How to install VJ paneling in bathroom?

[Sheridan91]

My partner and I are planning to use wet area VJ board for our bathroom/laundry reno. So far we are down to a stud wall with the walls straightened ready for sheeting.

Is any type of additional waterproofing system required where the panel meets floor tile? Also how do you finish the wall and floor tile junction? Is it just a piece of channel for the sheet to slide into or do you a small gap between the wall panel and floor tile? Or is it something else?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Sheridan91,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community and thank you for your question about wet area VJ.

The manufacturer of your specific product should have an installation guide. If you are using the easycraft easyVJ100 Wet Area Wall Lining, then the installation guide can be found here - Easycraft - Product Fact Sheet.

You will note that this product cannot be used in direct wet areas such as showers or splashbacks, but it can line all other areas including ceilings within bathrooms and laundries.

Assuming all direct wet areas, such as baths, showers and splashbacks are sufficiently waterproofed, you won't need additional waterproofing behind your VJ although, for the greater longevity of your bathroom, it is worth considering. Have a read through NCC Part 10.2 Wet area waterproofing for some further information.

Easycraft recommends installing the wet area VJ with a 5-10mm gap above the flooring for expansion. You can then simply fill this gap with a suitable water-resistant silicone such as SikaSeal Kitchen And Bathroom Silicone Sealant or install a skirting board with the same silicone sealant to seal and conceal the gap.

Let me know If you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Sheridan91]

My partner and I are currently renovating our laundry into a combined bathroom and laundry. We are installing hardiegroove panelling ontop of aquacheck wall linings and are unsure on the best method to fix it without compromising the waterproofed membrane that we have used on the joints of the aquacheck. Nailing or screwing on the hardiegroove panelling where we have waterproofed our aquacheck joints would mean puncturing the waterproofing membrane. Would use stud adhesive or something similar be sufficient in these areas?

[JacobZ]

Hi @Sheridan91,

Thank you for your question about installing Hardie Groove Lining in your bathroom.

Unfortunately, there is no advisable method for installing Hardie Groove that will not penetrate a waterproofing membrane. The Hardie Groove Lining Installation Guide must be followed for it to be a warrantable installation. The method described in this guide will puncture a waterproofing membrane.

Is this in a direct wet area like a shower?

Can you upload a photo of where exactly you are looking to install the Hardie Groove?

It sounds like you've applied a waterproofing membrane over a plasterboard join as an additional measure. Is this correct?

If this is the case, then this membrane may not be necessary, and you'd be fine to screw through it.

If you can upload some photos and provide answers to my above questions, I'm happy to assist further.

Jacob

[MitchellMc]

Hi @Sheridan91,

I just wanted to check to see if you needed further assistance with your project.

Outside of a shower recess or direct wet-area like a splashback, there is only the need to have the joint between the floor and the Aquacheck waterproofed. The membrane or flashing only needs to come up the wall 25mm. Your Hardies VJ panel can then be installed on top.

For the lower edge fixings, they can connect it to the bottom plate above the 25mm waterproofing, therefore not compromising it by penetrating through it.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell