We use a complete shower waterproofing system, not just a basic moisture-resistant wallboard. The exact products may vary depending on the shower design, drain type, wall construction, and tile selection, but every system is built to protect the walls, floor, corners, plumbing openings, niches, benches, and shower curb from water intrusion.
Our waterproofing process may include the following materials:
- Cement backer board for the shower walls
- Pre-sloped shower pan designed to direct water toward the drain
- Bonded waterproof sheet membrane and liquid-applied waterproof membrane over the shower walls and floor
- Waterproof membrane banding at seams, corners, and changes of plane
- Waterproof pipe and mixing-valve seals around plumbing fixtures
- Compatible waterproof sealant around joints, fasteners, drain connections, and difficult areas
- Waterproofing membrane around niches, benches, shelves, and curbs
- Approved bonding mortar or thin-set mortar for installing the membrane and tile
- Integrated shower drain or bonding-flange drain assembly that connects directly to the waterproofing layer
- Alkali-resistant mesh tape, when required for the selected backer-board system
- Flexible sealant at movement joints and changes of plane
- Optional uncoupling or waterproof membrane beneath the bathroom floor tile, depending on the project
Before waterproofing begins, we inspect the framing and make sure the walls are properly secured, straight, and ready for tile. The shower base is carefully sloped so water moves toward the drain instead of collecting in low areas.
We then waterproof all critical areas, including:
- The entire shower floor
- Shower walls
- Wall-to-floor connections
- Vertical inside corners
- Shower curb or entry
- Built-in benches
- Recessed shampoo niches
- Plumbing pipes and valves
- Drain connection
- Seams, screws, and fastener locations
Special attention is given to corners, seams, and plumbing openings because these are the areas where leaks most commonly begin. The waterproofing materials are installed as one continuous system so that water cannot reach the framing or subfloor behind the tile.
When appropriate, we also perform a shower-pan flood test before tile installation. The drain is temporarily sealed, the shower base is filled with water, and the water level is monitored to help confirm that the pan and drain connection are properly sealed.
Tile and grout provide the finished surface, but they are not the main waterproofing layer. The waterproof membrane installed behind or directly beneath the tile is what protects the structure from moisture, mold, wood damage, and hidden leaks.
We only combine materials that are approved to work together. The final waterproofing system is selected according to the specific conditions of the project and installed according to the manufacturer’s requirements.
