December 2025 & January 2026 Leakfix Newsletter: Brisbane Success and Polish Innovation
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| Figure 1 - Final Surface Overview | Figure 2 - Membrane Detailing |
Leakfix Care in Brisbane CBD office building.
At the end of December, we are delighted by the increasing adoption of our Leakfix Care Service. This uptake clearly demonstrates that our ongoing efforts in client education and a developing market have led to a better understanding of the long-term time and cost benefits associated with a continuous approach to asset maintenance.
Committing to the care of your asset is a proactive decision that will greatly benefit you in the new year of 2026. In light of this positive trend, we want to share a short case study highlighting the successful outcomes delivered by our Leakfix Care Service.
It all starts with Leakfix Find.
Initially, we were contacted by Our Client regarding stains and mould development on their ceiling at the property located in Brisbane CBD.
While the issue may initially appear straightforward, its nature was quite complex. Given that the visible problem was mold staining on the ceiling tiles directly below the Colorbond Steel Roof, the metal roof itself was the most immediate and primary suspect. It would be easy to suspect the roof as the sole cause of staining in this investigation, especially given fact that problems with Steel Roof Sheets are the second most common building defect in Queensland (as reported by QBCC, accounting for 4.99% of total defects, 540 defect items, 201 cases, and 117 Directions to Rectify).
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| Figure 3 - The Initial Primary Suspect - Colorbond Steel Roof |
Our brief Leakfix Find Leak Investigation was subsequently carried out, encompassing:
- The identification of the root cause, which was unexpectedly only partly due to the compromised roof seals. The primary issue was found to be condensation forming in the roof cavity, resulting from inadequate insulation and insufficient ventilation.
- The identification of several other immediate roof safety concerns.
- The creation of both a short-term and long-term Action Plan to secure the roof and permanently address the water ingress and condensation problems.
The first step of our action plan (included in Leakfix Find Report) was a full day Leakfix Care Service to address all immediate issues and provide long term solutions and an action plan. As a part of this service we have done the following:
- Construction debris left by contractors was removed from the roof.
- An unmounted TV aerial was secured and removed from the roof.
- Gutters and downpipes were cleared of obstructions.
- All compromised seals were re-sealed.
- Measurements and context necessary for accurate pricing were included in the report.
- A proprietary Fatra solution was proposed to the client to address both roof leaks and internal roof cavity condensation.
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| Figure 4 - Context Plan and Section by Leakfix. |
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| Figure 5 - Proprietary Solution by Fatra Australia. |
We are optimistic about securing the repair work for this strata project, although the client's final decision is still awaited. The Fatras system is our recommended solution, as we believe it is the most reliable option for the current site conditions. This confidence is based on its proven success in numerous projects throughout NSW and QLD. A key benefit of the Fatras system is its comprehensive documentation and technical support, including detailed condensation risk analyses and specific fixing patterns. We anticipate implementing this system to deliver a permanent resolution to both the water ingress and condensation issues. If you want to hear more about this refurbishment system from Fatra Australia, please contact Ashley Bowen.
Stay tuned for updates on this project.
LEAKFIX ON THE ROAD AGAIN.
January was a month dedicated to strengthening and expanding our network. We consistently emphasize that Leakfix's ability to solve complex problems is heavily dependent on the robust partnerships we have developed over time. While we had a lot of fun, our main focus in January was networking, which saw us change scenery from the beautiful sandy beaches of the Gold Coast to snow-covered Poland.
Figure 6 - Snow Covered Roof in Koscian, Poland
Our recent European trip started in Poland with a visit to the Stęszew facility near Poznań, where we met with our new partners, Protan Group. While in Poznań, we also had a great meeting with Tomasz Kozlowski from our trusted partner, Soba Inter. Tomasz, a key figure in the elastomeric expansion joints field, traveled all the way from Brno for the occasion which we are extremely grateful for.
The second part of the trip was focused on the Dach Forum in Kielce, where we reconnected with our long-time friend Oliver from Elis Tech. The forum's technical displays were a great source of inspiration, and we made many valuable new connections. Our successful adventure concluded with a final meeting with Łukasz Jan Jóźwiak just before our departure.
To effectively showcase our January networking efforts and elevate our partners alongside us, I've decided on a special approach for this Newsletter edition. We will feature one partner per month, and this month we are spotlighting the Protan Group. We will provide a brief introduction to their company and team, details on how to find them, and an explanation of how we can collaborate here in Australia.
4 REASONS TO FALL IN LOVE WITH PROTAN.
Figure 7 - Heart Shaped Protan SE sample ❤️
First, a word of clarification: while Protan roofing membranes from Poland are not available on the Australian market yet (I am working on it though, so stay tuned), I have been following Protan Group and the development of their unique ProLine in Stęszew, Poland for a long time for few reasons:
1. Incredible Tech
As everyone who knows me can attest, sheet membranes are my life. If you know about membranes, it's impossible not to know about the Protan Group. They are involved in everything from large-scale, high-performance roofs, vacuum roofs, underground tunnels, and blue roofs, to technical textiles and tensioned membrane structures. Their membranes and technical textiles are used all over the world, and in my personal opinion, they are some of the best available on the global market.
I have seen many sheet membrane production lines all over the world and I loved what I saw at Stęszew:
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- The entire facility was clean and well organized.
- Every single batch of product was undergoing rigorous testing in the adjacent state of art R&D lab.
- The team was both helpful and competent - they patiently answered all of the questions I had :)
Figure 8 - ProLine PVC manufacturing facility
Figure 9 - ProLine PVC manufacturing facility
2. “Dobre bo Polskie” sentiment.
Having left Poland in my youth, it was a truly unique experience to observe its rapid development from afar over the last 25 years. I hold a deep love for both Australia and Canada, and consider them home, yet watching my birth country's progress in the field of sheet membrane manufacturing was super rewarding.
With aligned Polish, Australian and Canadian values, Poland presents a fantastic business opportunity. Its top-notch manufacturing facilities, consistent quality and excellent infrastructure could potentially help address some of the current shortages in the building materials supply chain.
Fun fact about me: the Factory in Stęszew is located precisely 6 km from Rosnówko, a village just outside of Poznań in which I spent most of my childhood years and where most of my family and friends still reside.
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| Figure 10 - During our off time I enjoyed “kulig” with family and friends near Rosnówko. |
3. A genuine commitment to minimizing impact on the environment.
Protan Group is committed to true recycling through its dedicated return system, PROcycle. This program enables contractors to return PVC roofing offcuts and surplus materials from Protan’s "SE" membrane range. Instead of disposal in a landfill, these materials are transported back to the factory, regenerated, and manufactured into new roofing products.
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| Figure 11 - Click above☝️to learn more about Protan Groups unique program. |
The use of synthetic roofing materials in Australia is increasing annually, yet we still lack an established, effective recycling plan for them. Although PVC-P is technically the most feasible material for recycling, there are no existing Australian programs for the collection and processing of these membranes. A potential solution could involve adapting the Protan Group framework to develop an Australia-wide PVC membrane collection and recycling program for both offcuts and the membrane at its End of Life Cycle.
4. The People.
While I cannot mention every single person, I must acknowledge a few exceptional individuals who made this Protan Group adventure a reality. First, Ms. Joanna Prokopiuk—she organized the entire event and truly made me feel at home. Her enthusiasm and energy are highly contagious, and touring the beautiful facilities in Steszew was a genuine pleasure. Together with Ms. Patrycja Smorawińska, they completely opened my eyes to the possibilities of Tensioned Membrane Structures. Mr Michał Miąsek introduced me to the fantastic Protan range in an expert presentation, Mr Marcin Dembecki provided a fascinating summary of Protan SE manufacturing on the ProLine, while Mr Bartosz Ratajczak was kind enough to take me onto a huge warm roof under construction in Koscian, despite the temperatures outside being well below 0 degrees.
Figure 12 - Snow covered roof in Koscian, Poland
Thank you Protan Group! I hope I will see you all again soon :)
NEW PARTNER PROFILE - PROTAN ELMARK
Introduction.
In early January, we were thrilled to begin our new collaboration with Protan Elmark. Our visit to their facilities in Stęszew was a great success thanks to the wonderful hospitality of Ms. Joanna Prokopiuk, Ms. Patrycja Smorawińska and the entire friendly Protan Group Team.
Who are Protan - Elmark?
Elmark Hale was a dynamic business manufacturing multi-purpose structures and marquees, established in 1989 in Dębno, Poland. Due to the excellent quality of its products, a Norwegian company, Protan AS, formed in 1939, merged with Elmark Hale in August 2008, and Protan-Elmark was born.
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| Figure 13 - Click on the picture above ☝️ to see Protan Elmark Corporate Video |
Tensioned Membrane Structures.
Tensioned Membrane Structures bring infinite possibilities for solutions across various sectors, including agriculture, industrial storage, sports infrastructure, and even specialized medical or event spaces. These structures are truly limited only by one's imagination. I strongly suggest checking out the Protan Elmark projects webpage to view their impressive portfolio of work. I had the privilege of seeing this advanced technology up close at their dedicated facility and even toured some businesses actively utilizing the structures built by Protan Elmark.
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| Figure 14 - A high-frequency welder working its magic on the elevated working table. | Figure 15 - Electrical Store in Steszew, Poland made by Protan Elmark. |
Free Tensioned Membrane Structures Consultation.
Starting this February, Leakfix Shop is excited to offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for your Tensioned Membrane Structure project.
During this session, we will focus on gathering essential project details, including:
- Purpose: Defining the specific use case.
- Dimensions: Determining the required length, width, and clearance height.
- Protection Level: Establishing the specification, ranging from simple weather-shielded covers to high-spec industrial cladding.
- Site Context: Collecting site-specific information such as the ground surface, location, and local weather factors.
We will then prepare a Brief for the Protan Elmark Team based on our discussion, enabling them to assist you in designing the structure of your dreams. Book your free consultation here.
Protan Custom Roof Logo: Branding Visible from Space.
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| Figure 16 - Amica Wronki roof as seen in Google Maps. |
Genius Idea - How it all began?
Innovation often happens by accident. At Protan’s Drammen factory in Norway, a routine day led to a significant breakthrough when staff realized their industrial plotter—typically used to separate PVC roof membranes—could actually cut highly complex designs.
This discovery turned a standard waterproofing material into a powerful marketing tool. Protan now offers custom-cut roof membranes, allowing buildings to serve as massive canvases for corporate identity. Michał Miąsek, Managing Director of Protan Polska, notes: “It was a happy coincidence that has allowed our clients to opt for a truly unique form of promotion: large-scale rooftop logos.”
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| Figure 17 - A large scale plotter at Protan Elmark in Stęszew. |
Imagine how awesome your logo would look on your roof! Have a look at the gallery below, and you can also read a full article here.
Figure 18 - Amica Wronki, Google Maps link here.
Figure 19 - Farmacol, Katowice, Google Maps link here.
Figure 20 - Rossmann Magazyn regionalny w Pyskowicach, Google Maps link here.
Free Custom Roof Logo Consultation
Starting this February, Leakfix Shop is excited to offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for your Custom Roof Logo project. Turn your building into a sky-high billboard. In this 30-minute session, we’ll map out your logo’s scale, match your brand colors, and provide a custom quote to make your roof visible from space. Book your free consultation here.
The $8.8 Billion Challenge: A Smarter Way to Protect Australia from Floods
Flooding is Australia’s costliest natural peril, draining an average of $8.8 billion from the economy every year. As "once-in-a-century" events become frequent threats, the traditional scramble for thousands of single-use sandbags is proving too slow, too labor-intensive, and too wasteful.
Figure 21: Wallaby stranded on a hay bale amidst floodwaters. Image: Animals Australia.
A Game-Changing Solution: The Protan Flood Protection System
Designed for rapid deployment and maximum reliability, this system replaces back-breaking labor with smart engineering. It is a mobile, water-filled barrier made from high-strength PVC technical textiles, specifically built to safeguard infrastructure and homes before the water hits.
Why it’s perfect for the Australian landscape:
- Speed & Efficiency: A 100-meter barrier can be secured by just two people in two hours using a single pump. In an emergency where every minute counts, this replaces the need for dozens of volunteers and thousands of sandbags.
- Massive Capacity, Minimal Footprint: Each 10-meter module holds 9,400 liters of water, providing a protection height of up to 0.6 meters. When empty, a module weighs only 65kg and can be transported in a standard passenger car.
- Sustainable & Reusable: Unlike sandbags, which often end up in landfills as contaminated waste, Protan barriers are treated with an anti-fungal coating and are designed for multiple uses over many years.
- Self-Sealing Technology: The system features a unique "skirt" connection that uses the weight of the floodwater itself to create an automatic, watertight seal against the ground.
Figure 22: Emergency services during the "ZAPORA 2025" flood drills in Czechowice-Dziedzice, testing a new Protan Elmark mobile barrier to protect flood-prone areas like Wierzbowa Street.
See the videos below, to understand how these modules are put together and how they can save your property from flood waters.
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Figure 23 - Click on the picture above ☝️ to see |
Figure 24 - Click on the picture above ☝️ to see |
Curious about the Flood Protection Systems?
Starting this February, Leakfix Shop is excited to offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation on modular flood protection systems. Book your free consultation here.
THANK YOU FOR READING THIS.
Jerzyniak Consulting trading as Leakfix© 2025. All rights reserved.
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