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Preprufe

Engineered for blindside and below-ground applications, these membranes offer reliable protection against groundwater.

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Pre-applied and post-applied options for foundation waterproofing flexibility.

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Safe for use on blindside walls and complex concrete pours.

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Protects structures against hydrostatic pressure and water ingress.

Catalina Bay Hero
Preprufe ready for pour

Introduction

Preprufe is a high-performance, pre-applied waterproofing membrane specifically designed for below-ground construction where reliability is paramount. Ideal for underslab and blindside applications, it is especially well-suited to zero-boundary sites common in high-density developments. 


Unlike traditional membranes, Preprufe forms a permanent adhesive bond with freshly poured concrete, effectively eliminating water migration between the membrane and structure—even under significant hydrostatic pressure. This makes it a preferred solution in complex civil infrastructure and commercial foundations throughout New Zealand. 


To perform as intended, Preprufe must be installed on a clean, properly prepared substrate and applied by trained professionals. Its proven success across New Zealand’s most challenging tanking environments makes it a trusted choice for specifiers seeking long-term protection below ground.

Considerations

  • It is essential to create a sound and solid substrate to eliminate movement during the concrete pour. Substrates must be regular and smooth with no gaps or voids.


  • Inspect the membrane before installation of reinforcement steel, formwork, and final placement of concrete. Repair any damage using approvedtechniques.


  • Corners, pipe penetrations, and terminations must be carefully sealed with compatible accessories or liquid membranes to ensure continuity.


  • May only be installed by approved Nuralite applicators


Preprufe ready for concrete pour

Technical Documents

For all the Technical Documents you require.

Preprufe ready for concrete pour

Product Brochure

More information for download

Installation Details

A comprehensive set of Installation Details is available

FAQs

In what types of projects is Preprufe most commonly specified?
Preprufe is widely used in zero-boundary construction, deep basement walls, lift pits, tunnels, and other high-density urban developments. It’s particularly valuable on sites where traditional positive-side waterproofing is not feasible—such as when a foundation is poured directly against a shoring wall or adjacent structure. Its use is common in commercial buildings, infrastructure projects, and large-scale civil works across New Zealand.
How does Preprufe differ from other tanking membranes?
Preprufe is a pre-applied waterproofing solution that bonds directly to poured concrete, creating a seamless barrier from the moment the concrete cures. Unlike post-applied membranes, Preprufe is installed before the concrete is poured, ensuring that water migration is prevented from the outset—ideal for blindside and complex applications.
How does Preprufe compare to bentonite-based waterproofing systems for below-ground applications?
While both Preprufe and bentonite membranes are used in blindside and below-ground tanking, their performance characteristics differ significantly. Preprufe forms a full adhesive bond to poured concrete, creating a continuous barrier that eliminates water migration—even if the membrane is locally damaged. In contrast, bentonite membranes rely on swelling to fill gaps and must be fully confined by backfill to remain effective. Preprufe performs reliably in zero-boundary sites or where backfill pressure is inconsistent—conditions where bentonite may struggle. It is also less sensitive to groundwater chemistry; bentonite can be compromised in contaminated or saline soils. For critical waterproofing in urban or high-risk environments, Preprufe offers greater certainty, better long-term adhesion, and fewer site limitations compared to bentonite systems

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Related Webinars

Basement tanking system installation, demonstrating advanced waterproofing methods to prevent moisture ingress and structural damage.

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Understanding the technical aspects of tanking below ground structures.

Presented by Mike Skilton (Outright), Marius Janse Van Vuuren (Nuralite) and Lucy Adams (Kaizon).

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