Waterproofing is one of the important things that has to be checked before moving into a new property as it reduces the health risks posed by molds and termites. Waterproofing prevents the moisture from passing into the other areas of the house and is needed in places that have water outlets. There are regulations provided by the Australian Government for waterproofing wet areas of bathrooms.
There are ways to check if the bathroom has been waterproofed without any technical knowledge or tools as given below:
Bathroom tiles
Though bathroom tiles are not waterproof, they are installed in such a way that it allows the water to travel down to the drain. Check the tiles in the bathroom including the ones near the bathtub, basin and standing area. If there are any signs of damage, the tiles have to be replaced.
Grout
Grouts can lead to leaks in case of even the slightest damage. Inspect the grout closer to see if it is moldy or crumbly. The material has to be soft and powdery rather than hard. The grout has to be topped up or replaced entirely depending on the current condition.
Shower wall and floor junctions
The major cause of leaks in the bathroom is the building movement. Silicone is used to withstand the building movement where the shower wall and floor meet. Replace any worn-out or moldy silicone.
Shower fixtures
The holes between the tap head studs and shower drain have to be sealed with silicone to prevent water from breaching the surface. To check if the showerhead fixtures are sealed, disassemble them. Seal the fixtures with silicone if it’s not already been sealed or worn out.
Poor workmanship is the major cause of waterproofing failures. In NSW, only licensed tradesperson are permitted to do waterproofing if it’s valued at $5000 or more including labor and materials. Saba Seal has a team of licensed and insured waterproofing professionals. Contact us to get a free quote for sealing your bathroom.
