Complete bathroom renovation in Kingsford to solve a water leak problem
4 Weeks to complete
$25 – $30,000 budget
Second floor
Complete renovation
After a bathroom waterproofing failure in our home in Kingsford, my wife and I found ourselves facing the unexpected task of renovating our ten-year-old bathroom in Sydney. The experience left us cautious, determined to choose a bathroom renovator in Kingsford who could guarantee a job well done and prevent any future mishaps.
Our search led us to Nu-Trend, and we couldn't be more grateful for the work delivered by Rick, Rob, and Chris.
Rick's organisational skills streamlined the renovation process, with Rob and Chris's skilful craftsmanship evident with every tile, fixture, and detail executed with perfection. The team's genuine respect for our home was demonstrated through the use of protective materials.
The team consistently arrived on time, demonstrating their reliability and respect for our schedule. It's worth noting that while Nu-Trend's services may come at a slightly higher cost than some alternatives, the peace of mind that comes with knowing the job is done right makes the investment well worth it.
Brand new bathroom renovation in Kingsford, Sydney
Nu-Trend is a company in Sydney that does bathroom renovations. Our renovation team can build a brand new bathroom, convert a laundry into a bathroom or even combine two rooms into a single larger bathroom. Using our renovating experience we can figure out how to renovate your bathroom to achieve the renovating brief you provide even if this means changing the floor plan, moving walls or adding a new window. As an experienced renovation contractor in Sydney we can demolish and then build a brand bathroom in a unit, house, business or apartment.
For all the bathroom renovations that we construct in Sydney, we always recommend doing a full demolish of the existing room. It means we are stripping back every item from the furniture, fittings, tiling and even the waterproofing to be able to work with freshly prepared surfaces. Taking this approach can ensure everything is renovated to a high standard because any new renovation work is done from scratch compared to trying to make adjustments to pre-existing conditions in a building.
This project was a little different because the existing bathroom wasn’t very old but was suffering from water leak issues which was being caused by failed waterproofing. We explain what we discovered and how we repaired the problems.
A bathroom renovation in Kingsford to repair failed waterproofing
How can you fix a leaking bathroom?
This two storey home in Kingsford had two bathrooms and both of them had water leaks. In fact both of them had extreme issues with failed water proofing that was letting water drip into other parts of the home. The first bathroom would leak water into the roof cavity that would then come through the ceiling when someone was having a shower. The other bathroom had a similar issue but wasn’t as visible, although there was discolouring on the ceiling which indicated water was pooling on the gyprock in the roof then drying later.
Finding a contractor to repair water leaks in a bathroom
Usually you can get a water leak in the bathroom fixed pretty quickly if the cause is a tap or a pipe, in those cases a licensed plumber can locate the leak, identify the cause and then repair the area that is leaking. For waterproofing that fails in a bathroom you normally have two choices;
1) Repair the area where the waterproofing has failed – this type of repair might work in some situations but could mean you can visually see a difference between old/new tiling or the area looks a bit ‘patchy’ as it won’t match 100% to what was there before. The other risk is if the failed area is not repaired completely you’ll end up with similar problems a few weeks or months later.
2) Do a complete bathroom renovation – depending on the level of damage it might make more sense to completely strip the bathroom and redo the flooring, screed and waterproofing so that you eliminate any possible leak problems. If waterproofing has failed in one area, then chances are it will fail in others as well because the original work wasn’t done properly.
The home owners were very hesitant using renovating contractors, as you can imagine they were worried about getting repairs or doing a renovation and then having the sample problems all over again.
What can cause waterproofing to fail
Waterproofing can fail for various reasons, and identifying these causes is crucial to prevent potential water damage, mould growth, and structural issues. Here are some common factors that can lead to waterproofing failure:
- Poor Installation: Incorrect installation of waterproofing membranes, sealants, or other materials can compromise their effectiveness. Proper application techniques, including appropriate surface preparation and adhesion methods, are essential to ensure a watertight seal.
- Inferior Materials: The quality of waterproofing materials used is critical. Substandard or low-quality membranes, sealants, adhesives, or grouts may not provide the necessary durability and resistance to water penetration.
- Inadequate Coverage: Insufficient coverage of waterproofing materials, such as gaps, overlaps, or thin layers, can create pathways for water to infiltrate. Proper coverage is essential to create a continuous barrier.
- Lack of Proper Slope: Bathrooms should be designed with proper slopes to ensure that water flows towards drains. Improper slope or inadequate drainage can lead to water pooling and seepage, overwhelming the waterproofing system.
- Improper Sealing: Incorrect or insufficient sealing around penetrations (such as pipes, drains, and fixtures) can allow water to enter vulnerable areas. Properly sealing these points is crucial for maintaining a watertight enclosure.
- Movement and Settlement: Buildings naturally undergo settling and movement over time. If waterproofing materials are not flexible enough to accommodate these movements, cracks can form, compromising the waterproofing system.
- Construction Defects: Poor workmanship, improper joint connections, or construction defects in adjacent areas can contribute to waterproofing failures. This can include improper installation of structural components, plumbing, or electrical systems.
- Chemical Exposure: Harsh chemicals or cleaning agents used in the bathroom can deteriorate waterproofing materials over time, reducing their effectiveness and leading to failure.
- Aging and Wear: Like any building component, waterproofing materials can degrade over time due to exposure to moisture, temperature changes, and normal wear and tear. Aging materials may become brittle or lose their elasticity, reducing their ability to prevent water penetration.
- Lack of Maintenance: Failure to maintain the bathroom properly can lead to degradation of the waterproofing system. Damaged tiles, deteriorated grout, or cracked sealants should be repaired promptly to prevent water infiltration.
- Design Flaws: Poor bathroom design, such as inadequate consideration of waterproofing requirements, can lead to vulnerabilities in the system. Insufficient attention to critical areas like corners, junctions, and transitions can result in leaks.
- Environmental Factors: Extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rainfall or temperature fluctuations, can stress the waterproofing system. Inadequate protection against these factors can compromise the integrity of the materials.
Why is a bathroom renovation needed for failed waterproofing?
Waterproofing that is failing must be replaced
Waterproofing is a crucial aspect of bathroom construction and renovation because it prevents water from seeping into areas where it shouldn’t, such as the structural components of the building, walls, floors, and adjacent rooms. A properly waterproofed bathroom ensures that water is effectively contained within the designated wet areas (shower, bathtub, etc.), preventing damage, mould growth, and potential structural issues. Here’s why waterproofing is so important:
- Preventing Water Damage: Bathrooms are high-moisture environments, and without proper waterproofing, water can infiltrate surfaces and materials, leading to rot, warping, and deterioration of structural elements like walls, floors, and subfloors.
- Mould and Mildew Prevention: Excessive moisture can create an ideal environment for mould and mildew growth. Proper waterproofing inhibits moisture from penetrating surfaces, reducing the risk of mould-related health issues and costly remediation.
- Structural Integrity: Water damage can compromise the structural integrity of the building. Over time, water infiltration can weaken the materials, causing them to decay and potentially leading to expensive repairs.
- Preventing Leaks: Waterproofing helps prevent leaks that can damage adjacent rooms, ceilings, and other areas of the building. This is especially important in multi-story buildings, where a leak from one unit can affect units below.
- Prolonging Lifespan: Proper waterproofing contributes to the longevity of your bathroom and the entire building by protecting surfaces and materials from premature deterioration.
If waterproofing fails or is inadequately done, it can lead to various problems, including:
- Water Damage: Unwanted water infiltration can damage walls, floors, and ceilings, causing them to weaken, warp, or decay over time.
- Mould Growth: Moisture buildup due to poor waterproofing can lead to mould and mildew growth, which can spread rapidly and pose health risks.
- Structural Issues: Water damage can compromise the structural integrity of the building, leading to costly repairs and potentially unsafe conditions.
- Leaks: Inadequate waterproofing can result in leaks, damaging other areas of the building and affecting neighbouring units or rooms.
- Decreased Property Value: Water damage, mould, and leaks can significantly decrease the value of your property and make it less attractive to potential buyers or tenants.
To fix failed waterproofing, follow these steps:
- Assessment: Identify the source and extent of the waterproofing failure. This may require the assistance of professionals, such as a plumbing contractor or waterproofing specialists. Be careful who you select because not all plumbers are experienced at finding leaks.
- Plan and Prepare: Develop a comprehensive plan for remediation. This might involve removing tiles, fixtures, and other affected materials to access the underlying surfaces which will need specialist renovation contractors to do correctly.
- Repair and Replace: Repair any damaged surfaces or materials, and replace them if necessary. This could include fixing cracks, replacing damaged sub flooring, and ensuring that drainage systems are functioning properly. Be careful of band aid solutions that won’t last very long.
- Reapply Waterproofing: Apply a proper waterproofing membrane or system to the affected areas. This may involve using waterproofing compounds, membranes, and sealants that adhere to building codes and industry standards. It is best to get a professional to do this for you, it isn’t a good DIY job like painting a wall.
- Retile and Finish: Once the waterproofing is in place, retile and finish the bathroom surfaces. Make sure that all fixtures and materials are properly installed to prevent future issues.
- Testing and Inspection: After completing the repairs and waterproofing, test the area to ensure there are no leaks or moisture buildup. It’s a good practice to have the area inspected by professionals to verify that the issue has been successfully addressed.
- Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain your bathroom to prevent future waterproofing issues. Address any leaks or signs of water damage promptly.
Keep in mind that waterproofing is not a DIY task and should be carried out by experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of proper waterproofing techniques and materials. Properly addressing waterproofing issues ensures the long-term integrity and functionality of your bathroom while preventing costly repairs and health hazards.
For this home in Kingsford the only way to repair the bathroom correctly was to do a complete renovation so that all the waterproofing could be re-done.
OUR TRUSTED 5 STEP PROCESS
Take a look at our trusted 5 step process that we have refined after renovating thousands of bathrooms in Sydney. We document & detail every step so you know exactly what is happening during each stage of the renovation process.
Custom built bathroom in Kingsford in Sydney
Vanity with storage
Storage in any bathroom is always an important consideration so when you are renovating your bathroom in Sydney we can install a wall mounted vanity that has a mirror and storage behind it. We can also place a power point inside the unit so you can charge appliances without messy cords on the sink.
Drain waste
To save money on renovations of a shower some people will choose to install a simple drain waste that you can buy from Bunnings or Reece.
These are fine of course, but if you want a touch of luxury then, a custom made floor waste can be integrated into the floor tiling so that it becomes almost ‘invisible’ when you look into the room. The wider opening can also capture more water too.
What else did our company do in this steam shower installation in Dural, Sydney?
#1 PROTECTED THE PROPERTY
Doing as many house renovation projects as we do, we understand how stressful they can be for people trying to live through them. Most tradies also make a big mess. We make sure we protect your property with floor and wall coverings to make sure nothing is damaged while we are renovating your house.
#2 PLUMBING & FLOORING INSPECTION
Nu-Trend is a licensed plumber which is an advantage when you are renovating a bathroom. For every project we inspect all the plumbing to make sure it is ready for use. We conduct a CCTV Camera Inspection of your piping and if required a high pressure jet blast to make sure everything is ready.
#3 TAKING CARE OF THE PROPERTY
It is the small things that count. We will check things like how your pets get into the house, if neighbours require access to driveways or other things that are important to how you live in your home to make sure everything goes smoothly during a renovation.
#4 RUBBISH REMOVAL
Some renovation contractors will not include this in their service, they might leave the rubbish from the demolition in your backyard or on the street. Nu-Trend will make sure all the materials and rubbish that are not used are removed neatly ensuring your property isn’t left in a mess and neighbours are happy.
#5 PRECISE MEASUREMENTS & PREPARATION
We make sure that each part of the renovation project is not only done in accordance to Australian Standards but is precise, measured and correctly prepared.
This includes things like doing a laser level check for the screed and tile height pre start off the plan to make sure the right falls are created.
#6 CUSTOM DRAIN GRATES
For every bathroom renovation project we do we will typically have custom designed drain grates created so they fit your space perfectly.
Same applies for most shower renovations that we do, rather than use off the shelf screens, in most cases we will recommend a custom cut shower screen so it can perfectly fit your room.
