What to Know About Bathroom Shower Waterproofing?
Bathroom shower waterproofing is applying a waterproofing membrane on the shower floor and shower walls in order to prevent water and moisture from seeping into the structure. You should be approximately waterproof 6 feet (183 cm) height on the shower walls.
You should waterproof the shower when you see peeling or bubbling paint, water stains and discoloration, crumbling and deterioration and musty odors in the bathroom. You can reduce the water impact due to shower usage by using a shower stall, using a curtain or door, sealing joints and seams, applying waterproof paint or coating on the shower walls, using a shower splash guard or drip edge, and improving the shower head design. You should waterproof the bathroom for all types of shower heads. You can waterproof an old shower area that is already tiled.
What is Bathroom Shower Waterproofing?
Bathroom shower waterproofing is applying a waterproofing membrane on the shower floor and 6 feet (183 cm) height on the shower walls to prevent water and moisture seepage into the building structure.
What Shower Areas Should I Waterproof?
When you do bathroom waterproofing, you should install waterproofing membranes on shower walls and floor areas, shower pan or base, seams and joints, shower niche and shelf, and connection and other surfaces which are heavily impacted by the water splashing due to the shower.
What Are the Signs That My Bathroom Shower Needs Waterproofing?
When you see these 5 signs in your bathroom, you should waterproof the shower.
- Peeling or bubbling paint on the shower walls: Peeling or bubbling paint on the walls or ceiling around the shower is a result of water exposure due to the shower.
- Water stains or discolouration below the shower: Water stains or discolouration on the walls or ceiling near the shower area is a sign of water leakage.
- Soft or spongy flooring around the shower area: If the floor around the shower feels soft or spongy underfoot, it could be a sign of water damage to the subfloor.
- Crumbling or deteriorating grout: Crumbling or deteriorating grout between tiles is a sign that water may be infiltrating the substrate due to the shower.
- Musty odors: A musty or earthy odor in the bathroom may indicate the presence of mold or mildew. If your bathroom is not adequately waterproofed, water accumulation can create conditions conducive to mold growth.
What are the 8 Shower Waterproofing Membranes?
You can use the below 8 shower waterproofing membranes for bathroom water stops. All of these waterproofing membranes can be categorized into liquid and sheet membranes. Liquid waterproofing membranes are suitable for uneven surfaces, floors, and walls, while sheet waterproofing membranes are suitable for bathroom floor waterproofing.
- Cementitious waterproofing: Cementitious waterproofing can be applied as a liquid coating on the bathroom shower walls, and shower floor to stop water leaking.
- Epoxy waterproofing: Epoxy waterproofing is an impermiable, liquid waterproofing membrane that can be used on the bathroom shower floor and walls.
- Acrylic coating waterproofing: Acrylic waterproofing is a liquid waterproofing membrane that can be used for bathroom shower floors and walls.
- Bituminous coating waterproofing: Bituminous coating waterproofing is a liquid waterproofing membrane that can be used for both bathroom walls and floors to prevent water leaking.
- EPDM Rubber waterproofing: EPDM rubber waterproofing is a sheet waterproofing membrane that can be used to waterproof bathroom shower areas, walls and floors.
- HDPE waterproofing: HDPE is a sheet membrane waterproofing that can be used for bathroom floor waterproofing and walls.
- PVC waterproofing: PVC is a sheet membrane waterproofing. PVC can be used to waterproof the shower area and bathroom waterproofing.
- Polymer waterproofing: Rubber polymer can be used as positive side waterproofing for the shower areas.
How to Reduce the Water Impact on the Shower Wall?
You can reduce the water impact on the wall due to showering by using the methods below.
- Use a shower stall: The shower stall is a covered space and made with water impervious materials. That does not leak the water outside.
- Use a shower curtain or door: A shower curtain or door can prevent water from splashing into the shower walls.
- Seal the joints and seams: Properly sealed joints and seams can prevent the water from leaking inside the structure.
- Apply waterproof paint or coating on the shower walls: Use waterproof paint or coating on the bathroom walls. These products create a protective layer that helps repel water and prevent it from being absorbed into the wall material.
- Use a shower splash guard or drip edge: Install a shower splash guard or drip edge along the edge of the bathtub or shower curb.
- Improve showerhead design: Choose a showerhead with a design that minimizes water splashing. Low-flow or aerated showerheads can provide a comfortable shower experience while reducing the amount of water that reaches the walls.
What Types of Showers Need Waterproofing
Waterproofing is essential for various shower types to prevent water damage, protect the structural integrity of the building, and maintain a healthy environment. Here are the types of showers that typically require waterproofing:
- Traditional tilted showers
- Walk in showers
- Open concept showers
- Steam showers
- Shower alcoves
- Corner showers
- Barrier-free or roll-in showers
Can I Waterproof the Shower Without Removing the Tiles?
Yes, you can waterproof the shower walls and floor areas without removing tiles by using waterproof sealers and paints and epoxy sealant on the shower walls.