If you’re facing water damage problems, waterproofing your shower floor is a must. It will help keep your bathroom as safe and dry as possible and ensure you don’t have to worry about any future water-related issues.
Without proper waterproofing, excess water can seep through the walls and floors and cause long-term damage to the structure of your home.
This article provides step-by-step instructions on how to waterproof a shower floor.
The process involves:
- Thoroughly cleaning the surface.
- Prepping the area.
- Measuring.
- Applying primer and caulk.
- Adhering tiles and grout sealant.
- Finishing off with a polyurethane sealant and Red Guard.
So without further delay, let’s jump straight to the process.
Required Tools & Supplies Needed:
When waterproofing a shower floor, you will need the following tools and supplies:
- Primer
- Caulk
- Waterproof membrane
- Adhesive
- Grout sealant
- Polyurethane sealant
- Red Guard or similar waterproofing paint
How to Waterproof a Shower Floor: Full Procedure
The process of waterproofing a shower floor requires several steps:
1. Clean the surface
Before you can begin the waterproofing process, you must ensure the area is clean and free of dirt or debris. Use a strong degreasing cleaner to remove soap scum, mildew, or other contaminants. Allow the surface to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
2. Prepare the area
Once the surface is clean and dry, you can prepare it for waterproofing. You should use an orbital sander to smooth out any rough patches if needed. Check if there are any cracks or holes in the surface. If there is, use a patching compound to fill them in before continuing.
3. Measuring the floor
Use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of your shower floor. This will help you determine the material you need for the waterproofing process. Ensure to account for any protrusions or curves in the area requiring extra coverage.
4. Apply primer
Once you have measured and prepped the area, you can apply a primer. Primer helps to create a strong bond between the tiles and the waterproofing materials. Ensure you cover every inch of the surface with an even amount of primer.
5. Apply caulk
Next, use a caulking gun to apply a flexible bead of caulk along the perimeter of your shower floor. This will help prevent water from seeping into gaps or cracks in the grout. Caulking is also helpful for preventing water from penetrating the subfloor.
6. Apply waterproof membrane
Once the caulk has dried, you can apply a waterproof membrane. This should be done in two layers; one layer will go over the entire surface, and the other should be used for edges and corners. Ensure that all areas are covered evenly and no gaps or holes.
7. Adhere tiles
Once the waterproof membrane is in place, you can adhere the tiles to the surface. Use a tile adhesive to secure each tile to the floor properly. Make sure that you spread the adhesive evenly and avoid any air pockets.
8. Apply grout sealant
Once all of your tiles are in place, it’s time to apply a grout sealant. This will help prevent water from seeping into the grouting lines and give your floor a finished look. Use a brush to spread the sealant over all of the grout lines evenly.
9. Apply polyurethane sealant
Now that you have applied the grout sealant, you can finish off with a polyurethane sealant. This sealant will help protect the waterproof membrane from UV rays and prevent it from cracking or peeling. Apply a thin, even sealant layer over the entire surface.
10. Apply Red Guard
Finally, use a brush to apply additional waterproofing paint, such as Red Guard or similar.
This will give your floor an extra layer of protection against moisture and ensure it is safe from future water damage.
Your shower floor is now completely waterproofed!
Follow any additional instructions included with your products to ensure the best results. With proper care and maintenance, your shower floor should remain safe and dry for many years.
Why It’s Important to Waterproof a Shower Floor?
Waterproofing a shower floor helps to protect it from moisture and prevent water damage. This is important because water can cause staining, cracking, mold growth, and other structural damage over time.
Furthermore, proper waterproofing will help ensure the longevity of your shower floor and ensure it looks good for years to come.
It also helps to provide a sanitary environment since water can quickly accumulate in the tiles and grout, harboring mold, mildew, and bacteria. If your shower floor is not properly waterproofed, you could have a smelly and unhealthy shower.
5 Reasons Why Traditional Shower Waterproofing isn’t Durable Enough:
1. Many traditional waterproofing methods rely on single-layer membranes prone to cracking, tearing, and other damage.
2. The seams between the different layers of waterproof membranes are often not properly sealed, creating a weak spot that could let moisture seep through.
3. Traditional methods may also be susceptible to mold growth due to poor air circulation.
4. As the concrete layer beneath the shower floor can absorb moisture, traditional waterproofing methods are not sufficient to protect the entire surface from damage.
5. Installing PVC liner in the shower floor can provide an efficient waterproofing solution but can also be prone to crack over time. As the temperature changes, the PVC liner may expand or contract, which can lead it to crack.
Choosing Sealants for Waterproofing a Shower Floor:
When waterproofing a shower floor, you have several different types of sealants. Each type has advantages and drawbacks, so it is important to research the best one for your needs.
Here are 4 of the most popular sealants:
1. Polyurethane Sealant: This type of sealant is highly durable, making it a great choice for tiled shower floors and walls. It’s also very flexible, accommodating movement without cracking or breaking.
2. Acrylic Sealant: Acrylic is mostly used for grout lines, as it helps to protect them from moisture. You can use it on porous and non-porous surfaces, making it a great all-around choice for waterproofing a shower. If your grout lines are deep, you may want to use a thicker acrylic sealant.
3. Epoxy Resin Sealant: Epoxy resins are highly durable and will last long. This makes them perfect for sealing large areas, such as shower floors and walls. However, they may not be the best choice if you want something flexible.
4. Waterproofing Membrane: A waterproofing membrane is a great option for used shower floors, as it is strong and flexible. This type of sealant can bridge cracks to ensure a watertight seal. It also provides an extra layer of protection against moisture, ensuring your shower floor is safe from future water damage.
Additional Tips to Make Your Shower Floor Waterproofing Last Longer:
1. Use multiple coats to ensure thorough and even coverage when applying sealant.
2. When applying adhesive, ensure you are using the right product for your type of tiles.
3. Make sure to repair any holes or cracks in the subfloor before waterproofing the shower floor.
4. Don’t forget to use masking tape when measuring and cutting tiles to ensure an even and straight line.
5. When it comes time to grout, use a water-resistant, mildew-resistant sealant when finishing your shower floor.
6. Allow the sealant and adhesive enough time to dry completely before applying the grout.
7. Regularly inspect and clean your shower floor to ensure no water damage occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you waterproof a shower before tiling?
Before tiling a shower, apply a waterproof membrane over the entire surface. Cover all edges and protrusions with the membrane, then cover it with caulk and primer for added protection. After that, you can begin laying your tiles and grouting them.
What is the best waterproofing for showers?
The best waterproofing for showers combines caulk, primer, flexible membrane, tile adhesive, grout sealant, and polyurethane sealant. This ensures that your shower floor is completely protected from water.
What is the cheapest way to waterproof a shower?
A liquid rubber membrane is the cheapest way to waterproof a shower. Liquid rubber membranes are usually made of polyurethane or other synthetic materials and can be applied with a paintbrush or roller.
This type of waterproofing is great for shower floors because it is an effective barrier against water and moisture damage.
To Conclude
Waterproofing your shower floor is essential for maintaining a healthy, clean environment.
With the right sealant and adhesive products, you can ensure that your shower floor stays completely watertight and prevents mold or mildew from growing between tiles.
Following these tips and using quality waterproofing materials ensures your shower floor will remain safe and enjoyable for years.
Now that you know how to waterproof a shower floor, you can confidently start your project.
If you want to know more about DIY waterproofing projects like this one, check out our blog post about how to waterproof shower window cover!
