Can any old idiot use a Bal WP1 Tanking Kit?

aliasojo

This isn't a specialised installation thing in any way is it? I see posts from peeps who've had their builder or plumber use it, but I'd be doing it myself so is it a straightforward easy enough process? I found a product kit that had a 1 metre mat in it and I have no idea what that's for. 1 metre wont go very far anyway.

I can plasterboard and tape and fill with the best of them so I'm assuming it would be do-able for me?

mvteng

Funnily enough my builder has just used this yesterday.

He showed me it & it looks a doddle.

Paint on the primer, tape the joints, apply the topcoat. The mats for the floor

Certainly didnt seem complicated, & looked very easy to apply.

candice56

Just out of interest are you talking about the type of tanking thats done to damp areas?? If so where do you get this kit?

I have 2 alcoves opened up last year and still damp and the builder now doing the outside wall has suggested getting them 'tanked'.

Would love to know what your using/used.

Many Thanks

andyhop

paint on tanking kits for baths and showers are best avoided

sheet membrane are the best as they give a 100% seal and can be tiled on top immediatly

Paint on tanking kits require you to apply up to 3 times and it takes 24hrs between coats!, As the walls may also move over time the rubberised kit will tear where as a sheet membrane is very flexible

aliasojo

Andy can you specify a particular membrane?

andyhop

Homelux £50 for 5m retail, buy from CTD or topps

Alan_M_2

One problem with the sheet membranes is it often reduces the weight limit of what can be attached to them.

Basically if it's stone or travertine (and even Porcelain) you need to be careful what you're using.

BAL WP1 is a great idea for simple domestic showers. It is a huge step forward over using nothing, but not quite as high a spec as a purpose designed sheet membrane.

andyhop

Alan_M wrote: »

One problem with the sheet membranes is it often reduces the weight limit of what can be attached to them.

Basically if it's stone or travertine (and even Porcelain) you need to be careful what you're using.

BAL WP1 is a great idea for simple domestic showers. It is a huge step forward over using nothing, but not quite as high a spec as a purpose designed sheet membrane.

The homelux matting or Durabase matting does alter weight limits

aliasojo

Sorry to bump this but I've had conflicting advice and I'm confused again. Topps Tiles tell me they no longer do the Bal kit and they are heavily pushing the Homelux matting instead (their words not mine). I queried the weight limits and they said it will support 45kg per square metre and any tile they sell will be fine with it. (He didn't ask what my walls were made of.......plasterboard over wooden studs btw.)

I've been googling and found loads of opinions about this. Some tilers say that 30 x 60 porcelain tiles will be pushing it for the weight limits and they wouldn't be happy with it and prefer the Bal kit in this instance. Since that was likely to be the size I was going for, I'm now concerned.

I really dont know what to do. Drying times are not an issue, I just want the best job I can do for my particular circumstance.