Showers and bathtubs are the most important part of any bathroom. However, they are definitely no use to anyone if they aren't fully waterproof because their purpose is to keep water from splashing out and wetting the rest of the room while a person bathes. Most modern showers are made out of tiles and there are a few ways in which you can ensure that your shower is fully waterproof.
Installation
There are five main steps involved when installing a shower. First, you need to secure the dam or curb of the shower into position. This means putting it in the proper place and finalizing where you want the shower to be. Then you will have to install the lower section of the two-piece drain that will usually come with your shower.
Filling the floor is the next step and the floor should have a very slight slope towards the drain so that any water that gathers will be directed into the drain. Install a membrane around the curb of the shower, fasten it properly and reinforce it if necessary. Finally, you can finish installing the upper section of the shower drain and then you should be ready to install the doors and or shower curtain.
Water-Resistant Membrane
Water-resistant membranes are probably the best defense that you can install to waterproof your shower. Shower pan ends typically have lips that fold upwards, redirecting any stray water back into the shower and towards the drain. To increase their effectiveness, you should apply a water-resistant membrane to this lip.
This membrane can be made out of a number of waterproof materials, including asphalt-saturated felt paper, modern waterproof underlayment membranes and even traditional plastic sheeting. This membrane works to block and redirect any water that may have made it under the tile; and the best thing is that the membrane only takes a few minutes to install.
Cement Boards
When installing the substrate in your shower, it is recommended that you use cement board under your tiles. Not only is it 100 percent waterproof but it also has the ability to get wet and stay wet without ever falling apart, unlike its gypsum counterparts.
Cement boards should be positioned under the tiles with small gaps between each board. These gaps should be filled with 100 percent silicone caulk. Resist the urge to eliminate these gaps because they are actually useful, allowing any water that manages to get under the cement board to the membrane behind it to drain through the holes and back to the shower.
Related posts
New cement board products provide a waterproof backing for shower tile.Backerboard is essential in providing a stable, smooth surface upon which to lay shower tile. Backerboard made of either wate...
Cement board provides a waterproof base for tile showers.The best backing around the walls of a shower in preparation for tiling is cement board. It looks like sheets of drywall but is much harder...
Tile is a water resistant, beautiful material for flooring in the bathroom.Ceramic, stone or composite tiles resist water and provide a sturdy, durable floor for your bathroom. There are many ways...
Keep showers sealed to prevent water damage.The bathroom is the most moisture-exposed room in the home. Pipes run water in and out of the room from sinks, showers and commodes, plus there is steam...
The best way to waterproof your shower involves you or your contractor installing a waterproof substrate and shower liner. The substrate is the foundation of your shower. Above the substrate is th...
