Back to Home

BathroomWaterproofing

Wet bathrooms + no waterproofing = big trouble. Fix it the right way.

Get Free Quotes

Why Bathrooms Need Waterproofing

  • Bathrooms get wet every single day - showers, baths, and handwashing.
  • Water soaks through tiles and grout into the walls and floor underneath.
  • This causes mould, rot, and damage to the structure of your home.
  • A leaking bathroom can damage the room below it too.
  • Waterproofing stops the water before it causes any damage.
  • It is required by South African building regulations in wet rooms.
  • Doing it properly saves you from very expensive repairs later.

Types of Bathroom Waterproofing

Shower Waterproofing

  • •The shower is the wettest part of your bathroom.
  • •Water splashes on all surfaces - floors AND walls.
  • •A waterproof membrane is applied to the walls and floor before tiling.
  • •All corners and joints get extra attention - that is where leaks usually start.
  • •Grout and silicone seals are also important parts of shower waterproofing.
  • •If your shower is already leaking, tiles may need to come off to fix it properly.

Under-Tile Waterproofing

  • •This is a waterproof layer that goes directly under your tiles.
  • •It is applied before the tiles are laid.
  • •It catches any water that gets through the grout or tiles.
  • •Different membranes are used - sheet membranes or liquid-applied.
  • •Liquid-applied is painted on and dries to form a flexible seal.
  • •Sheet membranes are stuck down - very strong and long-lasting.

Wet Room Sealing

  • •A wet room is a bathroom where the whole floor gets wet - no shower tray or bath.
  • •The entire floor and lower walls need to be fully waterproofed.
  • •A special drain is installed in the floor so water runs away.
  • •The floor is sloped slightly towards the drain.
  • •Wet rooms look beautiful but MUST be waterproofed properly or they leak badly.
  • •Only use a professional for wet room waterproofing.

Signs Your Bathroom Needs Waterproofing

  • Mould or black spots growing on the walls or ceiling.
  • Tiles that feel loose or make a hollow sound when tapped.
  • Water stains on the ceiling of the room below.
  • A musty smell that does not go away.
  • Grout that is cracked or falling out between tiles.
  • Paint peeling off the bathroom walls.
  • Damp patches appearing on the outside of the bathroom walls.

How Much Does It Cost?

  • Shower waterproofing only: R2,000 – R5,000.
  • Full bathroom waterproofing: R4,000 – R10,000.
  • Wet room: R8,000 – R20,000+ depending on size.
  • Repairs to a leaking bathroom: R3,000 – R15,000.
  • Prices depend on bathroom size and how bad the existing damage is.
  • Get multiple quotes to compare - prices vary a lot between contractors.

Get Your Bathroom Waterproofed

Compare up to 5 free quotes from trusted waterproofers near you.

Get Free Quotes