Waterproofing Tile Showers

There isn’t much that can be quite as detrimental to a structure as water can be, and nowhere is there more water than in your shower! In this blog post I’ll discuss the different methods used to waterproof a tile shower and the methods we use to deliver a shower that will stand the test of time.

Why it’s so Important

First off, let’s have a look at the reasons why proper water proofing is an essential step in remodeling your bathroom. Water that’s able to penetrate your shower walls can cause a variety of visual defects, structural problems, and health issues. Water that is trapped in your walls creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew to arise, causing both negative health effects and the mold and mildew to travel easily to different areas of your home. Water is also notoriously capable of degrading building materials and causing cracks, warping, and rot. These are all issues prone to occur when inadequate steps are taken in waterproofing a shower. Being confident that your shower is properly waterproofed will provide a sense of ease that comes with knowing that the inner workings of your home are protected.

So how can you properly waterproof a shower and prevent all of these issues that only seem to announce themselves after its too late? Well there’s different methods but all seek to achieve the same goal, to stop any water from traveling through the tile/grout into the walls behind.

Backer Boards

The backer board is the substrate material that will be hung onto the studs of your walls and what your waterproofing system or method will be used on. The three most common backer boards used in a tile shower are cement board, fiber cement board, and foam board. Cement board and fiber cement board offer the most rigidity and strength and are best suited for larger format tiles. Two types of cement backer boards are Hardibacker and USG Durock Brand, both available in a variety of thicknesses. Foam board, while marginally more expensive, allows for greater possibilities in custom design features in your shower due to increased workability. Kerdi Board and Wedi Board are both foam tile substrates that are also available in a variety of thicknesses. Drywall can also be used as a tile substrate if used properly with a water tight membrane.

Liquid Waterproofing Coating

Two commonly used liquid waterproofing coatings are Redguard and Durock Liquid Waterproofing. These work similarly to how a waterproof paint would work. They are rolled directly on to the substrate being used. An even coating is applied to all surfaces. It is important to use a waterproof sealant on all exposed seams when using a liquid waterproofing method to prevent moisture from being wicked to the back of the substrate.

Waterproof Concrete Boards

Certain concrete backer boards such as HardieBacker with Hydro-defense, is similar to the HardieBacker substrate but has a pink/rust color on one side and offers waterproof properties that allow you to install tile directly to it. When installing this specific screws must be used and it is important that the colored side of the board is facing outward. It is still a good idea to seal any corners or exposed seams with a waterproof sealant or flexible membrane when using this method.

Waterproof Sheeting Membranes and Strips

Waterproof membrane comes in sheets and strips that are applied directly to the backer board by either peel and stick method or applied and set in thinset mortar. The membrane is a fabric that is often made with plastic that forms a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from traveling behind the tile. Waterproofing membranes excel in waterproofing weak points such as corners, joints, and around faucets and drains. Kerdi Membrane and Water-Stops are both waterproof membranes that you can use to waterproof your tile shower.

What We Use

When waterproofing a shower before installing tile we use a waterproof sheeting membrane product from Schluter Systems called, Schluter-Kerdi. This is the system that we are most experienced with and what allows us to be able to deliver tile showers that are not only beautiful and unique, but are also custom and will last a lifetime. Call us today to start creating a beautiful shower that will allow you to sleep peacefully at night while knowing your shower is impeccably waterproofed!