A waterproof bathroom floor ensures that the surface of the bathtub, shower recess or shower cabin does not get damaged, regardless of how long one takes a bath. Waterproofing a bathroom is very important because it prevents water damage to your floor and fixtures which can prove to be a costly affair if left unattended.
Many homeowners resort to hiring a professional in order to waterproof their bathrooms. It is advisable to hire a professional for this job as they know the right method and tools to use. However, if one does not want to spend on hiring an expert then one can try it out on their own.
Waterproofing a bathroom is the most important job in order to maintain the beauty of the bathroom. The bathroom is the only place that one spends most of their time in and it is important to keep it clean and unsoiled. The bathroom provides a relaxing ambience and you certainly do not want to spoil it by the formation of mould or mildew.
What is Bathroom Waterproofing?
Waterproofing a bathroom is important as it prevents the tub and shower from getting rusty. When you waterproof a bathroom, it ensures that there is no leakage of water onto your bathroom floor and walls which can prove to be very expensive if not attended to in time. When you waterproof a bathroom it allows you to maintain the beauty of your room and keep it unsoiled for longer periods of time.
There are different kinds of waterproofing available in the market today and they can be applied to your bathroom floor and shower with ease. However, one should make sure that the waterproofing product is meant for waterproofing a bathroom wall and floor, as some products may not be suitable for use in showers or bathtubs. Always read the waterproofing product packet carefully before purchase so that you get the right product for use.
Waterproofing floor tiles, a wall and a floor can be done in a few simple steps, which should only take a couple of hours. It will not only save you money but also provide durability to your bathroom fittings and fixtures. If you are thinking about selling off your house or let it out, waterproofing the bathroom wall and floor will ensure that your house does not get left empty, passes inspection by a building inspector and does not suffer from dampness.
How to Waterproof a Bathroom?
Here are some tips on how you can go about waterproofing your bathroom:
Clean and Dry the Area
You should first thoroughly clean and dry the bathroom. Ensure that there is no standing water after you have showered. Excess moisture requires more time to dry, so ensure that the surface is free of excess water. If you live in a humid climate, it will take significantly longer to dry.
Apply Primer
A waterproof bathroom floor should have a strong foundation, which means that you have to apply the primer on the damp surface before applying the paint. Ensure that it is applied evenly and completely so that no space is left uncovered. This will help prevent moisture from seeping through the floor. Some people also prefer adding an oil-based primer. Oil-based primers are ideal for bathrooms because they are more durable than water-based ones, but ensure that all of your tools are oil-free before you start working with these primers as they can be problematic if mixed with water-based products. If you use latex paints, ensure that it takes at least 24 hours before steaming or heavily using the area you have painted.
Apply Paint
You can choose to apply either water or latex-based paint on the surface depending on the requirements of your bathroom. Water-based paints are preferable if you want something that is fast drying and easy to clean, but they are less durable than latex paints. Latex paints are more durable but take time to dry completely. It is advisable that you consult with your supplier who will be able to help you determine which paint will suit the needs of your bathroom best.
Use proper footwear
The second coat of any waterproofing material should not be applied until 24 hours after the first application has dried completely. Ensure that no one walks on the floor during this period as even pressure exerted by someone walking on the floor can cause scarring on the surface. You should wear appropriate footwear when walking in the bathroom so that no scratching is caused to your flooring during this period of time.
Clean up Spills Immediately
Spills are very common in bathrooms because these are areas where water is always present. Ensure that you clean any spills or stains immediately with a dampened cloth to avoid causing permanent damage to your waterproofing material.
Do not skimp on cost when shopping for materials for waterproofing your bathroom, but instead choose reliable brands which have been tried and tested by others who have already used them. Reading customer reviews will help you make an informed decision about which brand has satisfied most customers and therefore might be worth its price tag.
Online shopping for waterproofing supplies is another option you can utilize to make sure that your bathroom remains dry and damage-free. There are several reliable online shops where you can place an order for the materials required to waterproof your bathroom. This way, all of the materials will be delivered to your doorstep within a given time frame after which you can begin applying them.
To prevent leakage in bathrooms, one should not only ensure that the floor is waterproof but also use Ditra underlayment when installing ceramic tiles or stone floors. In addition, consider re-caulking surrounding areas such as around the base of the bathtub, shower faucets and sliders when performing regular maintenance on an existing bathroom.
Waterproof Shower Stalls
Bathroom waterproofing isn’t always required if you are only having a shower stall being built. However, many people prefer waterproofing their shower stalls as a way of preventing damage and renovation costs in the future. Ensure that you have your shower stall waterproofing done professionally by experts who are capable of performing the task without any problems.
Customers are often attracted to companies that offer added standard value so always buy from a company that offers warranties for their products, free shipping and other benefits to ensure that you are satisfied with your purchase. You can also ask about whether or not the company allows customers to return their materials if they are not satisfied with them.
Use a professional painter for painting your bathroom floor, shower area, walls and even the shower floor, as this will ensure that the job is done correctly. If you want to paint your own bathroom, ensure that you choose an oil-based primer and paint which can prevent leaking and other problems in the future. Use a paint scraper to remove excess material.
How to Waterproof a Shower?
Ensure that you choose the right waterproofing material for your bathroom shower floor by getting advice from an expert or reading customer reviews of different products. You may also opt to use a tile underlayment that is specifically designed to prevent shower tiles from becoming way too water damaged, especially if your shower is not on the ground floor.
Use a high-quality adhesive and grout when tiling and waterproofing your shower as this will ensure that it remains waterproof for longer periods of time. Make sure you remove all excess grout after the job has been done, especially near the shower water outlet, as clean up can pose difficulties if this is not done correctly.
Cleaning the shower walls regularly is a must when you have just had your waterproofing repair job done. You should also scrub your plastic bathtub liner or surround on a regular basis in order to prevent damage from occurring due to the buildup of mildew.
Before installing tiles in your bathroom shower, remember that they need to be attached to a substrate in order to remain waterproof. Ensure that your shower tiles are designed for wet areas before applying them to ensure that they can handle moisture, humidity and heat.
When it comes to the costs of waterproofing your bathroom shower, expect to pay more if you hire contractors who charge per hour or day. You will get more affordable rates when you hire professionals who offer flat-rate quotes for work.
Cover the floor in your bathroom with a layer of vinyl flooring that is resistant to water damage and can stand up against humidity, moisture and heat. This type of flooring is available in many different styles so you should be able to find one that fits into your bathroom décor perfectly.
A reputable waterproofer will always ensure that products are applied correctly so always hire professionals who have the knowledge and experience to get the job done right. Ensure that your waterproofing material of choice is high-quality so you can expect it to last for several years.
Ensure that your bathroom contractor provides you with a warranty on their work and knows the building code of Australia when they offer this service at minimal or calking, grout and adhesives are installed correctly so that your waterproofing job will last for a long period of time. You should also have an expert check your work to ensure that you have done everything correctly since this could save you from renovating in the future.
How to Waterproof Bathroom Walls?
Always ensure that you plan ahead before grabbing your masking tape, a paint roller and painting any part of your bathroom wall with latex paint. Use masking tape and plastic sheeting around areas such as windows, doors and fixtures in order to prevent any paint from your paint roller dripping and getting onto these areas.
It is also important to choose a waterproofing material with a high R-value per inch as this ensures that the material will effectively keep your bathroom warm during winter. Check if the company offers any money-back guarantees, free shipping and warranties before placing an order with them.
When installing new tiles in your bathroom it is essential to use a good quality underlayment over concrete floors which have been treated with a special epoxy primer before adding tiles on top of it. This way you can ensure that there are no problems due to leakage in the future.
Before using a waterproofing material for bathrooms make sure that you learn how it works and what its limitations are so that you can avoid common problems associated with waterproofing materials.
You should always get advice from experts when planning to waterproof your bathroom as this ensures that the job will be done correctly and without any problems in the future. Always use an experienced installer if you want to prevent leakage in your bathrooms.
There are several companies that offer reliable services when it comes to waterproofing bathrooms, so choose one that offers free shipping, warranties on their products and money-back guarantees so that you know they are reputable.
Installing a Waterproofing Membrane Sheet
Installing a waterproofing membrane sheet for shower walls is an affordable solution which you can use to waterproof a bathroom and prevent water leaks in the bathroom area. These waterproofing membrane sheets are available in different styles so the only thing you need to do before buying one is measuring the size of your wall and choose a colour that will match your existing bathroom design.
The material used underlayment should be able to cope with heat and humidity so choose one that is fire-resistant if you plan on installing it directly over wall tiles. Remember to cut out holes for your shower head, faucet and soap dish/shelf before placing the underlayment sheet on top of the walls.
It is also important that you measure the size of your bathroom carefully before installing these sheets.
How do I Waterproof a Bathroom Floor if It’s Concrete?
You can ensure that your bathroom floor never gets wet and doesn’t develop cracks by applying a special epoxy underlayment over the concrete floor before installing tiles on top of it.
This way you can prevent water leaking and tile malfunction in the future. The only drawback is that these floors will be more difficult to repair, but this extra work will ensure that your bathroom is waterproof.