Schlüter-Systems has highlighted five common mistakes to avoid when renovating a bathroom.
- Using unsuitable waterproofing materials
According to Waterwise, a standard shower head uses around 10 to 15 litres of water per minute. Understanding the difference between water resistant and waterproof will ensure that appropriate products are selected: water resistant materials are partially absorbent whilst waterproof materials are impervious to water, meaning it is unable to penetrate the surface. The KERDI range from Schlüter includes all the necessary components to make sure an installation is watertight, from pipe collars, sealing bands and waterproofing membranes.
- Lack of planning
Lack of planning is an absolute no-no when it comes to updating a bathroom. Fittings may be moved around to make the most of the space available; creating a separate bathtub and shower cubicle where there was previously a bath-over-shower system is an example. For this to be successful, a focus on layout and plumbing must be adhered to before anything can be installed.
- Poor drainage
Particularly in the case for level entry access, drainage is key. Understanding the flow rate of the chosen shower system will dictate the drainage required. Selecting an appropriate point or linear drain is a must. Equally as important is the fall or gradient required for water to efficiently drain away. Schlüter’s range of shower boards are prefabricated with the appropriate fall levels and all the necessary waterproofing.
- Inadequate ventilation
In high moisture areas such as bathrooms or wetrooms, good ventilation is vital. Ideally, a bathroom will have an accessible window to create natural air flow. An extraction fan may be a good idea too.
- Ignoring storage space
Storage space should be designed at the very beginning of a project. With Schlüter, there are plenty of ways to incorporate stylish storage solutions, including a range of niches and shelves that can be installed during the installation phase, or retrofitted.