Every house needs waterproofing for the bathroom. It is important to ensure that your bathroom is watertight. Homeowners usually will think that waterproofing membrane will last forever. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
There are 5 types of bathrooms waterproofing you may also explore when deciding on the best waterproofing method.
Water can seep through the smallest cracks and joints in your bathroom. It will lead to deterioration and tile cracks or structural damage to the building. An additional reason you would like to know why it leaks would be through our bathroom blog which we have discuss on the reasons to a leaking bathroom. Waterproofing helps to prevent water from seeping into the structural timber or substrates through corners and gaps.
The cracks and dampness inside the shower floor and walls promote mold growth. Over time, this will result in an unhealthy surrounding for family members.
There are various types of waterproofing in the market. Not all waterproofing is ideal for all-purpose. Which waterproofing is the best waterproofing for bathroom? Here are some common types of bathrooms waterproofing options.
Cementitious waterproofing
Cementitious waterproofing is the most traditional method used in waterproofing, commonly used during the construction process of building. It has a good affinity to concrete and masonry substrates due to their strong bonding strength. This coating protects from the effects of aggressive acid, chlorides, and chemical attacks from the floor washing solution we commonly use in our daily washing lifestyle.
The cementitious membrane consists of sand, cement, and liquid or latex. It does not need heavy-duty machinery to do the application, the mixture is environmentally friendly. It can be long-lasting and has a proven record of its usage over the past years. It is suitable for all kinds of water pressure and has a good elasticity level.
Cementitious waterproofing is applied to the raw cement before laying the tiles. The curing time for the application to dry is approximately 24-48 hours. Sometimes several waterproofing coats are required to ensure good and effective waterproofing for a long time.
The disadvantage of the cementitious product is that they are non-stretchable and unable to withstand any degree of movement in the structure, which will result in cracks. Since this is used in internal wet areas like toilets and bathrooms, it is not exposed to sunlight and weathering. Thus, the expansion and contraction process will not take place.
Liquid waterproofing Membrane
A liquid membrane is an acrylic-based solution that bonds well with bathroom walls and floors. The membrane has a low permeability that prevents water leakage. It is compatible with various surfaces like masonry, concrete, and many others, it can repel water vapor and steam. A liquid membrane is easy to apply on the surface, you can either use a roller, paintbrush, trowel, or a sprayer. Its recurring time is fast with good ventilation of the bathroom after applying.
However, the application requires technical skills such as the thickness of the membrane and the number of coatings to achieve the most durable waterproofing solution. They are commonly used in showers area, swimming pools, and other wet areas against water damage.
The liquid membrane can be mixed with more than one substance to increase its strength and durability. The membrane is composed of various waterproofing elements such as silicone, polyurethane, resins, cement, and acrylic polymers. The durability of liquid waterproofing depends on the type of polymer used. Polyurethane liquid membranes are also used for waterproofing.
Polyurethane (PU) waterproofing membranes prevent the formation of cracks on the surface of the concrete. It is a stretchable and flexible membrane, which increases the lifespan of the concrete structure as well. This membrane is easy to apply, it prevents rusting of reinforcement, seepage from the ceiling and walls, and dampness inside the building structure.
SWC construction is a waterproofing specialist based in Singapore with more than 20years of experience. We know which waterproofing is the best for bathroom, we do not advocate only on the best but our dedicated specialist will explain to you the waterproofing method you could employ. We provide the best waterproofing solution to homeowners. Contact us for a free consultation to know more about our waterproofing service.