Due to the high level of humidity generated in showers, wetrooms and bathrooms, without sufficient insulation the substrate is extremely vulnerable to mould and fungi development that can spread and cause further structural problems. To level out and/or guard the substrate to an even finer degree there are several tile backer materials available on the market, however there is a great deal of difference between water-resistant and waterproof solutions. All water-resistant tile backer solutions require additional waterproofing for which there are two main types of tanking methods: membrane or liquid sealing systems. However, with both methods, additional priming solution must be applied prior to tanking and thus not only one but two extra work steps are needed to make the substrate waterproof – adding a risk for errors and issues that can lead to leakage down the line. Waterproof tile backer boards on the other hand require no further tanking, but choosing between different brands should be a meticulous process. Reputable manufacturers offer added value such as tiling without the need for priming, decoupling effect and/or thermal insulation in one solution. When it comes to evaluating between different brands, especially in shower, wetroom or bathroom tanking, less is always more: choosing a comprehensive sealing system not only offers added value, security and hence peace of mind but significantly cuts back on project completion times.
Insulation is at the centre of sustainable energy and is extremely important to incorporate into any renovation project especially in timber structures that are subjected to damp and draughts. The cheapest way to reduce heat loss is to use building materials and surface finishes with low thermal conductivity.
wedi is renowned for its tile backer product solutions for wet areas in 36 countries worldwide. Well-known to the industry for over 37 years, the wedi building board was recently recognised as number one delivering on product and service through what has undoubtedly been a difficult and unstable year for all, winning the Tomorrow’s Tile and Stone Awards 2021. It is not only 100% waterproof to its core with the best thermal value of 0.036W/mK amongst tile setting backgrounds on the UK market but its load-bearing capability of 133 kg/m2 is also second to none when it comes to tile backer boards. Needless to say, no priming, further tanking or heat insulation is required – simply use wedi 610 adhesive sealant for joints between boards and over any screw/washer penetrations to create a perfect waterproof area. As a base for all of wedi’s tile backer product solutions – such as pre-formed Fundo shower elements, shower seating and niches to mention only a few – the wedi building board is a medium yet to be conquered for its reliability, versatility and ease of use in bathroom design.
Current trend shows increased popularity of walk-in showers but when it comes to suspended timber floors, it is imperative to evaluate between different brands in order to select the best solution that ticks all boxes.
wedi is always at the cutting edge of innovation, now offering two different solutions for creating stylish wetrooms on timber floors. Both the wedi Fundo Ligno and Fundo RioLigno shower elements fit and sit flush in the wooden flooring, without having to cut into floor joists or build up further floor height. With their outer edges of just 20mm and 25mm respectively, keeping safety at focus, both shower trays are fitted with a support plate on the underside reinforcing the area around the drain opening to provide unrivalled peace of mind within the moisture sensitive and ever moving timber floor. Uniquely, all wedi Fundo shower elements have a sealing set developed especially for the all-round sealing of their perimeters and a 360˚ dry-fit drain technology that offers reassurance of their use in/on wooden floors. Furthermore, to eliminate any possibility of failure, wedi offers a drain-substructure element for wooden floor installations to guarantee reliable support and accurate aligning of the drain.
Arriving to the surface finish, the standard wedi product range now includes seamless design surfaces that keep grout lines to the minimum thus promote hygiene around the bathroom. The brand new wedi Top Line boasts wall panelling (wedi Top Wall), pre-formed shower tray finishes (wedi Fundo Top) and pre-formed Top solutions for cladding of shower seats (wedi Sanoasa Top), niches (wedi Sanwell Top) and toilet cistern cladding for wall hung toilets (wedi I-Board Top). Every one of which is installed simply with the use of wedi 610 adhesive sealant. Their characteristics such as the antibacterial surface, warm feel and excellent slip resistance (R11) along with their natural feel makes them a perfect complement to use on top of wedi sub construction elements. Thanks to their low heat-conductivity they keep condensation at bay on bathroom surfaces further enhancing the added value of wedi’s precision engineered product solutions.
The whole bathroom, including the surface finish, fully sealed and insulated without any concern of compatibility – simple, safe and functional offering an unrivalled peace of mind.
Do you have a project to discuss or would like to learn more? Please get in touch either by calling 0161 864 2336 or emailing enquiries(Replace this parenthesis with the @ sign)wedi.co.uk. Alternatively visit our website www.wedi.de/en