A Modern Solution to Rising Damp and Earth Building Protection

Rising damp has frustrated homeowners for decades. When earth building surged in popularity during the 1970s and ’80s, moisture problems became even more visible. Earth walls are beautiful and sustainable, but without the right protection, they can deteriorate quickly.

This challenge led to the creation of Tech‑Dry Building Protection Systems, an Australian company dedicated to solving moisture problems in masonry and earth construction.

Australian Innovation Backed by Chemistry and Research

Tech‑Dry was founded in 1982 by Dr Douglas Kagi, an organic chemist whose PhD research focused on silicone chemistry for building protection. During his 21 years as a senior lecturer at Victoria University, he continued exploring ways to protect porous building materials.

Working alongside his PhD student, Dr Ren Kebao, he identified a major gap in the market: environmentally friendly, water‑based sealers and admixtures designed specifically for Australian conditions. Together, they developed a range of innovative waterproofing products that are still manufactured in South Melbourne today. Tech‑Dry remains 100% Australian owned, with research, production, and laboratory facilities on site.

A Unique Approach to Earth Building Protection

As Technical Manager, Dr Kebao continues to refine and expand Tech‑Dry’s earth‑building range. These products include penetrating sealers, binders, emulsions, and admixtures for both interior and exterior use. They provide long‑lasting water repellency and weather resistance across all earth construction types, including:

• mudbrick
• strawbale
• stabilised earth
• rammed earth
• earth renders

For example, creating a durable water‑repellent earth render typically involves using Earth Bonding Emulsion and Earthaid as admixtures for binding and water resistance. After rendering, the Mud Brick or Stabilised Earth Water Repellent is applied as the final protective finish.

Beyond Damp: A Broader Range of Protective Products

Tech‑Dry also develops solutions for waterproofing, rising damp, and penetrating damp. Their anti‑graffiti range includes:

• a low‑cost, water‑based sacrificial wax coating that prevents graffiti from bonding
• a biodegradable, low‑odour graffiti remover that also works as a paint stripper for oil‑based paints

All products are designed with sustainability in mind, using environmentally responsible formulations wherever possible.

Whether you’re dealing with rising damp, sealing concrete, or protecting an earth structure, Tech‑Dry offers proven, Australian‑made solutions backed by decades of research and innovation.

For further information call 03-9699-8202