Bathrooms or shower rooms are the areas most constantly exposed to moisture, aside from the laundry area. That is why it is important that bathrooms and shower cubicles in NZ homes are appropriately waterproofed to decrease the risk of structural damage due to moisture buildup, water leaks, or condensation.
When renovating your bathroom, you may probably end up choosing paint, wallpaper, or tiles placed directly onto plasterboard or plastered brickwork. As for the floors, these surfaces are often covered in vinyl or tiles. These materials are cost-efficient at first glance. Unfortunately, with all the water that flows in and out of a bathroom, these exteriors may not provide the protection you need, leading to further problems down the line.
At some point in your life, you may encounter or have already encountered the horror of water dripping from your ceiling. The culprit? Your bathroom, and it is a pure disaster. To help prevent the unthinkable from happening, why not waterproof your shower room? Below, we will discuss five good reasons to do so:
1. Prevents leakage
According to science, water will always occupy space and it is the easiest and quickest substance to go down. If there are gaps and cracks within your shower room, you will inevitably encounter water drippings.
That’s not all, you will also be encountering damp walls and paint deterioration. With a correct waterproofing system, your bathroom will be provided with a fully watertight seal beneath floors and walls that will prevent horrors from happening.
2. Prevents mould build-up
Although you can see what is happening on the exteriors of your walls and floor, how about the areas underneath? Given that you will be renovating your bathroom, you will — no matter what — be pulling away tiles that reveal damp, rotten looking wood, brick, or plaster.
This is because of the constant excess water getting through the top layer and penetrating the material. By adding a waterproof barrier between these surfaces, you can surely prevent the build-up of dampness and the occurrence of moulds.
3. Provides extra insulation
Not only will waterproofing prevent leaks and formation of moulds, but it would also provide additional insulation. If external walls form part of your bathroom, you will know how cold those walls can feel to the touch, especially during the cold months if you live in a four-season country like New Zealand or Australia. Therefore, like other rooms in your home, your bathroom requires an insulation system as well.
This, in turn, costs you more money in the long run. Waterproof boarding will help to keep the warmth enclosed, which can lower your energy bills.
4. Gives you greater bathroom options
Who says you can’t add design to waterproof boards? Well, waterproof systems are dynamic. They may not provide aesthetics, but you can always add designer touches. You can also choose to turn your bathroom into a wet room and do away with the shower tray to leave a highly contemporary open plan shower. Now, wouldn’t that make your bathroom appear more lavish and interesting?
5. Increase your property value
Lastly, if circumstances call, there are points in life where we have to let go of something for a better option. A fully waterproof and well-designed bathroom shows that effort and expertise have been poured out, and this can be a good tool for attracting buyers. Most importantly, it adds monetary value to your property.
Waterproofing goes a long way in preserving the appearance and improving the durability of your bathroom. If you want to explore different options, it’s best to consult a professional.
