How to waterproof the bathroom floor and walls?

The bathroom is particularly prone to humidity and damage caused by water. So be sure to protect the room from these hazards. The waterproofing of the walls and the floor is the main aspect in this regard.

Thanks to this, a protective layer can be created on the walls and the floor. When it is decided to waterproof the bathroom, the damaging effects of moisture are significantly reduced. When do you have to deal with it? What are the most important questions?

Apart from your health, humidity can also damage the structure of the building.

What is bathroom waterproofing?

Waterproofing bathrooms is quite easy: it protects surfaces against moisture and prevents water from reaching, for example, under floor tiles or walls.

The primary purpose of bathroom waterproofing is to seal the surface, which eliminates many potential threats such as mold and mildew growth under the tile, or breaking its adherence to the substrate.

Why is it important to waterproof the bathroom?

Water that collects on flat surfaces can have a negative impact on interior aesthetics. It could cause damage to the surface and influence the health of residents. The liquid that sinks into the walls causes moisture, which can lead to the growth of dangerous mold. Not only does it look terrible, it can also cause various allergies and respiratory diseases.

It is particularly dangerous for people suffering from respiratory diseases or asthma. The risk is higher in young children; whose immune systems are much weaker than in adults.

Aside from health concerns, excess moisture is detrimental to the construction of the building, which might need a total renovation after some time. That is why it is extremely important to waterproof the bathroom. It is often featured by construction and interior design specialists.

Waterproofing the bathroom, not only against humidity, but also against water.

Regardless of the skill with which the tiles were laid, some cracks always appear after a while. Because of this, the water can get under the tile, in the form of vapor or liquid. Such a situation is inevitable. Furthermore, this issue not only concerns a bathroom - although here the scale of the problem is the largest - but also a laundry and a drying room. For this reason, it's necessary to have it waterproofed.

There are two types of surface waterproofing that one could perform in a room. The main issue is to secure the surface before laying the tiles. The products used in this stage will protect the building structure against water intrusion. The waterproofing of the tiles is another problem. Thanks to special substances, the water will remain on the tile, and can be easily removed through the ventilation system.

Waterproofing a bathroom, what sections of the rooms?

Typically, each bathroom has two zones: wet and dry. The first one basically involves the whole room. These are the places that are likely to come into contact with water, which can splash everywhere - when doing ordinary, everyday activities.

Are all waterproofing products the same?

The waterproofing of bathrooms can be done with three types of products, each of them has sealing properties, but is designed for various types of surfaces. For this reason, their properties differ.

• Liquid waterproofing membrane - is based on synthetic resin, thanks to which it provides perfect protection. The product is very easy to use - you just have to mix it and cover a certain area with it, using for example a roller or special brush. The first layer can be laid freely, while the next should be perpendicular to it. The biggest advantage of the membrane is the versatility. It can be used both for concrete surfaces, as well as for cement plasters and plasterboard. This type of protection is highly recommended for anyone who values their time - the membrane dries quickly, so you can immediately start laying the tiles in the bathroom.
• Sealing compounds - is a perfect alternative to a liquid membrane. It is made from cement mortar and artificial resin. This type of material has a much denser structure than the aforementioned membrane. It is typically used to secure mineral surfaces, but manufacturers also offer stone or panel cladding products. The compound must be applied crosswise, in two coats. It cannot be used indoors with underfloor heating.
• Cement-based waterproofing compounds - also a very effective material, used not only for bathrooms, but also on balconies, patios and to protect foundations. The material is very durable, frost resistant and flexible.

Surface preparation is the single most important thing to ask before applying a waterproofing coat. It should be cleaned of any wet and greasy stains, dust and elements remaining after renovation. Any larger holes must be filled with mortar. If the surface is ready, you can start the application of a waterproofing product. During the process, one must carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.

All the required information has been written on the packaging. Make sure to apply two coats.

Additional waterproofing measures

Due to the constant humidity and the presence of water in the bathroom, ceramic toilets may absorb moisture as well. Proper bathroom waterproofing should prevent any damage. However, it is recommended to consider any additional preventive measures, for example sealing the aforementioned toilets with a silicone sealant.

Thanks to the products available in many colors, one can easily combine them with any bathroom design for an aesthetic seal. Also, sealing with silicone is very easy to do. All that is needed is a caulking gun which will make the process very simple.

Do you want your bathroom to look beautiful and functional for many years? Remember that waterproofing is the most important thing. Contact us at Complete Shower Seal if you need help from professionals on how to waterproof your bathrooms effectively.