The average homeowner spends as much as $2,254 repairing a water-damaged ceiling. If the water damage spreads to the walls and the floors, that number can shoot up much higher.
This is something you have to think about if you haven’t waterproofed your shower.
Why?
Because you won’t just have water damage behind shower tiles. The longer you leave it alone, the further it will spread. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to show you why you should try waterproofing.
So let’s dive in!
What Happens If You Don’t Water Proof Your Shower?
The grout between your shower tiles is made of a cement-based material. And cement isn’t waterproof.
Every time you turn on the shower, the grout gets wet. If you don’t dry it off right away (and let’s be honest, we aren’t exactly wiping our showers down with a towel), the grout absorbs that water.
That water then works its way behind the tiles and into the wall.
This can cause all kinds of problems that will then cost you a lot of money to repair. If you don’t notice the damage—and it’s easy to miss, things can progress until they have serious consequences.
Here are some of the most dangerous problems an un-waterproof shower can cause.
Mould Growth
You might see mould growing on the surface of your grout. Unfortunately, this isn’t the worst of your problems. You can remove this mould with chemical cleaning solutions.
It’s the water trapped between the shower and the wall you have to worry about.
This water can seep through your drywall and into the insulation and wood behind it. The moisture can turn your drywall, insulation, and wood into a breeding ground for mould. If left on its own for too long, this moisture might even start to rot your wood, which can weaken the structural integrity of your home.
But, even more dangerous, showering in a mouldy bathroom can lead to some serious health conditions for you and your family.
Water Damage
Drywall and the other wood in your walls absorb moisture. Because of this, the water that gets behind your shower can seep into the floor, roof, and other walls. Ever a small amount of water can spread through a large portion of your house over time.
This can cause mould to grow in other areas of your home.
It can also make the paint on your walls bubble, peel, or discolour. If the water gets into your floor, it can make your hardwood warp or your carpet disintegrate. Your shower water can even ruin furniture that’s pushed up against the walls.
You might have to pay for more than just bathroom repairs if you don’t waterproof your shower.
Shower Cracks
Many homes have drywall behind the shower tiles. So when water gets behind the tiles, the drywall sucks it up.
This causes the drywall to expand, which can put pressure on your shower tiles. Over time, cracks can form in the shower tiles.
A cracked shower means you have to replace it with something new, which isn’t cheap. Leaving the cracks alone will make your water problem even worse.
Why You Should Try Waterproofing
Waterproofing your shower can help prevent all these issues. This can make your home a safer and healthier place for you and your family.
So if you haven’t waterproofed your shower yet, you should get in touch with a waterproofing professional as soon as possible.
Don’t let the initial cost scare you off you. While waterproofing may cost a chunk of money at first, it can save you a lot of money in repairs later. The cost is well worth the protection waterproofing gives you and your home.
How to Waterproof Your Shower
There are a few different ways you can waterproof your shower. However, we don’t recommend DIY tutorials. Unless you have all the right tools and the experience required for a quality job, DIY methods probably won’t do you much good.
That leaves you with two other options. Here’s a quick look at each one.
Waterproof Membranes
The most common type of shower waterproofing uses waterproof membranes.
Here’s how it works.
You first have to install the membrane behind your shower tiles. This membrane will then catch any water that leaks through the grout. Since the water can’t get through this membrane, it protects your walls and floor from any type of mould growth or water damage.
This type of waterproofing can be very effective.
However, it takes a long time and a lot of money. In fact, it can take as long as five days just to install the membrane.
That’s why we recommend Ultra Bond Technology instead.
Ultra Bond Technology
Ultra Bond Technology gives you the ability to waterproof your shower without removing any of the tiles. This type of waterproofing stops any water from leaking through your tiles of grout in the first place.
Instead of getting into your walls, all the water runs down the drain.
How to Prevent Water Damage Behind Shower Tiles
The best way to prevent water damage behind shower tiles is to waterproof your shower. If you haven’t done this yet, you should make it your next home priority. Otherwise, you could have a lot of damages and health issues on your hands.
Are you ready to waterproof your shower?
We can help! Make sure you get in touch with us today to get a free quote!