Fibo waterproof wall panels combine style, durability, and sustainability. Designed to meet certified wet-room standards, they’re a reliable choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
Benefits of Fibo wall panels:
- Each panel is backed by a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty, ensuring long-term performance and peace of mind.
- Unlike traditional tiles, Fibo panels require no grout, eliminating the risk of mould and reducing cleaning time.
- Installation is quick and straightforward, making them a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative to tiling.
General Wall Installation
Fibo panels are quick and easy to install thanks to their Aqualock tongue-and-groove system, securely clicking into place as you go.
Check that panels are correctly aligned and remember to use sealant in all the joints.
- Fixing Panels: Attach panels to battens or walls using No. 6 screws or 35mm gypsum board nails, spaced 200mm apart. The lowest screw / nail should be no more than 20mm from the bottom edge.
- Sealing Joints: In humid areas, apply a polymer waterproof sealant to all joints and exposed edges. Run a bead of sealant along the groove before locking panels together.
- Cleaning Excess Sealant: Wipe away excess immediately using methylated spirit and a damp cloth for a clean, nearly invisible joint.
Where an installation is to go around a room, for best results, start fixing the panels in one corner, panelling in both directions so that the last wall to be panelled is the wall with the door. Finish with the last panel cut to fit over the doorway.
Starting a Wall
- Attach an internal corner profile and apply sealant to both channels.
- Cut the first panel to size and insert it into the profile.
- Secure the panel by screwing / nailing through the tongue, ensuring alignment.
- Continue installing panels, applying sealant to each joint before clicking into place.
Finishing a Wall
- Measure and cut the final panel to fit.
- Insert it into the corner profile and secure it to the return wall.
- Apply sealant inside the profile channel before fitting the panel.
Installing Around a Door
- Cut panels on either side of the door to leave space for a full-width panel above.
- Insert the final panel tongue-first, trimming the edge to fit flush.
- Secure with adhesive and fix panels around the door frame using screws / nails (hidden by moulding).
Shower Installation
To ensure a waterproof seal, make certain that all exposed plywood are sealed using a recommended sealant like Fibo Seal.
Two-Sided Shower Enclosure
- Fit a base profile as per instructions at floor level.
- Attach an internal corner profile and apply sealant.
- Insert the first panel and fix it using screws or adhesive.
- Repeat for the second panel.
- Finish with L-shaped profiles or J-shaped profiles on exposed edges, sealing thoroughly and wiping excess.
Three-Sided Shower Enclosure
Always install the back panel first.
For 600mm or 900mm panels, remember to remove the tongue from the back wall panel.
- Fit a base profile as per instructions at floor level.
- Attach internal corner profiles to both side walls and apply sealant.
- Glue the back panel and swing it into position.
- Fix the second internal profile to the wall.
- Insert side panels into profiles and secure with screws or adhesive.
- Finish with L-shaped profiles or J-shaped profiles, sealing and cleaning as needed.
Note: For 1200mm panels, glue all panels to the wall. Screws cannot be used due to the absence of fixing lips.
Floor-Level Installation
Dry Areas
Adjust panel height where it meets the ceiling.
- Vinyl Flooring: Extend vinyl 100mm behind the panel. Leave 60–80mm clearance from panel bottom to floor.
- Ceramic Tile / Upstand: Apply sealant between panel and upstand, leaving a 4–5mm expansion gap.
Wet Areas (Bath, Shower, Wet-Room)
Always use a base profile.
Adjust panel height at the ceiling.
- Wet-Room: Extend floor covering 100mm behind panel and base profile. Seal both front and back of profile and panel. Leave 60–80mm clearance.
- Bath/Shower Tray: Seal in front and behind the base profile and panel. Leave a 2–3mm expansion gap under the profile.
General Tip: Always seal where the bath or shower meets the panel.
Common Installation Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors to ensure a successful, waterproof installation.
| Mistake | Why it's a problem | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping sealant joints | Leads to water ingress and mould | Always apply sealant in every joint and exposed edge |
| Incorrect screw spacing | Panels may warp or loosen | Maintain 200mm spacing, with bottom screw max 20mm from edge |
| Not using base profiles in wet areas | Water can seep behind panels | Always install base profiles in showers, baths, and wet-rooms |
| Using wrong sealant | May not bond or waterproof properly | Using Fibo Seal or approved polymer waterproof sealant |
| Failing to clean excess sealant | Leaves visible residue and weak joints | Wipe immediately with methylated spirit and damp cloth |
| Improper panel alignment | Affects aesthetics and waterproofing | Check alignment before securing each panel |
| Using screws on 1200mm panels | These panels lack fixing lips | Only glue 1200mm panels to the wall |