[lrriley]

We purchased a house and soon after there was a leak in the wall. The previous owners were flippers and didn't do the best work.

Fortunately, it only affected one wall on the shower. We have the same tile, grout, etc, to match.

Questions:
1. Vapor barrier or no? All I've read about the vapor barrier is that it's not needed if we use Redgard. And if I were to install vapor barrier on this wall, I'd have to cut holes in it for the piping, does that make it less effective?

2. Is there a Redgard alternative that comes in smaller quantities? All I see for Redgard seems like more quantity than I need.

Any help would be appreciated.

Here's a pic:

 

[mako1]

.Redgaurd is not a vapor barrier but a waterproofing membrane.You should apply 2-3 coats to the backerboard the tile will be set on.Have only seen it in gallons around here.
What type of a backer are you using for the tile?

 

[lrriley]

Sorry, I wasn't clear in my question. I know that Redgard is a membrane. If I use it on top of the cement board is that enough? Or do I need the vapor as well?

And I only see it in 1 gallon here as well. Just thought 1 gallon would be too much for this small wall. It's barely 3 x 6.

And I'm using Wonderboard Lite.

 

[JazMan]

Redgard is TOO a vapor barrier and a waterproofing membrane and also a crack prevention membrane.

A gallon doesn't go very far and even if they made it in qts. 2 qts would cost more than a gallon.

Jaz

 

[lrriley]

Thanks for clarifying! So in your opinion, should I do the vapor barrier (in this case a plastic sheeting) behind the Wonderboard and then the Redgard on top of the Wonderboard? Or is that overkill?

 

[JazMan]

NO NO NO! No plastic on the studs. You shouldn't do both. Apply 2 or even 3 coats on the Wonderboard, then the tiles. Be sure to use a latex/polymer modified thinset in powder form to set the tiles.

Jaz