Hello! Welcome to my blog. My name is Col. I live in Perth and I have a passion for construction. I am pretty useless when it comes to construction work so I tend to leave it to the experts. However, I find that there is nothing more pleasing than seeing a team of construction workers complete a job. Over the years, I have hired many different types of construction worker and they have all taken the time to chat with me. During these conversations, I have learnt so pretty interesting things which I will be exploring on this blog. Enjoy!
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Col's Construction Blog
3 Things Homeowners Need To Know About Bathroom Waterproofing
Ethan Burton
Bathrooms need to be waterproofed to reduce the likelihood of structural damage caused by condensation, water leaks, and dampness. Therefore, if you want to install a shower cubicle or a tile shower, you must use a waterproofing material. The reason is that shower fixtures and fittings such as grout and sealers are not waterproofed. In most bathrooms, standing water is trapped beneath tiles due to gradient challenges. In such a case, the water never dries, causing a shower area to remain wet well past 24 hours. Therefore, waterproofing bathroom walls and floor tiles is vital. Here is what homeowners need to know about waterproofing a bathroom for prolonged service life.
Importance of Waterproofing
When water is trapped in a shower floor and walls for long, it can cause the growth of mould, especially if a bathroom is poorly lit by natural light. Prolonged mould exposure could cause lung infections due to inhalation of spores and fragments. Also, mould might lead to asthma. Besides, the growth of mould and dampness in bathrooms attracts termites and other insects known to cause structural damages. Therefore, waterproofing your bathroom saves you from health problems and insect infestation. Waterproofing also prevents leakage of water while ensuring that your bathroom floors and walls last long. Finally, installing a waterproof membrane improves the aesthetic value of your bathroom.
Where to Waterproof
In a bathroom, you need to waterproof any location with a water outlet. Such areas include a shower area, laundries, and around drains and taps. However, waterproofing a bathroom depends on materials used during construction and finishing. For example, if a bathroom consists of plywood or any timber-based component, you must install a water protective membrane in the entire bathroom. Conversely, concrete and fibre cement need little protection because of their water-resistance capabilities. Besides, you should consider the height and width of waterproofing, which depends on several factors, including the part being waterproofed and the choice of materials. For instance, a waterproof shower membrane should be installed by factoring the configuration of a shower stall (partially or fully enclosed), and the size of a shower cubicle, among other aspects.
Adhere to Standards
Ensure that you adhere to the Australian Standard (AS 3740-2010), which specifies the minimum requirements for waterproofing domestic wet areas like bathrooms. In addition, choose a licensed technician to install a waterproofing membrane for quality purposes and compliance with local council regulations.
To learn more, reach out to a local bathroom waterproofing service.
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