As level-access showering continues to grow in popularity the increasing number of homeowners choosing to install a wetroom is testament to the versatility of showering options which can be achieved with a wetroom solution.
We chatted to an expert line-up of wetroom designers and installers to get their take on wetrooms including design choices, installation methods and to find out what their top-tips are for installers.
From an inclusive family showering space in a period property to a chic, open-plan modern wetroom in a new-build apartment; there are many installation scenarios and fitting options to consider. The design and style of a modern wetroom can vary greatly to cater for the requirements of a huge variety of users. Increasingly, bathroom installations and refurbishments are considered with the idea of futureproofing in mind; incorporating an element of flexibility into the design and maintaining a modern, stylish appearance.
What do you think is the appeal of a wetroom?
Gary, Wave Bathrooms: “A wetroom gives a huge amount of scope for design and layout, specifically because you only need to accommodate one glass screen.
Forbes, Glasgow Tiling & Wetrooms: “I think a wetroom is much more aesthetically pleasing. And removing trip hazards means that it is ideal for users who may have mobility problems or disabilities.”
Alex, Spaxman Plumbing & Heating Ltd: “A wetroom is a first class, no-nonsense shower space incorporating clean lines and warm toes! Also, for many of our customers accessibility is key, so a flush fit wetroom is a must.”
Aaron, City Plumbing Supplies: “Definitely a sleek style, minimalist and the opportunity to come up with a creative design.”
What are the advantages of a wetroom, over a shower tray?
Gary, Wave Bathrooms: “I feel like there are three reasons to choose level-access showering over a shower tray; aesthetics, maintenance and cost.”
“It’s possible to make a small room appear much larger using the flow of tiles running across the room, rather than a third (or more) or the floorspace being taken up with a white tray. A wetroom is also much easier to clean than a tray. In many cases installing a wetroom (combined cost of dec, waterproofing and single glass screen), can be more cost effective than opting for a good-quality quadrant enclosure and a tray.”
What are your most specified wetroom products?
Forbes, Glasgow Tiling & Wetrooms: “The Impey Aqua-Dec wetroom decs and the WaterGuard waterproofing membranes are my go-to wetroom solutions.”
Alex, Spaxman Plumbing & Heating Ltd: “I have found that the Impey Aqua-Dec Linear wetroom decs are incredibly popular, particularly the models with 2 and 4 falls.”
Aaron, City Plumbing Supplies: “Our most specified Impey products are the combination of Aqua-Dec wetroom dec and WaterGuard.”
Gary, Wave Bathrooms: “Impey’s Aqua-Dec Linear styles are in my opinion the most attractive in the range, but you do need to be careful that the waste is not positioned over a joist. If the homeowner does not have floor information on the location of steel supports and joists, then the failsafe choice is the Aqua-Dec EasyFit. This is because the waste rotates around a full 360 degrees, so you can be sure that you are going to find a suitable void in the floor for installation of the waste.”
Do you have any wetroom installation tips, which you feel other installers would benefit from?
Forbes, Glasgow Tiling & Wetrooms: “My top tip would be to make sure that you are fitting on a flat, level base.
“Personally, I feel that the Aqua-Dec EasyFit is by far the easiest and best tray I could use; owing to the fact that you can change the position of the drain.”
Alex, Spaxman Plumbing & Heating Ltd: “Stick to the installation instructions; they are there to build a rod for the product’s back. And good installation will ensure zero problems.”
What kind of waterproofing methods do you choose when installing a wetroom?
Aaron, City Plumbing Supplies: “I always choose the WaterGuard waterproofing solution for wetrooms.”
Gary, Wave Bathrooms: “In my opinion, Impey WaterGuard is the best waterproofing membrane on the market. It comes with a lifetime guarantee. I am not interested in future problems, so when it comes to a wetroom, its Impey dec and waterproofing or no sale.”
Forbes, Glasgow Tiling & Wetrooms: “I always use WaterGuard waterproofing on the floor. I also use the WaterGuard corners and jointing tape. Be patient with the WaterGuard membrane; it takes time to master but persevere as you won’t get a better waterproofing product.”
Alex, Spaxman Plumbing & Heating Ltd: “I always use WaterGuard waterproofing. My top tip is to lay it out on the backing paper before I start peeling and unravelling the rolled back section, so it ends up in the correct place.”
What else do you think installers should consider when installing a wetroom?
Gary, Wave Bathrooms: “I went on the Impey ‘We Are Wetrooms’ training course, and it gave me a much better understanding of the product.
“The number one selling point for my customers is the Impey Lifetime Watertight Guarantee, you really can’t fault such a warranty.”
“People sometimes think that wetrooms are just for modern homes, but we recently installed one in a castle which is 100s of years old and created a sleek, spacious bathroom.”
Aaron, City Plumbing Supplies: “I speak to between 20 and 50 people a week about wetroom installations, and the team at Impey has always gone above and beyond to help me out with even the smallest questions.”
Forbes, Glasgow Tiling & Wetrooms: “We do a lot of wetroom repairs, due to previous installer error or poor product choice. When we are taking something out, we have to slot something else in, which is never easy. The Aqua-Dec has made this ten times easier!”
If you would like to find out more about Impey products, or have any specification queries, you can contact the Impey team at: 01460 256 080 or via email at: technical.support@impeyshowers.com
Gary Nutting is the creative director at Wave Bathrooms in Salisbury.
Gary established Wave Bathrooms 17 years ago and has been involved in the installation of wetrooms ever since. His favourite Impey product is the Aqua-Dec Linear.
Forbes Stevenson is the director of Glasgow Tiling and Wetrooms.
Forbes has been designing and installing wetrooms for four years and his favourite Impey product is the Aqua-Dec EasyFit.
Discover more from Glasgow Tiling and Wetrooms
Alex Spaxman is the director of Spaxman Plumbing and Heating Ltd.
Alex has been installing wetrooms for over 10 years and his favourite Impey product is the Aqua-Dec Linear 2 and 4 models.
Discover more from Spaxman Plumbing and Heating Ltd
Aaron Cole is the Bathroom Showroom manager at City Plumbing Supplies in Dover.
He has worked in the plumbing trade for over 10 years and specifically focused on wetrooms for three years. He speaks to between 20 and 50 customers a week about wetroom installation and his favourite Impey product is the WaterGuard waterproofing solution.
