How to Use a Membrane System to Prep a Shower for Tiling | This Old House

This Old House general contractor Tom Silva shows a foolproof way to build a leak-free shower. (See below for a shopping list and tools.)

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Tom helps a pair of homeowners prepare and waterproof a shower enclosure to accept new tile. Rather than use a traditional copper shower pan and cement board for the walls, Tom suggests using a new product that can be applied directly to many different types of substrate, making it totally waterproof and ready for tile. The product is a flexible membrane that is applied to the walls and floor using mortar applied with a notched trowel. Tom applies mortar to the walls and then presses the membrane onto the walls, taking care to flatten out any bubbles; he also cuts for the shower valve and fixtures using a utility knife. For each corner, he applies mortar and a narrow strip of membrane. For the floor, Tom uses a pre-sloped foam tray. With the tray in place, Tom marks for the floor drain and cuts a hole in the subfloor using a hole saw. Next, Tom applies mortar to the floor and sets the foam tray in place. Tom then seals the joint between the floor and walls using more mortar and small pieces of the membrane. Tom then sets the specially-designed floor drain into the tray with more mortar and trowels it smooth. Finally, Tom sets a piece of membrane onto the floor and installs a foam curb, making the enclosure totally waterproof and ready for tile.

Tools for How to Use a Membrane System to Prep a Shower for Tiling:
- sponge and bucket
- 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch notched trowels
- 10-inch-wide drywall knife
- utility knife
- drill/driver fitted with 4-inch hole saw
- mixing paddle

Shopping List for How to Use a Membrane System to Prep a Shower for Tiling:
- waterproof membrane kit
- dry-set mortar
- preformed shower pan and curb

Tom used a type of waterproofing system for shower enclosures manufactured by Schluter-Systems, L.P. [https://www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/]

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How to Use a Membrane System to Prep a Shower for Tiling | This Old House
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