skip to main content

Do I have a bathroom disaster on my hands?

14 years ago

I want to find out if I've got adequate waterproofing in my new bathroom and shower (which includes a shower bench).

What's installed:

** 5 mil vapor barrier stapled to studs, then

** 1/2 inch durock, then

** Red Guard sealant around bench and shower shelf.

There's no rubber membrane under all of this stuff.

My plumber has already installed the pre-fab shower base and didn't say anything about the need for a rubber membrane. Neither did my contractor who installed the durock. He tells me what is installed is sufficient, but suggested using epoxy grout if I'm worried.

Is this adequate?

Incidentally, the shower bench is built with treated lumber, 3/4 inch OSB, covered with one piece of Durock on the top. The vertical face of the bench is covered with 2 pieces of Durock with 5 mil vapor barrier between the sheets of Durock. The vapor barrier extends down and overlaps the flange of the pre-fab shower base.

In your opinion, is this adequate?

Thanks much.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

bill_vincent
14 years ago
Although I would've used exterior grade plywood instead of OSB on the seat, the only problem I see is the use of treated lumber. It tends to twist over time, and that'll cause the tiles to pop.
bruce_c
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks Bill. I feel better now. I'm planning to do the tile work myself. I have fortified Versabond thinset mortar. Is there an additive you recommend? e.g. latex admix?

Also, I'm thinking about glass tiles in the shower shelf, but would need a white background rather than the Redguard. Would a layer of thinset over top of the Redguard present a problem? Don't want to compromise Red Guard's sealant properties. Also don't want the red coloration to eventually "bleed through" to the tile. Thoughts?

Thanks again.
Related Discussions
I figured out what I want to do with my small bathroom!!
Q
Comments (9)
I'm not sure why a local cabinet shop couldn't make what you want if you get the specs and do scaled drawings to review with them and refine the construction aspects. There's some similar things in the link here, but I didn't check into sizing. I'm not sure why the "concept" would be different for a cabinet maker. It looks like frameless construction, which I'm sure all shops are doing now. The only confusing thing for me is the toilet cabinet. Maybe it's designed to fit over the tank. Dunno. Here is a link that might be useful: interesting
...See More
I have a small windowless bathrooms that I want to update. how do I
Q
Comments (6)
Gray is definitely in! If you still want to stay a little traditional and still be modern, I thought these 12" x 24" porcelain (marble look-alike) tile looked pretty cool. Just installed these a few weeks ago. What kind of tub did you go with? Are you going tile with the surround?
...See More
Do I have a design or code dilemma? Bathroom walls go up Tuesday...ack
Q
Comments (7)
Fred S, thank you. I will verify that and thank you for the snippet -- Architect did have these same dimensions but with a continuous wall vs. partial railing I added. Much appreciated! We may have to scrap the dumbwaiter per the requirements regarding the door and I am ok with that. That toilet will be a wall mount and I'm looking at TOTO which now has a standard 4x4 framing mount (vs. previous 6" wall framing requirement). I did play with an outswing door that could work with the 12' door opening, and aligning looks ok with the metal rail from stair landing to the bathroom wall. The intent was to create some privacy as you enter, but given it's a standard door, there would be a lock -- great input for things to think about. Very many thanks!
...See More
how do I know which toilet to purchase when i renovate my bathroom?
Q
Comments (2)
Buy a toilet in your price range that gets good reviews. Standard toilets have a 12" rough-in, meaning that the center of the drain is about 12" from the back wall. If yours is different from this by, say, 1"-2" you might need to order a toilet with a different size rough-in. There are dozens of discussions here on GardenWeb where people discuss the "best" toilets, and you should use the search function here to read through those.
...See More
MongoCT
14 years ago
Bruce,

If you want a more modified product, return the lightly modified Versabond and get a bag of highly modified FlexBond.

While you certainly can do what you are proposing, which is adding a liquid admix to a modified bagged mix, you'll get a more consistent product batch-to-batch out of an already highly modified product than by adding a liquid admix to a lightly modified product.

Related Stories

DISASTER PREP & RECOVERY How to Prep for Disaster Insurance Claims

Tools and tips for making an inventory list, documenting damage to your home, and working with your adjuster

HOME TECH 7 Ways to Charge Up and Connect After Disaster

Products and tips for communicating and keeping essential items running till the power's back on

DESIGN FOR GOOD Shelter in a Storm: Architects Improve Global Disaster Relief

By Matthew Ankeny

Temporary housing takes a well-designed turn with affordable, easily stored structures that address privacy

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Warehouse Home Goes from Disaster to Triumph

By Claire McCall

A New Zealand family beats the odds 3 times when its loft apartment is threatened with demolition after a series of earthquakes

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Sophistication and Humor Go Hand in Hand

By Camille LeFevre

Collected treasures combine with retail finds in a 19th-century Canadian home packed with whimsy and charm

HOMES AROUND THE WORLD Houzz Tour: Rustic and Modern Go Hand in Hand

Floor-to-ceiling windows and simple interiors make this bright and airy Wiltshire home rustic chic without the chintz

DECORATING PROJECTS Get a Wallpaper Look With a Hand-Painted Touch

By No. 29 Design

Stencil a pattern for all the beauty of your favorite wallpaper at a fraction of the cost

ENTERTAINING Got Hand-Me-Down Dinnerware? Make a Memorable Meal

By The Yellow Cape Cod

They might be mismatched and not your style, but those inherited plates and forks can help bring meaning to your table

ECLECTIC HOMES My Houzz: Colorful Hand Painting Bedecks a Creative Home

By Lindsay von Hagel

A kaleidoscope of colors on walls, furniture and fabrics brings an energetic spirit to a 1920s colonial in Texas

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Hand Crafting Rehabs a Michigan Farmhouse

By Mary Jo Bowling

Artisan-made and vintage furnishings, a coffered ceiling and agrarian touches give a century-old home warm appeal

Sponsored

More Discussions

Powder Room design

1

Master Bath Remodel

4

remodeling basement bathroom.

0

Bathroom mat colour suggestions

0

why does my perimeter grout in new shower look darker?

3