If you’re thinking about renovating your bathroom or installing a wet room, you’ll want to waterproof the walls, the floor and the ceiling.
Bathrooms are constantly subjected to high levels of moisture and humidity, and so ensuring they are completely waterproofed will not only improve your aesthetic, but also stop your house from falling victim to damp, mould and building structure damage.
This might sound like an expensive job, but here’s how you can achieve this on a budget:
Waterproofing your walls
The best place to start is your bathroom walls and there are a few options for decorating: paint, tiles or PVC panels.
Paint
Specialist bathroom paint, which claims to be completely waterproof, is available from most DIY retailers. But is paint ever really waterproof? While the paint may contain chemicals to protect it from things such as mould and mildew, the high humidity in a bathroom can be marked by things such as the mineral deposits left behind after water evaporates.
If your walls are not thoroughly prepped and primed before painting, its longevity will be significantly reduced.
Tiles
The next choice is tiles. As well as the cost associated with professional installation, tiles alone can be quite expensive.
While tiles may seem like the ‘go to’ choice when waterproofing your bathroom, they’re not as water resistant as you may think. For example, natural stone tiles and ceramic tiles which haven’t been glazed are extremely porous. This means that they actively absorb water, leading to their deterioration.
The grout securing your tiles is also a hub for creating mould. The crevices in between the tiles allow water to collect, and in a humid and warm environment, bacteria will thrive. This will double your cleaning time in the bathroom, and could even require professional cleaning if left for too long.
Waterproof shower panels
The final choice for waterproofing your walls is wet wall shower panels. Made entirely from PVC, shower panels are completely watertight. Moisture that lands on the panels can simply be wiped away.
Installed using a simple tongue and groove fitting means that with PVC panels, there is no grout to attract mould or mildew, removing the need to hire a professional.
And with a range of styles and colours of these available, you’re sure to find something within your price range to give your bathroom some pizzazz.
Ceiling cladding
In protecting your bathroom, the ceiling is just as important as the walls and the choices to waterproof are the same.
While paint and tiles can never be completely waterproof, ceiling cladding is – and can ensure that the levels of condensation in your bathroom remain minimal. This means your cleaning regime is quick and easy.
Ceiling cladding is also perfect for covering up imperfections on your ceiling, whereas paint and tiles can only magnify things such as cracks or uneven surfaces.
Waterproof bathroom flooring
The most important part of waterproofing your bathroom is tackling the flooring. If this isn’t carried out properly, you could experience leaks, which will lead to structural damage to your home if not tackled quickly.
Your options for waterproof bathroom flooring are either tiles or panels. Unless you have underfloor heating, you’ll find that stepping out of the shower and onto tiles isn’t a pleasant experience.
Waterproof bathroom flooring panels, however, retain a huge amount of heat, thanks to their insulating properties. That means that you can keep your bathroom warm, without running up your heating bills.
Available in a range of colours and styles, you’re sure to find the right flooring panels for your bathroom design.
When it comes to waterproofing your bathroom on a budget, it’s clear that every option has its pros and cons. However, for the most budget-friendly option which will look tip-top for years to come, consider bathroom cladding next time you’re looking at tiles!