How to Be Sure Your Bathroom Is Waterproofed

How to Be Sure Your Bathroom Is Waterproofed

May 21, 2020

Is your bathroom appropriately waterproofed? If you’re not sure, or you’re building a new home, you need to make sure that your building won’t undergo any other undue pressure.

Why is waterproofing in bathroom remodeling in Santa Fe, NM so important? First, water can seep through the grout in tiling and will then take a much longer time to dry—which isn’t necessarily a devastating thing, but if left unattended, it can be quite destructive. If no water barrier is placed between drywall or a waterproof material is used for the walls, this will lead to your walls not drying, and the drywall will eventually break down or turn to mush.

Why you need to waterproof

Here’s a horror story: a homeowner in Pennsylvania recently experienced the effect of an unlicensed contractor who didn’t install a moisture barrier during a bathroom remodel. Years after project completion, the owners started to notice the damage. First, the wall began to slump and eventually completely caved into the bathroom tub. Then the structural damage to the framework of the home was documented and the repair required demolishing the entire wall (including the exterior), siding replacement, installing new insulation, redoing the interior walls, laying new tile in the shower and more. If that doesn’t make you aware of the importance of waterproofing, what will?

How to waterproof

Tile is a porous material, and when you shower or bathe often, that water can seep into the tiles. Maybe you’ve seen peeling paint or broken tiles—that’s just the beginning of the water damage that can negatively affect your home.

To effectively waterproof your bathroom, you need to make sure that your contractor has applied the tile over a waterproof membrane or other impenetrable barrier. Some contractors include a plastic sheet within the walls, while others forego it entirely. When you hire a contractor to waterproof your walls, you need to ask them how they will ensure that any water in your bathroom will evaporate, instead of absorbing into the walls.

Tile is one of the better materials available, while linoleum and paint can peel. Depending on your climate, one material might work better than the other.

There isn’t a material that can totally waterproof your walls, but if you use special care and ask your contractor to explore their options, you can come up with a solution that will protect your home for years to come.

Don’t cut corners when renovating or remodeling a bathroom. Work with a trusted and licensed contractor who can guarantee your home is treated right.

Waterproofing before laying bathroom tile in Santa Fe, NM

When you need professional, high-quality and efficient bathroom remodeling in Santa Fe, NM, Apple Construction, LLC can help. Our Santa-Fe-based firm specializes in home remodeling and construction, and can help you remake your home into the oasis you deserve. Call us today to learn more about what we can do to make sure your bathroom is waterproofed and ready to serve you for years to come.

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