Do You Need to Tank Walls for a New Wet Room?

Step into a wet room where sleek tiles stretch from wall to wall, with no shower tray or enclosure breaking the flow. That’s the appeal of a modern wet room; clean, open, and effortlessly stylish. With more homeowners embracing this look, one crucial question keeps coming up – do you need to tank walls for a new wet room?

The answer is yes. Tanking walls is vital to protect your home from water damage and to keep your new wet room performing as it should. At M J Burt Property Maintenance, we include full tanking as standard with every wet room installation. Here’s why it matters, and how we get it right.

What Is a Wet Room?

If you’re considering a bathroom upgrade, you’ve probably come across the term wet room. But what exactly does that mean? A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom that typically features a walk-in, open-plan shower space. There’s no need for a shower cubicle or tray; instead, the entire room is designed to cope with water exposure.

Wet room preparation involves tiling the floor and walls to create a clean, contemporary finish. However, looks alone aren’t enough. Behind those tiles, a hidden layer of wet room waterproofing is what keeps moisture in check and protects the structure of your home.

What Does 'Tanking' Mean in a Wet Room?

Here we are going to explain one of the most important concepts in any wet room build, and that’s tanking. This is the process of waterproofing the space before tiling begins. It involves applying specialised products, like liquid waterproof membranes, sealing tape, and primer, to create a watertight barrier on walls and floors.

Without this crucial layer, your bathroom may look the part, but over time water will find its way into gaps, cracks, and joins. Wet room waterproofing isn’t just a best practice, as it’s also essential protection for your home and your peace of mind.

Why Tanking Walls is Essential in a New Wet Room

Now that you know what tanking is, let’s talk about why it matters. Failing to properly tank your wet room can lead to a host of issues, from surface damage to serious structural rot. Remember that moisture doesn’t just stay put, as it travels, seeps, and soaks into places it shouldn't.

Tanking walls creates a continuous waterproof shield that stops this from happening. It’s an essential part of moisture management, helping prevent mould, wood rot, peeling paint, and crumbling plaster. The cost of repairs from moisture damage far outweighs the upfront investment in quality waterproofing.

Areas That Should Be Tanked

Bear in mind that you don’t need to tank every square inch of your wet room, but there are key areas that definitely do need tanking. These areas are covered whenever we install a brand-new wet room:

• All walls within the shower area
• The entire bathroom floor
• At least 1 metre beyond the wet zone on adjacent walls
• The whole room if timber flooring or an upper storey is involved

In some situations, full-room tanking is the most sensible approach. We’ll assess your space and recommend what’s necessary for lasting protection.

The Tanking Process Explained

So, if you’re wondering how to waterproof a wet room professionally, here’s a complete breakdown of the steps involved:

• Prime all relevant surfaces to improve adhesion
• Apply waterproof tape to all wall joints and corners
• Roll or brush on a liquid membrane in multiple coats
• Allow each layer to fully cure before the next
• Conduct checks to ensure full coverage before tiling

Some confident DIYers might tackle it themselves, but this job rewards precision. If you want to avoid leaks, we recommend using professionals, especially for first-floor or high-risk areas.

Choosing the Right Materials

When it comes to waterproofing, quality really counts. Not all products offer the same level of protection or durability. Some people opt for basic paint-on sealants, while others use complete tanking kits that combine membrane, tape, and primer.

We always recommend proven waterproof membranes that are compatible with the type of tiles and adhesives being used. Cheaper fixes might save a few pounds now but can lead to serious water damage later. Choosing the right materials from the start helps guarantee a result that lasts.

Regulations and Best Practices

In the UK, while there's no single law that says, “You must tank your wet room”. Building regulations do set out clear expectations for water resistance in bathrooms. If a wet room fails and causes damage, insurers may refuse to pay out if proper wet room waterproofing wasn’t carried out.

Sticking to best practices ensures your installation meets standards and safeguards your investment. That’s why we don’t cut corners; we build every wet room to perform, not just impress.

How M J Burt Property Maintenance Can Help

With decades of experience and a team of highly skilled professionals, M J Burt Property Maintenance is your trusted partner for wet room installation. As a local, family-run business based in Poole since 1988, we understand what it takes to get every detail right.

From initial design and preparation to tanking and final finishes, our work is thorough, tidy, and built to last. We use quality materials, and our team knows exactly how to handle wet rooms of every shape and size, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

Get It Done Right – Contact M J Burt Property Maintenance Today

Do you need to tank walls for a new wet room? Yes, and if you want it done properly, we’re here to help. Tanking is not optional; it’s essential for long-term protection and performance. If you’re planning a new wet room, we’ll guide you through every stage with expert care and craftsmanship.

Call us today on 01202 721955 or fill in our contact form to book a consultation or get a quote. As a local, family-run business, we pride ourselves on responsive service and top-quality results. Let’s make your bathroom better, and watertight.