Wet rooms are becoming increasingly popular. This is because it is a really stylish way to be space efficient in a bathroom. The bathroom can be amazingly transformed just by eliminating the base of the shower and it’s walls. However, as with any bathroom installation, installing a wet room needs to be done correctly. There are certain things you need to take into account when you’re planning to install a wet room. If you do not take all the important factors into consideration, your wet room will become your worst nightmare. Here are some the factors you should consider when designing a wet room.
Design
Design is always a vital part of any new bathroom. Many people want a very specific look when they dream of the wet room they’re after. A vision is great to have. However, you should always critique your own plan. Will you have enough storage? Is the storage you have in mind appropriate for a wet room? Consider that you’ll need storage to keep things dry. This includes towels and toilet paper etc. Decide what look and feel you’re going for. What will be your focus point in the room? Also consider that if planning to sell your house later on, a wet room at value to your home as a second bathroom. But also that buyers love the option of a bath.
Drainage
Wet rooms should always be installed properly, by professionals. If not, your wet room will begin to leak into your house. Causing dangerous water damage and rot. A bathroom installation needs to be done correctly the first time in order to last you a long time. Otherwise it is a waste of both your time and money even having it done. You want your wet room the best quality possible or it’ll end up costing you quite a bit more in the long run.
For proper drainage, a gradient in the floor needs to be created. This is do that the shower flow can be channelled towards the drain. There are several ways they do this. The entire floor could act as a draining guide. Or just the immediate shower area can be done.
Waterproofing
Without proper waterproofing, the damage can eventually get so bad that your building’s integrity may begin to diminish. Professionals also need to be called in for this part of the construction. The process of waterproofing a wet room begins by priming. Both the floor and the bottom half of the walls are primed. As well as the walls around the shower/directly effected by the shower. Then, a syrup like membrane is then applied over this. This seals everything water-tight. Once this sets, tiling can commence on the walls and floors. To further waterproof your new wet room, consider raising the threshold of your bathroom doorway. Raising it just 5mm will prevent any runaway water running through the rest of your house.
Tiling
Tiling is not only important to consider due to their heavy contribution to the design elements of the room. Tiling choices can effect the maintenance you’ll need to put in. It’ll effect the safety of the bathroom. Porous tiling, such a limestone, marble and slate require sealing treatments every few months. Thus making non-porous options, such as porcelain and ceramic, a much smarter option. On the floor, make sure the tiles you choose are bathroom friendly and specifically designed for bathrooms. This is very important. These time are specifically made so that they are not slippery. If you just choose any old tiles, you may find yourself slipping around dangerously.
Of course, there are alternative options. The best alternatives to floor tiling in a wet room a is sheet vinyl. Another great alternative is the seamless, non-porous and low maintenance material that is corian.
Ventilation
Ventilation is imperative in a wet room. With a wet room your entire bathroom becomes a walk in shower. There will be steam everywhere and with it, condensation. This can cause mould in the walls and ceilings. It is important that this room has a way to utilise proper airflow in order to allow it to dry itself out efficiently. Make use of all the windows in your existing bathroom. This will also let in amazing natural light. If you do not have enough ventilation from windows, then you’ll need to install an extractor far. This will remove moisture from the air even while you shower! Depending on the size of your wet room, it will determine if you need more than one fan.
Bathroom installation can be a stressful process with some unexpected budget hiccups. But if done correctly, it will provide you with a place of relaxation and tranquillity for years to come. So choose a good local bathroom installer, we found Doncaster Bathrooms.
