What Should You Use Behind Shower Tiles for Waterproofing?
Learn what materials to put behind shower tiles to ensure waterproofing and prevent damage, including backer boards and moisture barriers.
272 views
Behind shower tiles, use a combination of a waterproof backer board, often made of cement or foam, and a moisture barrier like a polyethylene membrane. These prevent water from seeping through and causing damage. Once installed, apply a waterproofing membrane over the backer board before tiling to ensure a fully waterproof shower enclosure.
FAQs & Answers
- Why do you need a waterproof membrane behind shower tiles? A waterproof membrane prevents water from penetrating behind the tiles and damaging the wall structure, helping to avoid mold and deterioration.
- What is the difference between cement backer board and foam backer board? Cement backer boards are dense and durable, ideal for wet areas, while foam backer boards are lightweight and provide good moisture resistance but may require additional waterproofing.
- Can drywall be used behind shower tiles? No, drywall is not suitable for wet areas like showers because it absorbs moisture and can damage easily; waterproof backer boards are recommended instead.
- How do I apply a waterproof membrane behind shower tiles? After installing the backer board, apply a liquid or sheet waterproof membrane evenly over the surface to create a sealed barrier before tiling.