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Liquid waterproofing membrane vs sheet waterproofing membrane?

housebuilding126

7 years ago

We have a shower that has cement board already installed (screwed on top, loose on bottom). We have no shower pan yet. We are trying to figure out the BEST waterproofing system. Our tile guy has done both and says both work well. I don't ever want to worry about water getting behind the walls. This is our forever home and I don't mind spending a bit more to do it right the first time. We are looking at Laticrete products as they GreenGuard Certified and that is important to us. Thank you!

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Comments (5)

MongoCT
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Sheet and liquid are both fine.

Sheet can in some ways be a bit more work to install, there can be multi-layered overlaps where you have numerous changed-of-plane in close proximity, like in niche corners for example. But sheet membrane? When it's installed with proper detailing you know it's all good because the product has a uniform thickness.

I buy a roll of sheet membrane and I know exactly how many square feet it's going to cover.

Liquid can be easier to install. I usually trowel it out of a mud pan then back roll it with a small cabinet roller to get uniform dispersion across the wall. You do need to be careful with air bubbles (which is why I like the trowel), and you want to get proper mil thickness on each coat so you end up with the proper specified thickness when the installation is complete. Because of its liquid nature, it's very easy to handle inside and outside corners and complicated geometry.

I buy a gallon of liquid membrane and I know how many square feet of surface it's supposed to cover.

For "bulletproof" I prefer sheet due to its known thickness. Simply a personal opinion.

Since you're leaning towards Laticrete, Laticrete Sheet Membrane is a great product and Laticrete is one company that backs up their products.
housebuilding126
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you! That was very helpful!
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Mint tile Minneapolis
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
While you are being proactive and concerned about leaks.

Insist on a 48 hr flood test and be present when the plug is pulled.

stand there yourself and watch that all the water drains out leaving NO puddles. before allowing a single piece of tile installed.-best
housebuilding126 thanked Mint tile Minneapolis
PRO
Avanti Tile & Stone / Stonetech
7 years ago
Both systems work well when installed properly. I happen to be an advocate of the Schluter Kerdi systems....but the USG Durock systems are gaining popularity. They are, when installed properly, bulletproof.
housebuilding126 thanked Avanti Tile & Stone / Stonetech
Jeff Meeks
7 years ago
I like the simplicity of something like Hydroban, but go with what your contractor prefers as long as they are suggesting quality products like those from Laticrete...sheet or liquid will both work when installed correctly.

I decided on Hydroban in my shower and over the entire curb and a few inches beyond and Nobleseal TS membrane on the rest of the bathroom floor.
housebuilding126 thanked Jeff Meeks

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