Bathrooms may come in different layouts and styles, but they have one thing in common: water. Water is an inescapable element in any bathroom. With that, its presence raises an essential question for homeowners and renovators: Is fully waterproofing your bathroom a good idea, or is it sufficient to focus on the shower area?
Understanding the nuances of this decision is crucial, not just for maintaining the aesthetics of your bathroom but also for ensuring its long-term functionality and safety. In this guide, we will explore the importance of bathroom waterproofing to help you decide which is the best choice.
Why Should You Waterproof the Entire Bathroom?
Comprehensive Protection: Water may get everywhere, especially in a bathroom where water is essential for cleaning yourself up. Waterproofing the entire bathroom protects the area against potential leaks and moisture damage, not just where you expect the water to be.
Long-Term Investment: The initial waterproofing bathroom cost for the entire area may be higher. However, doing so protects the bathroom from structural damage, mould, and other moisture-related issues. Remember, if these problems are present in this area of your house, you will need to pay higher fees to fix them. Worse, you may need to rebuild or renovate your bathroom, costing you more money.
Resale Value: Not all homeowners wish to stay in the property forever. Some may sell them in the future. And if you’re one of these investors, a fully waterproof bathroom can be a selling point. It shows the potential buyers that you’ve taken extra steps for property care.
But What Benefits Can You Get When You Waterproof Just the Shower Recess?
Concentration of Water: The shower is evidently the most water-intensive area in a bathroom. That is why it is essential to waterproof the shower recess even when you don’t decide to waterproof the entire bathroom. This way, you are addressing the most immediate and apparent risk of water exposure.
Cost-Effectiveness: If you’re worried about the cost of waterproofing the bathroom, you may focus on waterproofing the shower recess first. It allows you to protect the most critical area of the room without the expense of a fully waterproofed bathroom project.
Targeted Solution: Although this is also one of the benefits of waterproofing your entire bathroom, waterproofing the shower area allows for targeted solutions that cater specifically to the needs of this space. When you waterproof your shower recess, the contractor will make sure that they use waterproof membranes and sealants designed for high water flow areas.
Why Should You Prioritise Certain Areas?
As a homeowner, you must understand the flow and impact of water in a bathroom to know which areas you should prioritise when waterproofing. Here are a few factors to consider to help you with that:
- Usage Patterns: Think about how the bathroom is used. Is it a high-traffic family bathroom or a less frequently used guest bathroom?
- Bathroom Layout: Assess the design of your bathroom, as it will dictate which areas need waterproofing because of intense water exposure.
- Quality of Materials: Check the bathroom’s quality of materials. Remember, some materials are more resistant to water damage than others. That is why you need to consider the existing materials in your bathroom when deciding on your waterproofing strategy.
Australian Standards and Building Codes in Waterproofing Your Bathroom
One of the most important factors you need to consider before deciding which parts of your bathroom you should waterproof is the building code and rules. Bear in mind that these regulations aren’t just guidelines but are mandatory.
The Australian government imposes these rules to ensure the safety, durability, and functionality of residential and commercial spaces.
Understanding the AS 3740-2010
The Australian Standards for waterproofing the bathroom AS 3740-2010, ‘Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas,’ lays down the minimum requirements for waterproofing residential bathrooms. This standard is crucial for homeowners, builders, and renovators to understand and adhere to.
Here are its key highlights:
Waterproofing Requirements: The standard mandates that all new bathrooms in Australia must have a waterproof membrane applied to the floor and at least 150mm up the walls. In the shower area, this requirement extends to at least 1800mm up from the shower floor.
Materials and Practices: It specifies the types of materials you should use for waterproofing and the practices you must follow to ensure effective and lasting results.
Inspections and Compliance: Compliance with AS 3740-2010 is often required for building certification and inspections. Non-compliance can lead to issues with insurance claims in the event of water damage.
Why Compliance Matters
Complying with the waterproofing bathroom Australian standards helps you avoid water damage, as the regulations are made to help property owners protect the residence or commercial space from the unfortunate effects of water exposure.
Moreover, property owners can claim insurance for water damage, depending on the state. But you won’t be granted one if you don’t follow the standards set. Also, non-compliance with the Australian Standards and Building Code can lead to legal issues, and you wouldn’t want to deal with that, right?
What to Do?
Aside from taking into consideration all the things mentioned in this article, remember these tips for bathroom waterproofing:
Hire Professionals
As much as possible, don’t do the waterproofing project yourself. Sure, it may cost you less, but there will be consequences in the long run. You may have to pay more fees if your bathroom gets damaged.
Hire professionals who know about the Australian Standard AS 3740-2010 and other applicable regulations to ensure that the waterproofing work complies with the government’s regulations. With that, make sure to check their quality of work by asking relevant questions and reading reviews on their website or social media platforms.
Use High-Quality Materials
Waterproofing will last longer if you use high-quality, industry-compliant materials. So, don’t just depend on the first thing you see on the market when purchasing these materials.
This is another reason you need to hire a professional. These experts know which materials will best suit your bathroom’s current situation, whether you are waterproofing a bathroom wall, subfloor, or the entire room.
Regular Inspections
After the waterproofing project, don’t forget to inspect your bathroom regularly. Consult a waterproofing contractor for maintenance and to ensure that you have addressed potential issues immediately.
Hire Superior Waterproofing Today!
Whether you finally decide on waterproofing the bathroom completely or just the shower recess, our team at Superior Waterproofing has your back! We guarantee you that aside from ensuring high-quality results, our services also align with Australia’s waterproofing standards.
Feel free to call us at +61468760750 or email info@superiorwaterproofing.com.au for more information.