Water Proofing an Existing Shower - Help

Tim77 · Apr 23, 2005 6:03 pm

Hi all,

I have just had a building inspection done on a house I'm looking at purchasing. It's a private sale through the owners that I know.

The building inspector said probably the only moderately concerning issue is that he tested the shower for moisture and the floor showed a reading of 16%. He said that anything over 8% becomes a concern.

Thinking ahead (ie I buy the place) I'm in two minds what to do. The property is 13 years old and I would like to brighten up the bathroom at some stage but waterproofing the shower is the priority.

Options 1) Could I waterproof the shower somehow without lifting up the current tiles? Even if this was possible, would this still not fix the current issue of mositure underneath the current tiles?? OR 2) will it be necessary to lift up some of the tiles, assess the situation, waterproof (using some system) and replace the tiles (assuming there are some originals??). OR 3) could the current surface be treated somehow and new tiles placed over the top? 4) ??

Of course even if option no 3 was possible, this sends me very quickly down the renovation path and this is not something I want to do straight away.

I need to get the problem fixed, properly, shortly after moving in, so I have peace of mind. I just wish I knew more about the anatomy of a shower.

Any advice of any kind, information or resources will be greatly appreciated

Regards

Tim

Shane · Apr 27, 2005 3:49 pm

Hi Tim

Well, well another leaky shower.

The most common cause of leaking showers occurs between the floor and wall joints of the shower recess.

· Up to 90% of showers built onto a stud wall will eventually leak as a result of normal (even minimal) building movement and vibrations such as those caused by opening and closing doors.
· The grouting cannot withstand the movement and the result is shower leakage via the gap/s between the floor and wall.
· Solid brick homes can also experience the same problem as leakage can occur between the wall and floor.
· Even showers with a shower tray/membrane can often only cope with small quantities of water, and are not equipped with self-drainage systems. Once the tray is full the overflow will leak into the floor and walls often being absorbed by woodwork and carpet in adjoining areas.
· As well as looking unsightly, these damp areas often smell, rot and attract white ants.
· Silicones and shower "plugging" products may work for a limited period (depending on the quality of the product and the amount of leakage). However, efforts to remove dirt/mould build-up exacerbate the problem as few of the sealants are resistant to abrasive powder cleansers and/or scouring brushes.

But don’t fret too much Tim it’s not uncommon but the solution is not always straightforward. This will probably music to your ears, there is a product that can treat the current tiles and grout to re-waterproof the shower, no mess no fuss.

But any way I’m not the expert, these guys are http://www.megasealed.com.au/ they have reps in most states around Australia, hopefully one near you.

Best of luck.
Shane