Bathroom Fitting

Does a shower enclosure made from un-tanked plywood violate building regulations?

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.45 PM

I bought a new flat and just realised that the shower enclosure in my bathroom is made from plywood on one side and regular plasterboard on the two other sides. I don't think any of the backer boards were tanked; the builders seem to have used waterproof adhesive and grout. Doesn't this violate building regulations? I thought BS 5358-1 and 4 stipulated you shouldn't do this (I've got a copy of BS 5385 part 1, unfortunately not part 4). Some of the grout, at the bottom of the shower near the shower tray has started to crack and there's water seeping out… obviously the plywood and timber frame absorbing water is making things worse. Personally I would've used Aquastraps or something to seal the tray edges, and aqua panel or Hardiebacker for the enclosure, tanked it, and then used flexible waterproof adhesive and grout. Anyway, does anyone know whether I could get the contractors to re-do the enclosure for violation of building regulations and standards? I don't want them to do another bodge job and just re-seal the tray edges... I'm surprised the building got NHBC coverage with regular plasterboard and plywood… I'd really appreciate any help.