Bathroom Waterproofing Membranes

Around 70% of Disputes At NCAT Deal With Failed Waterproofing

WHAT IS NCAT?

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) is an independent body that resolves disputes and issues enforceable orders. The resolution of disputes may involve a range of processes such as mediation, conciliation, case conferences or hearings. Decisions made by NCAT must be followed and are enforceable.

WHAT IS WATERPROOFING IN BATHROOMS AND WET AREAS?

Contrary to popular belief, your wall and floor tiles in your bathroom and ensuite are not waterproofing. Essentially waterproofing is a barrier than prevents water from travelling beyond a defined wet room’s walls and floors.

A membrane is applied or installed [depending on the product/s used] to clean and dry floors and walls in the bathroom before the tiling is laid as there are different options for waterproofing. This membrane prevents moisture from escaping the room which can cause unwanted and further structural damage to the home if not contained. Essentially your waterproofing membrane is the heart and soul of your bathroom and wet areas and there is no easy fix when a waterproofing membrane fails, it means a whole new bathroom renovation.

Waterproofing must be installed to meet the NCC and comply with Australian Standards AS3740-2010 Waterproofing of wet areas in residential buildings.

Signs Your Bathroom Waterproofing Membrane Has Failed Or Has Not Been Renovated Properly

These are the common and tell-tale signs of a failed waterproofing membrane:

Water leaks that flow out from the hob of the shower
Water marks on walls
Signs of moisture and/or water damage to adjacent rooms or structures
Smell of timber rotting
Black mould growing on bathroom gyprock walls
Ongoing water seepage through the grout
The sound of water squelching when stepping on bathroom tiles
In two storey properties internal cracking suggesting weight deflections and possible structural damage to beams and timber flooring beneath the tiled floor
Evidence of “mudding” indicating termite activity. Mudding are small, tunnel-like structures that are made by subterranean termites. They're irregular in shape and made from wood matter, dirt, faeces and saliva.

What Can Compromise a Bathroom Waterproofing Installation?

A waterproof membrane can be compromised if:

Product instructions are not diligently followed i.e. -
1. some membranes must be allowed to cure for around 5 days prior to tiles being laid, as detailed by the product manufacturer
2. some membranes require a double or triple application as opposed to one single and “thicker” application.
The correct sequence of the installation hasn’t been followed
Careless or oversized punctures from holes driven into the walls for either fixture installation or shower enclosure
Incorrect or poor quality product installed