Should I Kerdi or not?

BigMan926

Hi everyone. I'm a reasonably experienced weekend warrior and have tackled many home improvement / renovation projects but I'm new to these forums and I have a question. I'm upgrading a very old master ensuite and I've recently installed and drywalled a new larger tub where an old smaller used to be. Before I tackle the tiling around the shower I was wondering if it's a MUST DO to install waterproofing membrane (ie. Kerdi) before I tile?

Thanks for your input.

secutanudu

It's not a MUST DO...I think it's more important for showers with a tiled floor...

That being said, the stuff is pretty awesome when applied correctly. Make sure you use unmodified thinset (no latex) additive if you use kerdi, I believe on both sides of the membrane. And soak the wall with water before you do it (though this is more important for concrete board).

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Andrew

Termite

If you drywalled a wet area then I would consider Kerdi a must do. If you used cement backerboard then I'd say it is an option, but some sort of waterproofing layer between the board and the tile is a must. Redguard is a cheaper option, but not on drywall. Drywall under tile in wet areas is a code violation in many, many areas nowadays, for good reason. Kerdi can be applied over drywall and will render it as waterproof as a frog's butt. Without Kerdi your only option is removal of the drywall and re-hanging the wall with wonderboard/durarock, then application of Redguard or similar paint-on waterproofer.

If you hang tile straight to drywall in a shower/tub area, you're guaranteed to have to re-do the job within a few years. Not to mention the moisture in the wall.

secutanudu

Yeah, I agree with thekctermite. I wasnt thinking about it not being concrete board...

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Andrew

BigMan926

Thanks for all your feedback...I'm convinced...Kerdi is a MUST do.