BS 5385 Part 4:2015 Recommendations in Respect of Showers
BS 5385 is a British Standard wall and floor tiling code of practice.
BS 5385 Part 4 deals with the design and installation of ceramic and mosaic tiling in specific conditions.
BS 5385 Part 4.7: specifically addresses wet and damp conditions.
BS 5385 Part 4.7.2: deals with wet and damp conditions not continuously immersed.
BS 5385 Part 4.7.2.1: Advises that such wet and damp conditions as detailed in 7.2 should be divided into 3 groups:
- a) installations in high humidity areas (see 7.2.2)
- b) installations not immersed but subject to occasional wetting (see 7.2.3)
- c) installations not immersed but subject to frequent wetting (see 7.2.4)
BS 5385 Part 4.7.2.4 States the following should apply for part c above, including wet rooms and domestic power showers.
- a) The basic structure behind the tiles should be watertight and should be tanked.
- b) Water-resistant materials should be used throughout. Plaster and plasterboard, would be unsuitable in frequently wetted areas.
- c) The tiles should be solidly bedded so that voids behind them are eliminated as far as possible.
- d) When the installation is tanked and water-resistant materials are used, cementitious grouting compositions may be specified.
- e) Special attention should be paid to sealing the gaps between wall and base, particularly if the installation is on a suspended floor.
- f) Where movement joints are subject to water immersion, water spray or splash, the joints should be sealed with curing sealants.