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How to prepare shower wall for waterproofing?

Hello,

I need to waterproof my shower. I have removed the tiles but being double brick I couldn’t just cut out the plasterboard and start again so the wall still has some tile remnants. Wondering what I do from here. Can I get screed applied over this to smooth out wall to then paint on the membrane or do I need to get every last remnant of tile off first? These tiles have been hard work to remove even with a hammer drill. I will let the wall dry out completely before doing anything. Thanks

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MitchellMc

Hi @crisis,

I'd suggest that you'd likely need to consider sheeting the wall with Villaboard to get a surface suitable for waterproofing and tiling. Are you planning on waterproofing and tiling yourself? If not, I'd recommend you speak with professionals in those trades to understand their requirements before they complete the work.

Note that the waterproofing needs to be done around the bath and on the flat tiled surface on the left. I would think that the tub really needs to come out to waterproof and tile the walls.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

crisis

So, I got in some professionals to grind off the remaining tile and level the wall with render. I was expecting a smooth, level surface layer but they have just filled in the divets in the original render. Is this surface suitable for a Waterproofer to come in and prime and waterproof as is?

MitchellMc

Hi @crisis,

It would really come down to the licensed waterproofer who is going to be signing off on the work. They are the one who must guarantee the membrane, so they need to be confident that the substrate is suitable. In most cases, waterproofers prefer a smooth and consistent surface, such as Villaboard or a freshly rendered wall that has been brought back to a true plane. A wall that still has texture and variations can sometimes make it harder for them to achieve the correct film thickness and bond.

That said, some waterproofers are perfectly comfortable waterproofing over a surface like yours, provided the render is sound, stable and properly primed. Others will insist on the wall being fully skim rendered or sheeted before they will touch it. The safest step is to have the waterproofer inspect the wall and make the call, because they are the one who must stand behind the quality and longevity of the membrane.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

crisis

Thank you. This is good advice. I got them to come back and do a complete skim coat

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