How To Waterproof Shower Walls Before Tiling

I show the process of applying redgard topical membrane.

How to waterproof shower walls before tiling.

There are two types of waterproof membranes sheet and liquid applied options. Pattern they ll take is established. Measure each wall area calculating the width times height. Use a utility knife to cut an x shaped slit to reveal the shower valve.

With the installation of a waterproof membrane followed by water resistant cement boards your enclosure will be safely sealed usually within the course of a single afternoon s work. It s likely that different styles of tiles will be used for floor and walls based on how much slip resistance they provide. Tiles are cut as necessary to fit where they belong. You ll need a design plan before you start attaching the tile.

This means deciding where the first tiles will be laid and how the tiles will align with floor and wall joints. Repeat the previous steps to apply waterproof membrane to the remaining shower walls. Press the waterproof membrane into the wet mortar on the wall. Rub the smooth edge of the trowel over the membrane to smooth out any wrinkles or trapped air bubbles.

Sheet membranes are plastic or elastometric sheets that have to be bonded to the substrate before tile installation. Fortunately waterproofing an enclosure is only a matter of proper preparation of the walls before the first tile is laid. The tile had been in decent shape but i d grown to hate it and i finally had the budget to get a better bathroom. To prevent water damage you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible.

Determine how much tile you ll need. For our shower we chose a running bond pattern. Remove the old shower tile and green board drywall. Add up the wall areas and add 10 so you have extra tile for mistakes or future repairs.

So where i last left off i had taken out the old shower tile and cut out the damaged drywall.