Water leaks in bathrooms: causes, effects and how to solve them?
It is, sometimes, only when the neighbour downstairs complains about moisture spots in their ceilings, that we realise that water is leaking from our bathroom. At that point, we begin to investigate the causes of the damages, and to assess how serious the situation is. Identifying the cause of infiltration is the first thing to do to find the best solution to repair the water leaks problem once and for all. Even more importantly, this kind of work must be done as soon as possible, to avoid that deterioration affects the structure of the building.
One of the main causes of water infiltration is ineffective waterproofing, due to reasons such as unsuitability or aging of products used. Other causes may be leaks coming from the water system, or water accumulation, which may be caused by infiltrations that start from roofs or terraces, and extend do the rest of the structure. Water is one of the most devastating elements of building structures, it “travels” everywhere and never “sleeps”.
The problems of water infiltration can be solved with the right solution. Even better, water leaks can be prevented during the design of any building. As with any other aspect of the construction, planning the waterproofing system is an important phase. May aspects must be taken into account, such as climate conditions according to the building location. The aspects to be considered in a seaside location, are certainly different from those of city buildings, or mountain structures.
Quality, in waterproofing, is key. The choice of an effective solution constitutes the best prevention to infiltration, and Winkler has developed WINGRIP BITUMINOSO, the waterproofing under tile liquid membrane for bathrooms, balconies, terraces, shower pans and more. This solution is also recommended to avoid rising damp. It is an advanced chemical barrier that blocks the capillary rise of water, which is common especially when buildings are located near groundwater, and also in places where rainwater drainage is not perfect.
All the above explains the main causes at the base of repairs that aim at solving leaking problems in our bathrooms. WINGRIP BITUMINOSO is a solution that allows perfect interventions, forming a “system” that transforms normal applications into permanent solutions, highly benefitting the customer.
The bathroom, as well as the kitchen, are the areas where water vapor is often generated. It settles on tiles and joints, and this condensation causes moisture issues. In case of new constructions and renovations, the waterproofing product should be chosen based on the climate of the location and the type of indoor environment. To preserve human health, WINGRIP BITUMINOSO is made of high-quality bitumen and polymersis and it is water-based, instead of solvent-based. Considering that water is constantly in search of outlets, an essential feature of a waterproofing work is to cover the entire surface completely, whether it is done on floors, or on walls. Waterproofing the whole area that is somehow exposed to water, and paying attention to detail, always make the difference.
A good waterproofing work, made with water-based products, using high quality bitumen and polymers is the solution against moisture propagation. WINGRIP BITUMINOSO is a ready-to-use product that does not require neither a primer coat nor reinforcements, and sets floors and walls ready for the installation of tiles, painting or other types of finishing.
To protect the angles between floor and walls, underneath tiles, Winkler suggests the BC SEAL BAND – the peel & stick self adhesive band based on butyl mastic with non-woven polyester fabric backing, which facilitates product deformation and allows particularly adherent laying. This material perfectly accepts glue for tiles or other coatings. The principle is exactly the same as that of, for example, the waterproofing of flat roofs, where every single millimeter of the surface must be protected.
Resistance, elasticity and perfect adherence are the three basic principles of good waterproofing, to prevent or repair water leaks in bathrooms, kitchens or other areas of a house that can be affected by humidity.
Winkler uses modern technologies to offer the best waterproofing solutions, with products such as BOND CEMENT, a bi-component water-based non-slip flexible polymer modified cementitious waterproofing tile adhesive, which offers perfect adhesion points for finishing, so no other glue, primer coat, or reinforcement, are needed to cover them (with tiles or other coverings), horizontally or even vertically. These are particularly innovative products, ready to use, which guarantee maximum performance and, at the same time, simplify and speed up installation. We’re talking about cement-based solutions, or bitumen-based polymers, with virtually no environmental impact, which are increasingly fully satisfying professional workers and specialized operators of the tiling and building sector.
