FAQs
Leaking Decks, Balconies & "Leaky Home" Concerns
How do I know if my home is at risk of being a "leaky building"?
In New Zealand, homes built between 1988 and 2004 are often considered higher risk due to specific cladding and construction methods. Key signs include cracked external plaster walls/cladding, stains around windows, entrance doors on deck and balcony . lack of proper eaves, or a "musty" smell inside. If you suspect water ingress, a professional thermal imaging inspection is the first step. At Poly Linings, we specialize in high-performance, seamless waterproofing membranes that can remediate failed systems often found in these properties.
Why do my deck or balcony Tiled leaking?
Tiled decks and balconies can develop leaks because the tiles and grout are not the primary waterproofing system. all the tile acting two jobs 1. surface protection. 2. surface decoration. Although tiles may appear waterproof, water can pass through grout lines, cracks, failed sealants and movement joints.
Most New Zealand homes are built with timber framing and substrates. Timber naturally expands and contracts as moisture and temperature conditions change throughout the year. Tiles and grout are relatively rigid, so they cannot always accommodate this ongoing movement. Over time, the resulting stress can cause cracked grout, loose tiles, failed joints and gaps around edges, doors, walls and penetrations.
Once water gets beneath the tiled surface, it can remain trapped and damage the substrate or surrounding building materials. In some cases, the leak may not appear directly below the damaged area because water can travel through the structure before becoming visible inside the home.
What can I do if my deck or balcony is leaking?
A leaking tiled deck is not necessarily beyond repair, but it should be professionally assessed as soon as possible. The appropriate solution may involve removing the existing surface, repairing damaged substrates and installing a properly prepared, seamless waterproofing membrane before applying the finished surface.
At Poly Lining Limited, Auckland’s authorised Rhino Linings dealer, we assess the condition of the deck or balcony and recommend a suitable waterproofing system based on the substrate, movement, drainage and exposure conditions. A waterproofing membrane should be treated as the primary defence against water ingress—not the tiles or grout alone.
Is it possible to waterproof a damp basement without excavating the outside?
Yes. While external waterproofing is ideal, it is often impractical due to cost or site access.
We utilize advanced, spray-applied protective coatings that can be applied to internal surfaces to prevent moisture penetration and dampness. These industrial-grade coatings are designed to withstand hydrostatic pressure, effectively sealing the area from the inside out.
Moisture, Substrates & Surface Preparation
The concrete slab beneath our tiled deck is saturated, as indicated by efflorescence on the car park ceiling below. How will this affect the waterproofing application, and what happens to the moisture already trapped within the concrete?
Before applying the waterproofing system, we will assess the substrate condition and moisture levels to determine the appropriate treatment. Depending on the findings, we may install a suitable moisture barrier, such as Rasolastik EVO or ARDEX WPM 300, subject to the manufacturer's specifications and suitability for the application.The selected system will help prevent further water ingress from the deck surface. Once the substrate has been properly prepared and the specified system installed, existing moisture should not compromise the waterproofing membrane, provided the substrate conditions meet the manufacturer's application requirements.
Residual moisture within the concrete gradually dissipate through exposed areas, joints, or gaps on the underside of the slab, including those visible from the car park ceiling. The rate of drying will depend on the concrete's condition, ventilation, and surrounding environmental conditions.
Rhino Tuff Stuff: Performance & Durability
What makes Rhino Linings different from standard waterproofing paint?
The waterproofing liquid membranes often break down under UV exposure or structural movement. Also, they only have less than 1 mm of the waterproofing membrane thickness.
Rhino Linings is an industrial-strength, spray-applied polymer that cures in seconds. It provides a at less 2 mm thick, flexible, and abrasion-resistant membrane that is virtually indestructible. It doesn’t just "cover" the leak; it creates a structural, permanent barrier that protects against water, chemicals, and physical impact.
Does Rhino TUFF STUFF require a UV-resistant topcoat to prevent chalking and yellowing under New Zealand's sunlight?
Yes. Rhino TUFF STUFF is a polyurethane-based waterproofing membrane that may experience surface chalking and yellowing with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. To provide additional UV protection, we apply **Rhino ArmaFloor 500 AU**, a high-performance, aliphatic polyaspartic topcoat. Its excellent UV resistance and colour stability help minimise surface discolouration, maintain the coating's appearance, and enhance the system's long-term durability under New Zealand's outdoor weather conditions.
How durable is Rhino Tuff Stuff, and can it accommodate building structure movement in timber, plywood, and concrete substrates under changing weather conditions?
Rhino Tuff Stuff is a highly durable, flexible polyurethane waterproofing membrane designed to accommodate substrate movement caused by temperature changes and normal expansion and contraction. According to the manufacturer's Technical Data Sheet, it has an elongation rating of 375–430% (AS/NZS 4858:2004), demonstrating its excellent flexibility and ability to stretch without breaking. This makes it suitable for properly prepared timber, plywood, and concrete surfaces, subject to substrate condition, movement requirements, and correct application.
Maintenance & Long-Term Care
Will annual chemical washing of the apartment or commercial building affect the Rhino UV-protective coating?
Rhino ArmaFloor 500AU is a UV-stable polyaspartic topcoat that offers excellent chemical resistance. It is designed to provide long-lasting protection against UV exposure and a wide range of chemicals. However, compatibility with specific commercial cleaning detergents depends on their chemical composition, concentration, and application method. We recommend confirming the suitability of the cleaning products before use. Please refer to the Rhino ArmaFloor 500AU Technical Data Sheet and its Chemical Resistance section for further details.
Roofs & Potable Water
Can Rhino Linings apply be apply on the roofs?
Absolutely. Our waterproofing solutions are ideal not only for flat roofs, metal roofs with rust issues, but also for trafficable decks, internal gutters, walls and swimming pools.
Because our coating is spray-applied, it seals every seam, screw, and fastener—the most common points of failure on a roof—creating a completely seamless surface that prevents future leaks and extends the roof's lifespan significantly.
Can Rhino Tuff Stuff be applied on top of an existing torch-on membrane?
Yes, in many cases we can.
Rhino Tuff Stuff (the Rhino Waterproofing System) is designed to remediate failed waterproofing membranes and can be applied over a wide range of existing substrates.
However, because the longevity of the spray-applied polymer depends on the underlying surface, the feasibility of applying it directly over your existing torch-on membrane depends on the membrane's current condition, adhesion, and stability. To ensure a permanent, high-performance seal and provide an accurate estimate, we would need to conduct a professional site assessment to evaluate the substrate, drainage, and unique preparation needs of your specific project.
Is it suitable for collecting drinking water from the roof?
Yes, absolutely. One of the unique strengths of the Rhino Waterproofing System is its extreme safety and versatility. Once applied and fully cured, it is certified safe to come into contact with potable drinking water (I attached portable water test reports below). making it completely suitable for rainwater harvesting and drinking water collection systems.
Why Choose Rhino Tuff Stuff for Your Roof?
- 100% Seamless Barrier: Unlike sheet membranes with joints that degrade over time, Tuff Stuff is spray-applied, sealing every seam, screw, fastener, and edge into a single, seamless, watertight glove.
- Rapid Curing & Instant Protection: It solidifies in seconds and cures almost instantly, minimizing downtime and protecting your home immediately.
- Long-Term Durability: It provides a thick, industrial-strength, flexible elastomer membrane that withstands NZ's harsh UV and physical movement without cracking.
Automotive & Industrial Applications
I have a vehicle that needs protection. Do you only do buildings?
No. We are the only authorized Rhino Linings dealer in Auckland, and we apply these same high-performance coatings to vehicles, trailers, and machinery.
Whether you need a truck bed liner that won't crack or peel, or heavy-duty protection for industrial equipment, our coatings provide unparalleled resistance to impact, corrosion, and chemicals.
How long does the application process take for a vehicle lining?
Because our materials cure almost instantly upon application, we can often complete a Ute lining in a single day.
This minimizes downtime for your vehicle or equipment while providing immediate, heavy-duty protection. but a special vehicle application. will take longer to install.