Gripset Industries & Wondercap Discuss the Evolution of the Puddle Flange
The Wondercap Company's Inventor & CEO Les Howson was honoured to be featured on Gripset Industries’ YouTube Channel (Episode 314) to speak about Wondercap’s story and the evolution of the puddle flange with Gripset's Technical & Services Manager Yandi. Gripset Industry is the leading innovator of waterproofing solutions and is a highly reliable source of advice and knowledge for building professionals. Gripset Industries is a 100% owned manufacturer that is a catalyst for changes in the construction industry to help build damp-free buildings and homes with a generational value.
The Backstory of the Wondercap Company & What We Do
Throughout the podcast, Les gives insight into the background of the Wondercap Company and how it came to be. During Les’ 40 years of operating a well-respected plumbing company on the Gold Coast, his belief and vision emerged to improve installation standards for the floor and shower wastes. He could see that accepted methods were inadequate, resulting in downtime and regular callbacks. With that in mind, Les invented the Wondercap Drainage System to overcome these unnecessary expenses and industry failures. Les first created the Wondercap Base and Cap. The patented product features a protective cap, an adjustable base, and a puddle flange. Together these components remove the chance of blockages caused by excess construction rubbish and materials entering the drainage system. The Wondercap Base and Cap is manufactured with a non-stain polypropylene and is injected with an anti-bacterial agent to prevent the growth of surface bacteria and mould to eliminate odours. The product has led to better and more hygienic internal finishes where the traditional floor and shower grate connect to the floor tiles and the plumbing drain.
How Crucial the Puddle Flange Is to the Waterproofing Application?
As the podcast progresses, Les explains how crucial he believes the puddle flange is to the waterproofing application. He explains that in the early 90s, puddle flanges were few and far between. Therefore, timber floors and fibro cement sheet flooring for wet areas were a true nightmare for waterproofing installers due to numerous leaks. The creation of puddle flanges by different manufacturers changed the game in terms of the importance of waterproofing application and proper plumbing installation. Les states that waterproofing has progressed a long way since then.
How Important Is It for the Waterproofer to not Accept Incorrect Installation of the Puddle Flange?
The last topic that Les and Yandi discuss is how important it is for the waterproofer to not accept the incorrect installation of the puddle flange. It is the most critical area of a bathroom and shower outcome as all the water falls there. Thus, Les believes it is crucial for the waterproofer to not accept the incorrect installation of the puddle flange. It is important that all trades involved get the procedures correct – E.g., the builder communicates to the plumber about installing the puddle flanges and the waterproofer communications with the plumber to confirm the puddle flange has been installed correctly. If the puddle flange has not been installed correctly, the waterproofer lets the plumber know, and the plumber lets the builder know. Communication and adhering to all standards are key at the end of the day!
Special Thank You to Gripset Industries
Wondercap would like to thank Gripset Industries for having an interest in our story and our products. Gripset Industries continues to deliver not only high-quality waterproofing systems to the industry but also educates waterproofing specialists and the building industry on in-depth knowledge on industry best solutions, applications, industry standards, trends, and much more. Wondercap prides itself on collaborating with companies that upload its mission to create sustainable building solutions.
