Adding a wetroom to your home can add functionality and style. In addition to creating a sleek modern look, they are also easy to clean and maintain and are very appealing to potential buyers should you ever decide to sell your home. A recent study found that over 5% of UK homes now have a wetroom installed in them, so we decided to talk about why wetrooms have become so popular.
WHAT IS A WETROOM?
Wetrooms are bathroom solutions that are just what the name suggests – wetrooms are wet rooms. There is a tiled floor that has been waterproofed (‘tanked’) instead of having a conventional shower tray. Since the whole room has been tanked, there is no need for glass screens or shower doors, and the room itself becomes the shower enclosure, with a shower drain inset into a gently sloped floor. There is a trend, however, of adding a shower panel to prevent splashing throughout the wetroom.
In short, a wetroom is a sealed bathroom with tiled features that provide a contemporary convenience bathroom solution in a modern style.
WHY CHOOSE A WET ROOM?
There are many benefits to having a wet room in your home. From an aesthetic standpoint, a wetroom adds natural style and modern flair to your bathroom. Showering in a wet room is liberating, not confined by a tiny enclosure or worrying about splashing water on the floor
ADVANTAGES OF A WET ROOM?
Wetrooms provide a great space-saving solution, especially in small bathrooms, and help create a functional, practical and easily usable space without the use of bulky fittings and fixtures.
As wetrooms do not have fittings and fixtures, they are incredibly easy to clean. With all their framework and runners, shower enclosures are notorious for collecting dirt and grime, so when it comes to a wetroom, it is refreshing to have only frameless glass or tiled floors and walls to clean. The floor of the bathroom would be free from obstructions and clutter if you install a wall-hung toilet and floating sink
Increasing safety – Wetrooms are ideal for homeowners who require easy access. Due to the lack of a shower tray and non-slip flooring, wetrooms are excellent for wheelchair users, people with disabilities, and children.
As well as being practical, wet rooms have an undeniable wow-factor, providing an incredibly stylish and sophisticated appearance and feel to any bathroom. The wall-to-ceiling tiles, minimalist fixtures, and open design ooze simplicity and contemporary elegance.
Wetrooms are extremely durable due to their waterproof nature. It also means less maintenance, so your bathroom will look brand new for a longer period of time. You can save both time and money in the long run.
Wetrooms can increase the value of your home both financially and on a daily basis. As they are easier to clean and maintain, you will have more time to handle your other daily duties. The addition of a wetroom as a second bathroom in your home can increase the value of the property if and when you decide to sell it.
A wetroom can be a bit more complex to install than a traditional bathroom, but with a little advanced planning, it is not as difficult as people would think. For peace of mind and a fantastic end result, we always recommend our customers hire a professional installer.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Drainage and tanking
Make sure your wetroom is waterproof and has an efficient drainage system. Otherwise, you risk substantial maintenance and repair costs in case of leaks or water damage. Wetrooms are traditionally waterproofed by installing a sealed tanking membrane beneath the floor and behind the walls. There are a variety of options for bitumen tanking, ranging from traditional rolls to paint-on waterproofing kits. You will also need a slight gradient in the floor to channel any water that escapes the shower or sink area.
Ventilation
In addition to ensuring adequate ventilation is installed in wetrooms, it is also necessary to provide a healthy airflow circulation in the bathroom to prevent mould growth. The moisture can be removed using an extractor fan or by opening windows.
As a wetroom will be covered by water, it’s important to choose slip-resistant tiles to avoid accidents and injuries. A natural stone or mosaic design is ideal, while high gloss tiles with a polished sheen should be avoided.
Although not essential, underfloor heating is definitely worth considering since it isn’t too difficult to install when you are already waterproofing and tiling your wetroom floor. It’s not only easy to install, but underfloor heating also dries your bathroom much faster, reducing the chance of mould and unnecessary cleaning.
HOW MUCH DO WET ROOMS COST?
Wetrooms require tanking, so there will be an additional cost to ensure your wetroom is fully waterproof. However, in the grand scheme of things, you are not spending a fortune. A budget must also be allocated for installation costs as well as additional time due to the complexity of fitting such as the drop in the floor and the amount of tiling.
Although a wetroom may cost more initially, it will help you save money over the life of your bathroom as it reduces cleaning and maintenance costs, and you won’t have to worry about leaks.
SUMMARY
A wetroom is a great bathroom solution that offers a number of advantages as well as adding both style and functionality. If you decide to sell your home, they not only look great, but also reduce cleaning and maintenance, and are very appealing to potential buyers. The initial cost of a wetroom is slightly higher than that of a traditional bathroom, but it will pay for itself in the long run.
Find out more about wetrooms by visiting your local BATHLINE showroom and talking to our bathroom design team.
