An efficient, complete system of moisture protection is the cornerstone of any successful, long-lasting bathroom remodel project. The quality of the waterproofing can spell the difference between a bathroom that looks great and functions efficiently for years, and one that immediately begins to decay and falls victim to mold and mildew. Here are 10 tips for planning and executing a bathroom remodel that resists the effects of moisture. For example, you may want to use PVC baseboards instead of MDF or solid wood baseboards. Clay-based porcelain and ceramic tile work well for walls and floors. Pay particular attention to the materials used for countertops. Solid-surface material, quartz (synthetic stone), or natural stone are usually better choices for bathroom countertops. Even plastic laminate countertops have an MDF core that can be affected by the moisture that’s prevalent in a bathroom. If you are tiling a shower or tub surround, make sure the backer board is a high-quality waterproof material that is sealed properly. The same waterproof backer board is a good choice for tiled floors. For non-tiled walls, use special wallboard that has waterproof facing rather than the organic paper-facing found in standard wallboard. In other words, always, opt for building materials that resist moisture when planning or remodeling a bathroom. Your bathroom will hold up much longer and require less maintenance if you do. Once the plumbing rough-in is done, most DIYers will find it easy enough to make the final connections of the plumbing fixtures. Some exhaust fans are also equipped with infrared heat bulbs that can aid in burning off moisture in a bathroom. Or, you can install a standalone heater to help with moisture. A classic choice for bathrooms is ceramic and porcelain tile, which is now available in styles that can be surprisingly effective at mimicking wood planks and other materials. Another good choice is luxury vinyl planks and tiles. This form of vinyl is made from solid inorganic material through and through, so it is utterly waterproof. And luxury vinyl is available in styles that convincingly look like wood, stone, or ceramics. In addition to choosing a fully waterproof flooring material, make sure the installation is as watertight as possible to ensure that moisture doesn’t penetrate through the flooring to the vulnerable subfloor and underlayment. Where possible, use materials other than wood for the baseboard moldings. Synthetic PVC moldings can convincingly mimic the look of wood baseboards, or a flexible thermoplastic vinyl wall base helps form a tight seal without the need for caulking. Ceramic tile trim moldings, caulked at the top and bottom, can create fully impervious joints where walls meet the floor. Good caulking technique is a learned skill, but it can make all the difference in ensuring that your bathroom resists the effects of water. Another option is to use fabricated shower or tub surround panels, where the only seams you have to worry about are in the corners. Tub and shower surrounds are generally much cheaper than custom tile work, and almost always easier for DIYers to install. Caulked seams in a shower or tub should be inspected annually and recaulked when necessary.
Using bath mats Keeping cracks caulked Sealing tile seams Using tightly fitting shower curtains Mopping up spilled water immediately Painting walls on a regular basis Fixing gaps in flooring
