Aquachek™

Product Details

Gyprock Aquachek™ is a moisture-resistant plasterboard in which the core, face, and back are all treated to resist moisture and humidity without compromising structural integrity. It is available in 10mm and 13mm thicknesses, making it suitable for both residential wet areas (10mm) and commercial applications where a thicker board is specified (13mm).

Aquachek™ meets and exceeds the requirements for water-resistant gypsum plasterboard as per AS/NZS 2588 and satisfies the BCA requirements for wet area wall linings in residential and commercial buildings when installed according to Gyprock installation guides. Because Aquachek™ is not subject to moisture movement and has extremely low water absorption characteristics, it provides an excellent, dimensionally stable substrate for ceramic tiles.

Aquachek™ is identified by its blue coloured face paper. For wet areas that also require antifungal protection and low VOC performance — such as homes with allergy sufferers — consider Sensitive which adds those attributes. For wet areas that also require fire resistance, use

Best For

• Residential bathrooms, ensuites, toilets, and laundries
• Protected external ceilings — soffits and verandahs
• Commercial showers and change rooms
• Commercial restrooms and laundries
• Hospital ward bathrooms and soffits
• Any wet area where a dimensionally stable tile substrate is required — Aquachek™'s low water absorption prevents the board movement that can crack tile grout over time. Compare to Sensitive for health-focused projects

Choosing the Right Thickness

10mm — Residential Wet Areas

The 10mm board is the standard specification for residential bathrooms, ensuites, and laundries in Perth. It is lighter and more economical than 13mm for applications where a 13mm board is not required by the design specification. Available in widths of 1200mm and 1350mm.

13mm — Commercial Wet Areas

The 13mm board provides additional mass and is used in commercial applications where a thicker board is specified — commercial kitchens, change rooms, and industrial wash-down areas. It is also the appropriate choice when the project specification requires 13mm throughout for consistency.

Why Builders Specify It

• Core, face, and back paper are all moisture treated — protection is throughout the board, not just on the surface
• Satisfies BCA requirements for wet area wall linings in residential and commercial buildings
• Low water absorption provides a stable tile substrate — fewer tile and grout failures in the long run
• Non-combustible per BCA Clause C1.9 — suitable wherever a non-combustible material is required. Does not require a fire-rated system unless the location also demands fire separation (in which case use Fyrchek™ MR )
• Available in 10mm and 13mm from Aussie Plasterboard's Osborne Park warehouse — one supplier for both thicknesses

Installation Notes That Prevent Callbacks

Ready to order Aquachek™ for a Perth residential or commercial project? Request a quote or call (08) 9244 4250.

• Aquachek™ is moisture resistant, not waterproof. In wet zones (shower recesses, bath surrounds) where water contact is regular, a waterproof membrane system compliant with AS3740 must be applied before tiling. The board is the substrate; the membrane provides the barrier.
• Seal all cut edges before installation using a manufacturer-approved edge sealer or waterproofing compound. Cut edges expose the core and are the most vulnerable part of the board to moisture ingress.
• Ensure adequate ventilation in bathrooms and ensuites — persistent high humidity without ventilation will, over time, affect any plasterboard product. Where condensation is a persistent concern, explore Foils and Membranes vapour management solutions for the wall system behind the wet area.

Does Aquachek™ need a waterproof membrane before tiling?

Yes. Aquachek™ is moisture resistant, not waterproof. AS3740 (Waterproofing of Wet Areas in Residential Buildings) requires a waterproof membrane in wet zones before tiling. Aquachek™ provides a dimensionally stable substrate for the membrane and tiles, but it is not a substitute for the membrane system itself.

Can Aquachek™ be used as a tile substrate without additional membrane?

In areas that are subject to intermittent, low-level splashing (bathroom walls outside the shower recess, for example), Aquachek™ can be used with a direct tile adhesive and grout, provided adequate ventilation is maintained. For shower recesses and bath surrounds, a waterproof membrane to AS3740 is always required.

What is the difference between Aquachek™ and Sensitive?

Both boards are moisture resistant and BCA-compliant for wet areas. Sensitive adds two features that Aquachek™ does not have: a powerful antifungal agent (protecting against mould and mildew) and low VOC classification. Aquachek™ is the standard wet area board; Sensitive is the health-focused option for allergy-sensitive residential applications or healthcare environments.

Can Aquachek™ be used on ceilings in bathrooms?

Yes — Aquachek™ is suitable for both wall and ceiling applications in wet areas. For bathroom ceilings, the 10mm board is the standard residential specification; 13mm may be required in commercial applications.

Can I get Aquachek™ delivered to Perth?

Yes — Aussie Plasterboard stocks Aquachek™ in both 10mm and 13mm and delivers across WA from our Osborne Park warehouse. Request a quote for project quantities.

Related Products

Compounds — Jointing compounds for moisture-resistant plasterboard systems.

• Sensitive — Moisture-resistant board with antifungal protection and low VOC; ideal for allergy-sensitive homes.
• Fyrchek™ MR — Fire-rated + moisture-resistant board (also blue); for fire-rated assemblies in wet areas.
• Gyprock PLUS™ — Standard residential plasterboard for dry areas in the same project.
• Foils and Membranes — Vapour membranes for moisture management behind wet area wall systems.

Technical Specification

Product Manufacture

Gyprock Aquachek is manufactured by CSR Gyprock in Australia to stringent product specifications.

Product Handling

Transportation and manual handling: Refer to the Gypsum Board Manufacturers of Australia (GBMA) website for recommended OH&S practices.

Storage: Protect plasterboard and cornice from weather and moisture. Avoid products sagging by storing horizontally, supported on a level platform or full-width support members spaced at max. 600mm centres.

Health and Safety

Safety Data Sheets are important documents in the construction industry and assist in the continuing focus on occupational health and safety on and off sites.