RAINWATER MANAGEMENT BATHROOM & SHOWERS


ALL ABOUT THE WALL


The past couple of years have seen a marked increase in the number and variety of projects installing wall panels. Their versatility, durability and hygienic finish make them the perfect choice for a range of projects, from domestic bathrooms through to multi- occupancy settings. With the product gaining popularity in refurbishments and new builds, wall panel manufacturer Fibo expects this trend to continue into 2019 and beyond, accoding to managing director Scott Beattie. There are three main reasons for this, he believes. “One, the refurbishment market is growing. Research shows that changing lifestyles and economic factors are driving a surge in refurbishment. Many family houses are now home to more than one generation, with young people living with their parents for longer and grandparents moving in when extra support is needed. While a single bathroom was once sufficient, families now need more bathrooms, ensuites, and wet rooms. “


Uncertainty around the UK’s economic future is another factor driving homeowners towards re-modelling or renovating Beattie says.


“A recent survey by Carpetright revealed that many think renovating their current home is a more stable option than moving, with 56% believing improvements are good investments. This is leading homeowners


to invest in high-quality, durable products. And to minimise disruption, they’re choosing products that are quick and easy to install, such as wall panels.”


Fibo supplies its panels through merchants, who are seeing a growing demand from their builder and installer customers due to the ease and speed of installing panels compared to traditional tiles. (In January this year, AMA Research highlighted the various pressures UK tile manufacturers are under, including continuing competition from alternative surfacing materials like waterproof wall panels.)


Andy Morris, group showroom manager at Fibo stockist Sydenhams, confirms the difference wall panels are making to their customers: “Wall panels are easy to install. Our customers love them. They can complete


WET, WET, WET (ROOMS)


It’s worth merchants understanding the implications of the Building regulations when it comes to selling their customers into the increasingly popular idea of wetrooms , says Impey’s techical manager Shaun Hunt. “If a wetroom is to be positioned in a new extension, where an existing room is being converted, or in a new build, building regulations must be adhered to” he says. “Building regulations also apply when the wetroom installation involves moving a toilet within an existing space; this is to ensure that the correct fall is considered, air-flow is maintained and new pipework is tapped into the existing soil pipe correctly. Part A, section 1.10 of the Building Regulations Act 2010 covers the structural appraisal of existing buildings for change of use.” Hunt explains that the recently revised British Standard covering wall tiling did affect wetroom installation. New recommendations highlighted that tiling direct to plywood is not recommended for wall tiling and a


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bespoke tiling backer-board should be used to offer strength and rigidity (see BS 5385 Part 1 for full guidelines). We also recommend tanking walls as well as floors using our WaterGuard waterproofing membrane, which adheres straight to backer board, to create a completely leakproof solution. BS 5385 Part 1 also specified new minimum grout widths, dependent on the size of tile, specifically relevant to larger, heavier wall tiles, often used throughout wetroom installations.


Lighting


Wetroom electrical work must comply with Part P of the Building Regulations Act 2010. No mains voltage may be fitted in a wetroom including shaving sockets, light switches and standard sockets.


Lights should be enclosed and mounted on the ceiling, with a pull-cord switch installed for use. Alternatively, wall-mounted light-switches should be installed outside of the wetroom. Electric / gas-heaters must be fixed at a safe


Continued on page 36 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2019


the job quickly, without having to sub- contract tiling, saving time and money” he says.


“The biggest advantage with wall panels is that, unlike traditional bathroom tiles, the grout lines don’t discolour or break down over time,” Morris adds.


Phil Hopkinson, managing director of Plumb Plus Supplies says: “We’d already recognised a growing trend in wall panels and decided to try them. We’ve not looked back! Fibo panels offer a diverse range of finishes and colours.” Increasingly merchants are recognising the benefits of high-quality panels as a robust and stylish wall solution. With large scale operations in Norway and the capacity to produce 8 million m² of panels a year, Fibo is well placed to help merchants capitalise on this opportunity.


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