Is Liquid Waterproofing Right for Your Tiled Bathroom?

Many waterproofing options, such as membranes and liquid waterproofing, exist for those who are renovating their bathrooms. Which option would be ideal for your bathroom? Read on and find out whether liquid waterproofing would address your bathroom waterproofing needs if you wish to tile the walls and floor.

What It Is

Liquid waterproofing substances are painted onto the surfaces that one would like to be waterproofed. The waterproofing liquid dries and forms a barrier that water cannot penetrate. The bathroom tiles can then be placed directly onto the coats of waterproofing that you applied on the substrate, such as cement board.

Advantages of Liquid Waterproofing Products

Tile installation is easy. Liquid waterproofing does not alter the flatness of the substrate onto which it was applied. This makes it easy to install the bathroom tiles over the waterproofing because you will not need to do anything else to flatten the substrate after the waterproofing has been installed. This is in contrast to other waterproofing methods, such as the use of membranes that can affect the flatness of the substrate onto which they have been laid in case different layers overlap, such as at the corners.

They are affordable. Liquid waterproofing products are the most affordable when compared to other options, such as sheet membranes and vapour barriers. This affordability can enable you to spare some money to buy other needed products for your bathroom, such as mirrors and towel stands.

They are easier to install. All that you may need to install a liquid waterproofing product in your bathroom may be a paintbrush or a paint roller. This installation is similar to painting a wall in your home.

The Disadvantages of Liquid Waterproofing Products

They are poor at blocking water vapour. Water in a gaseous form (water vapour) may penetrate through the liquid waterproofing product that you used. This vapour can then condense and form a liquid (water) that can lead to the growth of mould and mildew beneath the surface where the waterproofing was installed.

Some products may have complicated installation guidelines. Some manufacturers may require you to use a special fabric onto which the liquid product will be applied. Others may stipulate that you apply different coats of different thicknesses as you use the liquid product. Such intricate instructions may be confusing to some homeowners who aren't familiar with those products.

Use the information above to help you to make an informed decision about the suitability of liquid waterproofing products for your bathroom. For more information, contact Westside Sealants Pty Ltd or a similar company.