Why You Should Always Waterproof your Shower

When it comes to renovating our client’s bathroom, there is one mistake that we commonly find, time and time again. Though it is a step in any bathroom reno project that may seem a little odd, it is one that is absolutely crucial in terms of preventing structural damage and the growth of mold. 

This mistake is not waterproofing your bathroom or, more importantly, your shower. While it may seem as though a shower was built to withstand water, truth be told, it needs to be waterproofed in order to extend its lifespan, as well as prevent possible health concerns. 

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Given the increase in home improvement projects this year, as well as the sight of one of our last shower projects, we thought we’d take a moment to stress the importance of shower proofing and the benefits of ensuring your project is properly done.

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Prevents Structural Damage

Your bathroom and your shower are typically exposed to high levels of humidity, given the heat from the water. This humidity, over time, can cause some severe effects especially when it is occurring in an area with poor ventilation. Given that most bathrooms do not have windows, and have poor ventilation, you can see how this can be a problem. 

While you won’t be able to physically see the structural damage right away, over time this can cause a huge problem. We recently saw this in a bathroom renovation project as the whole shower was crumbling apart underneath and was covered in mold.

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Prevents Condensation Build Up

This is one of the biggest problems that can take over a bathroom and make it unsightly, gross, and unsafe. When condensation occurs in poorly ventilated areas, it can cause a multitude of things to happen including peeling paint, discoloration of the walls, wood decay, and, of course, mold growth, which is any homeowner's worse nightmare. 

Another massive issue is that condensation doesn’t just end in one room. The vapor and moisture from your bathroom can lead to adjoining rooms, possibly causing mold there as well.

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Prevents Mold

We touched on this already briefly, but it’s important to note that mold thrives in damp areas. Though your shower may be dry after an hour or so after the water’s been running, it doesn’t mean that the walls are not still damp behind the tiles. To avoid mold growth and even infestations from occurring, it’s imperative to waterproof areas that tend to get damp.

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Lowers Your Yearly Maintenance Costs

With all this being said, you can imagine how the simple step of waterproofing your bathroom or shower can prevent issues from occurring later on down the road, saving you both time and money.

By waterproofing, you can rest assured knowing that you won’t have to deal with chipping paint, mold growth, leaks, cracks, and rotten wood. While it may be an additional cost upfront, the amount you’ll save in the long run is priceless.

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Meet: Mapei AquaDefense

Now that you know all the benefits and reasons for needing to waterproof your bathroom and shower, it’s important to meet our partner in crime; Mapei AquaDefense. Ever since we’ve been renovating homes and bathrooms, we’ve used this product to protect homeowners from mold build-up and structural damage in damp areas, which has in return helped them receive a higher return on their investment and experience fewer issues.

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Some other reasons why we prefer and enjoy this product are because it’s quick and easy to use (and only takes about 30 to 50 minutes to dry), super easy to apply (we use a roller or a brush), bonds exceptionally well to a wide range of surfaces, has no odor and prevents in-plane floor cracks from transmitting through tile or stone. All in all, it’s a simple and easy tool that helps ensure our projects are done well and our clients are free from mold and ultimately happy.

So, whether you’re doing your own bathroom renovation project this year or are hiring out, be sure that waterproofing your shower and even your entire bathroom is a step that is included. While it’s a small cost upfront, the amount of time, energy, and money that it will save you, in the long run, is amazing. And, if you’re looking for a contractor that’s specialized in waterproofing and bathroom remodeling, be sure to contact us today!