Tile or fiberglass shower?

Proby · 07-25-2010, 04:00 PM

I am re-doing my shower area because it was done wrong (sheetrock back, mastic holding tile on) and water is leaking thru. I plan on installing a 60X30 Kohler cast iron receptor where the tub was and redoing just the walls in the shower. The rest of the bathroom floor and wall tile will stay the way they are.

Originally I was planning on installing tile, but now I am wondering about going with fiberglass (or any other type of similar paneling). Will it lower the value of my home like some people say? I have a window in the shower so I guess that would make it a problem, huh?

Opinions?

**oh'mike** · 07-25-2010, 05:32 PM

With a window in the shower you are out of luck on the fiberglass surround.

Looks like tile or a solid surface is about your only choice.

Proby · 07-25-2010, 05:33 PM

Alright, that was easy, tile it is!

Do you have any tips for sealing around the window when putting up the cement board? If it were for the nice light that comes in and brightens up the hallway, I would just go right over the window and forget it was ever there

Bud Cline · 07-25-2010, 05:46 PM

Is this window a wood frame product?

**oh'mike** · 07-25-2010, 05:52 PM

If the budget exists to change the window to vinyl -that helps---(no paint or wood to go bad)

The best paint on waterproofing on the market is HydroBan by Latacrete---You will be able to seal the window area with that---tough paint on rubber---It is used to waterproof fountains and pools.

Then wrap the window opening with tile. That rubber waterproofing is the key.

$110 a gallon around here --one gallon is about right for the shower you have described.

I am sure that there are other ways to waterproof the window and walls--with every thing there are at least two right ways of doing anything.

Maybe another soul will step in and speak up.---Mike---

Proby · 07-25-2010, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud Cline

Is this window a wood frame product?

No, it was originally metal framed but it is now a vinyl replacement window.

Proby · 07-25-2010, 06:00 PM

So mike, that gallon of HydroBan would just be painted on the cement board around the entire window? When you say the gallon would be enough, did you mean just the window or the entire shower area?

IMO, $110 isn't bad for insurance.

Bud Cline · 07-25-2010, 06:14 PM

Hydro Ban is a good product but in this case not necessary. RedGard from Home Depot will do the same thing for about $40 per gallon. One gallon will easily work for the window and all the shower wall joints.

Proby · 07-25-2010, 06:24 PM

So basically I just box the window in with cement board, I'll need about 4" strips on the window sill and all around. Then apply the sealant (whether it be HydroBan or Redgard)? The sealant will span the gaps on the corners around the window and where the boards butt up to each other?

**oh'mike** · 07-25-2010, 06:26 PM

Bud is right one gallon should do the job---I've never used RedGuard I'll give it a try soon I suppose.

The HydroBan has never let me down so I trust it.--There is good distribution in this area--may not be thee case near you---It bonds to just about any thing and is very stretchy--a forgiving product.--Mike--

Edit--use thinset to fill voids--go to their web site--good video

Bud Cline · 07-25-2010, 06:29 PM

You would first caulk any gaps that turn up then apply the liquid waterproofing. HydroBan will bridge a small gap but so will RedGard under the right conditions. If you caulk the gap first and allow it to dry some then you can paint over it without any worries.