When remodeling a shower, the beautiful tile is what you see, but the waterproofing behind it is what truly matters. Get these three critical steps right, and you’ve won 90% of the battle against future leaks, mold, and costly repairs.
Step #1: Use the Right Foundation
The surface you tile over is everything. Never install tile in a wet area directly onto regular drywall or green board.
- What to Do: Install a proper waterproof backer board, such as a cement board or a specialized foam board system.
- Why It’s Critical: Standard drywall will disintegrate when exposed to moisture that inevitably gets behind the tile. A waterproof backer board provides a stable, inorganic foundation that will not rot, swell, or feed mold.
Step #2: Seal Every Seam, Corner, and Screw
A waterproof system is only as strong as its weakest point. Water will find any gap, no matter how small.
- What to Do: Meticulously seal all joints between backer boards, all corners (wall-to-wall and wall-to-floor), and every screw head. Use a high-quality sealant and reinforcing fabric tape embedded in a liquid waterproofing membrane.
- Why It’s Critical: This is where the vast majority of shower leaks occur. A seamless, monolithic seal at all transitions is the secret to a truly leak-proof installation.
Step #3: Perform a 24-Hour Flood Test
This is your final chance to find a problem before it’s sealed away forever behind expensive tile.
- What to Do: Before tiling, plug the drain securely and fill the shower pan with a few inches of water. Mark the water level and leave it for 24 hours.
- Why It’s Critical: If the water level drops (and it’s not due to evaporation), you have a leak. Finding it now is a minor inconvenience. Finding it after the tile is installed is a disaster.
Done correctly, these steps ensure a beautiful and durable result. Explore our complete shower waterproofing systems for a professional finish. And for more home protection tips, see our A Homeowner’s Quick Reference Guide to Waterproofing.
