As one of the areas in your home most prone to water damage, do you need to waterproof your bathroom? We found out...
Bathrooms, by their very nature, are the rooms in your home that are most likely to come into contact with water. Therefore, it’s important to ensure they’re properly waterproofed. This will help to protect your bathroom from damage and mould growth, and save you money on repairs in the long run.
Changes to the BSI (British Standards Institute) regulations (specifically BS 5385—1:2018 clause 6.1.1.3), back in 2018, now means that any wall or floor covering in any “wet areas” (e.g. showers, wet rooms and steam rooms) must be fitted on top a suitable waterproof membrane. Tiles, on their own, simply aren’t enough to protect your substrate from potential water damage.
Discover why waterproofing your bathroom is a very good idea
Self-adhesive v traditional liquid sealing
There are 2 main types of waterproofing: self-adhesive and traditional liquid sealing. Self-adhesive is a newer method that is becoming increasingly popular due to its ease of use and effectiveness.
Self-adhesive waterproofing
Self-adhesive waterproofing membranes are easy to apply and do not require the use of liquid sealant. They are also fleece-coated and anti-bacterial, making them a great base for tiling.
To create a beautiful showering space like this, you will need to waterproof your bathroom
Benefits of self-adhesive waterproofing:
- Easy to apply
- No liquid sealant required
- Fleece coated and anti-bacterial
- Great base for tiling
How to waterproof your bathroom
1. Preparation
Determine which areas of your bathroom need to be waterproofed. This may include the entire bathroom floor, shower floor and walls, and any other areas that are prone to getting wet.
2. Surface inspection
Make sure that the surfaces you are going to waterproof are clean, dry and free of any debris. You may need to use a primer to improve adhesion.
3. Install corner pieces and tape
Cover all of the corners in your bathroom with inner and outer corner pieces. You may need to pre-cut the pieces to fit. Then, apply corner sealing tape over the corner pieces to create a watertight seal.
4. Install plumbing fittings
Use wall sleeves to seal all exposed plumbing fittings and pipes. Make sure to choose the right size wall sleeves for your fittings.
5. Apply wall membrane
Remove the protective foil from the waterproofing membrane and apply it to the walls, starting at the top and working your way down. Overlap the membrane at the edges and corners.
6. Apply floor membrane
Apply the waterproofing membrane to the shower floor (or the entire bathroom floor) in the same way as the walls. Make sure to overlap the membrane at the edges and corners.
7. Remove shower drain
Once the membrane has dried, use a sharp knife to cut out a hole for the shower drain.
8. Begin tiling
You can now tile your bathroom directly over the waterproofing membrane. For full and comprehensive instructions, check out our complete guide to creating a wet room or watch the video below.
Conclusion
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your bathroom is properly waterproofed and protected from water damage. If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to consult with a professional.
To start you off on the right foot, why not enquire about our free, no-obligation Bathroom Design Service by clicking below?
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Bathroom planning and advice
Whether you’re planning a wet room or simply seeking bathroom clearance guidelines, at Victoria Plum, you’ll find all the expert advice you’ll need to help with your project.
From the latest bathroom installation costs to standard bath sizes, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow guides and videos.
If you’re specifically considering a wet room, why not check out our wet room buying guide or browse our small wet room ideas. And, if you’re starting from scratch, you can even find out what a wet room is, so you can decide whether it’s the right choice for you.
