How to choose a suitable damp-proof panel for your new bathroom
Damp room panels are only partially suitable for the design of the bathroom. But if you do everything correctly, you can add beautiful accents to the bathroom with damp-proof panels.
Different damp room panels
Unfortunately, there is a confusion of terms around damp room panels, because not everything that is offered under the name is actually also suitable for the bathroom.
- Damp room panels that are offered in hardware stores are usually MDF boards that are glued waterproof and laminated with a decorative film. These damp-proof panels are only suitable for a bathroom to a limited extent because MDF panels tend to swell.
- The products offered under the name of damp-proof panels are usually covered with foil to prevent moisture from penetrating. But water vapor still penetrates through the drill holes and cut edges. Most of the time, the coating then begins to flake off.
- In any case, damp-proof panels of this type cannot be used in the direct spray area. Most of the time you will not enjoy these damp-proof panels for long.
- Solid wood panels are also often offered as damp room panels. These panels are more suitable for bathrooms. Since this type of moisture-proof panel is not coated, it is glazed with colors that are incorporated into the wood penetrate, water vapor can cause little damage. The wood swells up under steam and shrinks when it is dry, but that does not matter in this case, as long as the moisture does not build up.
- Again, these panels don't have anything near the shower, sink, or the bathtub to search. However, they are ideally suited as ceiling cladding.
- Damp room panels made of plastic: These special panels are even approved in the professional sector for hygiene rooms. Good moisture-proof plastic panels are equipped with a concealed tongue and groove connection and form a smooth surface that is easy to clean and disinfect. You can use these damp room panels to design the entire bathroom, but make sure that no moisture can accumulate behind them.
A wooden ceiling in the bathroom must be made of particularly moisture-resistant material and so ...
The substructure for the panel cladding
The damp room panels must never simply be placed on the wall or the ceiling screwed or glued. The panels must be installed in such a way that air can circulate behind them.
- Use waterproof wooden or plastic battens (profile cross-section approx. 25 x 30 mm). The battens are laid against the running direction of the damp room panels. Make sure there is adequate ventilation. It is best to attach counter battens so that the air can circulate well behind the damp-proof panels.
- Make sure that the damp-proof panels do not adjoin the wall closely; a joint must remain there so that the panels can expand and air can penetrate.
It goes without saying that the room must always be well ventilated so that no moisture can accumulate behind the damp-proof panels.
