40
feature
kitchens, bathrooms & washrooms
designing out failure in wet rooms
Steve Moore
1. Why can a correctly specified tile still form part of an installation that ultimately fails? Preparation is the art of a wet room system. Understanding the system and how it works is imperative. A tile may meet every required performance criteria, but within a wet room project, it is the visible surface of a much larger system. The condition and preparation of the substrate, waterproofing, falls, drainage, adhesive selection, movement accommodation and workmanship all influence the finished result. Failures often occur because these elements have been specified or installed independently. Successful wet room design therefore begins beneath the tile. Every component must be appropriate for the environment, i.e. compatible with the surrounding products and installed in accordance with the relevant guidance.
2. What should architects consider beyond the tile itself when specifying a wet room or bathroom system? Remember, water will always try to find a way to where it shouldn’t be. The starting point should be to determine the intended use, how will the space be used. Specifiers should consider expected traffic/footfall, whether users will be barefoot or wearing footwear, the likely presence of water or other contaminants, cleaning procedures and maintenance capabilities. They should then assess: the substrate,
waterproofing system, falls, drainage positions, tile format, adhesive, grout, sealant and movement joints, as well as corners, penetrations and drainage outlets, all requiring care. A coordinated system specification helps ensure that individual products work together rather than simply appearing suitable when assessed in isolation.
3. Why can terms such as ‘Anti-Slip’ and R ratings provide an incomplete picture of how a floor will perform in use?
Anti-Slip is a broad description rather than a complete measure of performance. An R rating can provide useful comparative information, but it is derived from a ramp-based test carried out under defined conditions. Those conditions may not represent how a particular wet room will be used. A surface may behave differently when wet, contaminated with soap or cleaning products, or used by someone who is barefoot or has reduced mobility. Specifiers should therefore look beyond a single classification and consider the test method, the conditions under which the result was obtained and the risks present within the wet room environment and usage.
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