kitchen water proofing

[glaird]

Hi,
I am in the process of getting a new kitchen put in but was wondering whether I should be putting some sort of water proofing membrane between the bench top and the wall. What I am meaning is, like an L shaped "something" that starts underneath the benchtop and then goes up the wall a little. Has anyone heard of this, or is just putting some sealant between the benchtop and splashback enough?

thanks,
Gav

[echnidna]

It used to be considered good practise to fit flashing to the rear edge of a benchtop.
Normally fitted into a horizontal slot then sealed in with silicon. Run the flashing up the wall behind the sheet you stick the tiles onto.

[simon c]

I wouldn't bother, modern kitchens are pretty tolerent. If you use a sealant, make sure it is flexible and not just the tile grout as that will crack with the movement of the benchtop.

[glaird]

ok, thanks guys. So it sounds like it used to be done, but not so much anymore...
thanks,
gav