Coating waterproofing for the bathroom. Characteristics and types of materials

For those planning a bathroom renovation, the question often arises: is it necessary to waterproof the tiles, or can you do without it? In this article we will talk about the principle of operation of the moisture-proof layer, and in which cases you cannot do without it. You will also learn about detailed technology for applying materials, and find answers to the following questions:

• What is bathroom waterproofing?
• Why is it needed?
• How do waterproofing materials work?
• How to choose application technology and materials for your bathroom?

A bathroom is a room with an individual microclimate. This room is characterized by frequent temperature changes, constant high humidity and condensation. The walls of most bathrooms are made of brick or concrete, which have a porous structure and always need protection from moisture and subsequent destruction.

Any finish has a certain percentage of moisture saturation and moisture transfer. During operation of the bathroom, hot steam, water, and moisture penetrate into the tiles through the tile joints.

This process occurs very slowly and can last for years, but after a certain period of time, the tile, marble or granite is completely saturated with moisture.

Marble and granite are saturated faster, and ceramics take a little longer, but after the tile is completely saturated with moisture, it begins to give it away to the plaster mixture, which in turn gradually swells and loses its adhesive properties to the tile, resulting in the destruction of the plaster layer , walls and mold may appear in places.

In conditions of high humidity, waterproofing floors and walls under tiles is necessary in order to protect floors, walls and ceilings from moisture, mold, and extend the life of the tiles and reduce costs during subsequent repairs.

Before we begin work on waterproofing the bathroom, we determine its “wet” areas or zones - these are part of the walls and the entire floor.

"Wet" zone No. 1

As a rule, the entire floor area is subject to frequent wetness, so it is the No. 1 wet area. Therefore, ideally, you need to install a water barrier for the entire floor with a minimum overlap of 20-30 cm onto the walls.

"Wet" zone No. 2

“Wet” zone No. 2 is considered to be the walls adjacent to the bathtub or shower stall and pipe areas.

Before the stage of final finishing with tiles, you need to install a waterproofing apron, approximately 50 cm high. In those places where splashes of water constantly fall on the cladding, the insulating material is applied 50 cm up and to the sides of the object.

"Wet" zone No. 3

The area near the sink, shower and where plumbing fixtures and accessories are located is “wet” zone No. 3. Wall waterproofing for and around these objects is also applied 50 cm upwards and to the sides.

Types of materials for waterproofing a bathroom. Which is better to choose?

Previously, only bitumen was used as waterproofing, but modern industry now offers a wider range of materials of varying costs with improved composition and higher quality technical characteristics.

The most popular types of waterproofing materials:

Mastic

These are universal cement-based waterproofing mixtures with the addition of hydrophobic substances. They have good waterproofing properties and a high degree of adhesion to any type of surface.

Such cement-polymer mixtures are used when working with ceilings, walls and floors, because They have absolute water-repellent properties and are easy to use. A spatula is used for application.

This coating is strong and durable, because... waterproofing mixtures of this category have increased mechanical resistance and high vapor permeability. The scope of their application is quite wide, so these materials are used for waterproofing bathrooms, toilets, baths, foundations and swimming pools.

Popular and well-known types of cement waterproofing: Waterproofing coating "GIDROLAST Universal" and GIDROLAST P 15 kg.

Rolled adhesive waterproofing with impregnation

Rolled adhesive waterproofing with impregnation is one of the materials that is applied to a flat, dust-free base (the permissible height of unevenness is 2 mm.) All sharp protrusions must be removed and deep cracks repaired. For the bathroom, it is better to use self-adhesive materials rather than fusing ones. The bottom layer of waterproofing is impregnated with glue, which ensures a strong connection to the base, and the top layer contains components that improve contact with the tile. In the event of an emergency, rolled floor waterproofing is one of the most affordable and reliable methods to protect against water leaks to the lower floor.

Popular and well-known brands of rolled waterproofing materials: TechnoNIKOL.

DIY waterproofing in the bathroom

By choosing the appropriate materials and application method, you can make a moisture barrier yourself. Depending on the type of material and the number of areas being treated, the application technology is somewhat different, but the operating principle of the future hydrobarrier and the initial stage of work are always the same.

First you need to clean all surfaces of the room from the previous coating and remove construction debris. Defects and damage on bathroom surfaces are eliminated using plaster.

Afterwards, you should wait a two-week interval until the leveled surface has dried, and begin the actual construction of the waterproofing layer.

Classic tile finishing is as popular as ever. A huge variety of types of tiles allows you to create any interior, but since tiles have the ability to gradually absorb, accumulate and then release moisture to the plaster, it is necessary to apply a waterproofing coating before laying it.

Bathroom walls are waterproofed not to protect them from leaks, but to prevent condensation from penetrating under the tiles, contributing to the destruction of the walls and the proliferation of harmful bacteria.

In order to save money, they partially waterproof the walls, 50 cm up and to the sides in the areas where sanitary equipment and pipes are located, but for more effective protection of the walls it is recommended to apply a waterproofing coating over the entire surface.

Coating materials (cement-polymer compositions, mastics) are used as an insulator. The waterproofing mixture is applied using a spatula; it forms a smooth surface and serves as an excellent base for the tiles.

If you plan to install a shower stall in the bathroom, the wet areas will be the walls and floor near it, and other plumbing items. Before starting waterproofing work, the floor is leveled and a screed is made.
After the screed has dried, we glue polystyrene foam boards to the floor where the booth is installed; they insulate the bottom layer of the pallet and prevent the occurrence of moisture. At this stage, we install the drain and treat all seams and joints with sealant.

After this, we insulate the floor using coating mixtures or roll insulation. For a bathroom with a shower stall, the floor should be insulated with a minimum overlap of the walls - 20 cm. The wall near which the stall is located is completely insulated.

If you have a shower with a tray, first insulate the floor underneath, then install the tray and stall, and after that you should apply a waterproofing coating near the shower. The rest of the bathroom objects are processed according to the principle described above.

Wood is an organic material that, when exposed to a humid environment, swells and gradually breaks down over time.

Due to constant changes in temperature and humidity, walls in buildings made of timber often “dance”, since under the influence of various factors the timber can swell and shrink.

The bathroom in such a house should be as sealed as possible in relation to the rest of the rooms. Before installing a wooden floor on joists, the foundation of the house is waterproofed with mastic or a cement-polymer composition. The logs are treated with an antiseptic and dried thoroughly.

Before laying the floor, wooden boards are treated with one of the waterproofing compounds. To do this, use bitumen or primer varnish, which have a high degree of elasticity (they narrow and expand when deformed). Parquet varnish is used after laying a wooden floor; it protects the outer surface of the wood from moisture. The walls and ceiling of the bathroom are treated with the same means, paying special attention to joints or corners. If the walls are made of plasterboard, before applying the waterproofing layer it is treated with moisture-resistant impregnation.

Roll materials, unlike coating materials, require longer installation. A prerequisite is a flat floor surface and the presence of a screed. Before laying the tiles, an additional layer of thin screed is applied to the roll waterproofing.

Pasting materials have a high degree of elasticity, so their use in wooden houses is very advisable. Despite the regular “movements” of the tree, the insulation does not collapse, but maintains its integrity.

The vapor permeability of the laminated waterproofing allows the wood to “breathe”, thereby prolonging its service life. Laying the material requires special skills and, in some cases, the use of special equipment.

conclusions

Having studied the technology, you can do the waterproofing of the bathroom under the tiles yourself, or entrust this important task to professionals. In any case, the applied composition plays an important role in arranging a hydraulic barrier.

Our hardware store offers a wide range of materials, among which you will find the optimal waterproofing for any type of room, and if you have any questions about waterproofing materials, you can always get a free consultation from our specialists.

The presence of a waterproofing layer allows you to protect the room from moisture penetration from neighbors below and prevent water from entering them in the event of an emergency. This is an important technical issue that will eliminate possible unpleasant situations during the operation of housing.

There are certain conditions for the correct installation of a waterproofing layer in the toilet and bathroom:

• the insulating material must be laid under the leveling cement screed;
• if the cement mortar layer was laid without waterproofing, its installation under the floor tile covering is allowed;
• the insulation is laid on the floor slab in a continuous layer with an overlap of 25-30 cm on the walls;
• It is not recommended to use bitumen or liquid rubber to install a protective layer, as these materials impair the adhesion of coatings to the floor slab.

The choice of waterproofing technology depends on the material of the interfloor ceiling.

Types of bathroom floor waterproofing

How to waterproof a bathroom floor with your own hands? According to the method of installation and application, it can be classified into 4 large groups:

• roll;
• penetrating;
• plastering;
• coating

In turn, roll materials are divided into pasted, fused and laid.

Roll waterproofing

The first roll-type waterproofing materials were made from paper or cardboard impregnated with bitumen. Today, the number of variations has increased due to the use of polymers and new impregnations. They are often used for waterproofing bathrooms under tiles.

Classic paper-based roll insulation is roofing felt, roofing felt and glassine. The main advantage is the low price, the disadvantage is the relatively short service life. It is for this reason that their production has decreased greatly in recent years.

More modern materials are fiberglass and fiberglass with double-sided application of a bitumen or polymer layer. Fiberglass is cheaper, but has less strength than fabric made from glass fibers. Both of these materials are stronger and more durable than cardboard and paper. The main disadvantage is the possible detachment of bitumen from the surface due to insufficient adhesion.

Its plastic properties make it the best insulation in new buildings, where during the first few years the building may shrink, compromising the integrity of the waterproofing layer. In addition, the material has good strength and breaks only when stretched to tensile strength up to 30-35%.

Polymer membranes have the ability to pass moisture in only one direction. For the bathroom they can be used to a limited extent, as they will not stop moisture from the neighbors below or allow water to pass down in an emergency. The best option for sharing with other material.

Polyethylene film without additional coatings, it is in itself a good waterproofing material. For these purposes, technical grades that are thick are used. Very effective for wooden floors and ceilings, but cannot be used under heated floors.

Metal foil, coated with bitumen, tar or liquid rubber, can be used as a substrate for laminate flooring. However, such flooring is used very rarely in bathrooms.

Penetrating waterproofing

The construction of a waterproofing layer of penetrating compounds is based on the ability of concrete and cement mortars to absorb moisture. In this case, substances of a chemically active composition impregnate the top layer of the screed and react with ions of calcium, aluminum and other substances that make up the cement. The maximum thickness of the waterproofing layer can be more than 100 mm.

A continuous barrier layer becomes an effective barrier to moisture penetration in any direction. In this case, penetrating waterproofing will remain effective throughout the entire service life of the concrete building structure or cement screed.

Plaster mixtures

Waterproofing plaster mixtures are prepared from sand and cement with the addition of liquid glass (silicate glue). A more effective additive is offered by the Ceresit brand. It consists of alumina emulsion, oleic acid, lime and ocher.

To make it easier to apply the plaster mortar, plasticizers can be added to the waterproofing mixture on the surface. Plaster mixtures cannot be used when the building is likely to shrink, as well as under conditions of increased weight loads or vibrations. Therefore, when installing a washing machine in the bathroom, it is better to avoid plaster.

Coating materials

Modern coating waterproofing materials include mastics such as:

• bitumens;
• polymers with the addition of bitumen;
• polymers with the addition of cement;
• liquid glass (silicates);
• polyurethane;
• liquid rubber.

The mastic is applied in a continuous, uniform layer and effectively covers all cracks and micropores in the screed. A high level of protection is achieved by applying several layers of material.

Which waterproofing is best for the bathroom?

Every homeowner tries to find high-quality and cheap material that is easy to install or install on their own. However, in the case of hydraulic insulation, it is difficult to find such an option. Therefore, we should briefly consider the advantages and disadvantages of all types of insulation listed above.

Roll materials

The main advantage is its affordable cost and the possibility of application for any base. In addition, it should be noted:

• high elasticity;
• simple installation that does not delay subsequent stages of work;
• long service life;
• Possibility of laying on any surface.

Flaws:

• the need for an assistant to perform the work;
• preparation of the base for installation is required;
• long-term installation associated with the need for heat treatment.

Most rolled materials emit a strong, unpleasant odor when processed.

Penetrating waterproofing

Positive traits:

• strengthening the strength of concrete or cement screed;
• easy do-it-yourself application;
• does not require careful surface preparation;
• long service life;
• environmental cleanliness.

Negative qualities:

• applied only to concrete or cement screed;
• poorly covers the joints between the floor and walls;
• very high cost.

Comfortable and high-quality materials, but may not be affordable, although this is the best waterproofing for bathroom floors under tiles.

Plaster solutions

Positive qualities are considered:

• simple and convenient application technique;
• can be used on any surface;
• long service life;
• environmental cleanliness.

Negative properties:

• long drying time, stopping subsequent work processes;
• impossibility of use in areas of expected shrinkage, vibration and increased weight loads.

As a result, plaster cannot be used in houses near tram and metro lines, in new buildings, under a washing machine and installed furniture.

If you use a plaster mesh, then the plaster solutions can be used as waterproofing for a wooden floor in a bathroom under tiles.

Coating materials

Advantages of coating type waterproofing:

• absence of seams and joints in the coating;
• high elasticity, eliminating the formation of cracks;
• simple mastic application technology;
• good soundproofing qualities.

Flaws:

• application in several layers;
• service life 10-15 years;
• solvent toxicity;
• weak mechanical strength.

Obviously, the most suitable material will be insulation with optimal price and quality indicators. Especially if you do not take into account time and labor intensity. These include (not advertising):

• Belarusian impregnation "Kalmatron";
• mastic Ceresit CL 51;
• dispersion composition Knauf Flechendicht;
• coating material KIILTO Fiberpool;
• mastic Plitonit HydroElast.

If you are not afraid of saturating your apartment with unpleasant odors, then use bitumen mastics, because... This is a long-tested and reliable option.

Bathroom waterproofing technology

Concrete for applying waterproofing materials is a universal base. To do this, you can use any materials on the market. The only peculiarity concerns the use of roll insulation. It is necessary to level the surface underneath.

Also read our general article about waterproofing floor screeds.

Penetrating compounds

The components included in the penetrating mixtures are cement, fine sand and chemical additives. The working solution is diluted with water to the state of liquid sour cream. Chemically active additives dissolved in water penetrate the surface. Cement and sand create a dense plaster layer on the surface.

Remove all debris and dust from the surface of the floor slab. Seal cracks, seams and other defects. Wet the concrete well with a 9% vinegar solution and let it dry for an hour. After this, wet the surface generously with clean water so that it is well saturated.

To apply the waterproofing layer, prepare a working solution and mix it thoroughly. Let sit for 10 minutes to completely dissolve the active ingredients. Stir the mixture again and apply it to the floor and walls with a brush or foam roller. After the first layer has set, the second must be applied.

Please note that the initial setting of the mixture occurs after 40-45 minutes, so do not make large batches.

The complete hardening time is about 2 hours 30 minutes, however, laying tiles in the bathroom can only begin after 3-4 days, during which the surface must be moistened generously with water.

Coating insulation

Coating materials are sold in the form of ready-made mastics or dry solutions. Surface preparation consists of cleaning, removing defects and priming with bitumen primer, which can be poured onto the floor and spread over it with a brush.

Application of the main working mastic is carried out only after the soil has dried.

Initially, all joints, corners and passages of utility lines in the bathroom are processed by the working staff.

After this, waterproofing tape is glued to the treated areas.

Then the remaining surfaces and those that have already been processed are processed.

The height of mastic application on walls should be at least 20 cm, near showers and washbasins - 50-60 cm.

The total number of applied layers of material is at least 3. Continuation of the next stages of work is possible within 24 hours.

Taking into account the fact that the bathroom, more than other rooms in the house, is subject to the negative influence of high levels of humidity, its equipment should be of a special nature. One such striking example is waterproofing. It is an important part of repair work, however, its installation is often neglected. Although this barrier significantly extends the life of the floor and walls, it reduces the risk of microorganisms, and also reduces the possibility of destruction of the concrete base during flooding.

Kinds. Coating insulation

This type of waterproofing is made using special resins based on synthetics, solutions containing bitumen or liquid rubber. The resulting material is applied to the prepared surface of the bathroom, which allows the mixture to fill all the unevenness, cracks, and chips on the floor. This technology allows you to make a waterproof layer that will last for many years.

Note! It is best to make coating insulation in a small room of up to 10 sq.m.

Typically used materials for coating insulation are in the form of powder with granules, special pastes, as well as ready-to-use liquid. Thus, the buyer always has the choice of making the solution themselves or using a standard mixture. The first is often chosen by more experienced customers, as they know what is right and what is wrong. As a rule, these compositions are one-component or two-component, dry quickly, while remaining elastic. They are divided into:

Bitumen-polymer mixtures

This type of waterproofing can be purchased at the store ready for use. The constituent materials are characterized as binder mixtures, as well as polymer fillers. The solution itself has high insulating qualities, has excellent stretchability and recovery, does not contain toxic impurities, and withstands temperature changes and exposure to aggressive environments. The use of litter is recommended on, after which you need to fill it with a thin screed.

Bitumen-latex, as well as liquid rubber or liquid waterproofing

It's a pleasure to use it as a protective layer for your bathroom floor! This option is a very convenient and simple approach, since the composition effectively eliminates all cracks or gaps. The solution is applied manually onto a cleaned, primed surface in a layer of no more than 3–5 mm. The use of such material makes the coating completely protected from moisture. Besides, what other mixture does not have harmful fumes or just an unpleasant odor? The durability of the coating, as well as its resistance to temperature changes, coupled with the above advantages, make liquid rubber a popular choice among consumers.

Cement-polymer

What other insulation can be done on the bathroom floor? The material in the form of a quick-setting cement-based mortar is best characterized by its qualities. In addition to reliable insulation, the cement-polymer mixture can be used for quick repairs or eliminating small leaks. This waterproofing goes well with both floor and wall coverings. After all, tiling the resulting surface is very reliable and durable.

A budget option

Insulation needs to be done taking into account financial capabilities, so acrylic enamel is one of the most inexpensive and accessible ways to make your bathroom better. It is applied in small layers up to 3-4 approaches. However, over time, the paint will gradually crack. Therefore, liquid glass is used as an alternative.

This material is very flexible, convenient and practical to use. There is no need to make such a coating; it is sold ready-made, so all that remains is to fill it correctly. This composition contains elements of sodium or potassium silicate, which provide it with a long service life and strength. Liquid glass is very fluid, thanks to which it is able to penetrate even small holes, reliably plugging them, which guarantees high waterproofing of the floor. In addition, the liquid has antiseptic properties that prevent the appearance and spread of fungus.

These hydrobarriers are special film or roll products based on polyester, fiberglass or fiberglass, impregnated with bitumen or rubber. Their lower part is distinguished by a special adhesive substance that provides reliable adhesion to the surface. The top of the material is impregnated with a special component that improves adhesion to tile adhesive.

This type is divided according to the installation method into self-adhesive and weld-on. The latter are melted using a gas burner, which is their main advantage and disadvantage at the same time. To install self-adhesive products, no extra tools are required. The insulation is laid on a pre-prepared base, i.e. cleaned of dust and leveled. Height differences are partially allowed, however, they should not exceed a certain value of 2 mm per square meter. The choice of a hydrobarrier is based on affordable price, durability and the possibility of quick installation.

Even wood coverings can be used to insulate floors using rolled products. For this purpose, they are very elastic, stabilize the movement of wood, maintaining the unity of the structure. This sealing method is best suited for large areas. The insulation is laid overlapping each other and overlapping the wall. After that, the joints must be rolled with a roller with glue, which removes air bubbles.

Separately, it is worth noting that the materials have a persistent aroma of bitumen. Working with such products requires care, since installation is carried out only on a perfectly flat surface. At the same time, glued waterproofing is very durable, has a low price, however, it is rarely used in practice, since it requires the use of a special technology for raising the floor level, and the rolls themselves are quite heavy and inconvenient to use.

What other insulation can be done on the bathroom floor? Painted waterproofing has several layers in the form of a liquid mixture, which differ in their plasticity when hardened. In addition, this material must be applied evenly over the entire area of ​​the room. The composition is based on bitumen-polymer fillers in combination with talc and asbestos, as well as epoxy-rubber resins. The main advantages of the hydrobarrier are anti-corrosion properties, filling of chips and scratches when forming a seamless layer, ease of use, and affordable price.

The only and main drawback is the relative fragility of the coating.

Waterproof floor coverings

You already know how and what to make it from. All that remains now is to choose a suitable floor covering. A shower room is always characterized by high humidity, so high requirements for moisture resistance are common to all materials, from waterproofing to finishing raw materials. The following products boast waterproof properties:

• ceramic tile;
• porcelain stoneware;
• larch or teak floorboards;
• thermowood.

Video instruction

The bathroom is the wettest place in the house, the renovation of which will not last long if you do not use specially designed building materials with moisture-proof properties, for example, tiles. But it is stupid to think that ceramic tile finishing is absolutely impervious to water, because liquid seeps into seams, joints and cracks that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

To protect yourself from such unpleasant consequences of dampness as mold, musty air, leaks, you need to install a water barrier. Before waterproofing your bathroom, study the various methods of organization, materials used, and DIY techniques.

Types of waterproofing

The process of creating a room involves creating a water barrier from a material that does not allow water to pass through, which is applied between the base of the floor or walls and the decorative coating. Protect all areas where water may enter from moisture. First of all, with your own hands they waterproof the areas of the floor under and around the bathtub, washing machine, washbasin, walls adjacent to the washing container and sink. Places where moisture is most likely to penetrate are called “wet zones.” To protect them, various types of waterproofing are used:

Waterproofing the floor in the bathroom is considered to be done correctly if, after completion of the work, a so-called “hydrotrough” is obtained, completely covering the area of ​​the floor and covering the walls to a height of 20-30 cm.

Preparing the surface for waterproofing

If you are going to waterproof your bathroom yourself, you need to properly prepare the surfaces to be protected. To do this, you must follow the technological scheme that complies with building codes:

1. Layer by layer, remove all floor coverings down to the concrete base, remove the finishing from the walls;
2. Clear the room of debris, sweep away large pieces of debris, and eliminate dust using wet cleaning;
3. Inspect the condition of the floor, seal all marked cracks and depressions using moisture-resistant cement mortar. Make the floor as level as possible;
4. After the solution has dried, sand the areas where leveling took place. Then apply a special primer. Wait until it is completely absorbed.

Careful implementation of all points of the preparatory stage will increase the service life of the waterproofing, thereby maintaining the fresh appearance of the room for many years.

If waterproofing the floor in the bathroom will be done using a moisture-proof material, you will need waterproofing, hydroglass insulation or roofing felt, a gas burner, a sharp knife and bitumen for coating the seams. You need to do the gluing yourself according to the plan:

• Cut the roll of waterproofing material into strips according to the size of the wall opposite the door in the bathroom, let them straighten;
• The first strip is laid along the wall, which is located opposite the front door, moving the edges up 2-30 cm. Using a gas burner or a hair dryer, it is heated to 50 degrees, during which the bitumen melts and sticks the sheet to the floor surface;
• The next strip is glued behind the first, overlapping one another by 15-20 cm. In this way the entire area of ​​the bathroom is covered;
• Seams between sheets, joints with walls, corners are coated with molten bitumen to seal and protect against moisture penetration;
• After the built-up waterproofing has hardened, a cement screed is poured onto the floor and prepared for finishing with a decorative coating.

Note! If you are waterproofing the floor yourself, glue the sheets in at least two layers, placing them so that the joints between them do not coincide.

Coating waterproofing

To apply coating waterproofing, you will need a plaster trowel for leveling, a wide spatula or a hair brush. Polymer mixtures for coating are sold ready-to-use, packaged in plastic buckets. After opening, the viscous mixture is mixed with a wooden shelf and they begin to coat the surface of the walls and floor, acting in the same way as when plastering. After applying the first layer, it is given time to dry. After 6-8 hours you can begin to create the second layer.

Each layer of coating waterproofing of the bathroom must be at least 2 mm, and in places where communications enter, up to 4 mm; for additional protection, rubber casings are put on the pipes. Waterproofing obtained by coating reliably protects floors from moisture penetration and destruction, while the cost of materials is much lower than when using liquid compounds and sheets, and the work can be done with high quality with your own hands.

A major bathroom renovation is impossible without reconstructing the waterproofing layer of the floor and walls, which, in case of intense leakage, will protect not only the finish of your bathroom, but also the neighbors below.

Video instruction

A bathroom is a room with a specific operating regime that accelerates the process of destruction of building materials and furnishings. Condensation that appears from temperature fluctuations, steam, splashes, water accidentally spilled or escaping from the tap constantly attacks the cladding and “sneaks” into the technological seams. Moisture accumulated under the tiled finish, in the joining lines of structures, in areas where pipes pass, gives life to colonies of bacteria and fungi. The results of the vital activity of microorganisms destroy walls, floors, ceilings, and poison their hosts with toxins. Waterproofing the bathroom will help you forget about the horrors of the described catastrophic picture, for which you need to choose the right material and technology for creating a protective barrier.

Materials for creating a water-repellent barrier

Over hundreds of years of persistent resistance to water and its destructive power, humanity has come up with many effective protective schemes, the number of which is replenished with stable regularity. Now in the arsenal of builders and owners of residential suburban and urban residential properties there is:

• panels and slabs for installing water-repellent cladding;
• welded and glued flexible materials that form a moisture-proof cover;
• painting compositions and coating paste mixtures that envelop the treated surface with a waterproofing layer with a thickness of from a few tenths of a mm to 1.5 cm;
• sprayed coatings that create a foam-cement or foam barrier in the path of water;
• waterproofing plaster, which also levels the walls;
• polymer filling and enriched with hydrophobic components and fiber for reinforcement;
• impregnations and injections that change the structure of porous building materials, thereby increasing moisture-proof properties and strength.

Depending on the technical specifics of the object whose waterproofing is to be constructed, a type of one or two materials that work well together is selected. It is not realistic to determine in absentia what type of waterproofing products and the method of their application will be the optimal solution to the problem. However:

• Let's take into account that to protect hygienic premises and bathrooms, excessively powerful insulation is not required, as for foundations;
• Let us remember that we will be constructing the waterproofing of the bathroom with our own hands, which means that it is desirable that the device technology be extremely simple;
• Let's calculate the approximate costs, and...

Having compared our own skills as a builder with the ability to implement complex schemes, and financial savings with the opportunity to purchase expensive materials, we will focus on the two simplest and cheapest methods. This is coating and pasting. To carry out waterproofing by coating and pasting, many different finished products are produced, differing in composition, price and application technology. It is among them that you need to determine the appropriate option, but only after making a decision about the upcoming scope of work.

What is the best way to waterproof a bathroom?

There are no fewer options than commercially available waterproofing materials. However, numerous variations on the topic under study are based on three fundamental “pillars” that determine the zones and area of ​​​​the upcoming processing.

You can protect your bathroom from water exposure by:

• only gender, i.e. cover only the horizontal surface with an insulating layer, forming low sides along the walls;
• the floor and areas around the bathtub itself, sink, shower stall and other plumbing fixtures;
• entire floor and walls with full processing of partitions in height.

Ceiling processing can be added to the last of the listed schemes, but its production is automatically associated with finishing. Those. painting with a water-repellent emulsion, whitewashing with a composition containing water-repellent agents, or installing a suspended ceiling system obviously prevents the effect of steam and condensation on the upper floor.

Attention. Any of the existing methods of installing waterproofing protection involves mandatory treatment of weakened areas: seams connecting structures, panels, blocks, slabs, temperature indentations along the perimeter, as well as insulating the holes through which communications pass.

The need to decide in advance where and how to waterproof the bathroom is dictated by the choice of method for constructing a water-repellent barrier, because the same material is applied differently to horizontal and vertical planes. Before purchasing, you need to find out which method is easier to implement. Even before purchasing, you should decide what is more important: labor costs or saving savings, because you will have to tinker with a budget scheme, and you need to pay a lot for an easy way to install it. And to make an informed choice, you need information.

Waterproofing by coating

Based on the name of the group of materials, one can make a well-founded conclusion about the application method, which also includes painting waterproofing compounds. It is clear that the consistency of the insulating mass determines the technology of its application and limits the scope of application. The choice of composition depends on the quality and technical characteristics of the surface being treated.

The family of coating-type waterproofing compounds includes:

• Painted waterproofing that forms a thin film coating on the protected surface. These include bitumen diluted to a liquid state, similar mastic, water-repellent paints and varnishes designed to protect structures made of wood and metal. They are applied in two layers with a roller or brush to the walls, and simply poured onto the floor and spread with a squeegee scraper.
• Bitumen mastics, proven by many years of practice, are paste mixtures based on oxidized bitumen with modifying additives that increase strength, elasticity, and eliminate toxicity. Apply to cement, concrete, cement-sand horizontal structures with a spatula in one or several layers.

Products belonging to the group of coating waterproofing are used mainly if the bathroom still needs to be filled with screed. They form a continuous, seamless film or layer over the entire treated area, which is their most important advantage.

Waterproofing coating pastes with a cement base can replace conventional types of screed. Therefore, there are no high requirements for preparing the rough base before applying them. In addition to mandatory priming, carried out in order to strengthen weak top layers and optimize adhesion.

Advice. Waterproofing pastes containing bitumen, as well as mastics enriched with acrylic, rubber, and silicone, are used to treat the dry surface. In order for the moisture to evaporate, it is recommended not to use the bathrooms for at least three days before installing water-repellent protection.

Mastic is often used as an adhesive for further installation of roll or sheet waterproofing. In such situations, the thickness of the coating is determined by the quality of the base preparation. There should not be significant differences in heights; deviations of 3 or 4 mm are permissible on an area of ​​2 m, because after applying the mastic, differences should not be 2 mm over the same area.

General principles of coating with waterproofing agent

After thoroughly cleaning the insulated base from dust, paint residues, oils and other debris, repair cracks if necessary, then:

• Extend the seams by 2 cm along the joining lines of slabs, blocks, panels, and the line where walls meet floors.
• The longitudinal recesses made are degreased.
• A self-adhesive waterproofing cord is placed in the formed grooves, as well as in the temperature gaps of floating floors, so that it is completely immersed in the groove.
• A sealing tape is glued over the cord using mastic or solvent, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
• The floor and planned areas are coated, ending with leveling plastering and pouring screed.

Instead of a cord inserted into grooves, you can use silicone mass, sold in a tube with a dispensing spout. The embroidered grooves must be filled continuously with the mixture; after filling, excess silicone composition is cut off with a spatula.

Important. The intersections of ceilings, partitions and load-bearing walls with pipelines are filled with bitumen before waterproofing by gluing or coating and again after completion of all operations.

Waterproofing by gluing

Water-repellent adhesive options are fused onto the protected surface with preheating with a gas burner or glued. Gluing is done using mastic, a polymer adhesive recommended by the manufacturer, or an adhesive coating applied to the back surface of the roll or sheet. The elements of the continuous coating being created are laid with an overlap, the joints are puttied or glued with the mastic used to treat the rough base.

The oldest representatives of rolled materials are the well-known roofing felt, roofing felt and glassine. They are now being persistently replaced by insulating studded membranes, installed if it is necessary to ensure the removal of steam and prevent the penetration of moisture, for example, onto wooden floors. There is roll waterproofing that does not allow moisture or steam to pass through.

Structurally, the latest generation of pasting products are a multi-layer flexible material with a base made of fiberglass, polyester or glass roofing material. On both sides of the base there are layers of polymer binders. In order for the adhesive waterproofing to be rolled into a roll, convenient for storage and transportation, a protective film of polyethylene is applied over the working polymer-astringent layers.

Attractive quality of pasting - budget price, negative aspects:

• the need for preliminary measurements and cutting;
• careful preparation of the base, height differences of 2 mm within 2 m are not allowed;
• use of a weld-on type burner;
• difficulty of working in small spaces;
• a labor-intensive installation process with thorough leveling of corners and laid panels.

It is quite difficult to glue waterproofing; the material can be damaged by careless movement, break through when forming a corner with a spatula, and the welded version can be overheated until it breaks. But craftsmen who want to save money cannot be stopped by listing the complications; it is better to familiarize them with the technology and rules of waterproofing a bathroom by gluing.

Specifics of the adhesive waterproofing device

The task is greatly simplified if the home craftsman purchases a self-adhesive material, from the back of which you just need to separate the protective polyethylene shell, then glue it and roll it with a heavy roller.

Do not forget that before constructing the adhesive protection:

• the walls and floor need to be leveled and wait until the screed and plaster completely lose moisture;
• Remove dust and debris preferably with a vacuum cleaner;
• coat with primer twice;
• waterproof butt joints;
• if necessary, apply polymer glue or waterproofing mastic.

The rolled material is cut according to the dimensions taken in advance. It is recommended to first keep the cut strips or sheets in an unfolded state for about a day.

The number of layers created by the rolled material depends on the planned degree of reliability of the waterproofing. To protect the walls and floor in the bathroom, 2 layers are enough, but their number can reach 5.

Advice. For ease of gluing, it is better to roll the strips that have lain for a day in the unfolded state again into a loose roll with the inside out. As it sticks, it will need to be gradually rolled out.

When creating a multilayer insulating carpet, we will alternate the adhesive with the carpet created from strips. Be sure to take into account that we cut with an allowance to form the sides, and do not glue those 100-120 cm for the bathroom area or 10-15 cm for the floor bowl on both edges of the cut panel:

• The first cut strip is laid in a way that is convenient for the master. The place where work begins does not matter, because You can move around the rolled waterproofing immediately after gluing;
• the edges are coated with mastic and the next strip is laid with an overlap, the value of which should not reach, much less exceed, 20 cm;
• After installing a solid canvas on the floor, allowances for the edges of the floor or for the protective zone around the bathtub, shower, and sink are glued to the walls. Glue strips of adhesive waterproofing on vertical surfaces start from the bottom and move up.
• mastic or an adhesive component is again applied on top of the laid waterproofing layer;
• The stripes of the second layer are placed across the previous ones, leaving the allowances unglued. After attaching these allowances to the walls, a waterproofing bowl with the necessary sides for protection on all sides will be formed.

These are the ways to protect building materials from the negative effects of moisture. If you are not lazy and build waterproofing protection, the main building materials and finishing will last much longer. There will be no need to spend money on renovations, buying new bathroom furniture or replacing plumbing. It’s not difficult to calculate what will actually be cheaper.