Knowledge Builders

can you have a wet room on the first floor

by Loyal Robel IV Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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I would like to point out once and for all, that yes, you can create a wetroom on the first floor, second floor or any other floor. You can also create a wetroom on a wooden floor as well as on concrete floors.

Full Answer

Can you put a wet room on a solid floor?

These solid floors will need to have appropriate plumbing installed which will connect to the wetroom drainage and may require the removal of a section of concrete. Solid floors constructed in new builds are often specifically designed to have a wet room installed on it.

What does a wet room look like?

The ‘shower floor’ slopes towards the drain to avoid flooding the rest of the room. There’s no step to climb over – the floor continues uninterrupted. The entire room is waterproof, from floor to ceiling. The shape of your wet room can be irregular – it’s not just plain rectangles. Why do you want a wet room?

Can a wet room be fitted in a bathroom?

Wet rooms are one of most popular trends in bathroom design. Whilst they can be fitted seamlessly into most bathrooms, their installation can be far more complex than a standard shower. Understanding how to install a wet room on different floor types is key to ensuring their success.

Do all wet rooms need to be tanked?

All wet rooms must be tanked, this should extend to the whole floor area, with a turn up of at least 100mm on to the walls. All walls in the immediate shower area should be tanked floor to ceiling.

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Is it OK to have a wet room upstairs?

Yes, wetrooms can be installed upstairs. Stunning, watertight wet rooms can be installed almost anywhere – it's simply a matter of using the most appropriate drainage, floor gradients and waterproofing systems for your floor construction.

Can you have a wet room downstairs?

Wet rooms can be installed on any floor of your home, including upstairs.

Can you put a wet room in any bathroom?

Anyone can have a wet room in theory, it is basically a shower room, without the tray. Depending on how small your bathroom is, you may need to install a shower screen to protect the rest of your bathroom from splashing water.

Can you put a wet room in a flat?

Yes. You can replace your shower room/bathroom in any house or apartment with a wet room. The style of your wet room may vary depending on your floor profile. If you are looking for level access showering, the shower drain needs to be installed completely into your floor.

Does a downstairs wet room add value?

It's estimated that an additional bathroom can add around a 5% increase in value of a home, according to a variety of studies by insurers and estate agents. A wetroom, when styled as an extra bathroom, whether ensuite or separate bathroom, can therefore add an additional 5% in value to your home.

Is a wet room more expensive?

Yes, usually a wet room will cost upwards of 20% more than a standard bathroom. Mainly, this is because of the waterproofing (tanking) process that is a necessity with wet rooms.

Do you need planning permission for a wet room?

Commercial Wet Room Design and Construction Although no planning permission is specifically required for the installation of a wet room, designing a wet room for a new build project involves applying for building regulations approval.

What are the pros and cons of a wet room?

The Pros and Cons of Wet Room BathroomsPRO: A wet room can create the feeling of a larger space.CON: Everything gets wet.PRO: Wet rooms can take many forms.CON: Not all building materials can be used in a wet room.PRO: It can raise the value of your property.CON: Tiling a wet room can get expensive.

Are wet room floors slippery?

Wet rooms are modern bathrooms that do away with slippery materials. Correct flooring is vital to the function of the wet room because it should be designed to be non-slippery! To do so, wet room tiles should be made of materials that are safe when stepped on, wet or dry.

How practical are wet rooms?

A wetroom is hugely practical. Not only does a wetroom look fantastic in sleek, contemporary bathrooms, it's also practical. For the simple fact that there is very little to a wetroom, meaning they are incredibly easy to clean.

How long do wet rooms last?

Brass, copper, galvanised steel, cast iron and PVC and these can all play a part in your network of plumbing. In wetrooms, you are most likely to encounter brass or copper pipes. This type of wetroom pipe is likely to last between 50 and 70 years over their natural lifespan.

What is the minimum size for a wet room?

There is no official minimum size for a wet room, but guidelines would suggest that a surface area of 1.5m x 1m is the smallest that could comfortably accommodate a toilet and basin.

Do you need building regs for a wet room?

Commercial Wet Room Design and Construction Although no planning permission is specifically required for the installation of a wet room, designing a wet room for a new build project involves applying for building regulations approval.

What is the difference between wet rooms and dry rooms?

They are one and the same. When you enter the hot room, and before any water is sprinkled on the rocks, it is considered dry due to the dry heat and absence of humidity. The minute you generate steam by sprinkling water on the rocks, it is considered wet.

What are the pros and cons of a wet room?

The Pros and Cons of Wet Room BathroomsPRO: A wet room can create the feeling of a larger space.CON: Everything gets wet.PRO: Wet rooms can take many forms.CON: Not all building materials can be used in a wet room.PRO: It can raise the value of your property.CON: Tiling a wet room can get expensive.

What is the difference between a wet room and a bathroom?

A wetroom is a room with no step up into a shower and will, instead, have a clear walkthrough. A bathroom can have a shower or bath, or a shower over a bath, in any combination but there will be a clear distinction between the bathing area and the rest of the room, when compared to a wetroom.

What is a wet room?

Basically, a wet room is an open bathroom that has no clear distinction between the shower space and the rest of the room. Interior decorators have different ways of achieving this. Styling options include:

How to clean a wet room?

To keep your wet room spotless and enhance hygiene, you can install a waterproof exhaust fan to go with the underfloor heating. They dry the wet room more quickly.

How to heighten a wet room spa?

You can heighten your wet room spa experience by installing extra water jets at different levels of the shower walls, but that may need a partial glass door to contain the water. Alternatively, a hand-held shower head lets you direct water at will, giving you more control over water flow.

Why are utility bills higher in wet rooms?

Wet rooms use up more water (and power) than shower cubicles, so your utility bills are higher.

Why do bathrooms have tile?

Standard bathrooms use tile and stone, because these are attractive, resistant to moisture, and easy to clean. But all these bathroom paving options are installed onto substrata, held in place with grout. Meaning water can seep through them and damage the ground below.

What is the largest characteristic of wet rooms?

The largest characteristic of wet rooms is wide open space, so opt for space-saving fixtures like hidden piping and recessed shower heads built into the ceiling.

How many bathrooms are there in a typical home?

In other places, a typical home may have 2.5 bath s, or 3.25 options, depending on the configuration of the house.

What is a wetroom shower?

Wetroom - The shower area is sloped towards the waste outlet, which is the lowest point in the room. The entire area is waterproofed (tanked) prior to tiling

How does a trapped waste outlet work in a shower?

We can contrast the conventional shower area with a properly installed wetroom. Firstly the trapped waste outlet is installed at floor level. The floor is sloped down slightly (slope to falls) to create a gradient towards the waste. As water naturally wants to run downwards it will run to the lowest point in the room, where , providing it is contained, it will enter the shower outlet and the waste water system. There is no way for water to bypass the waste outlet. View shower tray former installation sequence.

Can you build a wetroom on any level?

It is possible to build a wetroom on any level of a building you simply need to know how.

Can a leaking shower cause water damage?

Many, many people over the years have had problems with leaking showers, and normally by the time the problem is discovered a lot of water damage has already occurred.

Is a shower tray waterproof?

With a conventional shower area, the shower tray itself is waterproof, but the rest of the room is generally not waterproofed at all. Any water that by-passes the confines of the tray has no way of entering the waste system and will instead leak through into the floorspace, rotting timbers or leaking into rooms below.

What do you need to know before you start designing a wet room?

Before you dive into designing a wet room, you first need to examine your bathroom floor to determine how complex the install will be. In fact, it’s generally accepted that the floor type dictates every aspect of the installation process.

What Is a Wet Room, Anyway?

A wet room is a completely waterproof bathroom space with no separation between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom. Wet rooms are single level in that there are no steps, trays or raised portions at all. Because they utilize space more effectively, adding a wet room can make your bathroom appear larger. If tranquility and spaciousness are what you’re after, transforming an outdated bathroom into a wet room is the perfect way to maximize your space.

Why do wet rooms need shower screens?

One of the most enticing reasons to install a wet room is its inherent space efficiency. Because everything in a wet room is waterproof, the need for a shower screen or enclosure becomes obsolete. Without the need for a separate shower area, the entire bathroom becomes an open area that appears larger than it actually is. Do you have a small bathroom with an awkward layout that makes mobility difficult? An open-plan wet room might just be your best bet.

What is the best tile for a wet room?

Once the room has been properly waterproofed, the surface areas are ready to be applied. Tile is by far the most popular choice for surface areas in a wet room, and for good reason. Tile is a sturdy, aesthetically pleasing option that is both easy to maintain and can stand the test of time. However, when choosing tile, it’s important to go for a material that’s not inherently slippery, like ceramic tile. Although they need to be sealed after installation to prevent damage and staining, natural stone tiles are one of the most popular choices for surface areas in a wet room due to their rustic, hard-wearing finish, but also because they’re less slippery than other types of tile.

Why do wet rooms need to be waterproofed?

One of the key benefits of a wet room bathroom is that the entire floor area, as well as the lower section of each wall, is properly waterproofed — “tanked”— to prevent water from damaging the structural elements of your home. The waterproofing process can be time-consuming and can account for a hefty portion of your project’s budget.

Why add a wet room?

Whether you want to add value to your home, increase accessibility or simply update your space, adding a wet room may be the way to go. And doing so might be less complicated than you think.

Is a wet room floor better than a bathroom floor?

What’s more, when installed properly, your wet room floor will protect your subfloor better than standard bathroom flooring. Because the floor of a wet room is as waterproofed, or “tanked,” as a conventional shower pan, wet room floors prevent water from infiltrating your subfloors and are actually more protected against mold and mildew than a normal bathroom would be.

What is a wet room?

A wet room is essentially a bathroom or shower space where all of the floors and walls are waterproof, and any water introduced into the room runs to a drain in the floor. This means you can do away with the shower tray and have the water directly hit the floor! You can also be far more careless when washing your face in the sink, and, if you’ve got a bath, you can overfill it and step in and out without a worry in the world – because all the water will drain away!

Why is it important to tile the shower tray?

When you get to the shower tray, it’s important that the tile follows the falls of the tray, to allow for drainage. There you have it – your tiled wet room, ready for action!

Can you shower with wet rooms?

As well as being a huge modern bathroom trend and a statement of luxury, wet rooms also have practical uses too. They’re perfect if you’ve got children who like to splash around at bath time, and even more so if you struggle with mobility, because you won’t need to step in and out of a bathtub or tray – you can have your shower water directly hitting the floor tiles.

Can you do away with a shower tray?

This means you can do away with the shower tray and have the water directly hit the floor! You can also be far more careless when washing your face in the sink, and, if you’ve got a bath, you can overfill it and step in and out without a worry in the world – because all the water will drain away!

Can you use Jackoboard underfloor heating?

Before you start tiling, have you considered installing underfloor heating as part of your project, for that ultimate luxurious touch? As Jackoboard has an Extruded Polystyrene core (XPS), it is a natural insulator and ideal for use in conjunction with UFH. The warm tiles feel fantastic underfoot – you’ll feel like you’ve wandered into a luxurious spa, inside your own home. The heat will also help to dry off your wet room quickly after use. If you did want to add underfloor heating, now is the time to do it – once the Jackoboard products are down and sealed – then you’d follow the underfloor heating process as per usual. Here are our underfloor heating kits.

Can you cut a wabo panel under a bath tub?

If you have a bath tub in the room, you’ll benefit from our Jackoboard Wabo Panels. They slot under the rim of the bath, and have adjustable screws to raise them up. Then just seal along the bottom where they join the Jackoboards beneath! Where access may be required for pipe work under the bath, the Wabo panel can easily be cut with a utility knife to create an access panel where necessary.

Can you have a wet room in your home?

Anybody can have a wet room in their home. It’s usually easier to install a wet room in a space with a wooden floor rather than a concrete floor, since the drainage has to sit below surface level, but since most bathrooms are upstairs where the floor is usually wooden, this isn’t a problem.

What is a wet room?

A wet room is a completely waterproofed enclosure that encompasses the shower and often the tub. This space has been “tanked”—which means the floors, walls, and even the ceiling are sealed to keep moisture out. Plus it usually features a curbless shower entry that’s level with the whole floor.

Why are wet rooms easier to clean?

Wet rooms are also easier to clean, say the experts, in part because you can just spray it down with the shower nozzle.

How much does it cost to renovate a wet room?

According to Fixr, you can expect to pay 20% to 30% more for a wet room than a typical bathroom, which translates to about $15,000 extra on top of the usual bathroom renovation bill.

Why do older people use wet rooms?

Wet rooms are also a smart upgrade for older people who want to age in place. The reason? Without a curb or steps into the shower, a homeowner with a walker or wheelchair can wash with ease.

Where is the toilet in a wet room?

The toilet is usually located outside the wet room or in a water closet.

Is a bathroom a wet room?

But an official wet room is actually a specific bathroom design that’s currently riding a wave of popularity.

Where is the toilet located in a bathroom?

The toilet is usually located outside the wet room or in a water closet.

What is the best flooring for a wetroom?

Tiles are a popular choice of flooring for wetrooms; not only do they enhance the aesthetics of your bathroom, they are easy to maintain, provide practicality and can be installed on any floor build up. Tiles work well with your chosen drainage and waterproofing solutions, and in fact can even be incorporated into the gully design, like with our SharpDrain Square tile insert & panel drain. With so many styles, materials and textures to choose from, tiles are the best option for your wetroom.

Why is it important to ensure no tile or other wet room components can penetrate the waterproofing membrane?

Doing so will avoid leaks, which can damage the structural aspects of the property, causing damp and rot.

What is the best tile adhesive for wet rooms?

Use the LIP Wet Room Tile Adhesive – this specially formulated tile adhesive designed to not degrade when submerged in water making it perfect for wet rooms. It is suitable for all tile types recommended for your wet room, and is compatible with underfloor heating.

Why is tiling so expensive?

The cost of fixing a tiling disaster can be expensive because it usually means that the entire installation is suspect and may need to be completely uninstalled and reinstalled.

What happens when you get wet tiles?

Wet rooms are obviously very much as the name announces. When tiles get wet, they can become slippy underfoot. Consider your type of user, will wet tiles cause a hazard for those using the wetroom? Use slip-proof tiles if people with reduced mobility, children or elderly people, will be using the wet room. Or, just use them anyway to be safe!

Is wet room installation rocket science?

Wet room installation is something of a specialist skill. While there is no rocket science involved, it does require an appreciation of what must be done correctly and also what can go wrong, which is often picked up through experience. A correctly installed wetroom will last a lifetime, so making sure each stage of the process is done right is ...

Is wet room material reliable?

I have honestly found, Wet Room Materials to be an easy and reliable company to work with. Whether it be a one wet room residential project, apartment block or a gym; they ensure there are no installation problems and we don’t have to worry about leaks. They take care of the specification and advising us on correct build ups and preparation. On a recent project we were able to buy their Unislope System p from our bathroom show room retailer and they subsequently came to site to tank out the bathrooms. It was a time sensitive job and The Wet Room lads worked through the evening and into the weekend to ensure we completed the project on time. I have no hesitation in recommending Wet Room Materials. They are a pleasure to deal with.

What is a wet room?

Wet rooms are one of most popular trends in bathroom design. Whilst they can be fitted seamlessly into most bathrooms, their installation can be far more complex than a standard shower. Understanding how to install a wet room on different floor types is key to ensuring their success. This is because your floor type dictates every other aspect ...

What are the two main floor types?

The two main floor types are classified as timber/wooden or solid/concrete floors. Timber floors are common in new builds and are most commonly used in the construction of upper floors where the joists run parallel and support a sub floor that is usually made of plywood. Solid/concrete floors in older buildings need to be treated in ...

How much fall is needed for a shower drain?

The fall towards the drain is created within the top screed which is applied to the shower area. The recommended fall is 12mm over a length of 1 metre. The drain can now be fitted onto the screed base and screwed securely into place. Remove and store the stainless steel frame and grill in a safe place prior to screeding.

How to flush a drain that is facing the wall?

Adjust the drain to the approximate height required and tighten by hand. If the drain is being situated against the wall, rotate the legs 180 degrees to enable a flush fitting.

Is Wetrooms UK a wet room?

Through our sister company Wetrooms UK, we provide a fully guaranteed wet room installation service. Take full advantage of our 30 years of wet room installation experience by following the link.

Is tanking a wet room?

Waterproofing Or Tanking A Wet Room. Tanking is a vital part of installing a wetroom. It is important to start with a clean surface, so remove any dust, oil or debris as this can affect adhesion of the tanking membrane. Once your area is clean, prime all areas with a waterproof primer.

Do you need to remove concrete from a solid floor?

These solid floors will need to have appropriate plumbing installed which will connect to the wetroom drainage and may require the removal of a section of concrete. Solid floors constructed in new builds are often specifically designed to have a wet room installed on it. That means there is no need to remove the existing flooring ...

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