Bathrooms in New Zealand are frequent sites of renovation failures due to poor waterproofing. Contractors often discover showers leaking into walls or floors only a few years after installation. The damage includes swollen timber framing mold and structural decay.
The problem arises when builders or DIY renovators skip proper membranes or rely on cheap sealants. Some projects use products not designed for wet areas. Renovators then face the difficult task of stripping tiles and replacing damaged substrates.
Trade professionals emphasize that waterproofing must be viewed as a system not just a product. Correct installation of membranes drains and sealants is essential. Suppliers provide advanced kits and prefabricated systems but renovators note that skill and training remain the decisive factor.
The financial impact is significant. Homeowners spend heavily on tiles and fixtures only to see their investment destroyed. Renovators stress that waterproofing should be the first priority not the last detail.
Conclusion: bathroom waterproofing failures in New Zealand highlight the need for professional expertise. The trade opinion is unanimous. A bathroom must be watertight before it is beautiful.
