The standard DIN 18534 is based on DIN 18195, which regulates the planning and execution of all types of building waterproofing. However, DIN 18195 now only provides the framework for the various building waterproofing sectors, since it was broken down into the standard series 18531 to 18535. These include:
The standard DIN 18534 is therefore decisive when it comes to waterproofing in bathrooms and the waterproofing of level-access showers. It has been effective since 2017. Planners and tradespeople benefit from the new standard in two ways: firstly, this standard covers state-of-the-art technology, which means bonded waterproofing is now also finally covered - and while this has proven to be a reliable solution for the waterproofing of wet areas, until now it needed to be contractually regulated as a special structure in each individual case. And secondly, it now provides a binding code of practice. Until now, the waterproofing of interior spaces was regulated by a range of data sheets and guidelines published by the Central Federation for the German Building Industry (ZDB) and by the standard DIN 18195.
The new standard offers uniform, current rules for the waterproofing of buildings that are clear and concise. This provides much greater on-site clarity and safety in the execution of waterproofing and a clear-cut allocation of tradespeople to specific tasks. However, DIN 18534 also takes into account the special challenges faced when waterproofing level-access showers, such as the fact that during installation and waterproofing, the seal beneath the floor covering and adhesive needs to be established during installation. Bonded waterproofing is now recognised as state of the art. When waterproofing installations according to DIN 18534, a range of different factors needs to be taken into account – primarily the type of connection, flange width and so-called water exposure classes.
In order to ensure that the drainage solution is permanently waterproof, it needs to be correctly installed in the substrate. DIN 18534-3 regulates the structural connection of the flange (on the drain body) to the sealing sleeve, which is incorporated in the bonded waterproofing.
There are three reliable types of connection:
In the section "Detail formation" (Section 7.6) of DIN 18534-3, it also states that the "flange width on drainage channels, floor drains and installed parts (…) must be at least 50 mm." However, this does not apply to factory-fitted sealing sleeves. If floor drains are installed in heavy-duty areas, such as in public in-line showers, the flange width must also be a minimum of 50 mm, and the sealing sleeve on the adjoining area must also overlap by > 50 mm.
bonding flange width | W0-I | W1-I | W2-I | W3-I | |
>= 30 mm* | |||||
>= 50 mm | |||||
factory-fitted connection |
Requirements on the flange width, depending on water exposure class
*Manufacturer certificate for drain and sealing sleeve when using system-compliant sealant adhesive.
The various demands made on waterproofing due to the effects of moisture on walls and floors are defined in DIN 18534-1 using four water exposure classes, W0-I to W3-I. The longer an area is exposed to water, and the greater the volume of water, the greater the level of waterproofing required in order to prevent moisture damage.
Water exposure classes | Explanation | Requirements on the waterproofing | Example |
W0-I low | Surfaces that are occasionally exposed to splash water | No further waterproofing needed for water-resistant surfaces | Private bathrooms or kitchens |
W1-I moderate | Surfaces that are often exposed to used water, no standing water | No special requirements, unless moisture can penetrate the lower layers | Walls above bathtubs or within shower areas |
W2-I high | Surfaces that are often exposed to used and standing water | Waterproofing acc. to standard | Floor areas of level-access showers |
W3-I very high | Surfaces that are exposed to splash water, used water and standing water for a longer period of time | Waterproofing acc. to standard | Professional kitchens, shower areas and pool borders in swimming pools |
Water exposure classes acc. to DIN 18534
W1-I
W2-I
Water exposure classes in private bathrooms: the floor areas of level-access showers are subject to heavy-duty exposure.
A level-access, tiled shower in the private sector, for example, corresponds to water exposure class W2-I. In this case, the waterproofing must be installed with crack-bridging, mineral sealing slurries or reaction resin. Alternatively, sheet waterproofing is also suitable. Waterproofing with polymer dispersion coatings is only suitable for areas that are merely exposed to splash water (wall area). However, in the case of in-line showers installed in sports clubs or businesses, both floors and wet walls fall under water exposure class W3-I, whereas the "splash area" in front of the installation is water exposure class W2-I.
Dallmer has been a key driver of the technical development that is now reflected in the new standard. All Dallmer drainage systems that accommodate bonded waterproofing meet the requirements of DIN 18534. For example, the newly required flange width of 50 mm for shower channels and floor drains has been standard at Dallmer for years. This is just one of the reasons why the installation and waterproofing of Dallmer products is so straightforward. The following examples show how:
Assembly of the DallFlex drain body retains the clear separation of tasks so valued by practitioners: the plumber installs the drain on the unfinished floor and connects it directly to the drainpipe. The drain body is then precision-fitted flush in the screed. The sealing sleeve with the required width is then just clipped into the housing prior to application of the bonded waterproofing. If the drain is being fitted in an area with water exposure class W3-I – such as public in-line showers – the flange width and overlapping must meet more stringent requirements. But even in such cases, the on-site installation process for DallFlex drains remains the same, as the width of the sealing sleeve surrounding the drain is generally 100 mm and, just as is the case with house installations, it is simply clipped into the drain body.
A so-called shower underlay makes it particularly easy to meet the waterproofing requirements for shower areas. The DallFlex shower underlay from Dallmer comprises a continuous waterproof area so that it meets the requirements of water exposure class W2-I. The required 2% slope in the shower area, or approx. 2 cm (in the case of front-of-wall drainage solutions), is already integrated in these shower underlays. This factory-fitted feature is now even more important as even the new DIN 18534 does not stipulate a specific slope. As with flush-in-floor drains embedded in the screed and bonded waterproofing, the waterproofing of the shower board must also be installed using crack-bridging, flexible sealing sleeves as per the respective water exposure class.
Bonded waterproofing is necessary because coverings with joins, such as tiles, panels and natural stone, are not waterproof by themselves. The basis of bonded waterproofing is a paint/filler seal coating or a waterproofing membrane. The tiler lays panels or tiles using the thin bed method. Bonded waterproofing must be carried out everywhere where splash water or service water occurs. In the case of level-access showers, for example, the walls above the shower area are waterproofed to a height of up to 30 cm. The flange must have a right-angle edge enabling it to be securely integrated in the bonded waterproofing of the wall.
Waterproofing planning and design must take into account possible mechanical movements, such as crack formation. The standard DIN 18534 stipulates three classes R1-I (up to 0.2 mm), R2-I (0.5 mm) and R3-I (1.0 mm + offset between crack faces up to 0.5 mm). The type of waterproofing recommended will depend on the combination of crack classes and the water exposure class.
Regulates the planning and design of the waterproofing of buildings. This standard was superseded in July 2017 by DIN 18534.
A component for sealing, connecting and closing.
A particularly fast-drying sealing material, you can continue working with it after just 4 hours, i.e. further waterproofing layers can be added. The overall curing time is approx. 24 hours, a slight darkening in colour indicates that the material is dry.
Synthetic resins that can be supplemented with other additives. Often used with adhesive bonded waterproofing types. Due to their high chemical resistance, they are often used in heavy-duty areas, such as swimming pools. As a sealing material, it offers a suitable alternative to sealing slurries.
Cement-plastic mixtures that can be painted or sprayed on. Thanks to the cement, the mixture allows water vapour to permeate, while the plastic keeps the sealing slurry flexible. Sealing slurries are used everywhere where particularly high demands are placed on moisture protection.
This term refers to water that has already been used for something – in this case a shower – and can be used again, whereby the issue of re-use plays a greater role in industry than in domestic households. Service water must meet certain minimum hygiene standards, even if it is not suitable for drinking.
It is impossible to avoid joint movement, which is why it must be taken into account when installing waterproofing. The standard DIN 18534 distinguishes between three types of joint:
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Dated: April 2018
Dallmer GmbH + Co. KG
Wiebelsheidestraße 25
59755 Arnsberg
Germany
Telephone: : +49 2932 9616-0
Telefax: : +49 2932 9616-222
info@dallmer.de
Dallmer GmbH + Co. KG
Wiebelsheidestraße 25
59755 Arnsberg
Germany
Telephone: : +49 2932 9616-0
Telefax: : +49 2932 9616-222
info@dallmer.de
Dallmer GmbH + Co. KG
Wiebelsheidestraße 25
59755 Arnsberg
Germany
Telephone: : +49 2932 9616-0
Telefax: : +49 2932 9616-222
info@dallmer.de