Bathroom waterproofing can protect your home from an overabundance of moisture. It can seem like a challenge since water is essential to the function of your bathroom. However, there are several easy ways to protect against water damage. Not everyone knows them, but we’ll look at some of the best-kept secrets to increasing the longevity of tubs, floors, and even your bathroom plumbing.
Why Bathroom Waterproofing Matters
The bathroom is one of the most frequently used rooms. A lot of water is also used here. A lack of waterproofing can lead to mold growth, health hazards, and structural damage. Bathroom leaks are all too common. Did you know there were ways to stop water from penetrating walls and floors, seeping through tiles and grout, and causing thousands of dollars in damage?
Let’s see how you can prevent mold from flourishing and water from causing wood rot and damage to walls, floors, and building materials.
Key Areas to Waterproof in Your Bathroom
Before you begin your bathroom waterproofing project, you need to know which areas to work on:
- Floors: An untreated bathroom floor can expand, warp, or shift if exposed to persistent dampness. Waterproofing doesn’t only apply to the shower floor. The entire floor surface should be treated for long-term protection.
- Walls: Bathroom and shower walls should be protected by membranes to prevent cracks and other damage, as moisture from hot showers, hand washing, etc. can condense anywhere in the room.
- Tub: Waterproofing can avoid needing bathtub replacement for years. To be effective, caulk or another sealant must be applied to all edges where the tub meets the wall or floor. Also, make sure the tub flange, tub spout, and all corners and seams are sealed properly.
- Shower: Anywhere a shower or bathtub surround meets flooring, walls, or windows should be sealed. The inner corners of a shower should also be sealed, including the tiniest of cracks. Shower valves and the shower head arm should be sealed as well.
- Toilet: Make sure the toilet (or your bidet) is level and securely attached to the floor to prevent leaks. A loose toilet should be tightened with screws; wood or plastic can be used to level the floor if it’s uneven. And, here’s a secret tip: Do not apply caulk around the base. It can hide a leak, which can then damage and rot out the flooring.
- Sink: The seam between the splash guard and walls around the sink is highly prone to water intrusion. Sealing it can prevent damage to the wall. Also, check for moisture below near the P-trap and supply lines and call a plumber to repair any leaks.
Secret Tips for Effective Waterproofing
Let’s be honest. A bathroom waterproofing project isn’t exactly how you want to spend your weekend. But with these secret tips, the right waterproofing method can prevent bathroom mold and water damage:
Choose Waterproof Materials
Stone, ceramic, and metal are waterproof materials you’d use in the bathroom and not as much in other parts of your home. Tub or shower tiling and surrounds should be protected with a waterproof backer board. While wood is not recommended for moisture-prone areas, plastic, ceramic, or porcelain are great materials to use for a bathroom remodel.
Clean Surfaces Before Waterproofing Them
Clean each work surface before applying any sealer or coating. You also want to ensure the surface is smooth. To remove loose grains and other materials, use a grinding stone, which works much faster than sandpaper.
Once the surface is smooth, take a water-soaked sponge to wipe down the walls. This prevents dust and debris from causing waterproofing material to come loose and peel off. Also, vacuum the floor as thoroughly as possible, especially in tight corners.
Install Waterproofing Membranes
These waterproof sheets can be purchased online and in hardware stores. They create an effective barrier between water and the underlying surface. Liquid membranes are even easier to apply (with a paint roller) and are effective at preventing cracked walls. They can be applied to floors too.
A waterproof membrane can also be installed in a shower, but a shower pad, cement backer board, or shower pan liner are also shower waterproofing options. For bathtubs, use waterproof paint instead, following these steps:
- Thoroughly clean the tub and let it dry.
- Apply the primer to all tub surfaces.
- Cover the edges and corners with tape.
- Apply the paint to the entire surface, using the recommended number of coatings.
Use Masking Tape When Applying Waterproof Paint
Apply masking tape around all edges before applying the paint or coating. It enables you to have more precise and straight edges, avoiding uneven spots, wavy lines, or other imperfections. Therefore, your DIY project can look professional. Also, remember to finish it off with high-gloss paint, which resists condensation and splashing (eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss paints are best).
Apply the Right Grout Sealer
Before applying the sealer, scrub the grout clean with a toothbrush. Dipping it in soapy water or a vinegar mix helps remove stains. Once dry, the grout can be treated with a penetrating sealer, which is absorbed into the porous grout; latex and silicone particles fill the gaps to keep moisture out. Membrane-forming sealers coat the grout surface to prevent water permeation; they’re good for use in kitchens but not bathrooms.
When applying a grout sealer:
- Choose the Best Applicator: A sponge is best for thin grout lines and unsealed tiles, while an applicator brush or applicator bottle with a rolling wheel is best for glazed tiles.
- Apply the Sealer Slowly: The grout should be covered evenly and let set for 10 minutes. Wipe off excess sealer with a dry cloth to prevent a foggy film on the tile.
- Apply a Second Coat: Wait an hour and apply the second coat of sealer. To protect the grout, you’ll usually need one to three coats.
- Test the Sealer: After the second coat is dry, apply a few drops of water. Droplets should form; otherwise, you’ll need a third coat.
- Let the Sealer Cure: Depending on the grout sealer, it may need 24 to 48 hours to dry. Letting it cure properly makes the grout easier to clean.
Use Water-Resistant Tile
The waterproofness and durability of ceramic and porcelain tiles are not secrets. However, not everyone is aware these tiles are as great for your entire bathroom wall as they are for shower or bathtub surrounds. Properly installed tile provides an impervious moisture barrier. You can also use water-resistant vinyl, laminate, and even engineered hardwood.
Don’t Forget the Floor
Waterproofing your entire bathroom is the best way to protect it from water damage. The shower floor, and your bathroom floor in general, eventually gets wet because water always travels down. Here are some valuable secret bathroom waterproofing tips for the floor:
- Use an Appropriate Primer: The primer must be specified for the type of floor. Begin applying it in a far corner and work around the edges, up to half a foot up the walls and up to six feet up the shower wall. Work from the back of the room up to the door.
- Silicone Sealant: Use a caulking gun to apply sealing to the seams between the floor and wall. Also, seal any cracks in the floor.
- Waterproofing Chemicals: Waterproofing chemicals are best used with ceramic or porcelain to help block water penetration. They are not suited for wood-based materials.
- Seal All Baseboards: Baseboards, which fill the space between the floor and walls, should fit securely and be caulked at the top and bottom. The most water-resistant materials include synthetic PVC moldings and flexible thermoplastic vinyl, but if you have ceramic tile trim moldings, they can be waterproof if well-caulked.
Install an Exhaust Fan
It won’t prevent bathroom leaks, but an exhaust fan can remove ample amounts of moisture. Building codes require bathroom fans to remove 20 cubic feet of moisture per minute continuously and 50 cubic feet per minute intermittently. Some fans use infrared light to evaporate moisture more quickly.
Improve Access to Plumbing
Aside from proper installation, easy access to plumbing can help make your bathroom more waterproof. A service panel should be built into the wall. Such an opening is a safe entry point for water supply lines and an easy way for a plumber to monitor and repair them. The ease of service can limit water damage in an emergency and help a contractor work more efficiently, which can increase the life of your plumbing system.
DIY vs. Professional Waterproofing
A simple bathroom waterproofing job can be done affordably as a DIY project. It’s not difficult to apply caulk or a sealant. However, more extensive work, bathroom renovations, and necessary plumbing repairs should be handled by a professional. They are trained in all aspects of waterproofing and where to apply it. Also, hire a contractor if there’s significant water damage, local building codes require professional work, or a professional waterproofing service comes with a warranty.
FAQs
How Do I Know My Bathroom Needs to Be Waterproofed?
The following signs indicate your bathroom needs to be waterproofed, or existing waterproofing must be improved:
- Damp ceilings and walls
- Cracking, blistering, or peeling paint
- Peeling or cracking wallpaper
- Water leaks under doors
- Mold on bathroom surfaces
- Cracked walls
- Stains or rust on walls
- Damage to tile and grout
- Loose floor coverings
How Long Does Waterproofing Last?
Waterproofing membranes can last 10 years or longer. Higher-quality products and materials tend to last longer. Promptly repairing leaks or cracks, ensuring proper drainage, and performing routine maintenance can increase the life of bathroom waterproofing.
What Are the Pros and Cons of DIY Bathroom Waterproofing?
A DIY project can save you money. While you’ll pay for materials, you avoid labor costs so can budget for higher-quality options. It’s also easier to customize the project with the materials, colors, and patterns of your choice and measure all items to fit.
However, DIY bathroom waterproofing can be time-consuming, especially if you have little experience. It also requires a lot of effort. Without the right knowledge or tools, you could make mistakes or cause damage, and the results may not look professional. Any errors can require starting over again and your home insurance policy is unlikely to cover any mistakes or damage. Therefore, hiring a contractor in the first place may be worthwhile.
Contact Express Plumbing
Our technicians can help with bathroom waterproofing, especially during installation or if you need plumbing repairs. The expertise of our contractors and management team ensures we deliver high-quality customer service. If your project requires extensive work, financing plans are available, and we also offer protection plans to members of our Express VIP Club. Call (208) 203-7360 to schedule plumbing repairs or improvements in Boise and throughout our service area.
