Issue Regarding Installing a Shower
6/1/2019 at 2:47:40 PM
We are having our master bathroom remodeled and the GC is currently installing the shower from new subflooring up. They finished waterproof and started sloping the shower floor on Friday. We are concerned that the work is not being done to the best standard. We had issues with a leaky shower in the past, hence rebuilding from subfloor up, and don't want to deal with that again. The shower pan was layed on the subfloor and went up about 3-4 inches. Then they waterproofed the walls by thinly applying one coat of redgard. Next they poured the mortar which now has multiple cracks cracks in it. I was told before they left on Friday that they would continue to lay the mortar on Monday. They did not use any mesh with the red gard and there are some significant gaps between the drywall boards. I just want to know if we are right to be concerned or of this is normal and the correct way to build a shower. We asked our GC for more waterproofing and he said more will be added since we have requested it. This is just so we know what to look for and how to approach it moving forward. Thank you.
6/2/2019 at 11:44:16 AM
Elizabeth,I would ask about the cracking. What was the cause and how they plan the remedy the issue. Gaps between drywall are common to allow for some movement but the waterproofing should be seamless. At this point, I would just suggest that you've done some research and are concerned about the end results. Have it fixed before the next stage covers thing up.
6/2/2019 at 1:11:50 PM
They should have used the Schluter system. The system that they are using will probably leak sometime in the future.
6/2/2019 at 2:19:24 PM
This will leak. Especially if they didn't silicone between the durarock sheets or use Wedi sealant. Those seams will open and close with the seasons and one coat of red gaurd should not be the only line of defense from moisture. All my shower seams are caulked with Wedi, or Schlueter wrap is used, then 2 coats of hydroban or red gaurd. This way I have plenty of waterproof "stuff" behind the tile. All grout is sealed thoroughly or epoxy grout is used.
6/2/2019 at 8:02:56 PM
I will start by saying that I like to see cement board is being used behind your tile
there is no other wall treatments actually need as it is already 100% waterproof
The pan looks like they used a rubber liner system ?
It should have been installed in the following steps.....
1. Concrete properly sloped to the base of the drain (1-2 thickness)
2. The liner installed 6 up the studs on all sides and over the top of your curb properley installed with silicone (on the underside of the bladder) into the drain flange
3. Cement board installed on the top of the curb and overlapping the 6 wall portion on all other vertical surfaces being carful not to screw through the bladder in any areas
4. Final coat of cement 1-2 thickness again slopes correctly to the drain making sure to embed the cement board on all sides to properly hold it securely
The final height of the drain is fully adjustable to allow for final tile height to change if needed
If this does not sound like the proper steps have been taken I would ask that it be redone properly or it will fail prematurely.
For extra protection a roll on type waterproofing can be installed after final coat of cement has cured for at least 24hrs.
Hope this helps.
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