Converting Bathtub To Shower - What Mistakes Homeowners Must Avoid

When homeowners attempt to convert bathtub to shower, they must know they are embarking on a tricky project and therefore must guard themselves from some grave mistakes that will lead to expensive consequences in the long run. Here is a discussion on how to avoid the most common bathroom upgrade mistakes.

Shower pan construction

The most common mistake that is often detrimental happens while the shower pan is constructed. In most cases, the builders do not ask the framers to install a 2 X 10 inches wood blocking in between the studs found in the shower pan area. As per the rule, the vinyl shower pan liner must not keep flopping between the wall studs.

While installing the two stage drain set up and the vinyl pan liner, the plumbers often make the mistake of either not insisting the builder to install the wood blocking need for the pan liner or directly installing the pan liner over the subfloor. If the shower pan is constructed in this method, it is necessary to pre-slope the subfloor before installing the vinyl pan liner. Failing to do so will result in the shower pan retaining the water.

Mistakes done during tile setting

Many tile setters overlook the mishaps that happened due to the builders and plumbers. Tile setters install the wall board they feel they are comfortable with. Over the vinyl liner, they float a sloped mud set pan to achieve a positive drainage in the finished shower floor. Before setting the tiles, most people do not install the necessary waterproofing measures.

Some bathroom tile setters are seen puncturing the liner is some crucial areas on and below the curb line inside the shower pan when they fasten the wall board. It is also important to provide a bed of pea gravel around the drain in the mud set. Most bathroom remodel projects neglect this step.

The importance of waterproofing the shower

Due to one or many of the above discussed mistakes, the standing water has to get trapped in the shower pan below the tile level. The grout and floor tile will apparently look like drying in 24 hours. However, if the shower was not constructed properly, the deck mud found beneath the shower floor will never dry. As a result, the moisture will start seeping into the walls behind the tile causing mold lines to form in the areas of wall to floor transition, curbs and the recessed niches.

Some of the harmful results of moisture trapped include efflorescence and breeding of mold, insects, carpenter ants and termites which all can work to cause a severe damage to your house. Once they grow to alarming proportions, it is very expensive to exterminate them.

Proven shower waterproofing measures

Today, we have access to some great waterproofing measures. Complete shower systems available in the market today come with a drain solution. Alternatively, you can also find some roll on products available to address the issue in other situations. Complete shower systems can assure the highest levels of waterproof and moisture proof.