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Do bathroom walls need to be waterproofed?

Author

Rachel Ellis

Published Jan 10, 2026

Bathrooms are the main wet area in the house. Therefore, you need to waterproof the area so that water does not get into the substructure of the house and cause major structural damage. Waterproofing is typically done by experts while the bathroom is being built.

Do you need to waterproof bathroom walls before tiling?

Water can creep through the tile joints and cause damage to the walls behind the tiles. This is why it's important to waterproof the background that you're going to be tiling onto.

What happens if you dont waterproof shower walls?

Cracking and swelling tiles can happen when flat surfaces aren't properly waterproofed in a shower. These are signs that moisture is getting into the walls.

What needs to be waterproofed in a bathroom?

The full floor within the shower room must be waterproofed. The hob or step down onto the bathroom floor must be waterproofed by at least 100mm. The entire floor where the bathroom is located must be waterproofed (second story and higher). The walls inside the shower must be waterproofed by at least 150mm.

Is Tanking a bathroom mandatory?

Latest codes of practice released in July 2018 by the British Standards Institute (BSI) for BS 5385-1 (wall and floor tiling in normal internal conditions) has seen a positive change in regulations overseeing works in domestic bathrooms and wet areas.

25 related questions found

Should a shower be tanked?

If it is a wet room with a tiled floor and no shower tray then yes it needs tanking. In a nutshell, the tanking process is where tape is applied to the corners and joins and a waterproof coating is painted on. It is not always necessary to tank the floor if a shower tray and enclosure are being installed.

Do you need to waterproof under a shower base?

Installation & Waterproofing

DON'T ignore the importance of waterproofing when installing an acrylic shower base. The walls and the area around the top of the acrylic base along the wall are very important for proper waterproofing and it is essential that it be done correctly.

How many layers of waterproofing do I need for my bathroom?

Waterproofing a bathroom.

Two coats are needed, each taking 24 hours to dry. Extra sealant may also be needed once the tiles are down. It's a job that can take up to four days, so allow plenty of time.

How do you waterproof bathroom walls?

  1. Step 1: Check surface adhesion. ...
  2. Step 2: Clean work area. ...
  3. Step 3: Apply corner pieces. ...
  4. Step 4: Apply tape for corners and edges. ...
  5. Step 5: Waterproof plumbing fittings. ...
  6. Step 6: Apply membrane on walls. ...
  7. Step 7: Correction and finishing. ...
  8. Step 8: Apply membrane of floor for bathroom sealing.

Do you need to waterproof under a bath?

Baths with an integral vertical upstand lip along the side of the bath walls require to be recessed to enable the junction to be waterproofed. Baths without an integral edge require full waterproofing of the walls and floor area around and under the bath.

Do I need to waterproof PermaBASE?

All joints and fastener heads must be treated with waterproofing material to complete the waterproof installation. What kind of fasteners do I use to install PermaBASE WP? Corrosion resistant screw or galvanized roofing nails. Strongly suggest PermaBASE screws since they do not have nibs like competitor screws.

Is waterproof membrane necessary?

If you are concerned about the tile grouting that could be penetrated by water when using the shower, then it is important to install a waterproof membrane. This material will act as protection and water will be diverted toward the drain which could also prevent the formation of mold.

Is cement board waterproofing necessary?

In fact, here's where things get really dicey: if there's a horizontal surface in a wet area it's absolutely critical that it gets waterproofing applied to it. Because if it doesn't then failure isn't just a possibility but rather nearly guaranteed. However, where is that in the cement board instructions?

Do you need to waterproof under tiles?

The bottom line is that you shouldn't expect tile flooring alone to prevent the intrusion of moisture. Without a waterproof sealing solution, such as CIM's cold, fluid-applied membrane system, moisture will reach the subfloor through the thin set and tile system, thereby increasing the risk of problems.

Do I need to seal a wall before tiling?

In general, sealing walls before tiling helps to protect the substrate. Apply a skim coat and use some sandpaper to roughen the wall. Use a vacuum to clean it and wipe the walls with a damp cloth. Use a suitable sealer to prime the wall.

Do you need to prime before waterproofing?

Where PVC is located at drainage wastes and drainage flanges the PVC must be primed to adhere the sealant or waterproofing membrane. Surface priming for CFC, concrete, mortar screeds and plywood substrates should always be carried out with the manufacturers specified primers.

How do I know if my bathroom is waterproofing?

Check the material to see if it's mouldy, crumbly or has holes. Touch the grout to find out if it's soft and powdery… or hard like it should be. Don't be fooled, even the slightest signs of damage can increase the risk of a leak if left for too long.

What can I put on my bathroom walls instead of tiles?

What Can You Put On Bathroom Walls Instead Of Tiles?

  • Wallpaper.
  • Wood.
  • Shower Panels.
  • Brick.
  • Laminated panels.
  • PVC wall panels.
  • Stainless Steel.
  • Solid Stone Slabs.

Is there a waterproof paint for shower walls?

Shower walls can be painted with waterproof, bathroom-safe paint of your choice, including latex enamel, oil-based enamel, and specialty paints. There are several types of paint that can be used in bathrooms, including latex enamel, oil-based enamel, and specialty paint.

How long does waterproofing last in bathrooms?

While basic waterproofing membranes should last at least ten years, they can last much longer given the right choice and circumstances. Conversely, poor quality waterproofing will rarely last the distance.

When should you use waterproofing?

Typically, extensive waterproofing measures are applied during construction to ensure that moisture is controlled at the initial stage. Waterproofing can also be done after a building has been built to solve problems as they arise.

When can you walk on waterproofing?

Often waterproofing membranes will have a “short dry time” but this doesn't include the need to apply several coats in the waterproofing process. Often coats will need to applied on separate site visits. In practice the tile ready time is still often 48 hours from the start of waterproofing.

What do you put under a shower base?

Mortar is recommended to use under all shower pans. Mortar reduces the risk of your pan slipping or cracking from an uneven surface.

What do you put behind acrylic shower walls?

Install cement board behind tub and shower enclosures. Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints.