ASK THE EXPERT Wetrooms 101


In recent years the wetroom concept has taken a leap into mainstream popularity, and installations in homes are more desirable than ever to meet a range of needs. Shaun Hunt from Impey answers some self-builder Frequently Asked Questions


F


or many homeowners, a wetroom is the ultimate example of a practical and customisable showering space. Combining a waterproofed, open showering area with a leel access oor and built in drainage, wetrooms were originally designed with accessibility in mind. However, integrating a wetroom into your home requires careful consideration.


DO I NEED A WETROOM? A wetroom, or wet area in a larger bathroom, combines sleek modern styling with the benefits of leel access showering. Appealing to all types of homeowners, a wetroom is a long- term showering solution which can fit virtually any size or space of a room. It is versatile enough to adapt to any kind of design scheme and offers the benefit of easy cleaning.


A modern wetroom can easily be installed anywhere within a property, not ust on a ground oor, enabling an effective and desirable use of space.


HOW DO I CHOOSE A WETROOM FLOOR FORMER? fficient and effectie wetroom installation relies on the oor former (or wetroom tray as it is sometimes called) to create the ideal gradient for draining away water. Available in square or linear styles, once installed a oor former becomes part of the fabric of the property’s construction and later in the installation process will be hidden from view underneath the tiling. The location of the wetroom dictates which type of oor former is best for the situation. or use in upper oors or attics, the most popular choice is a prefabricated oor former with in-


built drainage gradient. It needs to be lightweight, but also offer strength and rigidity.


or ease of installation opt for a oor


former which can be placed straight onto joists, alleviating any requirement to under board.  oor former with a rotating drain plate makes it easy to aoid underoor obstructions like pipework or joists; reducing installation time and cost.


The linear shower area configuration


offers versatility and a sleek contemporary aesthetic. In keeping with the open plan layout of many level access shower areas, a linear design can help to maximise space and enhance accessibility. With a linear wetroom oor former, it is possible to choose from two, three or four falls, to direct water to the drainage point. This creates three separate layout choices, meaning that linear options can be helpful when designing a shower space for an awkward or unusually shaped room.


CAN I INSTALL A WETROOM ON A CONCRETE FLOOR? Yes. For installation into a new concrete oor, a screed template is an ideal choice. By clicking together the template into the correct shape for the wetroom, each section has the optimum gradient built in, ideal for drainage. This eliminates issues like water pooling. Look for a screed template that can be installed directly onto the sub-oor and is suited to uneven surfaces. Once the desired formation is achieved, the template is filled with screed. If you are installing a wetroom onto an eisting concrete oor the best option


18 www.sbhonline.co.uk


may/jun 2023


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