shower-proofing the bathroom
July 22, 2017 2:46 PM
So we've got this shiny new bathroom. The walls are drywall painted with Miller satin-finish acrylic paint (or they will be after we finish painting them). We got a free unused showerhead extender, which I think is super-neat. But it means the showerhead is higher than the walls of the shower/tub. Is there some sort of material I should put on the walls to protect them from splashback?
Bonus question: Got any tips on bathroom cleaning & maintenance?
Bonus question: Got any tips on bathroom cleaning & maintenance?
They tended to use the cheapest materials in many cases, does waterproof drywall comes standard in new construction?
I'll ask about that on Monday, but if it turns out it's not waterproof drywall, what sort of material should I put on the walls to protect them from splashback?
posted by aniola at 3:04 PM on July 22, 2017
I'll ask about that on Monday, but if it turns out it's not waterproof drywall, what sort of material should I put on the walls to protect them from splashback?
posted by aniola at 3:04 PM on July 22, 2017
You can tile all the way to the ceiling in matching tile.
posted by fshgrl at 4:40 PM on July 22, 2017
posted by fshgrl at 4:40 PM on July 22, 2017
You can tile all the way to the ceiling in matching tile
But preferably not over that cheap drywall.
posted by humboldt32 at 4:48 PM on July 22, 2017
But preferably not over that cheap drywall.
posted by humboldt32 at 4:48 PM on July 22, 2017
As I understand it, tile is not waterproof (or rather, the grout isn't). Tile over drywall can still result in water reaching (and ruining) the drywall if you don't waterproof underneath the tile.
If "waterproof" drywall means the green drywall, that isn't waterpoof; it's water resistant. And it's no good under tile that will get wet, either. I don't think any drywall is waterproof. Cement board, often used in shower wall construction, is waterproof, in the sense that water doesn't degrade it, but water still can pass through it. (Example discussion of random internet people mostly agreeing on this.) My understanding is that to truly waterproof a shower wall you need to apply a waterproof membrane over it and under any tile.
But you won't have water running down this part of the wall, right? Just some splashes? And the condensation that happens above most any shower? A good coat of paint would be enough for me (disclaimer: nowhere near an expert and don't care for perfection if I'm unlikely to experience any difference). I'd be very careful about caulking well at the interface with the shower walls to make sure that water won't seep in there and ideally that none will pool there. That interface is the most likely place for any issues, I think.
posted by whatnotever at 9:25 PM on July 22, 2017
If "waterproof" drywall means the green drywall, that isn't waterpoof; it's water resistant. And it's no good under tile that will get wet, either. I don't think any drywall is waterproof. Cement board, often used in shower wall construction, is waterproof, in the sense that water doesn't degrade it, but water still can pass through it. (Example discussion of random internet people mostly agreeing on this.) My understanding is that to truly waterproof a shower wall you need to apply a waterproof membrane over it and under any tile.
But you won't have water running down this part of the wall, right? Just some splashes? And the condensation that happens above most any shower? A good coat of paint would be enough for me (disclaimer: nowhere near an expert and don't care for perfection if I'm unlikely to experience any difference). I'd be very careful about caulking well at the interface with the shower walls to make sure that water won't seep in there and ideally that none will pool there. That interface is the most likely place for any issues, I think.
posted by whatnotever at 9:25 PM on July 22, 2017
Maybe reconsider your paint choice. There is special water resistant, mold-inhibiting paint for use in bathrooms that I'd definitely be using, if I were you.
posted by lollusc at 9:43 PM on July 22, 2017
posted by lollusc at 9:43 PM on July 22, 2017
I don't know what the rules are where you are, which makes it tricky. Here in
NZ that area would have to be in waterproof drywall or cement board, and posters above are right in reminding you that tiles should never be considered waterproof. A tiled shower should use a waterproof membrane over cement board by a licenced membrane installer. But this isn't really a shower lining, you're only trying to protect against the odd drop and condensation.
Caulking (good quality silicone, not painting caulk) at the join is the most important thing, as mentioned above,
posted by tillsbury at 11:49 PM on July 22, 2017
NZ that area would have to be in waterproof drywall or cement board, and posters above are right in reminding you that tiles should never be considered waterproof. A tiled shower should use a waterproof membrane over cement board by a licenced membrane installer. But this isn't really a shower lining, you're only trying to protect against the odd drop and condensation.
Caulking (good quality silicone, not painting caulk) at the join is the most important thing, as mentioned above,
posted by tillsbury at 11:49 PM on July 22, 2017
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by tillsbury at 3:00 PM on July 22, 2017