FAQ

  • PERFORMANCE

    Is Wetwall really waterproof?

    Yes, Wetwall is a waterproof system! Our panels are guaranteed to remain watertight and waterproof for 15 years from date of purchase, as long as they’ve been installed as per our instructions and maintained as per our recommendations (read our 15 Year Guarantee below for more information). 

    What does the fifteen year guarantee cover?

    Wetwall Panels are guaranteed to remain watertight and waterproof for 15 years from date of purchase, as long as they’ve been installed as per our instructions and maintained as per our recommendations. Regular maintenance and care is required to ensure your system stays watertight, so make sure you follow our fitting instructions for the correct panel type, and read our care guide. We recommend replacing your silicone sealant every 18 months to ensure your system remains watertight and waterproof. Systems where the sealant has failed due to lack of maintenance will not be valid under our guarantee.

    I live in a hard water area – will watermarks show on Wetwall?

    Wetwall is available in a variety of attractive textures and effects. With the soft shadow-effect panels, the visibility of any watermarks will be minimal. If you choose panels with a gloss finish, watermarks will show no more than you would expect with tiles, e.g. marks will be easier to wipe away. On panels with a strong design, any watermarks are less likely to be visible.

    I sometimes get condensation in my bathroom. Will fitting Wetwall make any difference?

    The primary cure for condensation within the bathroom will always be by adequate ventilation. However, the construction of Wetwall gives specific thermal properties so that they feel warm to the touch. As condensation forms when moist air touches a cold surface, such as ceramic tiling, you may find that the condensation will be reduced when Wetwall is fitted. If some condensation does still occur, at least there is no grouting where mould growth can penetrate and cause unpleasant discoloration.

  • ADHESIVE

    When do I need to use adhesive, and which type should I use?

    The primary fixing for Wetwall should always be our Wetwall adhesive which can be used with our Composite and Laminate panels.
    Our Acrylic panels should be used with Stixall Neutral Cure adhesive.

    Check the installation instructions to be sure that you have the right adhesive for your panel.

  • PROFILES

    When would you use an edging profile?

    Edging profiles are used to finish off the end edge of a panel. Additional mechanical fixings may also be required. 

  • FITTING

    Should Wetwall be fitted after my bathroom sanitary ware is fitted, or can the Wetwall be installed before anything else?

    It is important that the bath or shower tray is already securely in place and sealed appropriately before the panels are installed. Under no circumstances should the bath or shower tray be installed on top of the panels. All pipework should be pre-installed, leaving stub pipes at the positions where the equipment will be fitted. Other furniture and sanitary ware such as sinks and toilets should be installed after the panels have been fitted.

    When fitting Wetwall around the full bathroom, does it matter where you fit the first panel?

    Due to the design of the internal corners, it is possible to start on any wall within the room and cut the panels so that they finish in the internal corners. For the best result, care should be taken to space the panel joints to avoid small difficult panel cuts near the corners or around doors and windows.

    The back of my shower enclosure is 1700mm wide. Which panels should I use?

    For walls which are greater than 1200mm wide, you would need to use tongued-and-grooved bathroom panels. These are 600mm wide (585mm nett face size). So, for a 1700mm wide shower enclosure, the usual solution would be to have a standard 600mm panel (585mm nett face size) in the centre, and the two end panels either side would cut down to 565mm wide each and be fitted into profiles. Standard Wetwall panels (900mm wide and 1200mm wide) do not have tongued-and-grooved edges, so these should be joined and sealed using H Joints.

    Does it matter which way up the Wetwall panels are used?

    The edge details are the same on both the top and the bottom of the panel, so this means that the panels can be fitted either way up. This ensures that both panels have a square edge fitted into the corner, and the edge with the groove and fixing lip at the outside. The patterns used on Wetwall designs are generally random. So, although on certain designs there may be a slight difference in appearance if the panel is used upside down, any difference will be barely noticeable. This can generally only be detected if the panels are closely studied. If you’re using a heavily patterned decor, just make sure that the patterns align in a way you would like. 

    Can I fit the Wetwall panels myself?

    Yes, if you have reasonable DIY skills, it is possible to fit Wetwall yourself. However, you need to be completely confident with what you are doing and the product before you start your project. You only need normal woodworking tools and your Wetwall order will be delivered with comprehensive Fixing Guidelines. Alternatively, your Wetwall distributor may be able to recommend an experienced installer.

    Can panels be fitted to the ceiling?

    Wetwall have been used on horizontal and sloping ceilings in the past. However we cannot recommend a fixing method in this instance due to the different conditions that may be encountered. It is the responsibility of the installer to ensure adequate fixings are used. Wetwall will not accept and liability for damage or injury caused by panels falling off in these situations.

    Can the panels be fitted directly to the floor?

    No, The panels must not be fitted in an area where water is likely to puddle. A minimum gap of 100mm should be created to prevent any chance of water being sucked into the bottom of the panel. With a tiled floor a skirting tile should be used with the panels fitted down to the top of this. The exception to this rule is where fitting down to a shower tray where the slope of the tray will prevent water puddling at the base of the panel.