This being my first post for Detailed, I thought I might take this opportunity to preview some of the topics I would like to discuss in the future regarding Wet Areas and our tired old building code E3 Internal Moisture.
With such a vulnerable area of our homes being exposed to moisture on a daily basis, the design and implementation of quality products is essential to the sustainability and healthy life of these areas, so focusing on a good code of practice is where I would like to start and then have a look at the materials, products and procedures that will ensure a successful bathroom, that is not only functional and water tight but will remain so throughout the life cycle of a home.
| Aquatite Wetwall caddy for acrylic lined applications (PDF) |
Starting at the top, the sealing of the penetrations in a wet area wall is essential for preventing the passage of moisture into the wall cavity which is a requirement of E3, however an access hole must be left in a wall lining for the shower mixer so access can be gained to the body and fittings for servicing or replacement without damaging or disrupting existing surfaces or seals. This is in fact a requirement for warranty purposes on a shower mixer.
Our E3 AS1 Compliance Document does not cover this off, although the objective, function and performance of the NZBC E3 makes it a requirement… Time to update things I think… for everyone’s sake.
Specifying products to address this, still is not a guarantee that they will be included in the finished project, as feedback from a number of BCA’s and TA’s suggest that they do not read individual specifications for every project that requires an inspection, and plumbers may not install the products as it is something new to them. Apart from site visits from architects and designers to ensure that they are installed, which is not always possible, a good code of practice needs to be adopted to make the protection of this very risky area an industry standard procedure.
Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
June 11, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Hey Chris
The Building Act 2004 Section 17 and 18 sets the Building Code as the minimum performance standards that has to be achieved and statutorily, the maximum that can be enforced. The “Good Trade Practise” way of sealing a shower mixer is lay a bead of silicone in a semicircle across the upper most area behind the mixer cover, directing any moisture that goes behind the cover away from the hole. Because this bead is not seen during maintenance and cleaning, it is required to achieve a 50 year durability. tell me what silicone sealant comes with that sort of durability statement. The problem with good trade practise is that walls moved, gaps open and silicone fails. Acrylic showers are the next big problem awaiting the industry.
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June 11, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Hi David,
Yes indeed, that is Good Trade Practice to seal the faceplate of the mixer in that way, but that will only address water ingression issues and nothing else, sealing the penetration is the better way as it deals with every potential moisture issue that occurs, i.e hardware failure, poor installation, movement issues etc http://www.dbh.govt.nz/codewords-40-8 was published late last year and has where the current thinking of the Govt/DBH is at presently re Building Act Review. The Durability thing is always going to be an issue. From what I understand there are no sealant/adhesive type products with a 50 year life span, but there are some real good one’s that exceed testing standards and NZBC requirements such as Safe Seal from Bostik which is an excellent product. and I agree with your comment about acrylic showers, the cost re shower leak repairs already exceeds 10,000 claims a year and around 10k to remove a rotton shower and to rebuild another??
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December 17, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Hi There
I am in the middle of renovating our bathroom. The tiler is saying to put the bathroom fittings on , then he will either take them off or tile around them. The plumber says no as some of the fittings are too hard to tile around and why install them twice. Problem the tiler is the father-in-law so do not want to insult his trade and experience. Your thoughts???
Thanks
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Chris Withers:
December 21st, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Hi There,
Sorry for the delay in replying to you…….generally fittings such as towel rail, toilet paper holder etc are fitted after the tiles have been installed, I personally would not tile around a fitting it’s just not the right way of doing things…hope this helps…good luck
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