Table of Contents
Do you put drywall behind a shower surround?
Fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures come with a flanged edge that attaches directly to the wall studs, and the proper way to hide this flange is to install drywall over it. Consequently, enclosures are typically installed on the bare studs.
Can you install shower walls over drywall?
The short answer to the question is, “It’s not recommended.” However, this answer only really only suffices if you’re converting a room that was never a bathroom into a wet space. Drywall on its own is not suitable for use in bathrooms because it is prone to absorbing moisture and thus losing structural integrity.
Do I tile before fitting shower enclosure?
We always advise fitting the shower tray before tiling the walls or installing wall panels as this ensures a more watertight seal around the sides of the tray. Initially, it may be easier to get the tray level by adjusting the key corner legs first.
Should you put plastic behind shower walls?
They are required beneath your shower pan and behind your shower walls. Moisture barriers can be made of polyethylene or a membrane that is rolled directly onto the drywall. No matter what they are made of, without them, your shower is subject to moisture damage.
Do you put insulation behind shower walls?
Insulating behind shower walls improves moisture control, which in turn reduces the chances of mold growth. Apart from retaining heat and minimizing condensation, insulating behind shower walls also provides better acoustics by reducing annoying sounds from outdoors or between rooms.
What can I put behind my shower surround?
Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don’t use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.
How do you waterproof drywall above a shower?
Prime the drywall with oil- or shellac-based primer. These coatings protect against moisture better than water-based primer, but they are noxious, so wear a respirator while using them. Spread the primer with a paintbrush or roller and let it dry before painting.
What type of drywall goes behind a shower?
Look into cement board if you need waterproof drywall. This type of waterproof drywall is designed for wet areas such as showers and bathtub surrounds. Be cognizant that cement board requires a moisture barrier behind it, which makes the installation process longer than moisture-resistant drywall.
What is the best backer board for a shower?
Cement board is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.
What goes first shower pan or walls?
Whether you choose to install tile or the panel walls, drywall always goes on top of the shower pan, after the pan is set into the floor. Both tile and shower walls perform the same function, they just do so with different types of materials.
Which wall do you tile first in a shower?
Always tile the back wall first in a shower/tub so that you can hide the grout joints on the sides.
Can you lay shower tray on floorboards?
When learning how to lay a shower tray on a wooden floor, you will need to mark the area where the tray will stand. Next, replace the floorboards within that area with a minimum of 18mm marine ply. You will need to ensure there is access to the waste pipes in the floor beside the tray.
Do you install backer board before shower pan?
It requires no mud job or waterproofing membrane, but it does require direct access to the studs of the shower. This will create a small lip at the bottom of the shower walls where tiles or an acrylic surround would bump out, leaving a gap. Therefore, the pan must be installed first.
Do you have to waterproof cement board in a shower?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it.
What is code for shower walls?
Shower Sizing Different municipalities may impose minimum shower sizes, but many stick to the California Building Code. For instance, according to the city of Berkeley, your shower needs to be at least 1,024 square inches, which is equivalent to a square space with 32-inch sides.
Should interior bathroom walls be insulated?
Many homeowners choose to insulate their interior walls to create a sound barrier between rooms. Though no insulation can completely soundproof a room, interior insulation can significantly reduce noise transfer. Additionally, interior insulation can increase the privacy of rooms like bathrooms.
Do you need a vapor barrier in bathroom?
Because of moisture, bathrooms are some of the primary areas of your home at risk of mold and mildew development. It is important to make sure that a proper vapor barrier (or vapor retarder) is installed on the walls in your bathroom whenever you’re building or remodeling.
How do you install a shower surround over existing tile?
How to Install a Shower Surround Over Existing Tiles Step 1: Remove Plumbing Fixtures. Step 2: Rough Up Tile Surface. Step 3: Cut and Install Apron-Trim Pieces. Step 4: Level Vertical Apron-Trim Piece. Step 5: Install Back Panel. Step 6: Apply Sealant and Position Panel. Step 7: Position Side Panel.
How hard is it to replace a tub surround?
The enclosure around a bathtub often gets more wear than the tub itself. It’s not uncommon to be faced with major wall repair long before the tub is ready for replacement. This can a pretty difficult job if you have ceramic tile walls, and installing a new system of tub surround panels is usually an easier solution.
