Key takeaways
- Grout and tile are not waterproof by themselves
- A sloped pan and membrane do the real work
- Flood testing proves the base holds water
- Most leaks come from hidden failures
The most important part of a shower is the part you never see. Here is what is behind a shower that lasts.
What waterproofing does
It keeps water from reaching wood framing, subfloors and the rooms below. Without it, moisture can rot and grow mold long before you see a problem.
The pan and the slope
A shower floor must slope to the drain. A sloped mortar bed under the membrane carries water away and keeps it from pooling.
The membrane
A continuous membrane runs up the walls and across the floor, sealed at corners and drains. Gaps are where leaks begin.
Testing
We flood the pan and watch the level before tiling. A steady level means the pan is holding.
Services that can help
- Shower Waterproofing and Pans: The hidden layers that keep a shower from leaking: sloped pans, membranes and tested drains.
- Leak and Water Damage Repair: Find the leak, fix the cause and rebuild the walls, floors and finishes that water damaged.
- Custom Tile Showers: A shower built from the pan up, in the tile, size and shape you choose.
Common questions
How can I tell if my shower is leaking?
Signs include stains below or outside the shower, soft floors, peeling paint and a musty smell. A moisture check can confirm it.
Can a leaking shower be fixed without rebuilding?
Sometimes. We find the cause and explain whether a repair or a rebuild makes sense.
Questions about your own bathroom? Call or text 615-357-7797 or try our free tools.