How To Waterproof Plasterboard? [Procedure & Precautions]
Waterproofing Plasterboard is essential to prevent mold and mildew on the surface. The sealed plasterboard not only acts as water-resistant but also provides more durability.
In this article, you will learn the effective methods to seal your plasterboard, along with the entire process time and the approximate cost for each way. So you can choose the technique that is feasible for you.
Do You Need to Seal the Plasterboard Before Tiling?
The short answer is yes. You need to seal the plasterboard before the tiling process, even though it states that the plasterboard is waterproof.
Finding the best technique which is suitable for your plasterboard is necessary. Some methods work best for the new plasterboard, whereas, if you like to seal your existing plasterboard, you need to follow the appropriate ways.
Sealing is the essential step to improve the bonding of the tiling system, and it helps the adhesive set on the surface. Improper surface preparation is the most common cause of failure when fixing tiles on surfaces.
So as not to be concerned, I will explain all the details to waterproof your plasterboard in this article.
Let’s learn the following efficient methods for sealing your plasterboard.
How To Waterproof Plasterboard Using PVA Primer?
If you are trying to do tiling on your plasterboard, it is ideal to prime the surface of the plasterboard first. Since plasterboard is a porous material, it will absorb the moisture that settles on it.
So if you apply adhesive while tiling, it will get absorbed very quickly. To prevent absorption-it is essential to coat the primer solution on the surface.
If you apply PVA primer on the plasterboard, it will get absorbed by the plasterboard. And seal the surface by giving the desired result to act as the best waterproof.
Following are the benefits of using a primer solution for your plasterboard.
- PVA primer is well known for good water retention ability that leads to better strength & durability.
- PVA primer help reduces the chance of adhesive getting absorbed quickly on the surface.
- PVA primers help penetrate the plain surface than the adhesive to seal the surface completely.
- Reduces the pin holding in the waterproofing layers. It helps you to adjust the tiles during the tiling process by giving them more time to retain.
Required Materials
- PVA primer
- Water
- Container
- Paintbrush
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Prepare the ingredients
- You need to add one part of PVA primer to four parts of water in the container.
- Stir it well using a stirrer until the PVA primer gets completely combined.
2. Apply
- Now, apply the PVA primer all over the plasterboard.
- Then leave the plasterboard to dry for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Apply the second coating of the PVA primer to the plasterboard.
3. Dry
- You can leave the plasterboard to dry overnight.
- Since the PVA primer gets absorbed and seals the plasterboards- you will get flawless waterproofing by performing this method.
Precautions
- Always ensure the plasterboard is dry and dust-free before applying the PVA primer.
- Apply the second coating of the primer once it is dry to avoid the imperfect coating.
Time
This method takes up to 10-15 minutes in total for complete sealing. The time is also based on the surface area of plasterboards you are sealing. And the drying process may take 8-10 hours.
Total processing time: 10 hours.
Cost
The total cost would be around $27
- PVA solution: $20
- Paintbrush: $7
How to Waterproof Plasterboard using Red Gard?
If you are looking for a simple and effective waterproofing technique for your existing plasterboards, this method is for you.
Red Gard Waterproofing Method consists of adhesive and the waterproofing solution.
Since this method involves the application of adhesive on the plasterboard first, it seals the leaks precisely. Then the application of a waterproofing solution on the surface makes it completely sealed and stays extra-durable.
By choosing the Red Gard Waterproofingmethod, you can have the following benefits:
- Red Gard acts as an elastomeric waterproofing layer for the plasterboard that is suitable for all surfaces.
- Provides outstanding adhesion by reducing the crack transmission on the surface.
- Act as a quick-dry formula and comes with ready to use the feature.
- East application process using a roller and also reduces curing time.
Required Materials
- Self-adhesive for plasterboard
- Red Gard waterproofing solution (You can use any waterproofing solution)
- Container
- Paint roller
- Paintbrush
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Apply adhesive solution
- Pour the required adhesive solution into the container.
- Using a paintbrush, thoroughly seal the edges/corners of the plasterboard.
- Once you complete covering all the leak areas of the plasterboard, leave it for 15-20 minutes.
2. Seal using waterproofing solution
- Now, apply the Red Gard waterproofing solution on the plasterboard using the paint roller.
- Coat the surface thoroughly without leaving an inch.
3. Dry
- You can use any waterproofing solution for sealing. Set it to dry for 24 hours.
- Your plasterboard surface is now waterproofed and ready for use.
Precautions
- Always ensure the plasterboard is clean and dry before any waterproofing.
- Since corners are prone to leaks, apply more adhesive and the waterproofing solution on it.
- If you are allergic to any chemicals, make sure you take extra protection during the process.
Time
This method takes up to 20 minutes in total for complete sealing. The time is also based on the surface area of plasterboards you are sealing. And the drying process may take up to 24 hours.
Total processing time: 24 hours.
Cost
Total approximate cost would be around $185
- Waterproofing solution: $150
- Adhesive for plasterboard: $12
- Paint roller: $15
- Paintbrush: $7
How to Waterproof Plasterboard Using BAL Waterproofing Kit?
Though there are multiple ways to waterproof your plasterboard, getting yourself with a BAL waterproofing kit reduces your trouble.
BAL waterproofing kit contains:
- Primer solution
- Waterproof coating
- Polyester tape & matting
So there is no need to buy several ingredients to waterproof your plasterboard since the single BAL waterproofing kit serves its purpose.
You need to prepare the surface before the tiling process. Also, choose the rapid-setting waterproofing product that allows you to tile after 90 minutes.
By choosing this method, you can have the following benefits:
- BAL waterproofing method allows you to do the tiling within 2 hours.
- No additional polyester tapes or matting is required by opting for this method.
- The waterproofing kit is made of 40% recycled materials.
- This method provides complete protection against water leaks, protecting the surface against erosion and cracks.
Required Materials
- BAL Waterproof Plus Kit (You can use any waterproofing kit)
Procedure [Step by Step]
1. Apply primer coating
- Pour the required primer in the container.
- Using a paintbrush thoroughly seal the edges/corners of the plasterboard.
2. Use polyester tapes
- Once you complete covering all the surfaces, place the polyester tapes on the horizontal and vertical edges.
3. Seal using waterproof coating
- Now, apply the waterproof coating on the polyester tapes.
- Repeat the same process for the whole surface of the plasterboard.
- Leave it for 30 minutes to get dry.
4. Apply primer as second layer
- Then apply the second coating on the plasterboard surface.
5. Drying process
- After the second application of the waterproofing solution on the surface, set it to dry for 24 hours.
- Now, you are all set to do tiling on your plasterboard surface.
Precautions
- Wear safety glasses and gloves while applying the prime solution.
- Keep the waterproofing kit out of children’s reach.
- Though the products are not flammable, keep your work area out of smoke.
- Inhalation of the substances can cause breathing difficulties, so ensure you have the necessary protection before starting the process.
Time
This method takes up to 60 minutes in total for complete sealing. The time is also based on the surface area of the plasterboard you are sealing. And the drying process may take up to 24 hours.
Total processing time: 24 hours.
Cost
If you don’t get a waterproofing kit, you can choose a separate primer, waterproof coating solution and polyester tapes.
The approximate cost of the waterproof plus kit would be around $220.
Final Words:
You can follow any possible method to waterproof your plasterboard. There are various and oil and latex-based primers are available, so you can choose the products as per your preference.
These products are designed for preventing mold and mildew on the plasterboard surface while providing extra durability.
But always clean the surface with a microfiber cloth before waterproofing. Do not use any cleaning agents, as this will cause more moisture on your plasterboard surface.
Applying waterproofing spray all over the surface gives you extra protection against leaks and mildew.
