Without proper wet area waterproofing, bathrooms, kitchens, and more can suffer major damage, including mould, structural rot, as well as electrical and plumbing issues. As such, water damage issues and non-compliance with Australian standards have become two of the most common building defects in Perth, according to Sure Building Inspections.
That’s why, for both repairs and new home construction projects, more and more of our customers are choosing high-quality waterproofing solutions like James Hardie Villaboard™ Lining. Read on to find out why more Perth homeowners are choosing this durable wet area plasterboard.
What is Villaboard™?
Manufactured by James Hardie, Villaboard™ Lining is a premium fibre cement sheet. Made from a mixture of cement, sand, cellulose fibre, water, and proprietary additives, this type of wet area plasterboard is specifically designed to be resistant to moisture, rot, termite damage, and even fire. This means that, unlike regular plasterboard sheets, Villaboard™ is best suited to provide long-lasting protection for different internal wet areas in your house. Not to mention, you can have a healthier environment at home as it prevents the growth of mould and mildew.
Why homeowners and builders love Villaboard™
- Durable wet area lining sheet: It won’t lose its structural integrity when exposed to moisture. This resistance to deformation can help to reduce water damage and lower down repair costs in case of accidents.
- Strong tensile bond strength: Villaboard™ holds incredible hanging power for tiles, hooks, and other fixings. This ensures that they’re secure and in place for a long time.
- Suitable for any wall coverings: It can be used with tiles, paint, or wallpaper, allowing you to pursue any design or style you may want for your home.
- Long edges recessed for easy flush-jointing: This helps for easy installation and creating a smooth, level surface, preventing water from seeping through your home’s internal structure.
- Reliable impact-resistant lining: Ideal for wall lining in high-traffic areas like hallways or garages where walls are prone to damage.
- Excellent acoustic performance and fire resistance: This makes the Villaboard™ suitable for use in fire and acoustically rated systems.
- 25-year product warranty: Enduring and built for tough Australian homes, Villaboard™ comes with a long warranty to ensure its quality and performance.
Where Villaboard™ can be used
An all-around material, Villaboard™ wet area plasterboard is engineered specifically for internal wet areas, including:
- Bathroom
- Kitchen
- Laundry room
- Garages
- Crawl spaces where plumbing runs
Why substrate choice matters
There are a ton of substrates that can be used for wet areas, so why choose a fibre cement plasterboard like Villaboard™? While you can technically use anything for your bathrooms and kitchens, James Hardie’s special material is made to comply with building code standards. Engineered to last, it can resist moisture without relying on coating solutions to be waterproof. If your tiles or waterproofing fail, Villaboard™ surely has your back.
Villaboard™ vs regular plasterboard in wet areas
| Feature | Villaboard™ | Regular Plasterboard |
| Moisture Resistance | Resistant to moisture, mould, fire, and termites. | Can easily deteriorate in moisture areas, is susceptible to mould and fire. |
| Durability | Sturdy, with tensile bond strength up to 75% greater than wet area plasterboards | Can crack under the weight of tiles if not properly supported. |
| Ease of Installation | Quick and easy, with minimal additional waterproofing needed | Labour-intensive and slower, as it needs a proper tanking before use |
| Cost | Higher upfront, but saves on labour and repairs in the long term | Lower upfront, but higher labour and ongoing costs |
Compliance with Australian waterproofing standards
To prevent water leakage and resulting damage, the Australian Standard AS 3740 has set detailed guidance for the materials and installation of residential wet areas for waterproofing. Most notably, it dictates that shower walls must be completely waterproofed—a requirement which Villaboard™ can help you be compliant with.
You can check out the Housing Industry Association or James Hardie’s wet area construction guidelines for more info on the Australian standards for waterproofing wet areas.
Things to consider before starting your waterproofing
To DIY waterproofing or not?
Doing your own waterproofing can certainly be done. However, you need to be mindful of the Australian Standard for waterproofing compliance and local council guidelines for waterproofing wet areas.
So if you’re not very knowledgeable on wet areas and want to minimise mistakes that can cost you more, we generally recommend working with professionals or tradies who have experience constructing wet areas up to code.
How to know your waterproofing needs fixing
Not sure if your home needs its wet area waterproofing repaired just yet? Keep an eye out for the following signs:
- Mould development on surfaces
- Wall stains
- Peeling paint
- Lifting tiles and swollen walls
- Musty odours
If you notice any of these in your bathroom, laundry, or kitchen, they could very well be an indication that your current waterproofing is not coping well with moisture, and it is not something that can be simply shrugged off.
When water starts to penetrate your walls, it’s also likely that your internal structures are experiencing severe issues. Your tiles and substrate need to be removed completely in order to fully assess the damage.
Why waterproofing fails
While the frequency of upkeep and maintenance, as well as other environmental factors, can affect your waterproofing performance, most waterproofing failures stem right from the construction phase. When you start your next renovation or build, take note and prevent the following:
- Incorrect Substrate: Choosing a material like Villaboard™ that is built specifically for wet areas can prevent moisture damage, mould, and rot. Meanwhile, the use of non-waterproof materials, while cheaper upfront, can do more harm than good.
- Poor Surface Prep: Before applying any coating, surfaces need to be thoroughly cleaned free from dirt, dust, or debris that may prevent the material from sticking to the surface. Any resulting uneven applications can cause leaks and damage.
- Shoddy Installation Techniques: Gaps between the substrates, use of incompatible fasteners, improper sealing of joints, and so on, can also cause waterproofing failure.
Protect your home from water damage for years to come
Ensure your wet areas are rot- and moisture-free in the long run by choosing Villaboard™ for your next home project. We at Westgyp stock these highly-rated fibre cement wet area plasterboards from James Hardie, so you won’t have to struggle with long lead times and can get started on your project immediately. More than that, we offer expert guidance so you can ensure your home is up to code. Contact our knowledgeable team to request a quote today!