Waterproofing Showers, Tub Surrounds, & More

It’s time for an update on this subject.  Over the years I’ve used almost every available system to build waterproof showers, tub surrounds, and floors.  My motivation has always been to use the most advanced products and labor-saving methods available.  My customers have come expect it.  At issue, is wether or not you have “confidence” in the system you’re using.  Let’s look at the systems I’ve used and wether or not they still hold my confidence.

4x3x8 Wedi Shower With Bench

Tried & True - PVC Liner, Mud-Set Pan, and “Wonderboard” or “Hardiboard” Walls.  This System is old-school, heavy, and labor intensive.  “Wonderboard” and “Hardiboard” are not waterproof, so they require a water resistive barrier behind them.  When installed correctly, this system works.  However, I tear-out a lot of these that were installed incorrectly, leading to leakage, dryrot, and mold.

Marginally Better - PVC Liner, Mud-Set Pan, and ”Easyboard” Walls.  ”Easyboard” is one of a new generation of lightweight backer boards.  ”Easyboard” is not waterproof, so plan on adding a water resistive barrier behind it, or a waterproof top-coating like “Redguard”.  This system is a nice mix of old and new technology, lighter in overall weight.  The weak-link being wether or not the ”Easybord” gets waterproofed.

Better – Prefab Pan, and “Easyboard” Walls.  I have used the “Tile-Redi” Pan, and the “Tile Basin” Pan.  Both are good products, but are rigid, and tough to adapt to a custom shape or size.  ”Easyboard” lines up nicely with both Pans, but the joint between them can be an issue.  This system is newer lightweight technology with an additional waterproofing step on the “Easyboard”.  Again, the weak-link is wether or not the “Easyboard” gets waterproofed.

Best (IMO) - “Wedi” System:  “Wedi Fundo” is a waterproof closed-cell foamboard with fiberglass mesh and a thin layer of thinset on both sides.  This system eliminates the waterproofing step on the backer board, because the material and the joint compound are both waterproof.  This system is also more comprehensive, combining the drain, pan, wall, curb, and floor components into one system.  Installation includes thinset between the floor and the pan, screws & washers on the walls, and polyurethane adhesive between all of the joints and over the top of the fasteners.  It is adaptable to any imaginable shape and size.  It boasts a ten year waterproof warranty, and (IMO) it will outlast the wood structure.  This system is extremely lightweight, and the labor savings and warranty are worth every penny.   I have the utmost confidence in the “Wedi” system.

4x3x8 Carrara Marble Shower With Bench

Honorable Mention - Schluter “KerdiBoard” System.  ”KerdiBoard” is also a waterproof closed-cell foamboard, but with “Kerdi” waterproof fabric on both sides.  It is also a comprehensive, lightweight, adaptable system; however the pan, curb, joints, and fasteners all need to be coated with thinset and ”Kerdi” fabric in order to be considered waterproof.  The fabric tape, besides adding an additional step, can also create a high-spot or hump which then has to be feathered-out.  I don’t consider thinset to be waterproof, lowering my overall confidence in this system.

The Lesson – Even with new-generation systems available, you still need to know what you’re doing in order to installed them correctly.  You have to do your homework, learning how each system protects your structural wood components from moisture damage.  Don’t skip any steps, especially waterproofing the joints and fasteners, and leak-testing the pan.  I’ve always said “you can’t beat a guy at his job“.  So If you doubt your ability at all, hire a professional who has confidence in the systems he builds with every day.

John Weber, www.riorenovation.com

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