Why Waterproofing Is The Most Important Part Of Your Shower
Waterproofing is one of the most important, yet often overlooked, aspects of a shower. When done correctly, it can not only protect your walls and floor from water damage but can also help keep your shower looking new for years to come. In this article, we’ll cover exactly why waterproofing is the most crucial part of your shower.
Why Is Waterproofing So Important?
To prove why waterproofing is so important, let me tell you about two showers I have personally experienced. In 2002, we moved into a home that Tony and I had recently remodeled. We were the first to live in the newly renovated space. Within the first year, I noticed I had to scrub the master shower constantly. Within five years, that shower was a hot mess. The corners were all full of mold and mildew, and no amount of scrubbing would get it clean.
In 2015, Tony and I purchased and completely gutted and remodeled our current home. Six years later, our master shower looks new.
What’s the difference? The waterproofing system.
The Anatomy Of A Shower
When we put our first shower together, the process went a little like this: A rubber membrane was put on the subfloor of the shower and ran up the walls to about 24 – 30″. Then, on top of the rubber membrane, the bed of mortar slopes down to the drain in the middle of the shower floor. Next, we screwed the concrete backer board to the wall studs. Then, the tile was installed with this set and grouted.
The problem with this method is that tile and grout are not waterproof. Water was seeping through the tile and grout into the mortar bed. The water stopped at the rubber membrane – which was BELOW the drain. So the water was trapped, creating the perfect situation for mold and mildew to grow. I’ve been able to identify this in the client’s bathroom due to the framing, insulation, and drywall around their shower looking discolored, wet, or covered with mold and mildew.
The second shower was put together with that same mortar bed base. Instead of being installed on top of the waterproofing (the rubber membrane), it just sat on the subfloor. Drywall was used on the walls. Then everything, the mortar bed floor, the drywall walls, and the curb, were all covered over with a waterproofing system. This ensures that the water penetrates the grout, and tile hits the waterproof membrane and goes to the drain.
Where Can I Find Easy Shower Systems?
If you’re looking for easy systems to find and purchase, I would recommend checking out Schluter and Wedi. There are plenty of options to choose from on the market. However, these are the two I personally have experience with.
Note: These are not cheap systems. I think they are a reasonable price for what they deliver, but if you are looking for super cheap DIY, you should wait until you save up the funds to do it correctly. Your shower is not the place to try and save money.
Where Can I Buy Waterproofing Systems?
Both Schulter and Wedi are readily available for purchase at tile specialty stores, big box stores, and online. Click on the link to go directly to the “Where to Buy” page. I highly recommend purchasing from a tile specialty store because the staff will help you select all the components you need and the correct amounts, saving you trips and frustration (time is money!) when you are installing.
Should I Hire It Out Or DIY?
An easy way to determine whether you should hire it out or DIY the project yourself is to see what would be required from you realistically. By watching the videos on the Schluter kits, you can see how much commitment and time it will take to do it yourself, as well as know what it should look like when the job is completed correctly.
If you decide to DIY the project yourself and have a standard-size shower, you can buy preformed shower pans that give you the correct slope to the drain. If you follow the directions and are handy, this would be hard to mess up. It is a very well-thought-out system.
Pro Tip: Avoid using a tile installer who tried to talk you out of using a waterproofing system in place of an older method. The new technology is better and easier to use.
Conclusion:
Taking the time to properly research and understand your shower waterproofing system is the best way to ensure a quality installation and years of enjoyment from your new shower. By asking lots of questions and watching informative videos, you can arm yourself with the knowledge you need to decide which system is right for your home.
I hope that this blog post has been helpful and provided some valuable information as you move forward in your bathroom renovation project. If you want to learn more, check out our other blog content, sign up for the e-mail list below, or contact me directly with your concerns.