Shower Waterproofing: The Key to a Successful Renovation
When renovating a bathroom, the shower is an area that must be effectively waterproofed. To achieve this, there are traditional methods that are legal and compliant, but which still have certain shortcomings in terms of waterproofing. During our process, we use waterproofing products and systems for bathroom floors and walls. These products are specially designed for this purpose and address certain issues that are sometimes encountered when using traditional methods.
Renovating your bathroom: waterproofing is crucial
In bathrooms, materials like ceramic are very popular for their durability and ease of maintenance. However, contrary to popular belief, they are not completely waterproof. Without an effective waterproofing system, moisture can seep in, damaging the materials and causing mold and mildew in walls and floors.
In older homes, waterproofing was not standard. Today, with lifestyles that involve multiple showers per day, it is imperative to have a good waterproofing system to protect your investment in the long term.
Waterproofing products and systems for bathroom floors and walls.
Installation methods that use waterproofing products and systems for bathroom floors and walls are essential for a shower waterproofing solution. These systems use products that are already waterproofed and ready to install, which greatly simplifies installation.
Shower bases and wall panels: Shower bases, available in several shapes and sizes, can be installed directly on the subfloor. The wall panels, made of high-density foam, are covered with a water and vapor barrier membrane. This membrane is designed to allow water to flow directly to the drain without accumulating in the substrate.
Quick and easy installation: The wall panels are installed on the studs, replacing the old fiber cement panels (which were also harmful to workers). Screw holes and transitions are then sealed with tape and adhesive, and then the tiles are installed.
The major advantage of this system is its high durability, ease, and speed of installation.
Les faiblesses de la méthode traditionnelle
Pour qu’une douche soit saine et durable, sa construction doit résister à la fois à l’eau et à la vapeur. Les méthodes traditionnelles utilisent souvent plusieurs couches de mortier, du grillage et une membrane, avec un sous-drain, pour le plancher. Les murs, quant à eux, sont faits de panneaux de fibrociment.
Cette approche présente plusieurs faiblesses. D’abord, elle est longue et complexe, car elle nécessite de nombreuses étapes et des temps de séchage. Mais surtout, le mortier et les supports muraux ne sont pas directement recouverts de membrane. La vapeur d’eau peut donc les traverser et s’y infiltrer. Avec le temps, cela augmente les risques d’efflorescence et de moisissure, qui peuvent se propager à l’ensemble du système et compromettre la santé de votre maison.
An effective solution, which offers a multitude of possibilities
There’s also a range of accessories on the market that make showers even more functional and durable. You can add niches for storing products, benches for added comfort, and walkways for a touch of elegance.
We also offer a variety of transition moldings. These moldings are designed to facilitate ceramic tile maintenance and to absorb possible material movement, further extending the durability of your shower.
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Every project is a story. A meeting between your vision and our expertise. In Montreal and the surrounding area, we bring to life renovations that combine aesthetics, functionality, and durability.