Sealing

Sealing in the bathroom: The key to a dry and mold-free room.

Bathroom waterproofing is a crucial step to prevent water from penetrating the walls, floor, and other areas. Properly executed waterproofing protects against moisture damage, mold growth, and increases the longevity of the bathroom.

There are several areas in the bathroom that should be sealed:

1. Shower area: Sealing the shower is particularly important, as large amounts of water are used here. The shower walls and floor should be sealed to prevent water from penetrating the underlying structures. Tiles are then applied over the sealant.
2. Bathtub: Here too, sealing is necessary to prevent water from penetrating the surrounding walls and floor. A sealant is applied to the tub rim and surrounding area before tiles or other surface materials are installed.
3. Sink and toilet: Although these areas are usually less exposed to water than the shower or bathtub, it is still advisable to seal them to prevent possible leaks or splashes. Sealing around the base of the sink and toilet can help prevent damage to the walls and floor.

Sealing the bathroom – Why bother?

Sealing a bathroom is important for several reasons. Bathrooms are areas with high humidity and constant water contact. Lack of or insufficient sealing can allow moisture to penetrate walls, floors, and other surfaces. This, in turn, can lead to structural damage such as warping, cracking, and rot. Moisture is an ideal breeding ground for mold growth. Mold can not only cause health problems such as allergies and respiratory illnesses, but also lead to unsightly stains, odors, and deterioration of bathroom surfaces. Effective sealing helps prevent moisture penetration and thus minimizes the risk of mold formation. Properly performed sealing protects bathroom structures from damage. It increases the durability of tiles, grout, furniture, and other surface materials by protecting them from moisture exposure. This keeps the bathroom functional and attractive for a longer period. Good sealing also helps improve energy efficiency in the bathroom. By reducing moisture penetration, it prevents heat loss through wet surfaces. This, in turn, contributes to reduced energy consumption and heating costs.

It is important to note that sealing should not only be done during the initial installation of the bathroom, but also during renovations or repairs. Regular maintenance of the sealing is also advisable to ensure that it maintains its effectiveness over time.

Sealing systems available in our product range.

There are various materials and techniques that can be used for waterproofing in the bathroom. Whether with liquid membrane, sealing slurry, waterproofing sheet or self-adhesive waterproofing sheet. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages. We opted for a standard waterproofing sheet and the self-adhesive waterproofing sheet, as we see the most advantages there.

ET-S Composite Seal

Tile coverings themselves are not waterproof and can allow water to pass through at connections of built-in parts, wall connections, as well as in the area of joints and cracks, which can damage the substrate. To meet the different demands, the standard DIN 18534-5 defines four load classes from W0-1 (low load) to W3-1 (very high load).

The classification into usage classes is useful, but in practice it often leads to ambiguities about which requirements apply to a specific case. This can be particularly confusing in rooms where different areas with different requirements meet.

With the DURABASE ET-S waterproofing system, DURAL has developed a solution that meets all the requirements of DIN 18534-5. Regardless of the water exposure class specified for a particular area, DURABASE ET-S fulfills all requirements with a single product. ET-S thus covers the complete waterproofing spectrum of areas exposed to utility and splash water: from private bathrooms and public showers to commercial kitchens.

For the different installation situations, special system components are available, which enable a fast and yet compliant execution:

1. Sealing membrane for floor & wall, even in severely damaged areas.
2. Sealing tapes for joining waterproofing membranes and for wall connections
3. Sealing cuffs for wall outlets in various formats
4. Molded parts for exterior & interior corners
5. Special shaped parts for shower and bathtub corners
6. Installation accessories such as sound insulation strips, cut protection tape & adhesive sealant

Want to learn even more about ET-S composite waterproofing? Then you'll surely like our article "ET-S Composite Waterproofing: The reliable solution for permanent waterproofing in wet areas!"

Self-adhesive sealant – DURABASE WS

Discover DURABASE WS WarpSeal – the innovative self-adhesive waterproofing system from DURAL. With this solution, you can waterproof your bathroom without time constraints. Using the self-adhesive sealant saves time, as mixing sealant material and applying adhesive is eliminated. Thanks to the self-adhesive properties of DURABASE WS WarpSeal, the sealant can be installed twice as fast as conventional systems. This not only saves time but also offers you an efficient and reliable waterproofing solution. The self-adhesive mat excels in many applications that push conventional sealing systems to their limits. No additional moisture application, no waiting and drying times, no time-consuming cleaning of work materials, and it also ensures effective and durable waterproofing that protects your bathroom from moisture damage and mold. With this system, you can be sure that your bathroom is optimally protected – without compromising on installation speed.

Installation of DURABASE WARPSEAL

Applying DURABASE WS is incredibly easy: Start with the corners and then insert the waterproofing membrane. Secure it, peel off the protective film and press it firmly. Then you can apply your tiles directly to the waterproofing membrane - and you're done!

The self-adhesive sealant has piqued your interest and you want to learn more about our new product? Then you'll surely like our article "DURABASE WarpSeal – efficient & time-saving sealing solution".