Sheet membranes, liquid membranes and foam board systems compared for how they work, how they are installed and where they fail.
A tile shower is only as dry as the system behind the tile. Sheet membranes are rolls of waterproof fabric adhered to the wall or floor with mortar, with taped or overlapped seams, and they have consistent thickness. Liquid membranes are rolled or troweled on in coats and cure to a waterproof film, which conforms to corners and odd shapes but must reach the right thickness. Foam board systems use waterproof boards and trays with sealed joints, are lightweight and quick to build and often include preformed corners, niches and benches.
Each method works when installed as the maker directs. Problems usually come from skipped steps: unsealed corners, missed penetrations, thin liquid coats, wrong mortar or not allowing cure time. A flood test of the pan before tile finds leaks early. Cement board and drywall are not waterproof on their own, and standard paint is no substitute for a membrane. In Nashville, we choose the system that suits the shower shape, schedule and tile plan, and we photograph the waterproofing before tile so you can see exactly what is behind your walls.
Consistent thickness with taped seams.
Conforms to corners, needs full thickness.
Lightweight with sealed joints.
Finds pan leaks before tile.
Corners and drains are the weak points.
Each layer needs time before tile.
Shower WaterproofingComplete waterproofing systems for shower floors, walls, niches, benches and curbs, built before any tile goes on.Explore 
Curb and Threshold RepairRepair cracked, crumbling, leaning or leaking shower curbs and thresholds, restoring slope and a clean glass seal.Explore 
Water-Damaged Wall and Subfloor RepairReplace soft, stained or rotted wall board, framing and subfloor around showers and tubs, then rebuild with waterproof…Explore Check problems, pick a door or ballpark a budget.
Shower Problem Checker: What Is Wrong?Pick what you see in a shower, tub or ceiling to get likely causes, what to do first and the service page that fits.Try it 
Shower Door Style PickerAnswer a few questions about your opening, budget and style to see which shower door type usually fits best.Try it 
Shower Remodel Budget PlannerPick a shower, tub or bath job, set the quantity and add extras to see a ballpark planning range for your project.Try it It resists water damage but is not a waterproof barrier. A membrane is added for waterproofing.
Sheet, liquid and foam systems all work when installed correctly. The choice depends on the shower shape and plan.
It finds leaks while walls are open, when a repair is simple and inexpensive.
Topic guideShower Types and MaterialsTile, acrylic, fiberglass and solid-surface showers compared for cost, upkeep, durability, look and installation time.Learn more 
Topic guideShower Pan and Base TypesPreformed acrylic bases, foam trays, mortar pans and curbless systems compared for strength, slope, drain options and installation.Learn more 
Topic guideShower Tile MaterialsPorcelain, ceramic, natural stone, glass and large-format slabs compared for grip, upkeep, durability and style.Learn more 
Topic guideShower Door TypesFrameless, semi-frameless, framed, sliding, pivot and fixed-panel doors compared for look, cost, fit and water control.Learn more Call us and describe your project. We will measure, inspect and give you a clear written estimate.
