Waterproofing is a must in any bathroom renovation in the NT.
Waterproofing rules and regulations
There are regulations in place that your waterproofing will need to comply with, as set out by the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards (AS 3740-1994). In short, they require that:
- In the shower, the whole floor must be waterproof and the shower walls should be waterproofed up to 1800mm.
- The walls need to be waterproofed up to 150mm.
- If the bathroom floor is made of or contains wood or if the bathroom is on the second story or higher, the whole floor must be waterproofed.
- Over the step down to the floor should be waterproofed to 100mm.
These are the minimum requirements, but depending on your needs, you may also want to waterproof the areas around the bath, toilet and vanity unit.
*Rules and Regulations were provided by build.com.au.
Who can do waterproofing?
The rules about who can do waterproofing differ slightly between different Australian states and territories. In the NT, the person doing the waterproofing in your home needs to carry a current waterproofer’s license. In some other states, waterproofers must provide a statement of compliance once the job’s done, indicating that the work they’ve done complies with Australian Standard AS 3740 – Waterproofing of domestic wet areas. TPS are qualified waterproofers, and have been properly trained in how to apply waterproofing according to the Australian Standard.
How is waterproofing applied?
Waterproofing is best done in stages. Some of it will need to go down before the floors and walls are fully laid, some of it will need to go down after everything is in place, including the paint. Perhaps the most important areas are where the walls meet the floor. Any gaps where water can seep in can cause major structural damage, which is hugely expensive to repair.
Liquid sealants are normally applied in a similar fashion to paint. A primer is used first, then a first coat is applied from left to right (horizontally). There are several stages to applying waterproofing products. Waterproofing products usually need about a day to dry, so as to ensure that they create a proper seal – and they shouldn’t be disturbed at all while they’re curing.
Waterproofing can be a messy, costly experience if it’s done wrong and it can lead to all sorts of problems, ranging from creeping mould infestations to baths crashing through floors. If you’re looking to rein in your budget or to get involved, DIY waterproofing is definitely not the place to do it!
Contact us for a free onsite quote before you undertake any renovation work in your bathroom. We can identify any structural damage or problems prior to undertaking any work.