Bathrooms are the main wet area in the house. Therefore, you need to waterproof the area so that water does not get into the substructure of the house and cause major structural damage. Waterproofing is typically done by experts while the bathroom is being built. It involves setting up a waterproof barrier around the floor and walls of the bathroom, including the shower. Do you need to waterproof the whole bathroom? Not exactly. But there are waterproof requirements to be met.
Waterproof Standards for Bathrooms
The Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards (AS 3740-1994) set out the minimum requirements of waterproofing a bathroom. All bathrooms in Australia must comply with these standards, as follows:
- The entire shower floor must be waterproofed
- Shower walls must be waterproofed up to at least 1800mm
- The walls must be waterproofed up to at least 150mm
- Over the hob or step down must be waterproofed to at least 150mm
- If the bathroom floor is above ground level, or made of timber, plywood or particleboards, the entire bathroom floor must be waterproofed
Of course, some bathrooms will need to go beyond the minimum standards to be completely waterproof. If your budget allows for it, it is a good idea waterproof the whole bathroom anyway. This will ensure the whole bathroom floor and shower recess is waterproofed.
Another thing to remember is some councils require waterproofing to be done by a licensed waterproof expert to be compliant. Whether you are waterproofing a new or existing building, make sure the tradespeople have the relevant licensing and insurance to carry out the job properly.
Still not sure if you should waterproof the whole bathroom? Call 1300 519 133 for a FREE report on the condition of your bathroom waterproofing.
Types of Bathroom Waterproofing
Waterproofing is done at different stages of building. Some systems are set up before the floors and walls are laid down, and the rest is put in place after everything has been established.
The most common type of waterproofing is the membrane. Before the floor and walls are laid, the surface is cleaned and primed, then followed by the application of a membrane waterproofing agent that is either painted, sprayed, or laid down as a sheet. Spraying and painting are the most common techniques used to waterproof wet areas.
After the floor and walls are established, there are other types of waterproofing set up. Liquid sealant is applied to tiles on the shower wall and floor, which serves as a protective barrier to stop water from breaching the surface.
Silicone sealant is also used to seal gaps between the floor and wall joints. Overall, these combined systems help waterproof your whole bathroom.
What if My Existing Bathroom Needs Waterproofing?
If you have found a shower or bathroom leak, you may be able to fix the problem without ripping up the tiles.
Waterproofing is a technical procedure and should be carried out by a licensed and insured expert. A qualified service will be able to repair and restore many aspects of the shower with exclusive products, tools and procedures, which offer superior water-resistance to store-bought products.
Most services are also backed with a guarantee.
Tired of asking, “Should I waterproof my whole bathroom?” Get the answers you need with a free consultation from Shower Sealed. Call 1300 519 133 to book your appointment today!
