The most vital component in any shower area, that must be properly installed and tested by a professional is waterproofing. Without this feature being done correctly or being done at all, water may seep into the homes framing, potentially causing tens of thousands of dollars of damage. Damage that may be a combination of; rotting wood, swelling in walls and floors, structural damage, mold and mildew damage, and or popping or loose tiles. Any of these unfortunate circumstances can be caused from water finding its way to places that are unwarranted.

Within the past, it was common for builders to construct bathrooms with no waterproofing method at all. With tile and grout being water resistant, the builder's thought process back then was that the tile and grout would keep out enough water during showers for the shower area to hold up over time. But water resistant is not waterproof. After enough showers over an extended period of time, mold will eventually find its way behind the tile and grout onto the tile substrate. So within the last few decades, builders started waterproofing their shower systems. Meaning, absolutely no water seeps behind the system, during or after a hot shower. Keeping everything behind and underneath the shower system dry and intact.

Signs of moisture build up behind shower walls, might include; cracked or loose tiles, strong mold or mildew smell in the shower, and or adjacent walls/floors with discoloration marks. Another very common indicator is mold build up along the tub flange, where the tub and tile meet.  If any of these indicators are present, it might be a good time to have the shower area properly assessed. 

Knowing that your shower is properly waterproofed gives you peace of mind. You can enjoy your shower without worrying about leaks, water damage, mold, or potential structural issues. Waterproofing provides an added layer of protection allowing you to have a functional and safe showering experience, while increasing the longevity of the shower itself. Overall, waterproofing your shower is essential to maintain the integrity of your home, prevent water damage, inhibit mold growth, and ensure a long-lasting and worry-free showering environment.