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Rigid air barrier materials for use behind showers and tubs include fiber-cement, fiber-reinforced gypsum, glass mat gypsum, or fiber mat-reinforced cementitous backer panels. See the guide [WM. 4.2] Moisture-Resistant Backing Material at Walls Behind Tubs and Showers for more information.
What do you put behind a shower surround?
Use an appropriate waterproof or moisture-resistant backing material behind grouted tile or stone or segmented plastic or fiberglass tub and shower surrounds. Appropriate materials include cement board which has a cementitious core and glass mats on both sides to strengthen the board.
Do you have to put drywall behind shower surround?
Fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures come with a flanged edge that attaches directly to the wall studs, and the proper way to hide this flange is to install drywall over it. Consequently, enclosures are typically installed on the bare studs.
How do you insulate behind a shower?
The insulation behind the tub or shower should be equivalent to the insulation in the rest of the exterior walls and should be covered with an air barrier of cement backer board, rigid foam insulation, or non-paper-faced drywall that is sealed at the edges and seams to provide a continuous air seal.
What type of drywall goes behind a shower?
Greenboard Drywall Definition Cement backer board such as Durock is best used for tile in highly wet applications such as shower stalls, with greenboard and other water-resistant drywall panels kept only to high-humidity areas.
Is a vapor barrier necessary in a shower?
But it does need a moisture membrane. When do you need a vapor retarder? In the world of tile, you need a vapor retarder when you have extreme amounts of water vapor that need to be managed. If you have a steam shower with a steam generator then a vapor retarder is required.
What kind of plywood do you use for shower walls?
Plywood as a Subfloor Material Traditionally, exterior grade plywood has been the subfloor material of choice for many bathroom flooring projects. Plywood is made by gluing alternating layers of wood veneer. CDX plywood (¾”) in particular is used often because it has a high level of resistance to moisture and humidity.
How do you finish a wall over a shower surround?
Just as you can use tile inside the shower itself, you can finish the wall above it with ceramic tile. First, cover the drywall in a layer of paint-on waterproofing that you can apply with a paintbrush. Once this dries, you can use a notched trowel and mastic adhesive to mount the tiles.
What is the best backer board for a shower?
Cement board is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.
Do I need to waterproof cement board in shower?
The whole point of this post is to get to this bottom line: Water containment on shower walls is important and a requirement. Waterproofing on horizontal surfaces is absolutely critical. If your shower doesn’t have a moisture barrier failure isn’t necessarily imminent.
What is the best waterproofing membrane for showers?
Best Waterproofing Membrane for Shower:
- Laticrete Hydro Barrier.
- CUSTOM BLDG PRODUCTS LQWAF1-2 Redgard Waterproofing.
- USG DUROCK Brand Liquid Waterproofing Membrane.
- Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense.
- Laticrete 9235 Waterproofing Membrane Roll.
- Schluter Kerdi 108 Sq Ft Waterproofing Membrane.
- RedGard Waterproofing and Crack Prevention Membrane.
Should I insulate behind shower walls?
Insulating behind shower walls improves moisture control, which in turn reduces the chances of mold growth. Apart from retaining heat and minimizing condensation, insulating behind shower walls also provides better acoustics by reducing annoying sounds from outdoors or between rooms.
Does Home Depot install shower stalls?
Tub to Shower Conversion Installation A bathtub or shower liner installation from the Home Depot offers: A cost effective and durable update for your bath or shower. A 1-year labor warranty for installation services. A range of flexible financing options.
How big a gap can caulk fill?
A single bead of caulk can fill gaps up to 1/4 inch. If the gap is slightly larger than this, fill it with a bead of caulk deeper into the gap, but not flush with the surface. Wait until the caulk is completely cured before coming back to put a surface bead on.
How much does it cost to install a shower surround?
Install a Shower Surround: national average cost The national average materials cost to install a shower surround is $226.39 per surround, with a range between $203.11 to $249.67. The total price for labor and materials per surround is $594.63, coming in between $531.47 to $657.79.
Do you need to caulk a 3 piece shower surround?
While it will not leak into the wall, I have seen water “travel” along a seam and cause damage where the drywall meets the tub. Adding caulk should help to prevent the water from “wicking” down the seam horizontally. Capillary action between the overlapping pieces could actually “draw” water into the overlapped joint.
Can I tile directly on plywood?
While tile can be laid on plywood, do not install tile directly onto the plywood subfloor itself. Use intervening layers of two sheets of plywood.
Do I need to waterproof shower walls before tiling?
Contrary to popular belief, ceramic tile and grout, by themselves are not waterproof. Water can penetrate through cement-based grout and work its way through the substrate. To prevent water damage, you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible.
What is best board for bathroom walls?
One of the best options for bathroom walls & ceilings is cement board. Cement doesn’t contain any organic matter for mold to use as a food source. Cement boards are usually sandwiched between two layers of fiberglass mesh, so there is no paper in the product. I personally prefer using DuRock NextGen made by USG.
Can I use plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier?
This way, you should get a tighter wall without trapping moisture inside the exterior walls. If you are framing out a below-grade basement, however, do not use plastic as a vapor barrier. Concrete tends to wick moisture, and if you cover insulated cavities with plastic they can become wet and optimal for mold growth.
