Waterproofing Concrete Shower Floor Before Tiling

There are two types of waterproof membranes sheet and liquid applied options.

Waterproofing concrete shower floor before tiling.

Use the notched trowel to spread mortar over the entire shower floor then press a sheet of waterproof membrane into the wet mortar. If cement is not waterproofed it can cause issues with the mortar used between the tiles. You can use shims and glue to slope plywood not in the book but it works. Water can penetrate through cement based grout and work its way through the substrate.

The concern is shrinkage in the concrete as it cures in its early stages. Cement is actually a very porous material and can easily absorb water. Take some water and mop the surface to remove any dirt dust or small debris. It is not structural but it must be non compressible.

Install the preformed curb covering it with mortar and waterproof membrane. If water penetrates and leaves a wet spot then a good bond can be achieved. You can also use plywood we typically call the tile people to put a mud bed sloped to the drain before we get going. Waterproofing concrete is a fairly simple procedure.

To prepare your concrete subfloor make sure that it can accept water penetration. Although most backerboards currently available won t fall apart when exposed to moisture and are somewhat water resistant they aren t waterproof. Cover the tub with a dropcloth and tape the edges flat to the surrounding surfaces to seal the cloth in place. The thickness of the pour makes a difference in how fast it will cure.

To prevent water damage you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible. Once all the mortar has cured tiling can commence. The general rule is to wait 28 days for concrete to cure before installing tile over it. Prepare the existing walls for the tile installation.

Test by sprinkling water on various areas of the subfloor. Backup waterproof layer under mud and behind the board. You will need to use an acid based solution like muriatic acid to rough up the surface if the top of the concrete is still smooth. Whether you re laying down a new tile floor or installing a shower you may use a sheathing material such as backerboard.

Use a plumber s pan and drain to encapsulate the shower floor. There are rapid curing versions that can be used to speed it up. Therefore any concrete that may come into regular contact with water such as under tile or for a pool will need to be waterproofed. Continue sprinkling until the floor is lightly dampened all the way across.

Smooth the membrane with the trowel. Additionally a steps must be taken to ensure that a concrete floor will create a solid bond. This is the last line of defense. How to waterproof seal a shower tub before tile step 1.

Sprinkle a small amount of water onto the floor.