A wet room is a completely waterproofed bathroom where the shower area is seamlessly integrated into the rest of the floor and sits at the same level. Water drains away efficiently through a drain in the shower area. The walls and floor are sealed with a waterproof membrane, eliminating the risk of water escaping and causing damage. Wet rooms are not only practical but also provide a sleek, modern aesthetic, maximizing space and enhancing accessibility.
Crucial Role of High-Quality Waterproofing in Wet Rooms
Ensuring that wet rooms are properly waterproofed is paramount to prevent
water ingress and subsequent damage, which can lead to structural deterioration and microbiological growth within the building fabric. Selecting and installing durable waterproofing and tile setting materials is crucial to maintaining the integrity and longevity of wet room areas, ensuring they remain safe and hygienic.
Using high-quality waterproofing mortar or membrane is of utmost importance. It not only prevents water damage but also significantly reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth, which can pose health risks and require costly repairs. A well-executed waterproofing system ensures the durability and functionality of wet rooms, safeguarding both the structure and the well-being of its occupants.
6 Easy Steps to Installing a Wet Room Bathroom
1. Check substrate condition
Substrate must be even, stable, dry and free of cracks and substances that may affect the adhesion.
2. Surface preparation
Depending on substrate, you may use a primer or pre-wet substrate before repairing.
Use Sika patching and leveling products to level walls, build the slope for a walk-in shower and level the floors.
3. Waterproofing
Perhaps the most critical step, select from different technologies Sika offers to waterproof the surface.
Use Sika sealing tape for the joints, transitions and penetrations.
4. Tile setting
Draw a horizontal line for the first row of tiles.
Use Sika tile adhesives for all types of tiles.
5. Tile grouting
Use Sika cementitious tile grout for joints between 1-8mm, for all types of tiles.
6. Joint sealing
Use Sika joint sealant for long-term fungus resistance and low odor.
Sika Solutions for Wet Room Systems
Wet Room with Waterproofing Mortar
A standard wet room system using waterproofing mortar is the most common application process built on a concrete substrate. Sika provides a comprehensive, integrated system designed to meet the stringent requirements of wet room environments.
This is a standard wet room build up:
- The process begins with the application of a cementitious waterproofing mortar (one or two-component), renowned for its flexibility, to create a robust waterproof barrier.
- Next, a suitable tile adhesive is used for tile installation, selected based on the substrate requirement, tile size and area of use. The selection of tile adhesive is critical for securing the durability of the tile setting system.
- The tiles are then grouted with a suitable tile grout, which could be a premium cementitious tile grout (CG2WA) or an epoxy tile grout. The epoxy tile grout RG is often chosen for its superior chemical and abrasion resistance, available in various color shades to match the aesthetic needs of the project
- Finally, the system is completed with a color-matching, high-performance, antifungal sealant for movement and connection joints, providing a long-lasting, watertight finish.
Sikafloor®-200 Level
Self levelling compound
Sikalastic®-1 K
One component cementitious mortar
Applied in two layers
Sika® SealTape
Elastic sealing tape
SikaCeram®-250 StarFix
Deformable tile adhesive
SikaCeram® StarGrout
Epoxy based grout for joints from 1 to 15 mm width
SikaSeal ®-175 Bath & Tiles
Neutral-curing silicone sealant
Wet Room with Liquid-Applied Membrane
Over the last few years, Sika liquid-applied membrane became extremely popular especially for renovating wet rooms.
These products are ready-to-use and flexible with crack-bridging capabilities. They can be applied with either a roller or trowel.
Sika provides a full system:
- Firstly a ready-to-use, liquid-applied membrane is applied, with compatible sealing tape to waterproof and seal at any joints, around fittings, pipes and at all perimeter terminations.
- Then a suitable cementitious tile adhesive is used for the tile installation.
- The tiles are then grouted with a suitable tile grout, which could be a premium cementitious tile grout (CG2WA) or an epoxy tile grout. The epoxy tile grout RG is often chosen for its superior chemical and abrasion resistance, available in various color shades to match the aesthetic needs of the project.
- Finally, the system is completed with a color-matching, high performance, antifungal sealant for movement and connection joints, providing a long-lasting, watertight finish.
Sikafloor®-03 Primer
Universal primer
Sikalastic®-260 Stop Aqua
Liquid applied waterproofing membrane
Applied in two layers
Sika® SealTape F
Elastic sealing tape
SikaCeram®-260 StarFlex
Deformable adhesive and extra coverage
SikaCeram® StarGrout
Epoxy based grout for joints from 1 to 15 mm width
SikaSeal ®-175 Bath & Tiles
Neutral-curing silicone sealant
Wet Room with Sheet Membrane
In specific job sites, water vapor and movement are very critical (e.g. wood structures, modular building, etc.). For these specific applications, foil membrane from Sika is the most suitable solution, offering a flexible sealing and decoupling membrane used for waterproofing walls and floors under tiles. This system is safer (safe thickness for the whole waterproofing application) and faster (no waiting time between different layer applications).
Sika provides a full system:
- Firstly a waterproof adhesive is applied to bond the foil membrane and sealing tape to waterproof and seal at any joints, around fittings, penetrations and at all perimeter terminations.
- Then a suitable, cementitious tile adhesive with a high polymer content is used for the tile installation.
- The tiles are then grouted with a suitable tile grout, which could be a premium cementitious tile grout (CG2WA) or an epoxy tile grout. The epoxy tile grout RG is often chosen for its superior chemical and abrasion resistance, available in various color shades to match the aesthetic needs of the project.
- Finally, the system is completed with a color-matching, high performance, antifungal sealant for movement and connection joints, providing a long-lasting, watertight finish.
Sikafloor®-01 Primer
Universal primer
SikaCeram® Sealing Fix
2-part waterproof adhesive used for bonding SikaCeram® Sealing Membrane
Sika® SealTape F
Elastic sealing tape
SikaCeram® Sealing Membrane W
Flexible sealing and decoupling membrane used for waterproofing walls and floors under tiles in wet rooms
SikaCeram®-260 StarFlex
Deformable tile adhesive with lightweight fillers
SikaCeram® StarGrout
Epoxy based grout for joints from 1 to 15 mm width
SikaSeal ®-175 Bath & Tiles
Neutral-curing silicone sealant
Please note:
Some products mentioned above may not be available worldwide. Please contact your local Sika expert to check for available products in your market.
