When it comes to bathroom remodeling, many homeowners don’t realize how important it is to make sure their contractor waterproofs the shower. Waterproofing the shower is the first step to making sure the bathroom is completely sealed and prevents water damage down the line.
Without proper waterproofing, water can seep through the grout lines, changes of plane, and other tiny openings around the tile to the wall and floors below. This can lead to rotting and mold growth on the walls and floors as well as damage to other interior elements in the home. Additionally, it can cause structural damage due to the growth of mold and mildew.
When it comes to bathroom remodeling, homeowners should always make sure their contractor is properly waterproofing the shower. Taking the time to ensure all of the necessary steps are taken will help protect the integrity and value of the home in the long run.
- Drywall, cement board, fiber rock are not waterproof – ensure they are applying the correct membrane to waterproof those substrates in the wet areas.
- Your contractor should run a flood test on your shower pan as a mandatory prerequisite to tiling, and it is highly recommended that you let the pan sit with water for 24 hours.
- To ensure a proper curbless shower installation, waterproofing material must be carried at least two feet past the shower threshold. For the best results, we recommend waterproofing the entire bathroom.
- When installing glass, ensure no brackets are screwed into the curb top. For a curbless installation, make sure that the floor is not penetrated in any way to avoid compromising the waterproofing.
When hiring a contractor, be sure to ask about their experience in waterproofing showers.
