7 Ways to Protect Bathroom Wall From Water

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Bathroom walls should be protected from water to avoid water damage. Bathroom walls should be protected from both liquid and vapour water (humidity). It can protected from liquid water using barriers and layers while humidity can be reduced by removing excess moisture in the bathroom. Below are the 7 ways to protect bathroom walls from both water and humidity.

7 ways to protect bathroom from water

1. Install a waterproof membrane on the bathroom wall
2. Install Waterproof Wall Panels
3. Apply Waterproof Paint on the Bathroom Wall
4. Seal Joints and Edges on the Bathroom Wall
5. Ensure Proper Ventilation in the Bathroom
6. Use Mold Resistant Drywall for the Bathroom Walls
7. Use Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles on Walls

If the bathroom walls are not adequately protected from water, they can suffer significant water damage. This damage can include mold and mildew growth, peeling paint, bubbling wallpaper, staining, and cracks or crumbling in the wall materials. Additionally, water may start leaking through the bathroom walls.

What are the 7 Ways to Protect Bathroom Walls From Water?

These are the 7 ways to protect bathroom from water

1. Install a waterproof membrane on the bathroom wall
2. Install Waterproof Wall Panels
3. Apply Waterproof Paint on the Bathroom Wall
4. Seal Joints and Edges on the Bathroom Wall
5. Ensure Proper Ventilation in the Bathroom
6. Use Mold Resistant Drywall for the Bathroom Walls
7. Use Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles on Walls

1. Install a waterproof membrane on the bathroom wall

A waterproof membrane is a protective layer that is applied on bathroom walls to prevent water from penetrating the structure and reducing the risk of moisture-related damage. A waterproof layer is a seamless continuous layer and 1-2 mm thicker layer along the bathroom wall. The waterproofing layer on the bathroom wall consists of substrate, primer and top waterproofing layer. 

The substrate is the base material of the bathroom wall. Primer is used to bond the waterproofing membrane and substrate properly. The waterproofing layer is the top layer and it prevents water from seeping to the substrate due to seepage and splashes. 

A bathroom wall should be waterproof about 6 feet high. However, the shower-attached wall should be fully waterproof in order to prevent dampness due to shower splashes. The bathroom wall can be waterproofed using both liquid membrane and sheet membrane waterproofing methods. Cementitious waterproofing, bituminous waterproofing and acrylic waterproofing can be used as liquid bathroom waterproofing. PVC, EPDM, and HDPE can be used as sheet membrane waterproofing. 

Installing a waterproof membrane on the bathroom walls extremely protects from the water and its impacts. 

Read more: How to Waterproof a Bathroom Wall?

2. Install Waterproof Wall Panels

Waterproof wall panels are specially designed coverings that provide a robust layer of protection for bathroom walls. Waterproof wall panels are made from materials like PVC, acrylic, or composite, which are resistant to higher water and humidity levels in the bathroom. Waterproof wall panels act as a barrier. It keeps underlying walls dry and intact even top layer gets wet.

The advantages of installing waterproof wall panels are easy to install, require less time and effort compared to traditional tiling, provide an immediate improvement in moisture resistance, enhance durability, reduce mold and mildew growth, are easy to clean, and remain more hygienic and higher aesthetic appeal in the washroom.

Waterproof wall panels protect bathroom walls from reducing mold mildew growth, reducing staining marks and decolourization of the bathroom walls.

3. Apply Waterproof Paint on the Bathroom Wall

Waterproof paint is a specially formulated coating designed to protect bathroom walls from water and moisture-related damage. Waterproof paint creates a protective layer over the surface. It effectively blocks moisture from penetrating the bathroom wall structure.

The advantages of waterproof paint for bathroom walls include enhanced durability and appearance, ease of application, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to any wall shape. It creates a dry surface, enhances the aesthetic appeal, and is available in various colours. Thus, it can be customized according to user preferences.

Waterproof paint can only apply on the bathroom walls. It can not apply on the tiles, wallpapers and other floorings. Waterproof paint is not suitable for higher water splashes. It can be damaged and waterproofing capability will be lost when it is subjected to higher water pressure.

Waterproof paint on the bathroom wall not only protects bathroom walls but also increases aesthetic appeal over time. 

4. Seal Joints and Edges on the Bathroom Wall

Sealing the joints and edges of bathroom walls is an important step in protecting the washroom from water damage. Bathroom wall consists of space and gaps due to panels and boards which are used to construct the bathroom walls. These joints and gaps tend to leak water inside the structure causing long-term water damage to the structure. Hence seals and joints of the bathroom walls should be waterproof to protect them from water.

Bathroom wall seal and joints can be sealed using silicone sealants, acrylic sealants, and polyurethane sealants.

Silicone sealants are widely used due to their flexibility and strong adhesion. Silicone sealants are ideal for areas that may experience movement or expansion of bathroom walls.

Acrylic sealants are excellent water resistant and easy to apply on the bathroom walls. But they may not be as flexible as silicone.

Polyurethane sealants can be used as a robust solution. It provides a durable, long-lasting barrier that is highly resistant to moisture in the bathroom.

5. Ensure Proper Ventilation in the Bathroom

Ventilation in the bathroom is the process of circulating air to remove excess moisture, reduce humidity, and prevent the buildup of water vapour due to shower, faucet, and bathtub usage. Proper ventilation in the bathroom is essential for maintaining a healthy washroom environment. It helps to reduce mold and mildew growth and moisture-related issues in the bathroom walls.

To increase bathroom ventilation you can install an exhaust fan to remove excess moisture from the air, open doors and windows to circulate air in the bathroom, add a window vent to provide a continuous airflow, and use a dehumidifier to remove excess water in the bathroom. 

Proper ventilation reduces the water damage in the bathroom walls such as mold mildew growth, paint peeling, staining marks, decolouration, warping and rotting the bathroom wall materials. It always helps to protect bathroom walls from these water damage.

6. Use Mold Resistant Drywall for the Bathroom Walls

Mold-resistant drywall, also known as gypsum board or plasterboard, is a common material used to build bathroom interior walls and ceilings. Mold-resistant drywalls are made of gypsum core and non-organic facing material. 

Non-organic facing material prevents mold pores from attaching and embedding themselves in the bathroom wallboard. Mold-resistant dry walls do not provide any organic material to grow the mold on the walls. These drywalls typically include a moisture-resistant core and are covered with a special fibreglass mat instead of paper, which is less susceptible to mold. Some types also contain antimicrobial additives to further prevent mold development on the surface.

Mold-resistant drywall acts as a protective layer to the bathroom walls. It improves the overall durability of bathroom walls by blocking and sealing out moisture.

7. Use Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles on Walls

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular choices for bathroom walls due to their durability, water resistance, and aesthetic appeal. Porcelain tiles are harder, less porous, and more resistant to moisture compared to regular ceramic tiles. But both of these tiles create an excellent water-protective layer on the bathroom walls.

These tiles are highly effective at preventing water damage in the bathroom. Due to the low porosity of the tiles they absorb very little water and act as a strong barrier on the bathroom wall. It prevents water leaks and reduces moisture build ups on the bathroom walls. As well as these tiles are easy to clean and help to bathroom walls from water damage. 

What are the Water Damage in the Bathroom Walls?

These are the common 7 water problems on the bathroom walls.

1. Mold and mildew growth on the bathroom walls: Mold and mildew can grow on the bathroom walls due to prolonged excess moisture in the bathroom. Mold and mildew growth on the bathroom walls cause health issues and degrade the wall material in the bathroom.
2. Peeling paint or wallpaper on the bathroom walls: Bathroom wall paint and wallpapers can peel, bubble, or blister due to excess moisture content in the bathroom.
3. Damp and staining marks on the bathroom walls: Damp and staining marks can build on the bathroom walls due to prolonged moisture in the bathroom.
4. Bathroom wall structural damage: Bathroom wall structure can be damaged due to unexpected leaks and damages on the bathroom walls. This causes to weaken the structural integrity of bathroom walls, leading to warping, sagging, or even collapsing of the wall material.
5. Cracking and crumbling on the bathroom walls: Bathroom walls can be cracked and crumbled due to water infiltration to the drywalls. It tends to reduce the wall’s strength and increase the risk of further damage.
6. Water leaks on the bathroom walls: Bathroom walls tend to leak water due to leaks and potential damage on the wall’s surface.