Moisture is the biggest enemy of your home’s structural integrity. Bathrooms and kitchens deal with moisture on a daily basis, so they must be waterproof. Bathrooms carry more importance as they are used multiple times during the day. That said, leaks in the bathroom can not only affect the room itself but extend to other areas of the house. If the purpose of your bathroom remodeling is to make your bathroom waterproof, we have compiled a list of tips.

Use Waterproof Building Materials

When it comes to building or waterproofing a bathroom, you cannot use regular materials that aren’t meant to keep moisture at bay. You might have seen some people including bamboo, wood, and other similar materials in their bathrooms but it does not work that way. Adding a touch of wood to give your bathroom a natural vibe is fine but it won’t serve the purpose.

To watertight your bathroom, you are going to need materials like plastic, ceramic, stone, metal, etc. as they are not affected by moisture. One of the biggest concerns surrounding wooden features in bathrooms is that mold and mildew can grow on them.

However, that is not the case if you are opting for inorganic materials. Materials like stone, metal, etc. resist mildew and mold and fight against moisture. If you are confused and have no idea about the type of materials you should choose, you should consult an expert.

If possible, ask around and see if any of your friends or family members have used the same building materials for their bathrooms. Keep in mind that if you have kids or elderly using the bathrooms as well, you will have to make special considerations such as using anti-slip tiles and a less-cluttered layout.

Hire A Pro For Plumbing

The biggest factor you need to keep in mind in terms of waterproofing your bathroom is making sure the plumbing is done the right way. Believe it or not, there tend to be countless complaints daily where homeowners spend loads of money but still have water creeping into their houses.

While searching for an expert out there, you will come across many who are willing to offer their services at lower costs. This might be tempting to you but never hire them. Always prefer experience and skills over costs. Professionals tend to be slightly more expensive than regular plumbers but will offer a guarantee for their job.

Furthermore, if you have recently renovated your bathroom or plan to do so, you should give due attention to the pipes and other important factors that might cause moisture to seep in.

Install An Exhaust Fan

You might think that installing a bathroom vent fan to eliminate moisture might be a dumb idea but it isn’t. There is a reason you see exhaust fans installed in bathrooms and that is only because they help throw away the moisture relatively quickly.

Then again, this will only work if you have installed the right size in the right place. If the bathroom happens to be large, a small exhaust fan will do close to nothing. Opting for the perfect size is what leaves homeowners in confusion. The simplest way to solve the issue is by consulting an expert.

If possible, measure the bathroom and pick the size accordingly. Having no idea of the dimensions will surely leave you in a bad purchasing situation. Plus, exhaust fans are also available in different varieties out there. Make sure you pick the one that matches your needs and preferences.

Install A Waterproof Floor

The choice of flooring is very important in a bathroom as it holds most of the moisture following the walls. You might have come across many bathrooms that have wood and other materials used as building materials but that will not work for long.

Such materials require extra care and maintenance. On top of that, they are slippery and cause all sorts of complications like mildew and mold growth.

A classic choice for bathroom flooring is porcelain and ceramic tiles. These tiles are available in countless colors and styles. Moreover, ceramic and porcelain tiles are waterproof and do not allow mold to grow. Porcelain tiles are considered stronger than ceramic tiles so in case you need a more durable flooring, choose porcelain tiles over ceramic tiles.

Apart from ceramic and porcelain tiles, you have the option for vinyl sheet flooring, luxury vinyl planks and tiles, and engineered hardwood flooring. For the sake of waterproofing, avoid hardwood, cork, and bamboo flooring. They are not waterproof and you need to seal them often to make them waterproof.

To achieve the goal of waterproofing your bathroom floor, you are going to need a bathroom remodeling contractor Rockville. Opting for just waterproof materials is not going to meet the purpose. You are going to need someone who ensures the installation is done right to prevent moisture from penetrating through the floor.

Caulking Is A Must

If your bathroom is old, some cracks might have likely emerged around the ceiling fixtures, faucets, drains, etc. To help make your bathroom waterproof, you will need to choose a strong caulking compound or sealant to prevent moisture from seeping in.

It is quite common for homeowners to ignore such minor issues that eventually turn into bigger ones down the road. Keep in mind that moisture constantly seeping in through the cracks, holes, etc. will affect the structural integrity of the room.

This is why experts recommend repairing the cracks and holes before they cost you thousands of dollars.

Make Sure The Shower Or Tub Is Watertight

When water damage occurs in a bathroom, there could be several culprits with the tub or shower being the most common. With time, showers or tubs tend to develop cracks, holes, etc. that cause moisture and water to seep in. In addition to that, taps tend to become loose as well and don’t cut off water properly.

That said if you are planning to renovate your bathroom, consider getting the area surrounding the shower or tub fixed as well. If the shower or tub needs to be replaced, you will want to ensure the area is properly sealed once the new replacements are installed to prevent leakages.

Perform Inspections

Finally, the best way to prevent water leakages and ensure your bathroom is in perfect structural condition is to perform personal inspections. Although bathrooms are one of the most frequently used areas in the house but are also ignored. Sometimes, minor leaks and cracks go unnoticed and will only become prominent when stains and other symptoms develop. However, by that time, the damage is done.

Therefore, every once in a while, check the corners and areas around the fixtures for cracks, damages, etc. Use a sealant wherever necessary or call a professional if the issue is complicated.

Conclusion

Waterproofing your bathroom is easy if you follow the tips mentioned above. Depending on the materials you choose, the project can cost you some money. But with an expert bathroom remodeler Bowie by your side, you can achieve the best of both worlds by smart investing and achieving your waterproofing goal. Plus, keep an eye out for usual signs and symptoms and get them fixed before things turn serious.