How to Make a Bathroom More Water-Resistant
Making a bathroom water-resistant is vitally important, as too much trapped humidity and steam in that space can lead to mould, mildew, water leaks, and other costly damage. This can be especially true for an upstairs bathroom, as a water leak upstairs might lead to damage to the lower floor's ceiling and other building materials. If you're doing any renovations in your home, or just want to add more protection against water damage to your home, note a few tips for adding waterproofing to the space.
Vents
Even if the bathroom has a window or a small ventilation fan, you might install one or two heavy-duty ventilation fans as well. A stronger ventilation fan in the room will pull even thick steam away from the space so that it doesn't have time to settle onto the walls and floors and cause potential water damage.
Floors and shower tile
Grout and most tiles will need consistent sealing, even if they appear to be in good condition. Grout can soften over the years, or become hard and brittle, and pull away from the floor and walls, allowing water to seep through. Tile can also soften or suffer tiny cracks, so that it may then allow water to get onto the floorboards or wall studs under it. Examine your home's bathroom for damaged grout and ensure you have tiled surfaces sealed as often as recommended by your installer for an added layer of protection against water damage.
Walls and ceiling
Be sure your bathroom is painted with waterproof paint that is meant for bathrooms or wet rooms in particular. Repaint as often as needed, and especially if you notice the paint getting thin in certain spots or the colour starting to fade.
Waterproofing
If you're doing any renovating to your home's bathroom, consider adding waterproofing behind the walls and under the floors. This refers to a membrane that is put over the floorboards and wall studs, underneath the tiles and drywall. This membrane can be rolled into place, like a thick type of paint or epoxy, or it may be actual sheets of a thick, waterproof material which are cut to fit and attached to the framework of the room. This membrane produces a watertight area that doesn't allow water to seep through and get absorbed by the wood of the framing under it. If you're not sure of how to apply this waterproofing in a bathroom, have a professional manage this job for you, as this application can be the best way to protect your home from potential water damage.
For more information, contact a business such as Westside Sealants Pty Ltd.