The bathroom gets wet every day, and the waterproofing beneath the tiles is what stops that water reaching the ceiling below or nearby walls. Much downstairs damp comes from failed bathroom waterproofing, not a broken pipe.
Signs of a bathroom waterproofing problem
These call for an inspection:
- A stain in the ceiling below that grows after showers
- Damp or peeling at the base of the adjoining wall
- Grout that stays dark or keeps crumbling
- No meter movement even though damp appears
Common mistakes
Mistakes that come up often when bathrooms are renovated:
- Laying new tiles over damaged waterproofing without treating it
- Not turning the membrane up the walls around the shower
- Neglecting junctions around floor drains and pipes
- Tiling before the waterproofing has properly cured
- Regrouting only and expecting it to fix a waterproofing problem
Can bathroom waterproofing be fixed without breaking tiles?
Finding the cause can be done without breaking, but fixing failed waterproofing under tiles usually means lifting tiles in the affected area. The scope is explained after inspection and before any work.
This is general information, not a diagnosis of your home. To identify the cause, contact us to arrange an assessment.
Frequently asked questions
Is regrouting enough to stop leaks?
Grout isn't a waterproofing layer; it may slow water briefly but won't fix failed waterproofing under tiles.