The Importance of Waterproofing Your Bathroom Properly

Whether your home is a new build or you’re renovating bathrooms, your bathroom needs to be adequately waterproofed. It can cost massive issues down the line if it isn’t.

What Is Bathroom Waterproofing? 

Where there is a water outlet, there should be waterproofing. This stands for kitchen wet areas and laundries, but particularly in bathrooms. A membrane is applied to wet areas to ensure moisture cannot escape to other rooms in your home. Waterproofing regulations vary from state to state, but they need to be in line with Australian Standards and the Building Code of Australia. These dictate that bathroom walls are waterproofed to a height of 150mm and shower walls to a height of 1800mm. The shower floor must be fully waterproofed and steps from showers to a height of 100mm. If there is any wood flooring in the bathroom,  you must waterproof the full floor. The same is true if the bathroom is anywhere other than the ground floor. 

How Is It Done? 

Waterproofing is completed in stages. Some of the waterproofing will be completed before walls and floors are installed. And, some waterproofing is installed once everything is complete. A liquid sealant goes on like paint. A primer goes on first, and then the first waterproof coat is applied horizontally (left to right). The second waterproof coat is applied vertically to capture any gaps, cracks or holes missed by the first waterproof coat. The final step is a silicone sealant where fixtures and fittings meet walls. 

While it’s all important, it’s particularly crucial where the floor and walls meet. If any gaps are left, water can leak in and cause massive damage. It isn’t just a risk to the structural integrity of your home. It’s also expensive.

What Can Happen If Your Bathroom Isn’t Waterproofed Properly? 

If your bathroom isn’t waterproofed at all or waterproofed improperly, it can result in significant damage. When water gets into the gaps behind your walls, it can result in mould and mildew. This can loosen wall and floor tiles, leading to further damage. Improper waterproofing can also result in water damage to carpet, paint, and furnishings in the surrounding rooms. If undetected, it can result in structural damage. With structural damage already a factor, this can attract termites to do more damage. 

What’s worse is, your insurance company can refuse your claim if it’s proven your bathroom was waterproofed incorrectly. The best way to avoid this is by having the professionals take care of the job. While there are DIY kits available, a professional will use the highest quality products, has the necessary knowledge and tools to do the job properly. You will also have the contractor’s warranty. 

Why You Need Professional Help & What Crystal Bathrooms Can Do 

Leaks and issues can happen even if you have recently had a bathroom renovation Sydney. A brand new bath and shower won’t save you; it’s in the waterproofing. That’s why it’s so important to use professionals to handle renovations to your bathrooms in Sydney. And to allow those professionals with a waterproofing license to finish the job as well. It may cost a little extra, but it is money well spent. If your local regulations do allow you to complete this work, it’s messy to do, and if you get it wrong, it can be costly. 

At Crystal Bathrooms, we can handle your commercial bathroom remodel, design your residential bathroom renovations and take care of waterproofing too! If you have a bathroom renovation in the future, get in touch with us for your free quote. We specialise in bathrooms, whether your need is a residential bathroom renovation or commercial bathrooms across your portfolio.