Bathroom renovation query

carly

I am intending to update my small bathroom.  2m x 2.1m approx.  Currently fully tiled and have an overbath shower. Have a  basic wall fitted VentAxia extractor fan and never had a condensation or damp problem in the 40 years we've lived in this house.  Window is open for at least part of every day except midwinter.
 
So the first guy that came to quote has advised against having multipanels ( or similar panels) on all 4 walls to avoid any possible condensation / damp issues.  I was surprised as I had assumed that they woud be less likely to attract damp than the existing ceramic tiles.  Is he correct? or just being ultra cautious. 

Anyone got any experiemce or opinions?

danrv

Multipanels are a good alternative to tiles and are quicker to fit although you can’t beat a good tiled finish.
If damp hasn’t been an issue then I don’t think it matters what’s fitted. 
My medium size bathroom was fully tiled but have done away with those and went with bathroom paint on replastered walls.
I’m using PVC panels only for the bath and shower area but did look into the 1m wide Multipanel type. DIY job so the PVC ones are easier to handle.

ThisIsWeird

Hi Carly.

I'm surprised at that guy's comment too. Whatever type of wall panel you fit - including Multipanel, which appears to be good quality, and they confirm it can be installed over existing tiling - it will almost certainly add to the insulation level of your walls. Ergo - if anything - it should reduce any condensation to some degree. I cannot think of a colder surface than ceramic tiles!

As long as he is recommended/ highly rated, and you can confirm that he does a good job, then just gently insist it's what you want.

Weird comment, tho'.

FreeBear

ThisIsWeird said: Whatever type of wall panel you fit - including Multipanel, which appears to be good quality, and they confirm it can be installed over existing tiling - it will almost certainly add to the insulation level of your walls.

Cladding the walls in Multipanels will have a negligible effect in improving the thermal properties of the walls - Depending on which type you use, they could look cheap & nasty, through to quite good.

If the walls are going to be stripped back to bare brick, it is certainly worth putting a decent layer of insulation up. 50-75mm of Celotex should meet current Building Regs requirements and only add a small amount to the overall cost.

Gavin83

FreeBear said:

ThisIsWeird said: Whatever type of wall panel you fit - including Multipanel, which appears to be good quality, and they confirm it can be installed over existing tiling - it will almost certainly add to the insulation level of your walls.

Cladding the walls in Multipanels will have a negligible effect in improving the thermal properties of the walls - Depending on which type you use, they could look cheap & nasty, through to quite good.

I've never seen a wall panel that doesn't look cheap & nasty IMO. We looked at the Linda Barker range when doing our bathroom and I thought they looked crap. A lot of people clearly disagree with me though as they seem popular enough but I wonder if it's more of a convenience thing.