Bathroom Waterproofing — Beyond the Shower
Most homeowners know that shower areas need waterproofing. But what about the rest of the bathroom? Here is a guide to waterproofing the whole room correctly.
Waterproofing in a bathroom is often discussed in the context of shower tanking — and rightly so, because the shower zone is where water ingress is most likely. But a bathroom is a wet room by nature, and there are other areas that benefit from proper waterproofing treatment.
Around the bath is the most commonly overlooked area. The joint between the bath and the wall tiles is a frequent source of water ingress, particularly as the bath flexes slightly under the weight of water and a person. This joint should be sealed with a flexible silicone sealant rather than grout, and the sealant should be replaced when it shows signs of cracking, discolouration or mould.
The floor-to-wall joint throughout the bathroom — not just in the shower — is another area where water can penetrate if not properly sealed. In a tiled bathroom, this joint should be finished with flexible silicone rather than grout, which is rigid and will crack as the building moves.
Around the basin and vanity unit, water regularly splashes onto the wall behind. If this area is not tiled or waterproofed, moisture can penetrate the plasterboard over time and cause damp and mould. A splashback tile or a waterproof panel behind the basin is a simple and effective solution.
In a wet room, the entire floor and all walls must be fully tanked before tiling. The tanking membrane must be continuous — any gaps or poorly sealed joints will allow water to find its way through. This is why wet room installation requires more care and expertise than a standard shower installation.
Good ventilation works alongside waterproofing to protect the bathroom structure. Even a perfectly waterproofed bathroom will develop condensation and mould if the ventilation is inadequate. A correctly specified extractor fan is an essential part of the overall waterproofing strategy.
IK Master Build Ltd use professional-grade waterproofing systems throughout every bathroom installation. Call 07402 059 555 to discuss your bathroom project.