Waterproofing sounds simple: roll on a membrane, let it dry, tile over it, and done. But in reality, it’s not as easy as it looks. Every year, countless DIY renovations go wrong because of poor waterproofing. What seems like a weekend job can lead to major long-term damage. Taking things into your own hands can lead to swollen floors, mouldy walls, leaky showers, and insurance nightmares.
Waterproofing doesn’t look that complicated from the outside. YouTube is full of tutorials, and the products are available at any hardware store. Not hiring waterproofing specialists might save you a few hundred dollars upfront for sure. But remember that waterproofing isn’t just about following instructions.
It’s about hands-on experience, surface knowledge, understanding compliance, and using the right products the right way.
Taking things into your own hands can lead to a mess in several areas.
Skipping proper prep is one of the most common reasons DIY waterproofing fails. Here’s what often gets missed:
Even small prep mistakes can cause membranes to peel, crack, or fail completely.
Some waterproofing products are designed for exterior decks, others for interior bathrooms. Some are flexible and some are rigid, and you’ve to pick the right one for you.
Using the wrong one can fail under stress, movement, or temperature change. DIYers often don’t realise the difference or pick based on price instead of performance.
Professional waterproofers apply membranes at a specific thickness. Too thin and it won’t protect. Too thick, and it might not cure properly. They also layer corners and junctions correctly and seal every transition point with care.
Most DIY applications are uneven. Corners are rushed, where gaps form. And those tiny cracks? That’s an open portal for water.
In areas like New Zealand, many areas like bathrooms, laundries, and wet zones require certified waterproofing.
If you DIY it, you won’t get the PS3 or PS4 documentation often required for Code Compliance Certificates (CCC). That becomes a serious issue when selling or renovating down the line.
A failed waterproofing job can lead to:
Water has a way of finding even the smallest weakness. Once it gets through, it spreads silently, and fixes can cost thousands.
If you don’t want to mess up with your waterproofing job, here’s what you can do.
For a waterproofing job, you don’t want to compromise on quality. So, you must hire someone who knows Auckland’s building codes, uses BRANZ-approved systems, and offers certified waterproofing.
Yes, it costs more than DIY but it protects your biggest asset: your home. You get peace of mind, proper documentation, and work that lasts.
If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, talk to a waterproofing expert before you start. They can guide you on the right systems, suggest materials, and help coordinate with your tiler or builder.
This avoids last-minute changes or costly corrections.
A balcony exposed to rain needs a UV-stable membrane, while a bathroom with underfloor heating might need flexible compounds.
Professionals can help match the right product to your specific needs. They’ll also ensure compatibility between layers like primers, membranes, and tile adhesives.
Without the right paperwork, your waterproofing work may not meet council or resale requirements. Always make sure you get:
Keep these on file as they’re integral for compliance, resale, or insurance.
DIY waterproofing often fails because it’s easy to underestimate what’s involved. Cutting corners now might save a few bucks, but the cost of water damage far outweighs it.
If you’re building or renovating in Auckland, especially in wet areas like bathrooms, showers, and laundries, professional waterproofing is the safer move.
When you hire Honest Tiling for your next tiling and waterproofing job, you can be assured that you will be getting the very best finish completed to an industry standard. Why? Because we have access to reliable suppliers who stock industry-grade waterproofing membranes that can expand and compress without losing their properties, helping your buildings stay dry in all weather conditions.
This is all done by a hardworking and experienced family team that will provide the result quickly and without any hidden costs or budget blowouts. We work dedicatedly to consistently achieve premium quality and high finish. Connect with our experts for a free estimate.
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