How To Waterproof A Wall Before Tiling

You don t really water proof the drywall itself.

How to waterproof a wall before tiling.

Measure each wall area calculating the width times height. I read somewhere that it s a good idea to waterproof plaster walls before tiling a shower or bath particularly at the bath edge where someday the caulking and grout may deteriorate and let water in. The wall in question is plastered with bonding which is very very absorbent of water. You protect it with a layer of water proofing material.

To prevent water damage you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible. Sheet membranes are plastic or elastometric sheets that have to be bonded to the substrate before tile installation. Fortunately waterproofing an enclosure is only a matter of proper preparation of the walls before the first tile is laid. Pattern they ll take is established.

Rub the smooth edge of the trowel over the membrane to smooth out any wrinkles or trapped air bubbles. This means deciding where the first tiles will be laid and how the tiles will align with floor and wall joints. Add up the wall areas and add 10 so you have extra tile for mistakes or future repairs. To stick the membrane down use either a paint roller or brush to paint over it with the waterproofing agent.

It s likely that different styles of tiles will be used for floor and walls based on how much slip resistance they provide. Repeat the previous steps to apply waterproof membrane to the remaining shower walls. With the installation of a waterproof membrane followed by water resistant cement boards your enclosure will be safely sealed usually within the course of a single afternoon s work. Tiles are cut as necessary to fit where they belong.

See below for a shopping list and tools subscribe to this o. There are two types of waterproof membranes sheet and liquid applied options. Cut the waterproof membrane into lengths of the bathroom walls. Lay the membrane down so that half is on the wall and the other half on the bathroom floor covering the crack.

For our shower we chose a running bond pattern. You should be attaching the tile to cement. You ll need a design plan before you start attaching the tile. This old house general contractor tom silva shows a foolproof way to build a leak free shower.

Determine how much tile you ll need.