How Do You Waterproof a Shower?

Waterproofing is an important step that you should not afford missing when installing a shower. Waterproofing is all about creating a seal around the stall, which will play the role of preventing draining water from leaking into the small crevices around floorboards and wall joints. If water happens to go through these tiny holes, it could cause rot and many other structural problems. Since we have seen that waterproofing a shower is quite important, this article will give information on how to go about it.

Step One – Planning and Measuring

The first thing you need to do when waterproofing your shower is to come up with plan on how you are going to about the project. Part of the plan entails getting the materials and tools and doing the measurements. Consider measuring the shower stall and use a pencil to mark off the area you would like to waterproof. Afterward, get a painter’s tape and run a strip along the markings to make an outline.

The next thing you need to do, especially if you are remodeling the entire bathroom, is to lay the foundation for the walls around to make a shower stall. This can be done by installing fiber backing board or cement. The other waterproofing materials can be applied directly to this wall.

When done with that step, you will need to cut a roll of reinforcing membrane that you will use to fit over the walls. To do this, trim the membrane to fit the flat sections of the walls and be sure to place markings to show where fixtures like showerhead, valve, and knobs will be placed.

Step Two: Apply Waterproofing to the Walls

Start this step by applying a coat of liquid waterproofing the backing board. You should use a quality brush to make sure the bristles are able to withstand the thick waterproofing material. You should brush the waterproofing over the wall until it forms a thick and even coat that has no bare spots or gaps.

When done with that, carefully position the precut membrane and consider sticking it to the wall by hand, while beginning from the top. Once everything is secure and in place, go over it several times using the trowel to remove any air bubbles or creases. You may want to use a good amount of waterproofing to get the membrane to stick.

Step Three: Apply Extra Waterproofing

Apply another coat of waterproofing over the membrane. This extra coat should be thick and you should also focus on applying it on the corners and other sections where the membrane meets. When you are done, ensure that the membrane is no longer visible. While applying the second coat of waterproofing, avoid covering up the valve and fixture areas. The reasoning behind this is that you will need to find these sections when it is time to install the finished surface.

When done with applying the waterproofing, the next thing you have to do is allow it to dry completely. The drying process can be hastened if you properly ventilate the room by running fans and opening windows. You should allow about 24 hours for the waterproofing to dry completely. Not allowing enough time for the waterproofing to dry means that you might have to repeat the process, as the coating might come off.

Step Four: Waterproof the Floor

The final thing you need to do to successfully waterproof your shower is to waterproof the floor. If your shower’s floor plan has multiple sections, then you have to ensure they are well aligned before proceeding with the waterproofing. After ensuring this, go ahead and drill a hole for the drain. Be sure to place the drill head flush against the subflooring prior to drilling while applying pressure all way through.

The next thing is to apply waterproofing over the floor tray just in the same manner as you did with the walls. You will then reinforce the membrane over the wall and other surrounding areas. When done, allow the waterproofing about 24 hours to dry.

As seen in this article, you have the ability to waterproof a shower on your own. However, the whole process is quite overwhelming and you hence do need some skills to pull it off. If you lack the time or the needed expertise to waterproof a shower on your own, then you should consider letting professionals help you out. They have a lot of experience in the same and can thus do a clean job at a reasonable cost.