We’ve heard variations of this story more times than we can count. A homeowner renovates their shower, puts in beautiful tile, and within a few years starts noticing soft spots in the floor around the shower, dark patches on the ceiling below, or mold growing where the tile meets the wall. The investigation reveals water infiltration behind the tile — inadequate waterproofing — that has been silently rotting the subfloor and framing for years. The repair involves tearing out the entire shower and starting over.
Grout is not waterproof. Tile adhesive is not waterproof. Water works through grout lines, through small cracks in the grout, and through the tile adhesive layer. Without a continuous waterproofing membrane behind the tile, that water accumulates in the wall and floor assembly.
Early signs include efflorescence (white mineral deposits) at grout lines, grout that cracks or comes loose repeatedly, soft spots in the floor adjacent to the shower, and musty smells in the bathroom. By the time these signs are visible, water damage is already underway.
Repairing a shower with failed waterproofing requires complete demolition — all the tile comes off, the substrate is removed, subfloor and framing are assessed and repaired as needed, and the entire installation is rebuilt from scratch. This costs more than a proper renovation would have in the first place — significantly more.
The Schluter-KERDI system is a sheet-applied waterproofing membrane designed specifically for tile shower installations. It bonds to the substrate and creates a continuous waterproof layer behind the tile. When installed correctly, it provides protection that lasts the lifetime of the installation. We carry Schluter Systems at Vanity Mart.
Ask about Schluter waterproofing systems at our Waterloo showroom. We’re at 1-90 Frobisher Drive. Call 519-886-3240.
