Wet Areas (Bathrooms, Kitchens, Balconies)

Wet Areas (Bathrooms, Kitchens, Balconies)

Accessibility
Positive side accessible
Application Method Summary

Remove tiles locally. Provide 20×20 mm coves. Apply 2K cementitious (≥2 mm) with geotextile at corners. PU detailing at pipe collars. Epoxy re‑grout and 72‑hr pond test.

Leakage ID

LQ-BATHROOM

Likely root causes
Plumbing penetrationTile grout failurePoor detailing
Location
Bathroom
Next Steps

Remove tiles locally → form 20×20 mm coves → apply 2K cementitious ≥2 mm with corner reinforcement → PU detail pipe sleeves and drains → re-tile with epoxy grout → 72‑hr pond test.

QC/Tests

DFT checks to reach ≥2 mm. 72‑hr pond test pass with no damp ring. Photolog of penetrations treated. Functional wet test 24–48 hr for kitchens.

Recommended Technology Tags
Cementitious 2KPU MembraneSBR Latex
Recommended technologies
Cementitious MembranePolyurethane Membranes
Reference Image
Related applications
06. Wet Areas (Bathrooms / Balconies / Kitchens / Refuge Slabs)
Segment
Wet Areas
Select
Top
Severity
Medium
Solution Type
Positive-side waterproofingRe-groutingSealant repairCrack treatment
Specific Area / Component

Consolidated Wet Areas: Bathrooms, Kitchens, Balconies, Refuge slabs. Includes junctions, drains, pipe sleeves, sunken slabs; use this single record for all wet-area leakages.

Top Tech Picks
Cementitious 2KPU MembraneSBR Latex

Summary

Wet area leakages concentrate at sunken slabs, wall–floor junctions, drains, and pipe sleeves. The goal is a continuous, tile‑compatible barrier with robust detailing and pond testing. Prefer positive‑side waterproofing before finishes; use negative‑side only for interim containment.

Symptoms

  • Damp ceiling below bathrooms or kitchens
  • Wet corners and around drains
  • Efflorescence along grout lines and skirtings

Probable causes

  • Missing fillet (watta) at wall–floor junctions
  • Poor detailing at pipe sleeves and traps
  • Inadequate membrane DFT or curing; no pond test
  • Debonded tile bed or failed grout

Standard remedy overview

1) Positive‑side rebuild prior to tiling

  • Substrate repairs and 20×20 mm fillets at all junctions
  • 2K cementitious membrane to target DFT with corner reinforcement
  • PU detailing at pipe collars and drains; chase terminations where needed
  • Screed, tile with C2 adhesive, and epoxy grout

2) Localized detailing and re‑grouting (when full rebuild isn’t feasible)

  • Reinforce penetrations and vulnerable junctions with bandaging
  • Re‑grout with epoxy; monitor performance and schedule full rebuild

Recommended technologies

  • 2K elastomeric cementitious membrane (≥ 2 mm)
  • PU liquid membrane for collars and complex junctions
  • SBR latex primers/additives as specified; epoxy grout

Quick SOP

1) Grind and clean; repair honeycombs; form 20×20 mm fillets

2) Apply 2 coats of 2K cementitious crosswise; geotextile at corners

3) Detail pipe collars with epoxy primer + PU bandaging

4) 72‑hour pond test; rectify if needed; screed and tile; epoxy grout

5) Always protect the membrane from point loads and sharp edges in the screed; maintain slopes to drains.

Decision guide

  • Sunken slab rebuilds and long‑term reliability → full positive‑side system
  • Heavy penetration density (multiple pipes, traps) → additional PU bandaging
  • Minor dampness with intact finishes → localized detailing and epoxy re‑grout (temporary)

Acceptance criteria

DFT checks demonstrate ≥ 2 mm total for 2K cementitious
Reinforcement at corners and junctions installed and bonded
Pipe collars and drains detailed with specified system; no voids
72‑hour pond test passed; no damp ring below
Photolog of penetrations, junctions, and test results captured

Video Masterclass

SpecX Masterclass: Wet Areas — Coming soon

Disclaimer

SpecX is an industry initiative & a neutral resource, compiled from industry references and best practices. It is not brand-specific. Always cross-check with project requirements and local codes before finalizing specifications.