A wetroom is the ultimate example of a practical and customisable showering space. Simply put, a wetroom is a waterproofed open showering area with a level access floor and built in drainage flush with the floor. Initially designed with accessibility in mind, the wetroom concept has taken a leap into mainstream popularity, and wetroom installations in residential properties have never been more desirable.
This guide takes a quick look at the features of a wetroom and the advantages a wetroom offers compared to an enclosed or walk-in shower area.
A wetroom, or wet area in a larger bathroom, combines sleek modern styling with the benefits of level access showering. Appealing to all types of homeowners, from style-conscious first-time buyers and families with young children, to mobility-conscious elderly retirees and people with disabilities; a wetroom is a long-term showering solution which can fit virtually any size or space of room. It is versatile enough to adapt to any kind of design scheme and offers the benefit of easy cleaning.
A modern wetroom can easily be installed anywhere within a property, not just on a ground floor, enabling more effective use of space; highly beneficial in a smaller property.
Creating an Appealing and Effective Wetroom from the Ground Up…
The creation of a wetroom is focused on four main processes.
- Choosing and Installing a Wetroom Floor Former
The best base for an efficient and effective wetroom installation is a floor former (or wetroom tray as it is sometimes called) which will create the ideal gradient for draining away water. A floor former is not the same as a regular shower tray, as it will form part of the fabric of the property’s construction and later in the installation process will be hidden from view underneath the homeowner’s chosen tiling.
The first consideration is the location of the wetroom, which can influence the type of floor former which best fits the situation.
- For use in upper floors or attics, the most popular choice is a prefabricated floor former with in-built drainage gradient, which is lightweight, but also offers strength and rigidity, is the ideal option. The award-winning Impey Aqua-Dec EasyFit has been carefully designed to be placed straight onto joists, alleviating any requirement to under board. Impey’s market leading floor former, Aqua-Dec EasyFit, is a popular choice thanks to its patented rotating drain plate, making it easy for installers to avoid underfloor obstructions like pipework or joists and therefore reducing installation time and cost.
For a linear option, look to Impey’s Aqua-Dec Linear which is available with two, three or four gradients to direct the water towards the drain; making it a versatile option for so many contemporary wetroom layouts.
- For installation into a new concrete floor, a screed template, which offers a straightforward way to create a drainage gradient for new pour solid floors, is an excellent choice for ground floor or basement installs. Impey’s Aqua-Grade is created with colour coded modular sections which easily click together to form any size of matrix. Each section has the optimum gradient built in, so the ideal slope can always be achieved. This eliminates issues like water pooling and saves valuable installation time. Aqua-Grade has been carefully designed to be installed directly onto the sub-floor and is especially suited to uneven surfaces as it can be easily levelled by adjusting the individual feet to provide the perfect platform for the wetroom. Once the desired formation is achieved, the installer simply fills the template with screed.
- To fit a wetroom onto an existing concrete floor using prefabricated floor former like the Aqua-Dec EasyFit or the Aqua-Dec Linear. Once the floor former has been chosen, a section of concrete is removed which allows it sit flush with the floor and the installation process is then followed in sequence in the same way it would be for any other type of wetroom installation.
- The Importance of Effective Waterproofing
Waterproofing the wetroom (or tanking as it is known in the plumbing trade), is the next step in the installation process. The creation of a fully waterproofed barrier for the wetroom or wet area guarantees peace of mind; importantly guarding against leaks by creating a highly effective watertight barrier for both floors and walls for the lifetime of the tiles.
- Opting for self-adhesive waterproofing solutions like Impey’s acclaimed WaterGuard tanking sheet membrane involves the installation of a butyl rubber coated self-adhesive tanking layer, which is provided on a roll for easy application and handling. The polypropylene surface is ideal for tile adhesive and with no curing time needed, tiling can commence as soon as the product is laid, significantly reducing installation time in comparison to alternative paint on solutions.
- Adding a Touch of Luxury with Underfloor Heating
Create a luxury wetroom feel with the indulgent, ambient warmth of under-tile heating.
Proven to be between 15 and 40 percent more effective than radiators, underfloor heating allows the heat to rise, slowly distributing it around the rest of the room for an even heat flow and warming a larger surface area from the floor upwards, at a lower temperature.
- Underfloor heating can be laid on top of the waterproofing membrane for an instant feeling of luxury which not only enhances the experience of showering in the wetroom, but also helps the floor to dry out fully between use.
- Impey’s Aqua-Mat system has various options, depending on the situation it is being added into. Aqua-Mat has been compatibility tested with Impey’s WaterGuard and floor former designs.
- Creating the Wetroom Aesthetic; Tiling, Wetroom Screens and Accessories
Once the defining aspects of a wetroom, including the floor former with drainage gradient and the waterproof tanking membrane, have been installed, the final part of the process is to create the aesthetic of the room.
- Tiling really does set the tone of a wetroom design; from plain and minimalist ceramic styles to brightly coloured mosaics. The wetroom floor tiles need to be suitable for the wet area and provide a non-slip surface to ensure safe showering.
- A statement drainage grate can be chosen to coordinate with brassware and accessories. Alternatively, opting for a tiled-insert drain top will ensure that it blends seamlessly into the surroundings.
Once the drain top and tiling is chosen, it is time to add those important finishing elements. Here are some questions to consider:
- Is a glass screen or configuration of screens required?
- If so, would the preference be for clear glass, or something more unusual like smoked or mirrored glass?
- Will the users of the shower space need additional help with accessibility or support?
- Is shower seating a necessity?
A high-quality glass option like Sealskin duka’s UK collection has choices of glass finish, size and configuration. Impey’s black-framed Soho wetroom screen collection has also proven a popular option for a sophisticated urban look.
Sleek stainless steel grab rails can be discreetly positioned for those who want support getting in and out of the showering space.
In addition a modern, fold-away shower seat like the Impey Comfort and Safety shower seat is a simple and unobtrusive seating option which can be stowed away when not in use.
It’s easy to see why a wetroom is a universally popular option when it comes to designing a showering solution. From families with young children to people with disabilities; it is possible to benefit from the many options available within wetroom design regardless of age, mobility or available space.
If you are keen to find out more about wetroom installation, or would like advice on a project you’re planning, visit one of the Impey retailers. With expert knowledge and a raft of experience they will be able to offer information and guidance to help you get the best from your space.
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