Is it right for my home?
Waterproofing, showers and wet areas, explained simply
The microcement finish is water resistant, but it is not a waterproofing membrane. Here is how wet areas are built so they work properly.
4 min read
Waterproofing is the question that matters most in a bathroom, and it is often explained badly. Here is the plain version.
Water resistant is not the same as waterproof
The microcement finish is water resistant, and the sealers protect against stains. But the finish is not a waterproofing membrane. It is not designed to be the thing that stops water reaching the structure of your home.
That is true of tiles as well. A tile surface does not waterproof a shower either. A membrane underneath does.
How wet areas are built
In a wet area, the microcement goes over a compliant waterproofing membrane. The membrane is the waterproofing layer. The finish and sealers sit on top and give you the look, the feel and the stain protection.
Think of it as two jobs done by two layers, each doing what it is designed for.
Who installs the membrane
MicroLux can install and certify the membrane as part of one system. That means one team is responsible for the waterproofing, the preparation and the finish, rather than several trades handing over to each other. If you already have a compliant membrane in place, we assess it as part of the Site Assessment.
Why preparation comes first
Every substrate is tested and prepared before a single coat goes on. In a wet area that includes understanding what is already there, how it was built, and whether it is sound. The system is built from the bottom up, and the layers above are only as good as the ones below.
The full layer order for the finish is: substrate preparation, primer, base coats, Super Titanium finish, Atriafloor Filler, and Atriapol protective topcoat. In wet areas, the membrane sits underneath all of it.
Showers and everyday use
After installation, the area stays off-limits for about 7 days while the sealers cure. There is a light sealer odour for the first 2 to 3 days, and full cure takes about 30 days. After that, regular cleaning and a re-seal, typically every three to four years, depending on use, keep the surface protected.
What it affects on price
Whether a membrane is in scope is one of the factors that affects the price of a project, along with wet-area detailing. We cover the others in our cost guide. Everything is fixed-price after the Site Assessment.
What to ask any installer
- What is the waterproofing layer, and who installs it?
- Is it certified?
- What happens to the substrate before the finish goes on?
- What warranties apply?
Our warranties are a 5-year workmanship warranty from MicroLux and a 10-year product warranty from Atria Australia, both transferable to a new owner.
Keep reading
Want the whole picture?
The free Seamless Home guide walks through choosing a seamless surface from start to finish. Or, if you would rather talk it through, book a short call with our team.