Waterproofing in the bathroom: the key to a dry and mold-free room
Waterproofing in the bathroom is a crucial step in preventing water from seeping into the walls, floor and other areas. Properly done waterproofing protects against moisture damage, mold growth and increases the longevity of the bathroom.
There are several areas in the bathroom that should be waterproofed:
- Shower area: waterproofing the shower is especially important since large amounts of water are used here. The walls and floor of the shower should be waterproofed to prevent water from seeping into the structures below. Tiles are then installed over the waterproofing.
- Bathtub: Waterproofing is also necessary here to prevent water from seeping into the surrounding walls and floor. Waterproofing is applied to the tub rim and surrounding area before tile or other surface materials are applied.
- Sinks and toilets: although these areas are typically less exposed to water than the shower or bathtub, it is still advisable to caulk them to catch potential leaks or splashes. Caulking around the base of the sink and toilet can help prevent damage to the walls and floor.
Waterproofing the bathroom - why do it at all?
Waterproofing the bathroom is important for several reasons. The bathroom is an area of high humidity and constant water contact. A lack of waterproofing or inadequate waterproofing can cause moisture to seep into the walls, floor and other surfaces. This, in turn, can lead to structural damage such as warping, cracking and rotting. Moisture is an ideal breeding ground for mold growth. Not only can mold cause health problems such as allergies and respiratory illnesses, but it can also lead to unsightly stains, odors and deterioration of bathroom surfaces. Effective waterproofing helps prevent moisture from entering, minimizing the risk of mold growth. Properly performed waterproofing 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 appealing for a longer period of time. Good waterproofing also helps improve energy efficiency in the bathroom. By reducing moisture penetration, it prevents heat loss through wet surfaces. This, in turn, helps reduce energy consumption and heating costs.
It is important to note that waterproofing should be done not only during the original installation of the bathroom, but also during renovations or repairs. Regular maintenance of the waterproofing is also advisable to ensure that it maintains its effectiveness over time.
Waterproofing systems in our assortment
When it comes to waterproofing in the bathroom, there are various materials and techniques that can be used. Whether using liquid film, waterproofing slurry, waterproofing membrane or the self-adhesive waterproofing membrane. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages. We have chosen a normal waterproofing membrane and the self-adhesive waterproofing membrane, as we see the most advantages there.
ET-S composite waterproofing
Tile coverings themselves are not waterproof and can allow water to pass through at connections to fixtures, wall junctions, and around joints and cracks, which can damage the substrate. To cope with the different stresses, the DIN 18534-5 standard defines four stress classes from W0-1 (low stress) to W3-1 (very high stress).
The division into stress classes makes sense, but in practice often leads to confusion as to which requirements apply to a specific case. Particularly in rooms where different surfaces with different requirements meet, this can lead to confusion.
DURAL has developed a solution in the form of the DURABASE ET-S waterproofing system that meets all the requirements of DIN 18534-5. No matter which water impact class is specified for a particular area, with DURABASE ET-S you can meet all requirements with a single product. ET-S thus covers the complete waterproofing spectrum of surfaces exposed to service water and splash water: From private bathrooms and public shower facilities to commercial kitchens.
Special system components are available for the various installation situations, enabling fast yet standard-compliant execution:
- Waterproofing membrane for floors & wall even in heavily compromised areas
- Sealing tapes for joining sealing membranes and for wall connections
- Sealing collars for wall outlets in various formats
- Molded parts for exterior & interior corners
- Special molded parts for shower and bathtub corners
- Installation accessories such as sound insulation strips, cut protection tape & adhesive sealant
You want to know more about ET-S composite waterproofing? Then you will definitely like our article "ET-S bonded waterproofing: The reliable solution for permanent waterproofing in wet areas!"
Self-adhesive waterproofing - 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. By using the self-adhesive waterproofing, you save time as there is no need to mix waterproofing material and apply adhesive. Thanks to the self-adhesive properties of DURABASE WS WarpSeal, the waterproofing can be installed twice as fast as conventional systems. This not only saves time, but also provides you with an efficient and reliable waterproofing solution. The self-adhesive mat scores points in many applications that push conventional waterproofing systems to their limits. No additional wetness application, no waiting and drying times, no time-consuming cleaning of working materials, and also ensures an effective and long-lasting waterproofing that protects your bathroom from moisture damage and mold growth. With this system, you can be sure that your bathroom will be well protected - without compromising on the speed of installation.
Installation DURABASE WARPSEAL
The application of DURABASE WS is as simple as can be: start with the corners and then insert the waterproofing membrane. Fix it in place, peel off the protective film and press firmly. You can then install your tiles directly on the waterproofing membrane - and you're done!
The self-adhesive waterproofing has made you curious and you want to learn more about our new product? Then you will certainly like our article "DURABASE WarpSeal - efficient & time-saving waterproofing solution"