Bathroom waterproofing: Facts and tips

Bathrooms are areas that constantly get wet. Because of this, you need to put preventive measures in place to eliminate or minimise the chances of structural damage due to water leaks, dampness, and condensation. A common solution to this issue is bathroom waterproofing.

Bathroom waterproofing regulations

The Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards (AS 3740-1994) has prescribed certain requirements:

• The entire shower floor must be waterproofed.
• Bathroom floors must be waterproofed if they are made from timber, plywood, or particleboard. Waterproofing bathroom floors is also required if they are above the ground floor of the house.
• Shower walls need to be waterproofed up to at least 150mm.
• The vertical angle between two shower walls must be waterproofed up to at least 1800mm.

Who can waterproof your bathroom?

Different Australian states and territories have varying requirements for waterproofing specialists. In NSW and Qld, waterproofers need to be licensed; other states require waterproofers to present a statement of compliance upon finishing the job — this indicates whether they have complied with Australian Standards.

Apart from tradies who are exclusively specialising in waterproofing, you can also hire plumbers for a bathroom waterproofing job. Plumbers are also typically qualified to waterproof, so if you have plumbing repairs to be done as well, you might want to consider engaging the services of a plumber with a waterproofer licence.

Bathroom waterproofing tips

It’s best to carry out waterproofing in stages since waterproofing may need to be done before laying the floors and walls and/or after everything has been finished. Because of this, you need to make sure that your building contractors and other tradespeople involved in your project are well-coordinated.

You may also need to wait until the next day before you can use your bathroom. It takes time for waterproofing products to dry; waterproofing should be fully cured so as to ensure a proper seal.

Now, the next step is finding the right tradie for your job—have a look at ServiceSeeking.com.au’s list of the best waterproofing services in Australia.