In modern architecture, particularly in high-density urban developments, the demand for innovative, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solutions is continually increasing.

With intertenancy floors vulnerable to water ingress and accidental overflows, which can compromise structural soundness, home health and tenant comfort, ensuring the integrity of intertenancy floors is a significant challenge.

Jesani door channels provide a robust solution to these issues, effectively preventing water damage while preserving the elegance of contemporary wetroom designs. Available in both a 65mm four-bar grille, and a 38mm two-bar grille, the minimalist appearance of the channels seamlessly integrates with modern aesthetics, offering both functionality and style.

"The Jesani 65mm Door Channel Drain has been a revolutionary addition to our bathroom projects," says Construction Management Group (Building) Ltd. "We do a lot of work with IHC and accessible properties working on full wet room upgrades. We always recommend installing Jesani Door Channel drains as an additional layer of protection. The Jesani team are fantastic to deal with and always go above and beyond to accommodate our needs.” 

The unique challenges of intertenancy floors

Intertenancy floors in multi-unit residential buildings must provide robust soundproofing, insulation, and effective water management. Traditional water stop and drainage systems often fail to meet aesthetic expectations or effectively prevent water ingress, leading to potential structural damage and issues for neighbouring units. Uncontained accidental overflows or blockages can result in significant maintenance costs, tenant displacement, and legal disputes.

Jesani Door Channels: A cutting-edge solution

Enhanced water management

Replacing the floor waste with the Jesani door channel ensures accidental overflows are efficiently captured and drained at the threshold, preventing water from reaching adjoining rooms or units. Both the 38mm and 65mm door channels can be plumbed to the dry waste stack as an emergency overflow, or with the 65mm channel there is the option to plumb into the grey water system via a Jesani four-way riser.

Prevention of blockages

The channel’s threshold location and secured grill make it almost impossible to deliberately block the Jesani door channel. Additionally, its design complements the bathroom aesthetic, reducing the likelihood of homeowners covering the drain with a mat. These features enhance safety, functionality and reduce the need for frequent maintenance.

Structural integrity

By preventing water ingress and swiftly draining accidental overflows, the Jesani door channel helps maintain the structural integrity of intertenancy floors. This is crucial in any building but especially so in multi-unit buildings, where water damage can compromise the entire structure's safety and durability.

Aesthetic Appeal

Integrating seamlessly with bathroom aesthetics, the Jesani door channel’s sleek, minimalist design complements modern wetroom styles, providing a sophisticated look without compromising functionality.

Meeting updated NZBC requirements

Recent updates to the New Zealand Building Code (NZBC) E3/AS1 have refined requirements for water containment in case of accidental overflow from sanitary fixtures. These updates are particularly relevant for intertenancy floors where water damage could affect adjacent units or properties.

Key Points from the NZBC Updates Include:

• Containment area specifications: If a fixture lacks an integrated overflow, a containment area with an impervious floor covering is required. This covering must be continuous and sealed where it meets the wall, extending to the doorway and all walls of the room, or at least 1.5 metres from all sanitary fixtures in open-plan areas.
• Floor waste requirements: A floor waste must comply with NZBC Clause G13, ensuring effective drainage. For example, in an open-plan kitchen, if the sink cannot satisfy overflow requirements, the kitchen floor needs to be impermeable, span at least 1.5 metres from the sink, and incorporate a floor waste to drain surface water from accidental overflows.

The Jesani door channel aligns perfectly with these updated requirements, removing the need for an independent floor waste and offering a reliable, design-sensitive, and efficient solution for water containment and drainage.

Whether it’s a standard size or bespoke channel design, Jesani is known for their customisation and fast turnaround times with orders directly via JESANI or from local merchants across the country.

Conclusion: The future of intertenancy floor protection

In just under 10 years, the Jesani Door Channel has gone from being an industry disruptor to consistently specified in medical facilities, gyms, medium and high-density developments as well as educational facilities and individual homes.

Recently recognised in a multi-award-winning elder care facility, Jesani Door Channels showcase innovation in building resilient and elegant structures. By addressing the unique challenges of intertenancy floors and evolving architectural design demands, Jesani drainage channels exceed industry E3.3.2 standards while enhancing the beauty and functionality of living spaces.