Browse Forums Bathrooms and Laundry 1 Aug 16, 2012 1:49 am Hi Just need a bit of advice. I am in the stages of purchasing an established home built 2004 in perth. I have had a builders inspection done and the only issue raised was that the wall behind the ensuite shower is damp due to average grout and tile condition. What is my best option to have this fixed. The real estate has said that a non invasive method of re-sealing should fix this but I am a little concerned that if I except this and find that this is not the solution then I will be up for a much larger bill down the track. Any thoughts or input on this situation would be great. cheers Re: Damp behind ensuite shower wall 2Aug 16, 2012 9:40 am Most tile grouts let some water through anyway. They are not waterproof. That is why a special waterproofing sealant is put down on the walls and floors before the screading bed and tiles. Aslong as the waterproofing membrane is intacted I wouldnt worry about it. When you say the "wall behind the ensuite" do you mean the same wall but the other face in another room?? If this is the case then you have a problem with the water proofing membrane. Cutting Edge Kitchens and Cabinet Making http://cuttingedgekitchens.net.au http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cutting-Edge-Kitchens/290484196676 Mobile : 0419 430 575 PH: 9452 4772 Fax :9452 4772 cuttingedgekitchens@outlook.com Re: Damp behind ensuite shower wall 3Aug 16, 2012 1:38 pm As CEK says above - worst case scenario ( guaranteed ) it will be the membrane for sure. Quote: The real estate has said that a non invasive method of re-sealing should fix this. Tell the RE that he is full of horse manure. You will have to rip out the shower to fix it and I bet a dollar to a kingdom you won't be able to match the tiles - floor or wall. It will also need to be fixed as soon as possible because the leak will be rotting the timber framing. Stewie Re: Damp behind ensuite shower wall 4Aug 16, 2012 2:45 pm Hi Doug Deep As others have said, it will be water proof membrane however don't worry about the wood rotting - 99% of houses built in Perth are double brick. However non invasive sealing is only a short term fix, Stewie is spot on the shower needs to be ripped out re- waterproofed and retiled and grouted. $$$$$. We had to do this in our last reno, as shower was leaking but it did'nt bother us and we wanted to put a new bathroom in anyway, however if you are not wanting to reno I would steer clear. Re: Damp behind ensuite shower wall 5Aug 16, 2012 5:37 pm You could overcome the problem by lining the tiles with tempered glass (same as kitchen splashback) or another lining material, directly adhered to the tiles. This could be quick and will avoid demolition and will modernise the look (it depends on your taste) Foremost Building Expert in Australia,assisting with building problems/disputes, building stage inspections,pre-contract review advice for peace of mind 200 blogs http://www.buildingexpert.net.au/blog 3 10205 Have look at your house plans and you will probably find that brick articulation joint has been missed. Maximum allowable spacing is 6M or 5.5M for a wall with window… 17 20580 Firstly the ableflex that has been installed needs (manufactures specification) a sealant cap over the top, preventing water draining down between the slab and the… 3 7789 |