14
May
Choosing a membrane for wet rooms
What are membranes for wet rooms?
Membranes for wet rooms are barriers of waterproofing which stops leaks occurring throughout wet rooms, formers are installed first and then the barrier is installed, this can consist usually of 3 different types (Gum Based, Bitumen or Waterproof Fabric) the key thing to remember when choosing a membranes for wet rooms is that they are all 100% waterproof!
Gum Based Tanking Systems for your wet room
Utilising a gum based tanking system can be very efficient and speedy, some can dry in 4 hours allowing you to start tiling your wet room very quickly. The process usually starts by applying the primer to any porous surfaces, once this has been completed you can then cut your flexible tape for the joints and get your internal corners ready for fitting. The tanking gum is applied to your wet room with a paint brush, tape is then applied and another coat of gum applied over this to ensure a waterproof wet room. It’s a very simple and 100% waterproof system ideal for the enthusiastic DIYer and installer.
Bitumen Membranes for your DIY wet room
Bitumen membrane consist of a self adhesive backer and are usually about 2mm thick and when pealed off can be stuck to the area that is required to be tanked, these membranes can sometimes be very fiddly to install especially when you come to corners, however these DIY wet room membranes are still 100% waterproof if installed correctly, if damage does occur during installing it’s difficult to repair.3
Fabric Wet room Tanking
Favoured by many professionals these membranes are super quick to install, a layer of tile adhesive is applied to the wall, the fabric membrane is then applied to the wall and then the same tool that is utilised to apply the adhesive is utilised to embed the membrane to the adhesive.
Conclusion
We and many of our customers prefer the gum based wet room membrane due to the easy installation and not particularly long drying time, fabric internal corners and tanking tape are still utilised and are stuck in place with the waterproof gum ensuing a waterproof area. Depending on the manufacturer some gum based membranes dry within 4 hours and are ready for tiling.
Comments (2)
I have just bought some waterproof sealing tape from you and wish to know how it grips, what do I use to stick it down please. Thanks
Hi Richard, We recommend using our Waterproof tanking kit, You apply the primer to porous surfaces first and then apply the Tanking Gum to the surface followed by the tape and then the Tanking Gum again over it. This creates a complete waterproof seal for the wetroom.
If you have any other questions feel free to drop us a call. Tim.