What waterproofing a shower with the Wedi system looks like. 

Yes, bathroom waterproofing requirements in NZ state that the membrane must extend under and up the walls behind bathtubs, sinks, and showers. 

As the bathroom is a major wet area of the house, the floor needs to be capable of holding water. Bathroom floor and wall tiles are impermeable, but cement-based grout does not prevent water seepage. 

That’s why you need to install a solid waterproofing system like Wedi. It’s a powerful waterproofing system for internal wet areas like showers. 

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Do I need to waterproof the walls before tiling? 

The walls in your bathroom and other wet areas should be waterproofed in any rooms fitted with pipes. 

Waterproofing methods are more effective before the bathroom tiles are laid. Our recommended bathroom waterproofing product in New Zealand, Wedi, is installed behind tiles. 

Related Guide: Bathroom Tile Beginner's Guide

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What happens if you don’t waterproof bathroom walls? You don’t want to find out! 

Bathroom walls are vulnerable to dampness due to water leaking from faulty pipes or permeating through the tiled surface. 

Moisture, even in the form of steam, passes through the grout and creates dampness inside walls. This eventually damages the structural integrity of the house. 

Bathroom walls should be waterproofed all the way up behind shower spaces. These sections can then be tiled like the other wall spaces. 

Check out our recommendations for gorgeous tiling trends to get an idea of grouting like the one below.

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How do I completely waterproof my bathroom? 

To completely waterproof your bathroom and keep it safe from any potential water damage, you'll want to go for a rock-solid waterproofing system like Wedi. It’s constructed with waterproof extruded polystyrene foam, reinforced with fibreglass mesh, and coated with synthetic polymer resin mortar for exceptional strength and adhesion. 

But hey, just a heads up – this isn't exactly a DIY project. You'll need the helping hand of certified installers like the ones we train here at Tile Space. 

So, while Wedi offers top-notch protection, it's best to leave the heavy lifting to the pros. Trust us, your bathroom will thank you for it! 

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What are the best products for bathroom waterproofing? 

Tile Space is proudly the exclusive NZ stockist of Wedi waterproofing systems. Easy to customise, Wedi systems create a strong and impermeable membrane. 

It only takes about three hours to install the panels and another 24 hours of drying. This means your bathroom waterproofing project with Wedi will take about two days in total. 

The Wedi waterproofing system is backed with Codemark certification and BRANZ appraisal ready for NZ use. . 

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Top Benefits: 

• ✓ A 3-in-1 waterproofing solution- that replaces plasterboards, screeds, and waterproofing membranes 
• ✓ Lightweight - easy to transport 
• ✓ Shortens installation time from 3 days to 3 hours! 
• ✓ 100% waterproof and mould-proof shower system 
• ✓ 15-year full replacement warranty (this warranty is only void if the installer is certified.) 

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Can I do waterproofing myself? 

While Wedi is one of the best and easiest-to-install waterproofing systems available, it’s still not recommended for DIY. To secure both guaranteed results and the 15-year warranty, you need to hire certified installers to do the job. 

Plus, they would already be familiar with all the nitty-gritty. WEDI needs to be installed to specific criteria; for instance, the first wall screw should start 200mm from the shower base, followed by 300mm spacing. The WEDI drain kit also has specific installation requirements. So, hiring a pro guarantees precise handling of these details, making your project worry-free and compliant. 

Book a free tile consult with a Tile Space expert at your local store to get details of licensed installers in your area and project guidance.

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What to Expect: A Step-by-Step Overview of Professional Bathroom Waterproofing

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Step 1: Cutting Wedi Boards

The installer will cut Wedi boards to fit the wall surface and join them using joint sealant.

Step 2: Attaching the Boards

They will then securely fasten the boards to the wall and floor surfaces using Wedi fasteners.

Step 3: Sealing Joints

Using a putty knife, the installer will spread the sealant over any joints to ensure complete waterproofing.

Step 4: Water Test

After a minimum of two hours, a water test will be performed to confirm that the waterproof membrane is watertight.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once the waterproofing is confirmed, the tiles or other finishings will be laid on the surface.

Step 6: Drying

Wedi is not only a superior quality waterproofing membrane, but it also boasts a rapid drying time. The installation takes about three hours, and then you need to wait around 24 hours for everything to dry.

This means it is ready to be tiled over in about two days, while most other waterproofing bathroom products take longer.For more detailed tips on what to expect during an installation, download the Wedi Spa & Shower Systems Brochure.

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How many layers of waterproofing do I need?

Wedi building panels are applied in a single layer. This quick application is made possible by the board's composition of multiple essential layers, saving valuable time for installers. 

At Tile Space, we proudly offer you great products and excellent advice. 

For fast and reliable waterproofing in New Zealand, Wedi is just what you need. Shop with us today to create your dream bathroom.