WETROOMS
Wet rooms are becoming more and more in vogue, and they’re a great way to add value to your home. Whatever your style and budget, there are a huge range of options to think about.
So, can anyone have a wet room?
In theory, yes. A wet room is basically a shower room that does away with the shower screen and tray, and has an open, fully tiled shower area. If your bathroom is on the small side you probably will need to include a shower screen to prevent everything getting sprayed.
Water drainage
Installing a wet room is a job for the professionals as a gradient needs to be created along the floor to channel the shower water into a drain and then the entire room needs to be tanked (waterproofed).
The most common method for creating a gradient is to install a sub-floor made from WBP Ply (a type of plywood), which is then tiled over.
Another option is to install a ready-made sloping shower former (a bit like a giant shower tray), which is also then tiled over.
A final method is to use a giant preformed tray (sometimes known as a Hi-Macs system) that slopes towards a drain, and can be fitted across the entire floor without the need for tiling over.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing the wet room involves priming the floor, the lower section of the walls and the whole of the wall area around the shower and then covering with a syrupy membrane. Once it’s set, the room is then tiled.
It’s also worth raising the bathroom door threshold by about 5mm from the floor in case the room fills with water (if someone covers the shower drain with a towel, for example). This will keep the water contained.
Advantages of a wet room
- A wet room is super-stylish and perfect for creating a contemporary look.
- As a second bathroom, a wet room can easily increase the value of your home.
- Great for small bathrooms – removing the bath creates loads more space.
- Wet rooms are, in general, easier to clean. There’s no shower screen or tray to worry about and if you go for a wall-hung sink and toilet, it’s easier still.
- If it’s done properly, your floor (the bit under the tiles) is better protected than it would be in a standard bathroom.