Nova Tiling specialist applying a certified waterproof membrane to a bathroom wet area before tiling
A NOVA TILING SERVICE

The Watertight Tiling System™

Nova Tiling's certified, fully-documented waterproofing and tiling process — engineered so your wet areas stay watertight for life.

Most leaks aren't a tile problem. They're a system problem.

Beautiful tiling means nothing if water finds its way behind it. Failed waterproofing is one of the most common — and most expensive — issues in New Zealand bathrooms, often hidden until the damage is done.

The Watertight Tiling System™ is how Nova Tiling removes that risk: a single, accountable process where waterproofing and tiling are treated as one engineered system, documented and certified at every stage.

How the System Works

Five disciplined stages that turn a standard tiling job into a certified, watertight installation

Cross-section showing the layers of the Watertight Tiling System: substrate, waterproof membrane, adhesive and tile
  1. 1

    Substrate Assessment & Preparation

    Every project begins with a thorough inspection of the substrate. We assess movement, falls, and moisture before preparing a sound, level base ready for waterproofing.

  2. 2

    Bond Breakers & Detailing

    Internal corners, pipe penetrations and junctions are detailed with bond breaker tape and reinforcing to absorb structural movement and prevent membrane failure.

  3. 3

    Certified Membrane Application

    We apply a fully-compliant waterproof membrane at the correct film build, with documented coverage and curing — the heart of a truly watertight wet area.

  4. 4

    Flood Testing & Sign-Off

    Before a single tile is laid, the membrane is flood tested and signed off, giving you certified proof your wet area is sealed to NZ Building Code requirements.

  5. 5

    Precision Tiling & Finishing

    Tiles are installed over the certified membrane with premium adhesives and grouts, finished with flexible sealants at all movement joints for a lasting result.

Backed by the Nova Tiling Guarantee

The same trust signals behind every Nova Tiling project, applied to every Watertight installation

10-Year Workmanship Warranty

Every Watertight Tiling System™ installation is backed by Nova Tiling's comprehensive 10-year warranty.

NZ Building Code Compliant

Full waterproofing certification documented and compliant with E3 internal moisture requirements.

Certified Applicators

Installed only by Nova Tiling's licensed, fully-insured and manufacturer-trained specialists.

Flood Tested, Every Time

No tile is laid until the membrane has been flood tested and signed off — guaranteed.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

One team. One process. One point of accountability.

Because Nova Tiling handles both the waterproofing and the tiling, there's no finger-pointing between trades if something goes wrong. The entire watertight result is our responsibility — and our warranty.

  • On-site substrate assessment and preparation
  • Detailing of corners, junctions and penetrations
  • Certified waterproof membrane application
  • Documented flood test and sign-off
  • Premium tile installation and flexible jointing
  • Full waterproofing certification for your records

Watertight Tiling System™ FAQs

Everything you need to know about our signature wet-area process

CERTIFIED WEDI INSTALLER

A Smarter Way To Build Bathrooms

Nova Tiling is a certified Wedi installer, providing modern waterproof construction systems that can simplify bathroom renovations, improve installation quality, and in some situations provide alternative compliance pathways.

Traditional bathroom construction with timber framing, backer board and separately applied waterproofing
Traditional Method

Traditional Bathroom Construction

Absorbent linings built up on site, with waterproofing applied as a separate coating over multiple wet trades — more steps, more variables and more potential points of failure.

Wedi bathroom construction system with waterproof building boards, prefabricated shower base and niche
Modern System

Wedi Bathroom Construction System

Precision-manufactured, waterproof-core boards and components form an integrated system — waterproofing is built into the structure, not added on top of it.

Why Homeowners Choose Wedi

A modern construction system designed around performance, precision and long-term waterproof protection

100% Waterproof Core Construction

Wedi boards are built around a waterproof foam core, so the waterproofing is part of the structure itself rather than a coating applied on top of an absorbent substrate.

Lightweight Building System

The panels are remarkably light yet rigid, reducing structural load and making them well suited to renovations, upper-floor bathrooms and existing buildings.

Precision Manufactured Components

Boards, shower bases, niches and benches are factory-manufactured to consistent tolerances, removing much of the guesswork and variability of fully hand-built wet areas.

Reduced Risk Of Waterproofing Failure

With a waterproof core and sealed, bonded joints, the most common points of on-site waterproofing failure are engineered out of the system from the start.

Ideal For Bathroom Renovations

The system is fast to install and forgiving of existing conditions, making it an excellent fit for retrofits and full bathroom renovations.

Ideal For Walk-In Showers

Prefabricated bases and boards make level-entry and walk-in showers straightforward to build to a high waterproof standard.

Ideal For Custom Shower Niches

Ready-made, fully waterproof niche components allow for clean, leak-resistant storage recesses without complex on-site detailing.

Suitable For Modern Large Format Tiling

The flat, stable, rigid surface provides an excellent substrate for large format tiles and panels favoured in contemporary bathrooms.

Backed By International Testing And Certification

Wedi systems are supported by international testing and recognised certification, including CodeMark certification for qualifying products.

Manufacturer Warranty Registration

When installed by a certified installer in accordance with manufacturer requirements, qualifying installations can be registered for manufacturer warranty support.

COMPLIANCE & CONSENT CONSIDERATIONS

Understanding Your Renovation Pathway

Depending on the scope of work, some bathroom renovation projects may qualify for Schedule 1 exemption pathways under current New Zealand regulations.

Certain Wedi systems are CodeMark certified and may be suitable for exemption pathways in qualifying circumstances when installed by a certified installer and in accordance with manufacturer requirements.

Every project should be assessed individually.

The decision regarding building consent requirements remains with the building owner and relevant regulatory processes.

Nova Tiling can help clients understand available options and determine the most appropriate renovation pathway.

“Not every bathroom renovation requires the same compliance pathway.”

What Is A Schedule 1 Exemption?

A plain-English overview to help you understand how exemption pathways can work

This information is general and educational only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Always confirm requirements with your local authority.

Benefits Of The Wedi System

Why a certified Wedi installation is a smart foundation for a modern bathroom

Faster Installation

Precision Manufactured Components

Waterproof Construction Core

Suitable For Modern Bathrooms

Reduced Wet Trade Complexity

Manufacturer Supported System

Certified Installer Network

Potential Alternative Compliance Pathways

Why This Matters To Homeowners

Choosing the right construction system isn't just a technical decision — it shapes how smoothly your renovation runs and how well your bathroom performs for years to come.

  • Reducing project delays
  • Reducing administration
  • Avoiding unnecessary complexity
  • Creating high-performance bathrooms
  • Long-term waterproof protection
  • Modern construction standards

Wedi Systems FAQs

Common questions about Wedi construction, certification and compliance

Certified Wedi Installation

Nova Tiling is certified to install Wedi systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, providing clients with a modern waterproof bathroom construction system backed by industry-recognised testing and certification.

Discuss Your Bathroom Renovation

Make your next bathroom genuinely watertight

Talk to the Nova Tiling team about the Watertight Tiling System™ for your project today.

Need help with your tiling project? We're here to assist you!