Protect your property from water damage. Expert bathroom waterproofing.
Expert shower and bathroom waterproofing installation. We select the best waterproofing systems and membranes for your property's most frequently used wet areas.
Why do bathrooms leak?
Bathroom leaks are among the most common and costly building problems facing property owners, often resulting from waterproofing system failures. Understanding why these leaks occur is crucial for preventing water damage and protecting your property investment.
Waterproofing membrane failures
Bathrooms and showers often leak due to the waterproofing membrane failing. Reasons for membrane failure include poor original installation, movement, or simply deterioration over time. Once compromised, water seeps into walls or floors causing hidden damage.
Improper installation
If the waterproofing membrane or waterproofing system components (such as waterstops, joint sealants, or finishes) are not installed correctly, leaks will develop behind the walls or floor. Small leaks can go unnoticed for years.
Building code compliance issues
Australian waterproofing standards require shower floors to be totally waterproofed and shower walls waterproofed 50mm above shower rose, with waterstops and other details depending on the bathroom design. Many older bathrooms don’t meet current standards.
Apartment building defects
Melbourne's development boom over the past 15-20 years meant developers cut corners on waterproofing to save costs and speed up completion times. The consequences are now becoming apparent as buildings age.
A typical internal wet area waterproofing system can expect to last 10 to 15 years, however by choosing quality materials and professional installation, your bathroom waterproofing canl last 20 years or more.
Why you should care
Failed bathroom waterproofing can destroy your property structure, cause health problems, slash your property’s value, and leave you facing big repair bills that insurance won't cover.
Structural damage
Water seeping behind walls rots wooden frames, warps floors, and weakens the building's core structure, potentially making your home unsafe and requiring tens of thousands in repairs.
Health risks from mould
Failed waterproofing creates perfect breeding conditions for toxic mould behind walls and in carpet, leading to respiratory problems, allergies, and other health issues that can affect everyone.
Loss of property value
Homes and properties with known waterproofing failures become difficult to sell and lose significant market value, as buyers either walk away entirely or demand major price reductions to cover future repair costs.
Expensive repairs
Many insurance policies exclude coverage for slow leaks and long-term water damage from failed waterproofing, leaving you personally responsible for repair costs that can cost tens of thousands.
Spot the warning signs
Addressing bathroom waterproofing issues early is critical to avoid structural repairs and extensive costs. Signs to look out for include:
Water stains or discoloration: Dark patches, yellow stains, or discolored areas on walls, ceilings, or floors indicate moisture is penetrating through surfaces where it shouldn't.
Peeling or bubbling paint: When moisture gets behind wall coverings, it causes paint to peel, bubble, or flake off, and wallpaper to lift or curl at the edges.
Mould or mildew growth: Black, green, or white fuzzy growths appearing on grout lines, corners, carpet in the adjacent room or on surfaces signal excessive moisture and waterproofing issues.
Musty odours: A persistent damp, earthy smell in your bathroom indicates trapped moisture within walls or floors that proper waterproofing would prevent.
Additional signs to watch for: Loose or cracked tiles, bowing wooden frames around doors and windows, rust stains, soft or spongy flooring, and white mineral deposits (efflorescence) on walls or tiles.
Early detection of bathroom waterproofing issues allows for repairs before expensive structural damage occurs.
The Schaefer solution
Trust Schaefer Waterproofing to protect your bathroom with our proven waterproofing approach. We provide bathroom waterproofing solutions tailored to your budget and specific needs, while maintaining complete integrity and transparency throughout your project.
1.
Assessment and solution design
We conduct a comprehensive bathroom inspection to identify moisture penetration points, inadequate sealing, and failed waterproofing. Our assessment covers wet areas including shower recesses, bath surrounds, floor-to-wall junctions, and penetrations to determine the best waterproofing approach.
2.
Waterproofing membrane selection
Recommendations are made based on bathroom layout, substrate type, usage requirements, and budget. Options include sheet membranes for maximum durability, or liquid-applied membranes for complex geometries.
3.
Demolition and surface preparation
If demolition is required, we remove old tiles, screed and the failed waterproofing membrane. Any defects in the substrate, such as cracks, divets, holes or uneven surfaces are repaired, ensuring the substrate is clean, dry, smooth and free from contaminants. This creates an ideal foundation for reliable waterproofing adhesion and longevity.
4.
Waterproofing system installation
Certified technicians install the waterproofing system following NCC, Australian Standards AS 3740-2021 and manufacturer specifications. We document every step with photos of critical details and installation.
5.
Finishings
Tiles are installed using traditional grout, or epoxy grout for superior water protection. All junctions, corners, and penetrations are sealed with high-grade silicone caulking to create a complete moisture barrier that complements the underlying waterproofing membrane.
6.
Testing
We verify the waterproofing system’s effectiveness with visual inspections post installation. For extra assurance, we offer independent third-party leak detection testing.
7.
Project handover
We coordinate with tilers and other trades, to ensure seamless project completion while protecting the waterproofing system. All work is fully documented with an installation report and warranty provided.
Think your bathroom might be leaking? Let’s talk.
Don’t let minor bathroom leaks escalate into structural damage, costly repairs, or mould-related health issues. Protect your property, family and living spaces with Schaefer Waterproofing. Book a call for a chat with our team.
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