We have a 72 inch tub in our main washroom. House was built in 1972 so the tiled step that was used to step up into the tub had a bunch of broken/severed tiles, so we decided we'd fix it. The problem is, we don't exactly know what we're looking to do, yet.
The shower has never had a curtain or a shower door, so we never used it for the shower, we only took baths there (not to mention the showerhead was installed 4 feet off the wall for some reason). The lack of a door or curtain is probably what severed the tiles around the tub.
We started demo-ing and this is what's left. The tub is big, no doubt. But even if we downsize, we still wouldn't have a back support to put a shower door (since it would need something to be fastened to). We were thinking of making a cabinet for towels etc. in the left corner which would double as a support for a shower door.
What would you guys do? We're open to all suggestions. We demolished before thinking this through. We just don't wanna renovate the entire washroom because we just don't have the money for that. We're thinking the bidet will be removed also to add some leg room.
How do make the tape does'tget dragged when I pass over with my knife, even after embedding it into the thinset I'vejust smeared. And with a 6" putty knife how to do the inside and outside corners?
I'm just really stuck on whether to apply the RedGard. I didn't think it would be that expensive and this is a make-shift job in my opinion so I don't wanna pump much more money into it, especially considering I still need to but the tiles.
Maybe I should take a walk next door and knock out some tiles for the good of everyone here to see what has happened in 9 years without any water proofing.
The wrecking ball comes tomorrow so this would be my last chance to investigate.
I was surprised at what you must pay for the Red Guard---
The most critical area is the window---the area below it and the plumbing wall---
There are a number of good paint on waterproofing membranes--have you called around to see if your local stores offer something at a more reasonable price?
As mentioned, the window for sure, but not just a membrane. I can't see the detail of how the side and bottom of the window interface with the wall. I'd like you to use a fabric membrane, but Redgard or a similar product will work too if done right. And as Mike said the areas below the window and I'l add the wet wall too. For the window, the first line of defense and the only thing you'l see, will be a good bead of chalk. Of course any wide crack will need to be chalked in addition to the Redgard.
Just remember; to make it waterproof before any tiles are installed.
I recommend you buy just one gallon and after filling all the cracks, go ahead and apply min. 2 coats around the window areas and then do what you can. Don't even bother with the end wall apposite the wet wall.
Mike said:
I was surprised at what you must pay for the Red Guard---
Jaz, there are a lot of new products on the market--I have a bad habit of sticking with what I know---Hydroban is what I use most often--and Dang, it has gotten expensive--
I just don't know the new ones like, Aqua Defense--
There are a number of good paint on waterproofing membranes--have you called around to see if your local stores offer something at a more reasonable price?
HD Canada only has one alternative for a waterproofing and crack prevention membrane but the rep said it requires three coats, and it's not much cheaper anyways.
Another Quebec-based home improvement store has these options:
I just realized the CBU is raised out past the window jamb on the bottom of the window and as it goes higher up the window it falls behind the jamb. This is what I meant by a make-shift job. I stink. :thumbdown:
Thanks for the pics pugsy. I'll give it some thought.
The window area is the weak link if that shower---and needs to be waterproofed--
I can't tell from the pictures,but the wood jambs could cause you trouble in the future--can they be removed and replaced with backer board?
A tile guy I have respect for uses Aqua Defense---so it must be good--Mapei makes some good stuff---but that is also expensive----it is your insurance--so ???
I don't know why that window is so low, sitting right on the framing, looks like. You need to install concrete backer on the sill and jamb. Can't tile right on lumber. Make sure you put a slight slope on the sill.
The plane of the wall under the window looked odd in an earlier pic. I made a comment about making things flush. Look at 4th pic in post #240, then my comment in #252.
Normally the window would be spaced up off the 2x4 to allow for insulation and to gain enough height for ½" board plus tiles. As it is now looks like by the time you add the backer and tiles it's gonna be kinda high relative to the window. Maybe not though since I have nothing to relate to.
Always good to add more pics, some closeups and some from a little further back to reference. The sill and jambs areas, the ones we're discussing now will do.
Have you placed a straight edge on the wall esp. in those areas lately?
The CBU is relatively straight, it's just that where it meets the bottom of the window, its much further out than on top of the window (which is lower than the wood). And the right side if the window (vertically speaking) isn't plum:
It's not too late to lose that window. I just for the life of me cannot get my head around the window in a shower.
The bottom sill where it meets the glass cannot have any thickness added to the height of it or you will have no where to run a bead of silicone. That's why I mentioned a stainless steel skin/flashing from where it would touch the window at the bottom, come out and then bend a small rim down overlapping the new tiles. This could be done all the way around.
Otherwise, it looks as though some wood needs to come out to get cement board and tiles in there without it being too high and leaving a real slime collecting zone which would inevitably leak.
Pugsy, someone told me that window-in-the-washroom deal was to circumvent having to install an exhaust fan. Also, likd I mentionned, this was originally a deck mount tub, and the showerhead was a mere 3 feet off the ground. It was intended to be used solely as a tub, imo.
When I came home and found my window In the bathtub, I filled the hole, sided the outside of the house and added a ceiling fan. No question of what to do, for me, that is.
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