How to Install Waterproof Membrane In Shower

2. Level the Walls and Floor

If possible, you can apply a thin layer of mortar to the shower area and walls. You also need to utilize a waterproofing substrate that is designed for showers. Simply make sure that the substrate is being applied sloping downward the drainpipe to prevent water from settling.

3. Apply the Membrane to the Shower Area

If possible, try to measure the perimeter of the shower. After determining the area, you can now roll out the membrane. Membranes are generally marked with lines having six-inch intervals. This can be used as guidelines and not accurate measurements. Thus, you need to cut the membrane based on your calculations using scissors or utility knife.

Manufacturers advise the use of prefabricated shower base. But if you can’t find one, just try to incise the corners using a single cut pattern. Leftovers will eventually each other along the corners. So you need to install the membrane upon the shower base and try to press firmly in the corners. Then, you need to cut a hole along the drain.

You need to withdraw the membrane and apply adhesives to it. This should be fitted to the shower area so that it will bond tightly on the flooring. Just take good care of the drain and the corners.

4. Apply the Membrane to the Walls

Try to follow the steps from the top, measure the membrane and stick the membrane to the walls. If ever the area that needs waterproofing is larger than the membrane sheet, it is essential that you seem sheets together. An overlap must be left to overlap at around three inches. A hot-air gun can be used to flatten the seams and improve its effectiveness. Copper nails can also be used to fix the edge on top.

5. Test and Apply the Shower Pan

Clean the work area after you have installed the membrane. Thus, you can check the shower area if leaks exist. You need to get the shower floor filled with water and mark the top edge with marker. If you observe a decrease in water the following day, you need to remove the water and you have to apply another three-inch membrane around the seams. After doing so, try to apply adhesive to the floor and install the shower pan in place. For best results, you have to leave it to dry overnight. After getting it right, remember to tile the area being covered with membrane.