zealand, maintaining project programme without disruptions. ARDEX NZ coordinated logistics and staged deliveries to suit Apollo Projects and Watertight Roofing. National technical support covered specification reviews, startup assistance, and regular site visits. The team resolved detailing at laps and penetrations with on-site assistance, improving productivity and quality outcomes.

Results

The massive warm roof met performance needs for a temperature sensitive operation. Elevate UltraPly TPO delivered a continuous, lap-welded surface. Kingspan insulation panel helped achieve high R-value targets without excessive height build-up.

Technical Details and Compliance

Product: Elevate UltraPly TPO (Adhered System)
System: Warm Roof System with Kingspan PIR Cold Store Panels
Supplier: ARDEX New Zealand
Compliance: BRANZ Appraised No.728 and compliance to NZBC E2 / B2 / F2
Sustainability: Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for Elevate UltraPly TPO membrane
Warranty and Support

The project received a 20-year ARDEX Warranty for the verified system. ARDEX NZ provided specification support, training, and on-site assistance. Contact ARDEX NZ for technical support or project specification.

References
Environmental Product Declaration PDF
Elevate UltraPly TPO Information Download Link

Preserving History with ARDEX Below Grade Tanking Solutions

Project Overview

The project involved the use of nearly 2000 square metres of ARDEX WPM196 and ARDEX WPM195 Below Grade Tanking membrane. Additionally, over 100 lineal metres of marine grade hydrophilic WPM1955 waterstop was detailed around the piles on the foundation. One of the key highlights of this project is how the ARDEX membrane was integrated into the existing heritage-listed building, Campbell House. Ensuring a successful tanking system while preserving the historical façade structures was vital for this project.

Challenges and Solutions

The project faced several challenges, but through close collaboration and teamwork, these were successfully overcome. One of the major challenges during construction was water build-up. Icon, the main contractor, had pumps running continuously to remove the water, allowing Sansom, the waterproofing installer, to lay the tanking system effectively. The ARDEX Technical team worked closely with the waterproofing installer (Sansom), architect (Ashton Mitchell), and main contractor (Icon) by providing on and off-site support.

Key Component Products

The Lorne Street Student Accommodation project is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovative solutions in the construction industry. The use of ARDEX waterproofing systems ensured the project’s durability and functionality, while the preservation of the historic façade added a unique charm to the development.

Challenging Apartment Deck Membrane Replacement No Problem with ARDEX

What began as a straightforward replacement of a 48-year old membrane turned into a more complex project, with the need to create a fall using a lightweight system that wouldn’t raise the height of the parapet.

Constructed in 1975, the impressive apartments have provided high-quality apartment living in Takapuna for almost 50 years. The apartments feature a sub penthouse suite on the second to top floor with large paved terraces with views to Lake Pupuke and the Gulf Harbour. When minor leaks were discovered in the terraces during work to the apartment below, the owners decided to replace the almost 50-year old membrane — an expectedly straightforward project, until the terrace paving was removed…

As the original membrane detailed was Butynol, Fat Parrot Architecture had previously contacted ARDEX for the project, originally with a brief for a lightweight undertile waterproofing solution. They developed a plan to use ARDEX UD150 — a thin, mesh-reinforced plastic drainage mat used directly under adhered tiled surfaces — on a thin screed bed.

“The original finish was concrete pavers approximately 40mm thick, and the drawings detailed the supporting slabs to be laid to falls,” explains Graeme Fanselow, Director, Fat Parrot Architecture. “But when the pavers were uplifted it was discovered that the slabs had in fact been laid level, with the pavers set on non-continuous beds of mortar under just their corners to create the falls — not a full mortar screed.”

At this point, a new approach was required, with the key limitations being weight — which couldn’t exceed what was installed previously, and the height of the parapet — which the homeowners did not want increased. This effectively ruled out the possibility of using a chair deck system for the new tiles, so a direct fix system on a new substrate built to the required falls was needed.

This created new challenges for the project as any new solution would need to create the fall required, while still maintaining the original height and weight. The ARDEX team worked with Fat Parrot to find a system that would resolve all issues. “ARDEX were very helpful,” says Graeme. “As things weren’t what was expected, they arranged site meetings when needed to work together and sort out the situation.”

Different build-up options were considered before they reached the final solution. “The lightweight grouts were still proving to be too heavy so we then investigated their polystyrene base — we were able to work with them on minimum thicknesses of different grouts, how thick the base could be, and whether that was going to be too much weight — we ended up right on the limit. That lightweight construction underneath allowed us to build the falls we required.”

The final build-up features a custom combination of ARDEX products. ARDEX K12 screed and ARDEX A 48 Rapid Screed unbonded have been applied above the concrete slab, with ARDEX WPM 1000 membrane installed on top. ARDEX WPM 002 liquid membrane was also used over flashing on the parapet upstand. The originally specified ARDEX UD 150 mesh-reinforced plastic drainage mat was then applied. Featuring a 6mm drainage channel, the mat allows free passage of water underneath the tiled surface to speed up drying after rainfall. ARDEX X 18 tile adhesive, ARDEX FG 8 Grout and ARDEX Grout Booster complete the installation to form a compliant build-up for the direct-fixed tiles above.

The system was installed over a 300m² area by Best Skills Limited, an applicator trained by ARDEX to ensure reliability across both specification and installation. The final system is completely unique to ARDEX and enabled them to achieve below minimal threshold requirements.

The highly bespoke system developed for the project highlights the flexibility of ARDEX’s systems, and the technical support and problem-solving expertise the ARDEX team bring to each project. “ARDEX were excellent,” says Graeme. “They gave us good technical support and have been very helpful.”

Photo Credit: David St George

ARDEX Systems at Botanic Villas

The Botanic Retirement Village in Silverdale, Auckland, is an expansive 8-hectare development designed to offer premium, resort-style living. Among its standout features are the clubhouse and pool house, which play a crucial role in creating a luxurious and functional environment for its residents. To ensure these high-traffic and moisture-prone areas met the highest standards, a robust and sophisticated solution was essential.

For this project, ARDEX provided a comprehensive system of advanced waterproofing and tiling solutions. The ARDEX WPM 002 waterproofing system was chosen for its superior durability and moisture protection. This cutting-edge, fibre-reinforced liquid membrane features advanced acrylic polymers that deliver reliable water proofing and long-term performance. The system is designed to handle the rigors of high-use environments, maintaining its integrity and effectiveness over time.

Complementing the waterproofing system, ARDEX X 18 tile adhesive was selected for its exceptional bonding strength and flexibility. This polymer-fortified, fibre reinforced, cement-based adhesive is ideal for areas exposed to heavy use and moisture, such as the pool house. It ensures a strong, durable bond that withstands the demands of high-traffic environments.

For the finishing touch, ARDEX FG 8 grout was applied. This grout offers excellent colour stability and mould resistance, thanks to ARDEX Grout Shield technology. Its flexibility and smooth application ensure a professional finish that maintains both function and aesthetic appeal in wet and dry conditions.

Tomba Tiling Ltd handled the complete installation at The Botanic Retirement Village, applying ARDEX systems to the clubhouse and pool house with precision. For architects and designers seeking to incorporate cutting-edge waterproofing and tiling solutions into their projects, connect with our representatives to learn how ARDEX can support your next project today.

“Tomba Tiling played a crucial role in bringing the vision of The Botanic Retirement Village to life. Working in such a well-organized and supportive environment made it a pleasure for our team to deliver precise and high-quality installations. The seamless collaboration with the project team allowed us to focus on our craftsmanship, ensuring both the clubhouse and pool house were equipped with the highest standard of waterproofing and tiling solutions. Our attention to detail has resulted in luxurious, durable finishes that residents will enjoy for years to come. Tomba Tiling is proud to have been part of this exceptional and smoothly managed development.”

Ivana Maksimovska Taskov – Tomba Tiling

WAI ARIKI HOT SPRINGS & SPA

A beautiful and functional project delivered in a challenging geothermal location, Wai Ariki is a luxury spa located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, built on the legacy of Māori culture and Ngāti Whakaue healing practices. RCG Architects have worked with ARDEX previously and were confident in specifying trusted ARDEX waterproofing systems for the Wai Ariki project. As Wai Ariki sits on an active geothermal field ARDEX WPM 1500 specialist tanking and gas barrier membrane was specified across 7000m² to prevent the sulphur gas and water beneath from corroding the concrete. ARDEX WPM 1500 is made here in New Zealand and is specifically tested for our geothermal regions, so was the ideal selection for this project.

RCG Architects also needed to ensure the appropriate products were specified to ensure effective waterproofing of wet areas. ARDEX WPM 002 Two Component Undertile Liquid Waterproofing Membrane was used for floors, floor channels, swimming pools and shower areas within Wai Ariki. In total 3000m² of tiling was installed including ARDEX X 10 Flexible Non Slump Wall and Floor Tile Adhesive and ARDEX X 18 Fibre Reinforced Wall and Tile Adhesive. ARDEX EG 15 High Performance Epoxy Grout was also used for areas such as the stunning glass mosaics within pools. One of the major benefits to using ARDEX EG 15 is that it will not discolour after prolonged contact with the pool chemicals helping to maintain a clean, aesthetic look.

Photography by Jono Parker
www.jonoparker.com  | @parker | +64 21 235 6006

Residential Application of ARDEX WPM 1000

Best Skills Ltd are trade experts based in Auckland, specialising in waterproofing, tiling and flooring solutions. Recently Best Skills Ltd, who are ARDEX trained installers, installed various ARDEX products to transform the front porch of a stunning property in Remuera, Auckland.

To begin the project, ARDEX A 46, a slump-free external patching compound was used on the stairs and landing to prepare a nice smooth and finished surface. ARDEX RA 142 structural concrete crack injection was also used for its bonding and sealing capabilities. ARDEX WPM 300 water-based epoxy membrane was applied as a moisture barrier to help prevent rising damp and efflorescence. The porch then features ARDEX WeldTec® WPM 1000 as an undertile sheet waterproofing membrane for the landing, as well as ARDEX WPM 002 as an undertile liquid waterproofing membrane for the stairs. ARDEX X 18 fibre reinforced tile adhesive was used in both instances for extra strength and peace of mind. Finally, to complete the tiles high-performance epoxy grout ARDEX EG 15 was used.

The main objectives for the homeowners were to ensure that the porch was effectively waterproofed, as well as to reduce any efflorescence issues within the area. Using a range of ARDEX products Best Skills Ltd delivered a successful project.

ARDEX WeldTec® WPM 1000 is specifically designed to be used as an external waterproofing membrane for directly adhered tiled surfaces, or other non-exposed use. WPM1000 also acts as a decoupling membrane allowing it to act independently of the substrate should any movement occur reducing risk of cracked tiles/grout- particularly handy when the substrate is constructed with timber framing or in areas of vibration and thermal movement. ARDEX WPM 1000 also boasts excellent flexibility and durability, as well as strong resistance to tearing, cracking and bubbling, providing an excellent solution for the homeowner.

ARDEX WeldTec® membranes, including WPM 1000, are made locally in New Zealand. When installed by a trained ARDEX installer, ARDEX can provide a market-leading warranty, covering costs of repair, cost of reinstating the product or system, and costs of rectifying any material covering the product.

Retrofit Membrane Roofing at The Palms Shopping Centre

ARDEX WeldTec® WPM 715 made the ideal waterproofing solution for an existing roof at The Palms Shopping Centre in Christchurch. Combined with ARDEX Butyseal and Polyiso board the roof renovation was completed with minimum disruption to the 7,000 people in the community who use the centre. The shopping centre houses over 85 stores and covers 35,343 m² of retail floor area so it was important that it remained fully operational during the job.

Built in 1997, the metal ribbed tray roof had seen better days and was well overdue for a refresh. A system solution was developed to retrofit the roof in conjunction with Newfield Roofing. They began by infilling the pans with ARDEX Polyiso cut fingers to create an even surface prior to overlaying it with full sheet ARDEX Polyiso insulation boards. ARDEX WeldTec WPM 715 was then used to waterproof and finish the main roof area and ARDEX Butyseal was used in the gutters.

“We have always worked closely with the ARDEX team” says Mike Hill from Newfield Roofing “they help us find innovative solutions to help us solve our customers unique challenges”.

The ARDEX Polyiso Board has excellent thermal resistance and compressive strength suitable for adhered, ballasted and mechanically fastened single-ply roofing systems. The lightweight, easy-to-handle insulation was the perfect solution for use with the existing metal tray roof. ARDEX two pack Polyiso adhesive was used for the bonding of the Polyiso Boards. Newfield Roofing then installed WeldTec the BRANZ appraised heat welded waterproofing membrane designed for use in exposed areas. The membrane offers excellent resistance to aging from heat, UV and atmospheric agents, and displays flexibility at all temperatures, making it ideal for New Zealand weather and conditions.

ARDEX WeldTec® and Butyseal membranes are made locally in Christchurch and have a market-leading warranty. ARDEX reflect the confidence they have in their system by offering a warranty that provides for complete system replacement — a massive shift over standard market warranties, and another reason why ARDEX leads the way in membrane roofing. Combine this with ARDEX’s history of over 50 years in New Zealand, commercial building owners are given real peace of mind security.

Project credits:
Membrane Installer: Newfield Roofing