The bathroom is one of the most important spaces in a house or an apartment, but it is also the most sensitive part of the interior due to the daily presence of water and moisture, as well as due to its intensive use.

That is why special attention should be paid when equipping the bathroom. In order to meet all the aesthetic and functional requirements, it is particularly important to choose high-quality materials, which will make possible the efficient and proper installation of both waterproofing coating and ceramic tiles. In order to ensure the long-term protection of the bathroom, professional contractors recommend the application of system solutions.

What are system solutions for the bathroom and what are the advantages of applying them? Let us see the example of the  HYDRO CERAMIC BATHROOM system for waterproofing and ceramic laying in the bathroom.

The system is a reliable, high-quality and economical solution that ensures safe and long-lasting protection against the penetration of water and moisture. It is characterized by excellent watertightness, resistance to mold and a good price-quality ratio. It is easy and simple to install, and it is also suitable for underfloor heating.

In order to achieve these advantages, the proper installation of this system implies the application of seven different materials that have precisely defined places and roles within the system. They are: 1) primer, 2) self-leveling mass, 3) waterproofing coating, 4) waterproofing tapes, 5) adhesive for ceramic tiles, 6) grouting mass i 7) sealing masses.

Procedure for the proper installation OF the HYDRO CERAMIC bathroom system

In order to start the installation of a given system solution, it is necessary to complete the works on water supply, sewerage, electrical network, ventilation and heating, as well as on the façade and the interior carpentry.

Given that there is no perfectly flat surface for finishing works, irregular substrates must be prepared properly. First of all, it is necessary to dust the surface and apply the primer. As primer we shall use the universal substrate BK-Ultra Prime. This layer improves adhesiveness, evens absorption and binds dust particles.

In order to obtain a flat enough surface, without sharp edges and damages, it is necessary to compensate for any irregularities on the horizontal surface of the floor. For this purpose, we recommend the self-leveling mass BK-Liv 10 for floors. This mass is used to achieve the thin-layer levelling of concrete surfaces and cement sheaths before applying the waterproofing coating. After drying, this substrate, as well as the walls, must be primed with BK-Ultra Prime universal substrate.

Installing the waterproofing coating

Once the substrate is dry, a waterproofing coating can be applied. The HYDRO CERAMIC BATHROOM system includes BK-HidroStop 2, a two-component, flexible waterproofing polymer-cement coating for the horizontal and vertical protection of surfaces against moisture.

The first step in the use of the waterproofing coating within the HYDRO CERAMIC BATHROOM system implies its application on the joints of the contact surfaces themselves. An elastic waterproofing tape BK Tape is pressed into the first layer of BK-HydroStop 2 coating, which is applied onto the corners of the floor and its joints with the wall. A second layer of waterproofing coating is applied then along the strip.

A waterproofing coating is applied onto the remaining surface of the walls and floor, connecting thus the parts on which the waterproofing tape was applied. After the first layer dried for 12 hours, a second layer is applied on the still wet first coating. The second coating is applied crosswise, at an angle of 90 degrees in relation to the direction of application of the first layer. The total thickness of the coating should be about 2 mm.

Application of ceramic tiles

After the second waterproofing layer dried for at least 24 hours, it is time to apply the ceramic tiles. The choice of the glue depends on the dimensions and type of tiles, their watertightness and the planned conditions of use.

First of all, SiproFix BK 160 Super Flex, a flexible glue for ceramic and granite tiles for indoor and outdoor use, is applied onto the surface treated with a waterproofing coating. This glue can also be used for large-format tiles, as well as for underfloor heating systems.

The next step is to install the ceramic tiles. Given that they are installed by contact bonding, at least 65% of the surface of the tile should be covered with glue. In order to ensure a uniform spacing between the tiles, we should use plastic spacers.

Grouting and sealing

Once the glue is completely dry, we start grouting and sealing.  BK-Fugomal is a high-quality water-repellent mass used for grouting tiles. It is intended for gaps up to 10 mm wide and is available in 24 shades. The grouting mass is applied with a rubber trowel, obliquely in relation to the grout line (at a 45º angle). It can be used indoors and outdoors, on vertical and horizontal surfaces.

In the final phase of installation of the HYDRO CERAMIC bathroom system for waterproofing and ceramic laying, we apply BK-Silicon Sanitar. This sanitary silicone mass is used to seal joints between ceramic tiles in the corners and in the places where the walls meet the floor, as well as to seal joints between bathroom furniture and tiles. The silicone mass is resistant to aging, shrinking, cracking, molding, UV radiation and the effects of water.

Do you want to find out more? For further information regarding waterproofing systems, installation methods and prices, you can contact the Bekament professional technical support team via the email address tehnicka.podrska@bekament.com

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