Wet Areas

Moisture is one of the primary causes of damage to building structures. Although the source of moisture is generally external, internal moisture from wet zones can be equally damaging.

Wet areas are the rooms or spaces containing sanitary fixtures and appliances and are subject to high levels of moisture from:

• direct wetting
• high humidity levels
• condensation.

They include bathrooms and en suites, toilets, laundries, kitchens, entries and garages. Exposure to wetting can be categorised into three levels of wetting – areas that are subject to:

• frequent and heavy wetting – shower cubicles
• regular splashing – walls immediately adjacent to baths, vanities, sinks and tubs, and bathroom, kitchen and laundry floors
• occasional wetting – bathroom, kitchen and laundry walls generally, and floors in toilets, entries and garages.

Wet area failures are becoming more prevalent. They may be the result of insufficient detailing or documentation by designers, or by poor installation by contractors. Damage is often not immediately obvious, but can be substantial.
With good design, detailing and installation of waterproof membranes and impervious finishes to manage the moisture generated, wet areas can be durable, healthy, safe and comfortable, and should not result in damage to the building structure, surface finishes and fixtures.

This section of the Level website is a summary of the BRANZ publication Wet areas.

• Common wet area problems
• Statutory requirements
• Wet area design
• Wet area floor structure
• Wet area flooring and floor finishes
• Wet area walls
• Wet area wall and ceiling linings and finishes.