Those unfamiliar with the bathroom remodeling industry might assume that showers are, by nature, waterproof. The uninitiated probably believe no special care needs to be taken during new shower installation. Unfortunately, that’s actually not the case!
Water can penetrate cement-based grout and wreak havoc on your bathroom. For that reason, professionals must go through a process of waterproofing a shower in Phoenix, AZ before installation is complete. This post will teach you everything you need to know about waterproofing a shower.
What does “waterproofing” mean?
Before we get too deep into the weeds, it’d be good to know what “waterproofing” means in this context. When a shower is waterproofed, a liner is attached to the walls and floors behind the tile to catch any water that seeps through the grout. Once the liner catches the water, it directs it down the drain where it can’t harm anything.
Why is waterproofing so important?
Even in the bathroom, where moisture is constantly present, unwanted water can lead to a disaster. If water is allowed to penetrate the grout, it can drip all the way down to the substrate. If the water seepage goes undetected and untreated, you could wind up with mold or mildew growth in your bathroom or even adjacent parts of your home. Needless to say, that’s both dangerous to your health and an expensive repair job.
Waterproofing options
There are a few different options when it comes to waterproofing a shower in Phoenix, AZ. These are a few of the top methods:
Rubber liner shower pan: As the name suggests, a rubber liner shower pan is a sheet of rubber that’s laid down before the tiles are set. The rubber is folded up against the corners approximately eight to twelve inches high. The biggest problem with this waterproofing method is that if the rubber is installed incorrectly around the corners or isn’t high enough, water can damage the walls.
Fluid applied membranes: Instead of using a solid piece of rubber, these liners come in a liquid form that’s painted directly onto the walls and floor before the tile is laid. Once the liquid dries, it forms a tough membrane that helps block water and directs it down the shower drain.
Kerdi waterproofing system: We mentioned earlier that the biggest problem with the rubber liner is that it doesn’t provide full wall protection. That’s where this waterproofing method stands out. Kerdi is a sheet of rubber that runs from the top of the shower all the way to the bottom. Because it offers full-shower protection, this is one of the most popular and effective waterproofing methods for a shower in Phoenix, AZ.
Wedi waterproofing system: Wedi walls and flooring are glued directly to the base and sides of the shower. Just like with the other solid waterproofing methods, there’s a drain on the floor that collects any excess water. Since it’s fairly easy to install, this may be a good option for a DIY-er.
Ensure your new shower is properly waterproofed by hiring our team at AZ BathMasters to install it. We install top-of-the-line showers, and our waterproofing methods for showers in Phoenix, AZ are successful and durable. Contact us today to get started with your shower conversion project!