Complying to current and future legislation, making buildings future-proof and carbon-neutral is a key concern for clients today. Andrew Watkins, Technical Manager at wedi Systems (UK) Ltd, discusses how to comply with new and emerging legislations when it comes to bathroom design.
Protecting the fabric of the building with reliable waterproofing has always been vital, but now, NHBC’s Technical Guidance 9.2/06 reinforces this. In essence, any new building whose foundations begin on or after 1st January 2025 in the UK, must comply with this guidance if an NHBC warranty is to be provided. In short, in wet rooms or bathrooms with power shower, only building boards that hold technical approvals acceptable by NHBC can be used. Critically, whatever the subsurface, all tanking solutions must have appropriate 3rd party certificates and the tile, adhesive and grout should also be compatible with the selected waterproofing system.
There is an obvious advantage of using waterproof tile backer boards as opposed to non-waterproof or only water-resistant boards that need tanking with a liquid or membrane applied solution. – ‘Time is usually of the essence. It is important to note that not only is research required to ensure compatibility with the chosen substrate and with everything else applied on top of the waterproofing layer, but due to several curing times, installation is considerably longer when compared to using waterproof building boards that are directly tileable’ – explains Watkins. It is also important to consider that, when opting for liquid and membrane type waterproofing, it is the tanking solution and not the substrate itself that determines whether large-format, heavier tiles can be used.
Proven solutions for NHBC compliance
wedi building boards and Fundo shower elements hold all necessary certifications for full compliance with the new legislation. Together with clever accessories and interlocking XPS components they provide a floor-to-ceiling, systemised waterproofing solution that, when installed correctly, lasts the lifetime of the building.
Key advantages of the wedi system:
- Interlocking XPS components – including building boards, floor-level shower elements, benches, niches, and ready-to-install partition walls.
- 100% waterproof performance – creating a seamless, integrated system that reduces installation steps while minimising the risk of failure and required interactions between different trades.
- Load-bearing capability of 133kg/m²– making them suitable for all tile formats, natural stone, and even heavier installations like floating washbasins and radiators.
- Thermal insulation – with a U-value of 0.036 W/mK, wedi boards contribute to energy efficiency by preventing heat loss, making them an ideal substrate for under-tile heating (UTH) systems of all kinds.
- Single-source solution – since joining the Ardex Group in 2021, wedi now offers a comprehensive 10-year product warranty when paired with Ardex/BAL adhesives & grouts and hence a complete manufacturer accountability.
At the forefront of innovation since 1983
‘With over 40 years of industry expertise, our aim remains to set the standard for waterproofing, insulation, and energy-efficient solutions in wet rooms and bathrooms’ – says Watkins. In 2025, compliance with the Future Homes Standard will also become mandatory; all new homes built from this year are to be future-proofed with world-leading levels of energy efficiency. Low carbon heating encouraged to reduce carbon emissions to 75-80% less than previously accepted. – ‘One example of our innovative power is the PreLine building board with factory-cut, precise grooves that make it ideal to use with heat pump operated water-heating systems under the floor or behind the wall’ – advises Watkins.
The newest wedi innovation, the Fundo Flex system introduces an entirely new level of adaptability. – ‘If the large assortment of different sizes and formats within the existing range don’t fit, the Flex will. The components are designed to fit securely together in a layout that is best suited for the available space, just like Lego’ – explains Watkins. The different pieces can be easily cut and arranged, including the channel element and the profile; it is entirely up to the client at which position to place the drainage. – ‘As an entirely new concept to modern wetroom design, our new shower solution flexibly adapts to make anything possible’ – Watkins concludes.