Wetrooms are great for creating the illusion of space in even the smallest of bathrooms. By removing an old bath or shower enclosure you can further maximise the space in your property's bathroom and create a real haven of tranquillity.
Dispelling the Myth of Wet Room Devaluing a Property
While some homeowners may express concern that installing a wet room could devalue their property, it's essential to understand that this perception is often based on misconceptions.
A wet room is a bathroom with an open concept design. The shower typically has no tray—and often no door— resulting in a consistent, level floor throughout the entirety of the bathroom. This makes it easy to move freely throughout the space and the ideal bathroom design when accessibility is a top priority.
What is a Wetroom? and what is better a wetroom or a shower tray?
Can you put a toilet in a wet room?
Wet rooms include all bathroom fixtures within the same space, including toilets, which should be placed as far from the shower area as possible to minimize moisture. Some homeowners choose to place a divider to prevent splashing between fixtures.
It is caused when warm air comes into contact with cold surfaces, such as windows, walls, floors or wet room shower enclosures. This creates moisture which then condenses on the surface of the object it meets. If left unchecked, this condensation can cause mould to grow and damage to occur over time.
Do wet rooms always leak? A properly installed wet room should never leak. A leaking wet room is usually due to the poor installation and inadequate sealing. Therefore, always ensure high quality installation when converting your bathroom into a wet room.
Walk-in showers will give your bathroom a beautifully modern, minimalist look without the cost and expense of installing a wet room. The open layout of a walk-in shower will also help your bathroom feel more open and spacious, helping to turn it into a relaxing oasis.
Having a wet room upstairs is entirely possible, but it comes with specific requirements and challenges. By planning carefully, ensuring your floor can handle the load, and hiring professionals to carry out the work, you can create a functional, stylish, and durable wet room on the upper floor of your home.
With the right installation, aftercare and maintenance, a wetroom can last a lifetime. This is why it's so important to give clients the right guidance on how to care for their new wet room, because no matter how well it has been installed, they can end up with unwanted problems down the line if they are not careful.
Wet rooms have been trending the last few years and are popular in high-end bathrooms, thanks to their sleek use of materials and increased level of accessibility.
People with Disabilities. Those with various disabilities, including mobility impairments, visual impairments, and cognitive impairments, can benefit from the simplicity and accessibility of wet rooms. They often require minimal assistance or adaptations to use these spaces comfortably.
Not all flooring materials are suitable for wet rooms. Avoid soft materials like wood or laminate, which may warp or degrade over time when exposed to water. Sticking to durable and water-resistant tiles is always a good idea.
Without a shower enclosure to contain heat, wet rooms can sometimes feel colder when you're showering. Additionally, if not properly ventilated, the space may retain moisture, leading to a damp environment. Installing underfloor heating and a powerful ventilation system can help address these concerns.
A wet room is essentially a bathroom or shower space where all of the floors and walls are waterproof, and any water introduced into the room runs to a drain in the floor. This means you can do away with the shower tray and have the water directly hit the floor!
Walk-in showers are a cheaper alternative to wet rooms, they include a shower tray and various designs. They give a modern look and are easier to install.
What is a Wet Room? A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom with a shower, toilet, and basin. Waterproofing (also called 'tanking') involves applying a waterproof membrane to the floor and walls and then covering the membrane with tiles or wall panels to create a completely watertight seal.
Although no planning permission is specifically required for the installation of a wet room, designing a wet room for a new build project involves applying for building regulations approval.
It will also add value as long as the wet room is properly installed. However, this is only the case if you add a wet room as an en suite or second shower room. Replacing the main family bathroom with a super modern wet room could seriously backfire on you if you later choose to sell your property.
Choosing the right materials. You can expect a correctly fitted, high quality wetroom to last for the lifetime of your chosen tiles. But never underestimate the importance of waterproofing. To make sure your wetroom lasts, it needs to be watertight.
While wet rooms can develop mold if not properly maintained, they are no more susceptible to mold than traditional bathrooms—provided they are designed correctly and well-ventilated.
This occurs when the warm, moist air from showers and baths comes into contact with the cool walls, causing condensation to form. While this may seem like a minor issue, it can lead to significant problems such as mold growth and damage to the walls.
When ventilation alone isn't enough, a dehumidifier can be a valuable tool. A dehumidifier is a portable appliance that draws moisture out of the air, effectively reducing the humidity. This can be particularly helpful in poorly ventilated wet rooms or during colder months when opening windows isn't practical.
Without a window to allow fresh air in and humidity to escape, the bathroom can quickly become damp and musty. This can lead to the growth of mould and mildew, which not only looks unsightly but can also pose health risks to everyone using this space.