The Ultimate Wet Room Jargon Buster

Every single industry is overflowing with jargon, and wetrooms are no different. With so many different solutions, drains and systems available it can be incredibly confusing, especially if you aren’t clued up on all the latest industry jargon. Luckily for you, we have broken it all down here for you!

WetRoom

Whether you spell it Wet Room or Wetroom, the principal is the same. They are fully waterproofed rooms without a designated shower tray. Drains are built into the floor, normally within some kind of slope, so water can still drain away. They are often designed around including level-floor access so that they are accessible by those using wheelchairs or with other mobility issues. In recent years their popularity has skyrocketed, and they are now a highly sought after design feature that is increasing house values all over the UK.

Low Profile Drain

Low profile drains are simply those that require less space when fitted. They can sit closer to the floor, with less overall height. These drains allow wetrooms to be fitted where, previously, space was too restricted. It also means a level access floor is easier to achieve for those who need easy accessibility. It is important to note that a low profile drain will often provide slightly less drainage capacity because it is smaller.

Tanking

Tanking is the process of waterproofing a room before any tiling or flooring is installed. Often accomplished by using a paintable membrane or glueing a waterproof membrane to the walls and floor, tanking ensures the rest of the building remains dry and protected from the moisture and water that is created in a wetroom. Tanking is a vital part of the process when creating a wet room.

UniDrain

UniDrain is a leading brand in Scandinavian designed wetroom products and accessories. Their UniSlope range is amongst the best available on the market for preformed floors and slopes. Their minimalist design also contributes to their luxury range of wetroom accessories.

Drainage Capacity

Put simply, this is how much water a drain can handle before it begins to flood. The drainage capacity of a fitted drain needs to match or exceed the flow provided by the shower, this ensures the wetroom doesn’t flood every time it’s used. Different designs and build depths can all influence the drainage capacity of a drain, so it’s important to consider all of the affecting factors before deciding on a drain with your client.

Preformed Floor/Slope

A preformed floor or slope is one of the most important features in a wetroom. The built-in slope is shallow enough to be barely noticed, but still steep enough to direct water towards the drain. Without the correct preformed slope, a wetroom will very quickly flood and potentially cause damage to the rest of the building. We have a range of different slopes available for any wetroom and drain placement, so you are sure to find the right solution. If you’re unsure about what slope you need, read our advice here.

Building Depth

When instaling a new wetroom for a client, it’s vital you plan around the correct building depth required by the drainage systems you have planned for. This is essential for leaving enough room under the floor for the drainage channels and pipes to fit comfortably without causing issues further down the line. Here at WetRoom Materials, we supply wetroom kits and pre-formed slopes with a very low build depth – meaning it is now possible to fit a wetroom in spaces that were previously impossible to fit a wetroom within before. Our range of drains come with build depths as low as 64mm before tiling.

Level-Floor Access

Wetrooms can be designed to be accessible by all, including those who use a wheelchair or live with other disabilities affecting their mobility. Designing a wetroom to provide level-floor access means there is a way to get in and out of a shower without having to step over or into something. Like most aspects of a wetroom, this needs to be considered from the very start of planning and design. Whether this is a feature that needs to be included or not will affect the choices you make when it comes to selecting a drain. We offer drains with an incredibly low profile, so you can fit a wetroom with level-floor access much easier.

BBA Approved

The British Board of Agrément was established in 1966 as an independent certification body that provides certification and inspection services to construction products and solutions. Not only is it a mark of quality and trust for end customers and users, but it is a network of approved installers and tradespeople ensuring that quality is a consistent feature amongst any construction work. All of the wet room kits we supply to tradespeople, architects and builders alike are BBA approved to ensure our products are the best they can possibly be.

British Regulations & Standards

Complying with British regulations and standards show that organisations take their position seriously and are driven to provide only the highest quality products and services. When crafting laws around sectors, the government often cite standards which are set and established by the BSI (British Standards Institution). These ensure products meet the set requirements and are deemed safe and of a benchmarked quality. Just as all of our wetroom products are BBA approved, they all meet the regulations and standards laid down by the BSI.

Important update to the NHBS Specifications 2018

Backing surfaces for tiling should;

• Be moisture resistant, where frequent wetting occurs 

When Tiling; 

• Proprietary water-resistant grouting should be used in accordance with the manufacturer 

Grouting should be: 

• As specified in the design including mix and colour 
• Cement-based, epoxy resin or a proprietary product 
• ‘Waterproof in and around shower enclosures and where tiling can be saturated’. 

Gypsum plaster should not be used where; 

• ‘Repeated or persistent wetting may occur’