Do you want a waterproof bathroom without worries? With liquid membranes, you can easily prevent moisture issues. Follow these 5 steps:
- Preparation: Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and even. Use a primer for good adhesion.
- Applying the membrane: Apply two layers of liquid membrane with a roller and brush. Ensure the correct thickness and drying time.
- Protecting critical zones: Use waterproof strips in corners, seams, and around pipes.
- Quality control: Check for air bubbles, poor adhesion, and weak spots. Repair if necessary.
- Finishing: Lay tiles and finish edges with mold-resistant sealant.
These steps create a durable, waterproof base for your bathroom. In doubt? Engage an expert like Bricknest for professional advice and execution.
Step 1: Surface Preparation
Good surface preparation is the basis for an effective waterproof layer. Ensure the surface is clean, dry, and in good condition before applying the liquid membrane.
Clean and Dry
Thoroughly clean the surface and remove any unwanted residues. Use the following methods:
- Dust: Remove with an industrial vacuum cleaner.
- Grease stains: Treat with a degreaser.
- Old sealant residues: Scrape away with a scraper.
- Cement haze: Use a cement haze remover.
Let the surface dry for at least 24 hours at room temperature. If moisture levels are too high, use a building dryer to bring it below 2.5%. Check the moisture level with a moisture meter.
Repairing Damages
Carefully inspect the surface for damages and repair them as needed:
- Fill cracks wider than 2 mm with repair mortar.
- Level uneven areas larger than 3 mm with a cement-based leveling compound.
- Repair damaged joints with new joint mortar.
- Finish corners and seams with elastic sealant.
Wait at least 12 hours after repairs, so materials can harden properly. Only proceed to the next step when all repairs are fully cured.
Applying Primer
Choose the right primer based on the type of substrate:
- Absorbent substrates (like plaster or cement): Use a water-based primer.
- Non-absorbent substrates (like tiles): Use a bonding primer.
- Wooden substrates: Use a special wood primer.
Follow these steps when applying the primer:
- Apply the primer evenly with a short-pile roller.
- Allow the primer to dry for 2 to 4 hours, depending on humidity.
- Check that the primer is fully dry and not sticky.
Ensure good ventilation throughout the process and keep the working temperature between 15-25°C. Once the primer is dry, the surface is ready for the next step: applying the membrane.
Step 2: Applying the Membrane
Now that the surface is prepared, you can start applying the membrane.
Required Tools
Ensure you have the following items on hand:
- Microfiber roller (12-14 mm)
- Brush for corners and details
- Paint tray
- Measuring cup for precise mixing
- Clean mixing buckets
- Moisture and temperature meter
- Protective equipment like gloves and safety goggles
- Masking tape for neat edges
First Coat
The first coat ensures good adhesion. Follow these steps:
- Keep the temperature between 15-25°C and the humidity below 70%.
- Stir the membrane well, but avoid air bubbles.
- Start with a brush in the corners and along the edges. Then use a roller and work in one direction.
- Ensure an even layer of about 0.75 mm thick.
- Let it dry for at least 6 hours.
Second Coat
A second coat is necessary for a waterproof result:
- Check that the first coat feels dry and non-sticky.
- Apply the second coat in a direction perpendicular to the first.
- Ensure the total thickness is about 1.5 mm.
- Pay special attention to:
- Transitions between wall and floor
- Pipes penetrations
- Corners and seams
- Allow the entire surface to dry for at least 24 hours.
Use a wet film gauge to check the thickness. A too-thin layer can cause leaks, while a too-thick layer can crack. Work in a well-ventilated space and avoid drafts during drying.
Proceed with protecting important zones.
Step 3: Protecting Critical Zones
Waterproof Strips
Ensure extra protection in critical zones by using waterproof strips:
- Use corner band in corners where wall and floor meet.
- Apply cuffs around pipe penetrations.
- Reinforce seams and expansion joints with elastic strips.
Place the strips while the second layer of the membrane is not yet fully cured. Ensure the strips overlap at least 10 cm on both sides with the previously applied membrane. Neatly finish the transitions by applying extra membrane over them.
Full Coverage
To ensure a waterproof seal:
- Apply an extra layer of membrane over the edges of the strips.
- Ensure a smooth transition without air bubbles.
- Check all critical zones such as shower drains, outlets, material transitions, and movement joints for a seamless finish.
Work systematically from top to bottom and thoroughly inspect each connection before proceeding.
Let the membrane cure for at least 12 hours before starting the next step. This ensures strong adhesion with the reinforcement strips.
Keep the work area at a stable temperature between 15°C and 25°C during curing. Avoid direct sunlight and drafts, as these can disrupt the curing process.
Step 4: Quality Control
Detecting Problems
Carefully inspect the membrane for weak spots, air bubbles, and poor adhesion. Here are some tips:
- Use raking light to make imperfections more visible.
- Pay particular attention to trapped air bubbles in corners and transitions.
- Test adhesion by using a putty knife along the edges.
Solving Problems
1. Insufficient coverage
Apply an extra layer on the spot with at least 5 cm overlap. Always work from the center to the edges for an even finish.
2. Air bubbles
Carefully cut open the air bubble with a sharp knife. Press the edges flat and apply a new layer with 3 cm overlap.
3. Poor adhesion
Remove loose material. Clean the surface thoroughly and use a primer if necessary. Then restore the membrane according to the standard procedure.
Ensure all repairs are fully completed before proceeding with the drying process.
Drying Time
After making repairs, it is important to allow the membrane to dry properly. Follow these guidelines:
- Minimum drying time: 24 hours
- Ideal temperature: between 18°C and 22°C
- Relative humidity: maximum 70%
Avoid during drying:
- Direct sunlight
- Forced ventilation or drafts
- Large temperature fluctuations (more than 5°C)
Want to check if the membrane is properly cured? Lightly scratch it with your fingernail. A properly cured membrane leaves no visible damage.
Step 5: Surface Finishing
Tile Installation
Make sure the membrane is fully cured according to the guidelines given earlier.
- Use flexible tile adhesive with a minimum thickness of 3 mm, suitable for wet areas.
- Choose a 6x6 mm notch trowel for wall tiles and 8x8 mm for floor tiles.
- Avoid damaging the membrane when applying the adhesive.
- Work in sections of no more than 1 m² to maintain control.
- Check for at least 80% adhesive coverage.
- Use tile spacers to ensure even joints.
- Let the adhesive cure for at least 24 hours before starting grouting.
Sealing Edges
Carefully finish all critical edges to ensure waterproofing.
Sealant Work
- Use a mold-resistant sanitary sealant.
- Place backer rod in the joints with a minimum depth of 6 mm.
- Smooth the sealant with a solution of water and soap.
- Let the sealant dry for 12 hours before it comes into contact with water.
Important Points
- Transitions between wall and floor.
- Pipe penetrations.
- Shower drain.
- Corners.
Dimensions of Sealant Joints
- At least 5 mm wide at wall connections.
- At least 8 mm wide at floor connections.
- All joints must have a minimum depth of 6 mm.
Wait 24 hours before putting the room into use, so all materials can fully cure.
Important Guidelines
Product Choice
Choosing the right membrane is crucial for a waterproof result in bathrooms:
- Ensure the layer thickness is between 0.8 and 1.2 mm.
- Use only certified products, such as KOMO-certified options.
- Ensure all components come from the same system.
The membrane should have an elasticity of at least 200%, crack-bridging of ≥0.4 mm, withstand water pressure up to 1.5 bar, and offer a working time of at least 45 minutes at 20°C.
These specifications help achieve a long-lasting and reliable waterproofing system.
Ventilation
Keep the area well ventilated with at least three air changes per hour. Additionally, ensure:
- A temperature between 15 and 25°C.
- No drafts in the area.
- A relative humidity below 70%. This can be achieved by opening windows and doors or using a building ventilator.
Professional Help
Sometimes it's wise to call in an expert, for example in cases of:
- Moisture problems in old bathrooms.
- Installations with specific requirements.
- Large areas of more than 15 m².
- Complex or unusual substrates.
Bricknest offers support such as:
- Pre-technical inspections.
- Professional application of waterproofing systems.
- Quality controls during and after the work.
- Warranty on waterproofing.
With a good work plan and the right approach, a professional result is guaranteed.
Conclusion
Here is a brief summary of the process to achieve a waterproof bathroom. By following the steps accurately, you ensure a reliable and durable result.
Correctly applying liquid membranes is essential for a waterproof bathroom. Good preparation and precise execution, from primer to finishing, are the basis for success.
- Substrate: Make sure it is clean, dry, and sturdy. A primer helps with good adhesion of the membrane.
- Membrane application: Apply two layers with the correct thickness and allow sufficient drying time between layers.
- Critical zones: Use waterproof strips and reinforcing bands to provide extra protection to vulnerable spots.
- Quality control: Inspect all connections and ensure full coverage everywhere before proceeding with tiling.
The result? A fully waterproof surface that is ready for finishing. This gives your bathroom long-term protection against moisture.
Unsure about the execution? Then call in an expert. At Bricknest, you can count on professional support and quality checks for a result that meets all technical requirements.
About Bricknest
Bricknest plays a significant role in realizing bathroom renovations in the Netherlands. The company specializes in professional renovations and offers a thorough approach with quality assurance.
Bathroom renovations start at €12,000. For example: in Amsterdam, a bathroom was fully renovated and made waterproof in three weeks for an investment of €19,409. The result? A modern, functional space.
What makes Bricknest special in waterproofing projects?
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Quality Control | Inspection by an independent specialist |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty on both labor and materials |
| Insurance | Coverage up to €500,000 during renovation |
| Project Management | Personal project manager assigned |
| Digital Platform | Track progress and view documentation in real-time |
Each project includes a clear cost estimate, including all materials and labor. The project manager ensures everything goes according to plan and is available to answer your questions. Additionally, the digital dashboard provides insight into progress and access to important documents.
Bricknest uses liquid membranes to ensure a long-lasting and technically approved outcome.
