Waterproofing Your Bathroom? Yes You Should!

Have you though of waterproofing your bathroom? If not, then you should! Wet areas like the shower niche are among the frequent problems of homeowners to their building managers.  

Bathrooms are frequently exposed to moisture, failure to waterproof it could lead to major problems.  Natural movement happens to bathroom construction materials.  Since the materials are made of clay and tiles, they could increase in size, affecting the grouts and causing the tiles to shift.  

Other wet areas like kitchen and laundry area should also receive waterproofing finishes. Aside from the finishes, they should also have adequate drainage system to ensure that the water is disposed.  Free and standing water could penetrate into the structure. 

A bathroom would also rapidly change its temperature, hot and cold showers could play on the temperature within minutes. This could also trigger contraction and expansion in tiles.  If the waterproof membrane cannot adapt to the changing sizes and movement of the tiles, it could snap. 

One way to check if your tiles have shifted or movement is by drumming or rapping your tiles. If they are making a hollow sound then it is possible that the waterproofing membrane is no longer attached to the tiles.  

A waterproofing membrane should be applied between the wall and the tiles.  The membrane should be elastic enough so that it could accommodate the tiles’ movements.  The membrane should be bond between the wall and the tiles.  If not, then the moisture could seep through the grout behind the tiling.  It should also be highly resistant to water and vapour.  

To resist water and moisture, there are water resistant drywalls that could be applied.  Also there are drywall products manufactured specifically for bathroom use.  There are also water resistant plasters that could be applied. 

Waterproofing the surface of the bathroom could be very simple, just like painting using a roller or a brush.  Before applying the material, make sure that the surface where it would be applied are clean of debris and other loose materials. Then you could start “painting” the waterproof product. 

Ventilation is also an integral part of waterproofing.  Moisture and water vapours could leave the bathroom and would not build-up.  A ventilation fan could be placed in the bathroom. The size of the ventilation fan should be equivalent or relevant to the size of the bathroom that needs ventilating.  A ventilation fan would require some changes or fixes on the air ducts. 

Adding quality and wood cabinets and fixtures would definitely give your bathroom an elegant finish.  When adding furniture to your bathroom, make sure that they have waterproof finishing.  Proper ventilation is another secret for making sure that the woodwork would last in the room. 

In Australia, bathroom waterproofing is a must and should meet building regulations. Waterproofing systems for bathrooms are done by professional contractors. The contractors would provide the certificates and guarantees if waterproofing was able to meet standards. 

Waterproofing would make sure that your newly constructed or renovated bathroom will last for a long time. 
