In recent years the wetroom concept has taken a leap into mainstream popularity, and installations in homes are more desirable than ever to meet a range of needs. Shaun Hunt from Impey answers some self-builder Frequently Asked Questions
For many homeowners, a wetroom is the ultimate example of a practical and customisable showering space. Combining a waterproofed, open showering area with a level access floor and built in drainage, wetrooms were originally designed with accessibility in mind. However, integrating a wetroom into your home requires careful consideration.
Do I need a wetroom?
A wetroom, or wet area in a larger bathroom, combines sleek modern styling with the benefits of level access showering. Appealing to all types of homeowners, a wetroom is a long-term showering solution which can fit virtually any size or space of a room. It is versatile enough to adapt to any kind of design scheme and offers the benefit of easy cleaning.
A modern wetroom can easily be installed anywhere within a property, not just on a ground floor, enabling an effective and desirable use of space.
How do I choose a wetroom floor former?
Efficient and effective wetroom installation relies on the floor former (or wetroom tray as it is sometimes called) to create the ideal gradient for draining away water. Available in square or linear styles, once installed a floor former becomes part of the fabric of the property’s construction and later in the installation process will be hidden from view underneath the tiling.
The location of the wetroom dictates which type of floor former is best for the situation. For use in upper floors or attics, the most popular choice is a prefabricated floor former with in-built drainage gradient. It needs to be lightweight, but also offer strength and rigidity.
For ease of installation opt for a floor former which can be placed straight onto joists, alleviating any requirement to ‘under board.’ A floor former with a rotating drain plate makes it easy to avoid underfloor obstructions like pipework or joists; reducing installation time and cost.
The linear shower area configuration offers versatility and a sleek contemporary aesthetic. In keeping with the open plan layout of many level access shower areas, a linear design can help to maximise space and enhance accessibility.
With a linear wetroom floor former, it is possible to choose from two, three or four falls, to direct water to the drainage point. This creates three separate layout choices, meaning that linear options can be helpful when designing a shower space for an awkward or unusually shaped room.
Can I install a wetroom on a concrete floor?
Yes. For installation into a new concrete floor, a screed template is an ideal choice. By clicking together the template into the correct shape for the wetroom, each section has the optimum gradient built in, ideal for drainage. This eliminates issues like water pooling. Look for a screed template that can be installed directly onto the sub-floor and is suited to uneven surfaces. Once the desired formation is achieved, the template is filled with screed.
If you are installing a wetroom onto an existing concrete floor the best option is a prefabricated floor former. Once the floor former has been chosen, a section of concrete is removed which allows it to sit flush with the floor and the installation process is then followed in the same way it would be for any other type of wetroom installation.
Is waterproofing important?
Quality waterproofing (or tanking as it is often known), is an essential part of the wetroom installation process. Creating a fully waterproofed barrier for the wetroom guarantees peace of mind – importantly guarding against leaks by creating a highly effective watertight barrier for both floors and walls for the lifetime of the tiles.
Look out for a tanking membrane which is provided on a roll for easier application and handling. A sheet membrane with a butyl rubber coated self-adhesive layer with a polypropylene surface is ideal for tile adhesive. Choosing a product which requires no curing time ensures tiling can commence as soon as the product is laid, reducing installation time significantly.
Do I need to install underfloor heating?
Underfloor heating enhances the luxury wetroom feel by creating an ambient warmth.
Proven to be between 15% and 40% more effective than radiators, it allows the heat to rise, slowly distributing it around the rest of the room and creating an even heat flow.
Underfloor heating can be laid on top of the waterproofing membrane for an instant feeling of luxury which not only enhances the experience of showering in the wetroom but also helps the floor to dry out fully between uses.
Depending on the situation it is being chosen for, ensure that your chosen undertile heating option has been compatibility tested with the waterproofing and floor former designs you opt for.
What else do I need to think about?
Remember that wetroom floor tiles need to be suitable for the wet area and provide a non-slip surface for safe showering. A ‘statement’ drain top can be chosen to coordinate with brassware and accessories. Alternatively, opting for a ‘tiled insert’ drain top will ensure that it blends seamlessly.
Shaun Hunt is technical and trade marketing manager at Impey