Defect type
Critical · 3–5/5
Bath Hob and Surround Missing Waterproof Membrane
I inspected the bath hob, step-down, and vertical wall returns and could not confirm a continuous waterproof membrane behind the tiling. Reference: AS 3740. In my experience overspray and splash then tracks into the sub-tile substrate over time. I see this most on renovations completed before the post-2004 tightening, and still on recent unlicensed work.
Causes
- Renovation completed to a pre-2004 reading of AS 3740
- Unlicensed tiling work where no waterproofer was engaged
- Membrane installed only to the floor and not returned up the bath hob and walls
Symptoms to look for
- Loose, drummy or lifting tiles along the bath hob edge
- Timber floor swelling, cupping or staining adjacent to the bath
- Musty odour and visible mould at the bath-wall junction
Remedies
- Remove tiles from the hob and walls and install a membrane system (reference AS 3740)
- Replace any decayed structural framing or flooring discovered during rectification
- Use a sealant joint rather than rigid grout at movement junctions to reduce future membrane stress
Critical
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