How to fix shower waterproofing?

[tmarsh]

Hi,

We are having our bathroom renovated and having some issues.

1. Due to some errors in measurement, the screed needed to be cut back and now the end of the shower channel drain has been cut off and the floor has been waterproofed (see below). The renovator says he's going to tile glue it (he's coming tomorrow to explain exactly what that means) but I'm concerned if it's not waterproofed water will leak out into the bathroom.

2. The builder has put two small tears (5-10mm) in the waterproofing in the edge of the step into the shower (photo below). It will be under the shower screen. The renovator is saying he will patch this, but from what I've read patching isn't really possible.

Can anyone provide some advice on these two issues? We're spending a lot of money on this and concerned.

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @tmarsh,

I understand your concern when you are spending a considerable amount of money on the job and it doesn't quite look right, but I think it's important to understand that there are very often mistakes along the way in construction. The important thing is that they are rectified correctly. 

I can't say I'm sure what they mean when they say they'll "tile glue it". To me, the only real way to fix this issue would be to replace the damaged screed so there is a physical barrier at the end of the channel, which is then waterproofed over. It might be best to see what their solution is and report back to us.

With the damage to the waterproofing, a waterproof membrane should be one homogenous surface with no nicks or tears, but it is also usually applied in multiple layers. As long as the repair that is applied is much wider than just a tiny patch job, then it should be ok.

At this point, I would speak honestly with your trades people about your concerns and listen to the solution they provide. If you are concerned about their answer, please let us know and we can offer further advice.

Jacob

[tmarsh]

Hi Jacob,

Thanks for your reply. I talked to the waterproofer today and asked for more information. He said they were just going to fill in the end of the channel drain with tile adhesive and attach tiles to it. I asked whether water would run through that and said it would but it didn't matter because he was waterproofing the floor outside the shower area. This sounds extremely wrong to me. I have engaged a building inspector to do a waterproofing inspection, so I'll see what they say.

Thanks, Toby

[JacobZ]

Hi Toby (@tmarsh),

I would agree that that doesn't sound right. Even if the waterproofing extends out past the shower's edge, you don't want water running out of your shower onto the floor, even if it won't cause significant damage. It sounds like they are trying to take the easy way out instead of tearing up the screed and doing it properly.

Engaging an independent building inspector seems like the best way to go. 

Keep us in the loop. We'd be happy to offer basic guidance and an extra opinion if required.

Jacob