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The Hidden Hero: Waterproofing That Saves Walls and Wallets.
Water damage can silently destroy what lies beneath even the most beautiful tiled surfaces. Proper waterproofing isn’t just an optional step – it’s an essential foundation that protects your substrate, prevents mould growth and protects adjacent rooms from costly water damage.
WATERPROOFING FAQs
Explore our Product FAQs to find quick answers to common questions about waterproofing, including best practices for achieving optimal results.
Q: What is waterproofing and why is it important in tiling projects?
Waterproofing is the process of making an area waterproof to prevent the ingress of moisture. In tiling projects, particularly in wet areas such as bathrooms and shower rooms, waterproofing is essential because:
- Tiles and grout are not inherently waterproof
- Water can penetrate grout joints and damage the substrate
- Moisture ingress can lead to structural damage, mould growth and expensive repairs
- It protects adjacent rooms from water damage
The Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit provides a complete solution for creating a waterproof barrier prior to tiling, ensuring long term protection against water damage.
Q: What areas should be waterproofed before tiling?
Dunlop Adhesives recommends waterproofing the following areas:
- Shower cubicles and wet rooms
- Areas around bathrooms, especially if they contain a shower
- Bathroom walls, especially those made of plasterboard or gypsum Wet room floors
- Power shower areas Any area subject to frequent wetting or high humidity
According to British Standards, all wet areas should be protected with a suitable waterproofing system before tiling.
Q: What surfaces can I apply the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit to?
The Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit can be applied to a wide range of surfaces including:
- Plaster (finishing plaster only, at least 4 weeks old)
- Plasterboard
- Cement:sand rendering (minimum 2 weeks old)
- Concrete (minimum 6 weeks old)
- Cement:sand screeds (minimum 3 weeks old)
- Tile backer boards
- Fibre cement boards
Q: Do I need to waterproof all bathroom walls or just the shower area?
For best practice, Dunlop recommends:
- Fully waterproofing of all walls in a wet room
- Fully waterproofing of shower enclosure walls to their full height
- Waterproofing of bath surround walls to at least 600mm above the bath level
- Waterproofing of splash-prone areas near basins and toilets
The Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit is designed to create a continuous waterproof barrier in the most critical areas.
Q: Can I use the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit with underfloor heating?
Yes, the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit is compatible with both water-based underfloor heating systems in screed, and electric undertile heating.
For electric undertile heating:
- First encapsulate the heating cables with Dunlop LX-360 Fibre Leveller
- Once dry, apply the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit
- Tile with a suitable flexible adhesive such as Dunlop CF-03 or CF-24
Q: Can the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit be used for exterior waterproofing?
No, the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit is specifically designed for indoor applications such as bathrooms, showers and wet rooms. It is not suitable for exterior applications.
Q: What is the difference between tanking and waterproofing?
These terms are often used interchangeably. “Tanking” traditionally refers to the creation of a completely sealed, tank-like waterproof enclosure. The Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit provides a complete tanking solution for shower areas and wet rooms by creating an impermeable barrier that prevents water from penetrating the substrate.
For technical assistance on the Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit, please contact the Dunlop Technical Helpline on 01782 591120.
Top tip
“When applying waterproofing to a shower area, always pay particular attention to the corners and junctions – that’s where 90% of failures occur. Create a ‘belt and braces’ approach by applying a generous layer of waterproofing to these areas first. Remember, you can’t see the waterproofing when it’s done, but everyone will notice if it fails!
Bradley Cutts – Technical Support Manager
How to prepare your background
IS GROUT WATERPROOF?
Leak-Free Showers With The Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit!
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