Head of marketing for Schluter-Systems David Naylor says waterproofing the structure of the bathroom is crucial for each and every project

From sturdy Victorian and elegant Edwardian properties through to contemporary concrete and glass apartment blocks in some of our most sought-after postcodes, the UK’s residential property market does not lack substance or style.

Yet sadly a very high proportion of the buildings fail the resilience test in one of the most crucial areas of performance.  And that is with regard to waterproofing.

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Lack of waterproofing

The problems do not relate to their roof-coverings or the damp proof course included within the wall and floor construction, but rather the manner in which the properties’ bathrooms or wetrooms are protected against water and condensation getting through the tiled surfaces, and into the actual fabric of the building.

Alarmingly, we estimate that just 5^% of typical homes and possibly no more than 10^% of high-end residential and commercial properties – such as hotels– actually feature genuine waterproofing within their bathrooms and wetrooms.

This dire situation is undoubtedly in part down to specifiers shortsightedly attempting to save time and money on their projects, but there also remains a lamentable lack of basic knowledge and training across the industry regarding the benefits of incorporating waterproofing systems.

Bathrooms need protection

As any bathroom design can testify, not only will a project involve half a dozen or more different tradespeople, but the cost for even a modest design starts at £5K and can quickly soar if luxury materials and hydrotherapy jetted baths or steam rooms are included.

Unfortunately, no matter how high the budget, the enjoyment can be short lived.

For a bathroom to offer a long lifespan, it is important the installation is well protected against moisture ingress: for water can exist in both liquid and vapour form.

And therefore, all types of bathroom, from a small en-suite shower room to a luxury wetroom, must be robustly waterproofed to avoid problems of mould growth or persistent seepage damaging structural timbers, and even masonry.

The importance of such measures is underlined by NHBC effectively banning MgO boards in bathroom settings and issuing its updated Technical Guidance 9.2/06.

It is also a common misconception that tiling adhesive and grout are waterproof when in fact they are merely water resistant.

Like MR grade plasterboard and OSB, they will dry out and recover if they get soaked, but the moisture can penetrate deep beyond the tiling.

Meanwhile the junction between the wall and bath or shower tray remains vulnerable, where the breakdown of the seal is a common cause of ingress.

Specify waterpoofing

By choosing correctly specified and installed waterproofing systems, it is possible to ensure moisture cannot cause initially unseen damage beneath the surface.

So, no matter the cost or quality of the tile or stone finishes, it is crucial to incorporate a robust waterproofing membrane.

And for tiled floors it is also advisable this serves as a uncoupling layer, to alleviate stress cracks and other damage.

There is inevitably additional cost to taking this pragmatic approach to bathroom design, but there are genuine added benefits to the end customer as well as increased revenue for the bathroom retailer.

In fact, designers have numerous compelling reasons to include waterproof products within their sales to installers and their customers.

Incorporating these failsafe solutions significantly reduces potential future leaks and call-backs by protecting the fabric of the building and its structure.

Additionally, the earlier in the design process this is addressed, the more likely it is a successful solution will be achieved, ensuring the end user enjoys the full amenity of their chosen design.

Schluter-Systems has recently expanded its showroom with training facility at its headquarters in Coalville, Leicestershire.