Watertight Showers

Just because a shower looks waterproof doesn’t mean it is.  Even with sealed grout joints, water and vapor can penetrate between the tiles in shower walls and floors and cause serious damage.  Moisture that collects in the wall cavity or floor structure of a shower is the primary cause of mold growth.  A properly installed tile shower can be hygienic and maintenance-free while providing a luxurious look that can’t be matched by other materials.

Tiled showers are luxurious and beautiful.  The many tile colors, designs, and shapes provides endless possibilities and enhances the aesthetics of the entire bathroom.  Tiled showers also allow for flexibility when installing the latest features, such as benches, niches, windows, multiple shower heads, and steam units.

Contrary to popular belief, tile and grout joints (even sealed grout joints) are not waterproof.  Moisture that penetrates these areas and collects in the wall cavities or floor structure is the primary cause of mold and leaks.  In order to create a tiled shower that will last a lifetime, a waterproofing system is needed beneath the tile covering.

The mortar pans in the conventional showers in our homes are a potential source for moisture migration when, or if, there is any blockage at the weep holes in the drain. Eliminating that potential for moisture migration is one of the easiest ways to eliminate mold and dry-rot. Unfortunately, many of our most common building materials are also food sources for mold and mildew. Wood and paper products, cellulose based products, etc. are necessary construction material that are also food sources.

By using a “Bonded Load-bearing Waterproof Membrane”, such as Schluter’s KERDI System is the best way to eliminate any possibility of mold or mildew growth. This type of system eliminates the reservoir of moisture that exists in conventional showers by covering the walls and floors with a waterproof, vapor-retarding bonded membrane that prevents any moisture or vapor from getting into wall cavities, or the shower pan, itself.

For a healthy home call The Tile and Grout King, Inc. for a free on-site inspection and estimate.  One of their knowledgeable estimators will explain how installing the Schluter KERDI system will prevent mold from growing beneath your tile surfaces.  This waterproofing system combined with porcelain tile and epoxy grout will create a 100% maintenance free, easy to clean shower.