Wet areas need suitable preparation and waterproofing before the finished surface is installed. Tiles and grout are the visible finish, but they should not be treated as the only protection against water reaching the structure behind them.
The exact waterproofing system depends on the substrate and the area being exposed to water. Shower walls and other regularly wetted areas need particular attention. Good preparation also means the wall must be stable, suitably flat and compatible with the chosen system before tiling starts.
Doherty's Glasgow bathroom installation service includes waterproofing as one of the core planning and preparation considerations. If an old bathroom has signs of water damage, the underlying surface should be checked before new tiles are fitted over it.
