PhD The short answer is no, but the longer answer is, well, still no. And while we’re at it, let’s dash all hope that grout is waterproof — it is not. When it comes to tiling jobs, preparation is key to preventing water damage.
Tile adds so much character, style, and attitude to a room it’s difficult not to use it. Let’s start by looking at three types of tile and how they might work in a shower. Ceramic tiles are referred to as “water-resistant” since they’re not damaged by water, but they can absorb it — don’t use them in a shower project. Porcelain tiles are considered “waterproof” because water doesn’t appear to absorb into the top of the tile, even though it can. Glass is the only tile that’s 100% waterproof. Still, you can run into problems with any type of tile if your substrate isn’t properly waterproofed.
When evaluating the type of tile you want to use, you need to know its moisture absorption rate, especially if you’ll be using it somewhere with a lot of water, like a shower. Here’s a quick look at the four moisture absorption ratings:
- Non-vitreous (low density) — tile with water absorption of more than 7.0%.
- Semi-vitreous (medium density) — tile with water absorption between 3.0% and 7.0%. Ceramic tile is often in this category.
- Vitreous (high density) — tile with water absorption of more than 0.5%, but not more than 3.0%.
- Impervious (extremely dense) — tile with water absorption of 0.5% or less. Porcelain tile is often rated as impervious or vitreous, and glass tile, with its 0.0% absorption rate, falls into the impervious category.
Tile, stone, and grout all retain some water, and the density of the tile affects how much. So before you rush out to the nearest home improvement store, think about how much water the tile will be exposed to and whether it will be outdoors. An outdoor location is only an issue if you get major freezing temperatures in the winter — think Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Maine, and Canada.
The durability of your tile will only be as good as what’s beneath it (the substrate), and this is where we need to stress that you should let a professional handle it. You can keep an eye on the installer as they’re doing the work, just to make sure they know what they’re doing — if your tile professional tries to mount your tile directly on drywall, you know they’re doing it wrong.
The reason we’re focusing on the shower here is that it’s the place that dispenses the largest amount of water. Once water soaks through tile and grout, it can seep through to the studs, causing the wood to swell — a quick way to give yourself a huge headache and an even larger repair bill.
So it’s well worth the money to have the job done right the first time. Hire a professional to install your tile, especially in the shower, since tile and grout are not waterproof. Ask neighbors for referrals or look up local businesses in your area through Home Advisor, Angie’s List, and others — the reviews should help you find a competent installer.
Let’s look at several of the correct practices that will assure you your new tiled shower is, in fact, waterproof.
Making Sure Your New Tiled Shower Is Waterproof
Step One — The Shower Liner
Ensure the corners on the shower liner are folded, not cut (one outside corner will need to be cut for proper fitting). According to the standards of the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), the shower pan liner should extend up the wall 3 inches above the curb framing, and it also needs to go up and over the curb to the front. To avoid one of the most common causes of a leaking shower, ask your installer to use a pre-formed corner shower pan.
Step Two — Attach the Liner to the Front of the Curb
If the shower pan liner is installed 3 inches above the curb and you see nails below the curb, find another tile setter. The correct approach is to use nails, staples, or glue to attach the liner to the front of the curb (the side that doesn’t get wet).
Step Three — Don’t Use Cement Board on the Curb
Instead, use a metal lath and a sand/cement mix — the same material the shower pan is made out of.
Step Four — Perform a Flood Test
If your shower will leak, it’s best to find out before it’s tiled. To perform a flood test, your installer should plug the drain and fill the shower with water just below the top of the curb. If there are no leaks, you can rest assured your shower has been properly waterproofed before you hand over that last payment.
Step Five — Tape and Mud the Seams
Make sure the seams are covered with alkaline-resistant mesh tape and a couple of layers of mud. If this isn’t done, you’ll be able to see a crack all the way around the shower when the walls flex.
Step Six — Never Use Tile Mastic Adhesive in a Shower
Or anywhere else, for that matter. Tile mastic is a premixed organic adhesive — don’t use it in wet areas, on cement or fiber cement board, floors, with glass tile, or with natural stone.
In conclusion, when tiling a shower, be sure to hire a professional. It takes a lot of experience to properly install tile, and there are several steps for preparation and waterproofing that cannot be skipped. Now that you have some of the basic waterproofing facts, do yourself a favor and hire a competent tile installer — you’ll be able to ask the right questions and understand the process as it goes along. And when it’s all said and done, you’ll have a sparkling new waterproof shower.