WATER DAMAGE IS A BIG PROBLEM
Bad waterproofing in a bathroom can be catastrophic to homeowners. When moisture gets into areas where it doesn’t belong, it causes all sorts of expensive problems. Here are a few of the challenges inadequate waterproofing in the bathroom can send your way:
- Damp and mould
- Leakages
- Structural damage
How inadequate waterproofing damages your home
Moisture leaking through a gap in the waterproofing can lead to damp and mould. Over time, if the problem is allowed to persist, you will notice mould growth on the walls, ceiling, and floors.
Excessive mould can cause health issues when people breathe in the spoors. Damp also leads to timber rot, and you will eventually face an expensive repair job.
Worst-case scenarios from inadequate waterproofing
The problem with a water leak is that the damage can quickly spread to other areas. By the time the symptoms become visible, you can be sure the damage has spread extensively behind the scenes.
In some cases, you will need to remove walls and panels to repair the damage, and the whole exercise can get very expensive.
Water damage signs to watch for
Apart from the appearance of mould there are some other signs to look out for that will indicate you may have moisture damage:
Musty smell: A musty smell in the bathroom which persists no matter how much you air the bathroom, is a sure sign that your waterproofing is inadequate.
Warping walls: When the plasterboard absorbs moisture, it goes soft and will start to sag and bubble.
Water damage is one of the most common causes of structural damage and will only get worse the longer it is ignored. If left for too long, you could be looking at an extensive stripping and remodelling of the bathroom. It’s also not uncommon for structural areas of the house to need repair when dealing with water damage that has been left to spread.
Don’t trust just anybody to fix your waterproofing problems. Professional installation from a qualified waterproofer is essential to prevent problems from developing.
In Brisbane, a waterproofer must be licensed if the value of the work is over $3,300.
Although a person doing a bathroom renovation may not need to be licensed (if the cost of work is under $3300), I would highly recommend that you get someone who is licensed and can provide you with a Form 16 for their works. Then you can be more certain that it is installed correctly as they have completed the training and licensing requirements for waterproofing.
Even small leakages can cause significant problems, so the best course of action is always to use a professional with the relevant qualifications.
In Brisbane, a waterproofer must be licensed if the value of the work is over $3,300.
Are you ready for a Brisbane bathroom renovation?
Sean and the team at Relianzi are your local Brisbane bathroom renovation experts.
If you would like to know how much your ideas for a new Brisbane bathroom renovation will cost, call Relianzi and we’ll be happy to offer a free in-home consultation and quote.