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Hi all,
I’m in the middle of an ensuite renovation and the shower walls are currently stripped back to the timber framing. At the base of one shower wall (where the studs meet the slab), there’s visible timber rot and moisture damage from the previous shower.
Before the walls are re-sheeted and waterproofed, I wanted to get some general advice:
- Is it acceptable practice to waterproof and tile over timber that shows rot or degradation at the base?
- In a situation like this, would you normally repair or replace the affected timber first?
- What’s generally considered a reasonable fix (e.g. treating and leaving it, sistering a new stud, partial replacement)?
I’m not looking to over-engineer things — just want to make sure the structure is sound before it gets sealed up permanently.
Thanks in advance for any insight.
Before you re-sheet and waterproof @Josh86, the key question is how compromised the timber actually is.
From your photos, it’s impossible to tell the extent of the decay, so you’ll need to assess it directly. I suggest using a sharp screwdriver or similar tool to probe the timber. If it crumbles, pulls apart, or feels soft and spongy, it’s structurally compromised and will need to be replaced. That would involve removing the affected timber and installing new timber in the same configuration, or at least cutting back to sections that are solid.
If the timber is mostly dry and still firm, with only surface or aesthetic damage, it may not need replacement. However, any punky or weakened timber should be removed and reconstructed before waterproofing and tiling. Doing this now is far better than leaving potentially rotten timber behind and risking future issues once the area is sealed. Ultimately, whether you treat, sister, or replace depends on the condition of the timber, and if you’re unsure, having a builder or carpenter inspect it is the safest approach.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
