If you’ve found yourself Googling Bathroom Waterproofing Australian Standards, there’s a good chance you are looking for ways to save some cash by doing it yourself.
But in this article, we outline the Australian Standards for waterproofing and why you’re better off avoiding the DIY approach when it comes to critical wet areas in your home.
What are the Australian Standards?
Australia doesn’t muck around when it comes to undertaking waterproofing and building works, and there are clear standards that need to be adhered to.
Generally, all waterproofing work needs to be carried out in accordance with the Waterproofing of domestic wet areas AS 3740-2010. When it comes to bathrooms, these standards stipulate that:
- Shower floors must be totally waterproofed and shower walls must be waterproofed up to a height of 1,800 mm.
- Bathroom walls must be waterproofed up to a height of 150 mm
- The step down from the shower to the floor must be waterproofed to a height of at least 100 mm.
- If the bathroom is not on the ground floor, the entire bathroom floor must be waterproofed.
- If the bathroom floor contains any wood, the entire bathroom floor must be waterproofed.
Why can’t I do it myself?
The short answer is, because it’s usually easier and cheaper in the long term to have a professional do it.
We mentioned above there are standards that you have to adhere to, but in some states it goes a bit further. Legally in Queensland and NSW, only a licensed professional (who is certified, like we are) is allowed to conduct the work. Plus, in other states, the work must be signed off by and certified to confirm it meets the Australian Standards; but for good reason.
If waterproofing fails due to incorrect application, the damage to your home can be significant, not to mention costly. Water damage can result in your home becoming structurally compromised and can lead to mold issues which are costly and difficult to resolve. However, if you trust a professional to wet seal your bathroom, they will guarantee their workmanship for an extended period, so if anything happens to go wrong, you’re covered.
So if you’ve got a waterproofing job that needs to be done, our qualified and experienced team can help. For more about how we can help you with your waterproofing needs, get in touch with us today!