The short answer is no, but the longer answer is, well, still no. And while we\u2019re at it, let\u2019s dash all hope that grout is waterproof. It is not. When it comes to tiling jobs, preparation is key in preventing water damage.<\/p>\n
Tile adds so much character, style, and attitude to a room it\u2019s difficult NOT to use it. Let\u2019s start by looking at three types of tile and how they might work in a shower. Ceramic tiles are referred to as \u201cwater-resistant\u201d since they\u2019re not damaged by water but they can absorb water. Don\u2019t use them in a shower project. Porcelain tiles are considered \u201cwaterproof\u201d because water does not appear to absorb into the top of the tile even though it can. Glass is the only tile that is 100% waterproof. Still you can run into problems with any type of tile if your substrate is not properly waterproofed.<\/p>\n
When evaluating the type of tile you want to use, you need to know its moisture absorption rate, especially if you\u2019ll be using it in places where there will be a lot of water, like a shower. Let\u2019s take a quick look at the four moisture absorption ratings:<\/p>\n
Tile, stone, and grout all retain some water, and the density of the tile affects how much. So before you rush out to the nearest home improvement store, think about how much water the tile will be exposed to and if the tile will be outdoors. An outdoor location is only an issue if you get major freezing temperatures in the winter \u2013 think Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Maine, and Canada.<\/p>\n
The durability of your tile will be only as good as what\u2019s beneath it (a.k.a. the substrate). And here is where we need to stress that you should allow a professional to do this. You can surreptitiously check out the installer as he\/she is doing the work, you know just to make sure they know what they\u2019re doing. If your tile professional tries to mount your tile directly on drywall, then you know they\u2019re doing it wrong. Begone, rank amateur!<\/p>\n
The reason we\u2019re focusing on the shower here is that it is the place that dispenses the largest amount of water. Once water soaks through tile and grout, it can seep through to the studs causing the wood to swell. Just one simple and quick way to give yourself a huge headache and an even larger repair bill.<\/p>\n
So it\u2019s well worth the money to have the job done right the first time. Hire a professional to install your tile, especially in the shower since tile and grout are not waterproof. Ask neighbors for referrals or look up local businesses in your area through Home Advisor, Angie\u2019s List, and others. The reviews should help you find a competent installer.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s look at several of the correct practices that will assure you that your new tiled shower is in fact waterproof.<\/p>\n
Ensure the corners on the shower liner are folded not cut. However, one outside corner will need to be cut for proper fitting. According to the standards of Tile Council of North America (TCNA), the shower pan liner should extend up the wall 3 inches above the curb framing. It also needs to go up and over the curb, like a bad driver, to the front of the curb. To avoid one of the most common causes of a leaking shower, ask your installer to use a pre-formed corner shower pan.<\/p>\n
If the shower pan liner is installed 3 inches above the curb, and you see nails below the curb, find another tile setter. The correct thing to do is use nails, staples, or glue to attach the liner to the front of the curb (the side that doesn\u2019t get wet).<\/p>\n
Instead, use a metal lath and a sand\/cement mix; the same thing the shower pan is made out of.<\/p>\n
If your shower will leak, it\u2019s best to find out before it\u2019s tiled. To perform a flood test, your installer should plug the drain and fill the shower with water just below the top of the curb. If there are no leaks, you can rest assured, knowing your shower has been properly waterproofed before you hand over that last payment.<\/p>\n
Make sure the seams are covered with alkaline-resistant mesh tape and a couple of layers of mud. If not done, when the walls flex you\u2019ll be able to see a crack all the way around the shower.<\/p>\n
Or anywhere else for that matter. Tile mastic is a premixed organic adhesive. Don\u2019t use it in wet areas, on cement or fiber cement board, floors, with glass tile, or natural stone. Basically never use it anywhere \u2013 ever. Stop it right now.<\/p>\n
In conclusion, when tiling a shower, be sure to hire a professional. It takes a lot of experience to properly install tile. There are several steps for preparation and waterproofing that cannot be skipped. Now that you have some of the basic waterproofing facts, do yourself a favor and hire a competent tile installer. You\u2019ll be able to ask the right questions and understand the process as it goes along. And when it\u2019s all said and done, you\u2019ll have a sparkling new waterproof shower!<\/p>\n
Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n The short answer is no, but the longer answer is, well, still no. And while we\u2019re at it, let\u2019s dash all hope that grout is waterproof. It is not. When it comes to tiling jobs, preparation is key in preventing water damage. Tile adds so much character, style, and attitude to a room it\u2019s difficult […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/durendconstruction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/durendconstruction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/durendconstruction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durendconstruction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durendconstruction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=402"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/durendconstruction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/durendconstruction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=402"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durendconstruction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=402"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/durendconstruction.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=402"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n