Indice
Bathroom leaks? Effective waterproofing solutions for lasting repair
Water leaks in bathrooms: causes, effects and how to solve them?
It is, sometimes, only when the neighbour downstairs complains about moisture spots in their ceilings, that we realise that water is leaking from our bathroom. At that point, we begin to investigate the causes of the damages, and to assess how serious the situation is. Identifying the cause of infiltration is the first thing to do to find the best solution to repair the water leaks problem once and for all. Even more importantly, this kind of work must be done as soon as possible, to avoid that deterioration affects the structure of the building.
Understanding the causes and impact of bathroom water leaks
One of the main causes of water infiltration is ineffective waterproofing, due to reasons such as unsuitability or aging of products used. Other causes may be leaks coming from the water system, or water accumulation, which may be caused by infiltrations that start from roofs or terraces, and extend do the rest of the structure. Water is one of the most devastating elements of building structures, it “travels” everywhere and never “sleeps”.
The problems of water infiltration can be solved with the right solution. Even better, water leaks can be prevented during the design of any building. As with any other aspect of the construction, planning the waterproofing system is an important phase. May aspects must be taken into account, such as climate conditions according to the building location. The aspects to be considered in a seaside location, are certainly different from those of city buildings, or mountain structures.
WINGRIP BITUMINOSO: the solution for effective bathroom waterproofing
Water seepage problems can be solved and, more importantly, prevented as early as building design. As with any other aspect of construction, designing waterproofing is a necessary practice. This is also due to the fact that environmental conditions are very often different from each other, and the care that needs to be taken in, for example, a seaside location is certainly different from that needed in large cities, or in a mountainous environment. As a principle, the quality ofwaterproofing (and of course the choice of installations that are themselves of quality) is already an effective first barrier to infiltration. And the same is also true for avoiding the equally damaging rising damp, which can be counteracted with appropriate chemical barriers, capable of blocking capillary rising water, which is possible especially where building is done near aquifers, but also where rainwater drainage is not perfect.
In any case, renovation interventions are very often caused by precisely these problems, but to the rescue of operators, the market today offers solutions that can facilitate workmanlike interventions, real “systems” that transform normal applications into definitive solutions, to the benefit of the client. Moreover, the bathroom, along with the kitchen, is the place in the house where water vapor is most often generated, which settles on tiles and joints, in turn generating critical issues. Both in the case of new construction and in renovation, the waterproofing product – which for people’s health should not be solvent-based, but water-based formulated, using bitumen and polymers of the highest quality – should be chosen according to the above-mentioned environmental parameters and the type of indoor environment. In addition, in view of the constant action of water, which is always looking for outlets, an essential feature of a waterproofing intervention is that of the most absolute continuity, whether working on floors or walls. In these types of interventions, attention to detail always makes the difference.
Advanced waterproofing solutions: BOND CEMENT by Winkler
To protect wall-floor connections under tile, there are adhesive bands on the market consisting of a butyl mastic (in the lower part), while the upper part is made of “nonwoven fabric” that facilitates the deformation of the product and allows for a particularly adherent installation. This is a material that perfectly accommodates glue for tiles or other coverings. The principle is exactly that, for example, of waterproofing flat roofs, where every single millimeter of the surface must be protected.
Water leaks in bathrooms: causes, effects and how to solve them?
Strength, elasticity, and perfect adhesion are the three basic principles of good waterproofing, but modern production technologies offer much more. In fact, some products are also perfect points of adhesion for laying finishes, so no more glues or primers, or reinforcement, are needed to lay tiles or other coatings, horizontally and even vertically. These are particularly innovative, ready-to-use products that guarantee maximum performance and, at the same time, simplify and speed up laying. They are cement-based, or bitumen-polymer-based solutions with virtually zero environmental impact that are finding increasing positive feedback from renovation professionals and skilled tradesmen.
FAQ
What is the most effective method for waterproofing beneath tiles during a bathroom refurbishment?
The most effective solution is to apply a liquid waterproofing membrane directly onto the screed before the tiles are laid. Products like WINGRIP BITUMINOSO are ideal as they are ready-to-use, require no primer, and create a continuous, protective layer onto which tiles can be directly bonded.
Apart from the floor, what are the most critical areas to protect in a bathroom to prevent water ingress?
The most vulnerable points are the junctions between the floor and walls. For these critical areas, it is recommended to use specific self-adhesive sealing tapes, like BC SEAL BAND, before applying the liquid membrane. It is also essential to waterproof any walls exposed to water, such as those within a shower enclosure.
Are there any solutions that simplify the work, for instance by combining waterproofing and tile fixing into one step?
Yes, modern technology offers innovative ‘two-in-one’ solutions. Products like BOND CEMENT are flexible cementitious waterproofers that also function as a tile adhesive. This allows you to waterproof and fix the tiles in a single phase, significantly simplifying and speeding up the installation with no need for a separate adhesive.
