The BEST way to WATERPROOF a Shower: Tile Coach Episode 21

[@lookfunjosephbob6857]

Ive been an installer for 20 plus yrs...ive been doin my showers this almost exact same way for the last 10 years about...fail proof....luv it...finally a non hack on you tube...and I'm so happy u didn't just point at everything like that hack from the other channel

[@LUckybones25]

I’m sure your customers appreciate that! Good job.

[@Dubyea]

Who’s this ha k you speak of

[@JohnSmith-fh1rx]

Thank you for being willing to teach us DIYers how to do things correctly. I have learned so much from you and each Reno will be better because of you! That says a lot about not only your skill set but desire to help others. God bless you!

[@tobesskins]

You should do a wedi flood test. I spent a few years researching it before I switched from PVC liner/deck mud. I could never trust thinset to be waterproof. And your videos have proven it to me.

[@Stiefelsriemen]

Great videos Isaac! I really enjoy watching them. Id still recommend to use a plastic trowel to smooth out the waterprooving cover to make sure never to accidently pierce through it. Best greetings, a fellow german mason

[@Upstateaerial]

Hey Isaac just want to pass a word of thank you along. Have been watching your and Sals videos for a few weeks now. I grew up doing masonry with my father but when it came to doing tile from my house I was still pretty intimidated by the task. I have to say that the process has been a lot better than I anticipated. Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge it has been more than appreciated

[@DB-gq7wv]

I have used the dense shield with the schlueter on the floor for yrs. I only use the tray as well. The key is to have minimal 1" subfloor. All seams in the shower are fibre taped and screw holes covered with cement. Schlueter membrane is brought 16" up walls. The dense shield also sits in top of tray, not beside. Never had an issue once.

[@reiter650]

Thank you!! This is exactly what I needed to see for my shower build! I didn’t trust setting tile over only kerdi membrane on the pan. Especially after watching your shower failure videos.

[@mauriceryton]

I am very impressed by your work and attention to detail. I think if a diy guy takes his time and pre-plans he could get the same results as you do with confidence that he/she has a waterproof seal.

[@teh60]

I like your new methods and ideas for waterproofing. Great job Isaac.

[@mattjudy4037]

Enjoy watching a fellow tile setter that knows what they are doing. You have great content in my opinion

[@hobson3724]

Nice Issac. I have been following your waterproofing method. Did exactly what you have done here. Flood tested 3 showers already. Good and solid. Thanks for sharing it Issac.

[@jrbay1]

Have you ever thought of drilling weep side holes in the Kedi drain pipe about the bottom level of the mortar bed, to let the mortar bed drain completely. Also when did modified become acceptable for Kerdi, ? It’s been along time since I’ve done a Keri shower but when I Did them 15 years ago Sculter said no modified because it would never dry out.

[@danddm3221]

Regarding the niche when it backs onto the drywall of an adjoining room. Do you ever put a piece of protective material, like sheet metal, against the drywall first? Sort of like a protective shield in case someone decides to drive a screw or nail from the other side of the wall.

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

Hi Isaac I just finished shower water proof by using Ardex 8+9 only, no kerdi sheet and flood test for one week no lead at all, actually it BOND very good to ABS plastic linear drain, I sand it to a rough surface before Ardex 8+9 over the abs plastic composite linear drain. Thanks again for the reply.

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

@@TileCoach Hi Isaac, I think the Ardex 8+9 bond even better if I use the MEK chemical liquid to brush it on the abs plastic flange , small amount, let melt for 30 second then apply Ardex 8+9 over it.

[@davefoc]

As an amateur that has built about 15 showers I really liked Isaac's precision and skill. I thought it was interesting that he went over the pan with the 8 + 9. Is that becoming standard? I thought the Kerdi was adequate but I've read several comments that Kerdi may not be as reliable as I thought. My only concern about this job was the curb. It's really thin and I worried about the strength of it. Maybe another video covers the installation of it. And finally, as an amateur, I never figured out how to keep my hands clean. It seems like that is a first level skill that all professionals have mastered but by the end of my 15th shower I still couldn't do it.

[@timotheus235]

Isaac, could you make a video or describe the 2" Kerdi board curb you created for this install? It's seems easy to create, but I'd like to make sure it's done correctly. Thanks!

[@jimhendrix7776]

can you push out too much mud? is it anything like drywalling where too little mud leads to bubbling?

[@kjsouthall252]

This is a great synthesis. It gives me some ideas of ways to do things better.

[@markbansemer1385]

Hello, great video! I am doing a shower install using Denshield wall board with Kerdi foam pan and curious about proper install method. Using these two materials seems like a cost effective method for do it yourselfers, might make for a great video. My questions are below: 1. What to install first? Wall board or pan? 2. How far should i run kerdi tape (or membrane) up denshield wall? I think kerdi wants 2” overlap on joint when using Kerdi wall board. 3. What other considerations for mating up these two different materials? Thanks!

[@johnhender]

I usually use a grout Trial to smooth out the Kerdi because I am afraid of the corner catching on the blade, but I probably use more pressure than most to get the membrane ad tight as possible I may round off a trail and try it this way

[@linuslittlefield2112]

John Henderson use a wood float...

[@shaneewertt4503]

Grout float Trowel

[@johnhender]

I would use some Kerdi-fix in the corners, but I always get the corner kits.

[@corybateman5423]

Thanks again for your time and efforts. What are your thoughts on using something like *red gard* instead of 8+9? I don't think Ardex sells it up here in Canada. I recently did a shower with the liquid latex after laying out the Schluter membrane and it withstood a water test of 48 hours.

[@Rlc420]

Pro tip on that schluter outside corner. Those things never wanna quite lay flat. I'll be cutting the tips from now on. 👍

[@jonahdavison]

I have a gutted shower right now, I purchased kerdi boards and all the fixings from floor and decor in Rocklin. Should I run my boards to the floor, then float my pan over them? Thanks in advance! I’m learning a lot from your videos! Thank you!

[@ericpayne3253]

Attending the Schluter 2 day class tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

[@jvander115]

Love your channel I’m building my own house and I bought the Kohler shower system with a bunch of heads and I want my shower to be perfect! So I have watched a lot of you videos👍👍 thanks for the lessons

[@Pw6872]

Issac: Regarding your niche install at 16:25: Didn't you tell us in a different video that KerdiFix wasn't good for sealing purposes (you say here that you used it to seal the inside seams of your niche)? Should you have used 100% silicone here?

[@cptcosmo]

I noticed you used Densheild Sheathing instead of Kerdi board. Is that compatible with the Schluter warranty?

[@BiblicalTamarPark]

I just did a similar build, but did used hydroban over mud for my pan (with kerdi drain) and denshield walls. Downside was waiting for the pan to cure before the hydroban could go on. But it worked great.

[@BiblicalTamarPark]

I might try this method next go around.

[@omidrezania7824]

You are the best tutor

[@CarlosPena_1]

Hi! Great videos. Quick question for my future DIY walking shower project. Would you rather use Kerdi or a Liner? and why?

[@cjlongtile]

I will try this on a shower I'm starting next week. Thanks.

[@johnhender]

it is a good product been using it over 10 years no problems no comebacks

[@rogerfilion6664]

I was wondering how to waterproof a plywood subfloor before installing a one piece marble base shower? Thank you

[@90davemx]

Your xmass presents must be wrapped perfectly

[@Rio9111]

Been watching your videos for a while! Thank you for awesome tips Isaac!

[@papbuca]

I am all for the mud bed and Kerdi, I think that A 8+9 over it is overkill but it certainly doesn't hurt. Cheers!

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

Thin set is not waterproofing you have to use Ardex 8+9 over everything

[@themilkman271]

@@JohnSmith-hl4bb The kerdi membrane is water proofed.

[@johnwhite2576]

KERDI membrane is NOT waterPROOF- it relies upon drying between showers !

[@tazwowe]

@@johnwhite2576 what?!?! Whats the point of it if its not waterproof?

[@Cruzer9090]

May I ask a question ? I have a concrete slab floor in my shower I have purchased an in floor heating mat. The manufacturer recommends some insulation between the concrete and the heating mat. Could you suggest the beat way to tackle this process and the layers / products that you would use? I have asked a great many ppl in the industry this very question and have yet to hear an educated answer. Thank you in advance

[@MdriscollIRR]

I’m installing a Kerdi tray. As a final step, should I cover it with kerdi membrane?

[@ABRmessengers]

Did they not make the kerdi corners 5 years ago??

[@unrealr33]

Great video! Do you need to seal with caulk first in the corner wall/wall and wall/floor joints, and then apply as you have shown or not worry about caulking?

[@zenitram100]

After the test you did on 8+9 and Hydroban cementitious what do you recommend to apply on top of the Kerdy membrane ?, I have 3 showers to do in my new construction house and I’m a little confused after watching all your tests , I’ve done most of the work in the house except plumbing,electric and HVAC ,I’m running out of time the plumber is scheduled in 3 weeks to install everything and I still don’t know what system to use , I have 5 rolls of Schluter membrane I had bought, I thought that was the way to go , so i didn’t do the pan liner or blocking in the framing , I also used some purple drywall mixed with durock , so I don’t think I should float them without the water proof paper ,which you don’t use anymore lol, now I’m looking at hydro ban liquid membrane but no one recommends it on top of the kerdy membrane pan I was planning to build , my hope is that you come out with a new video in the next couple days to show a new product you discovered to truly waterproof Schluter membrane hahaha, thanks for all the hard work you put into this channel, it gives people like me that never built a shower before ,a chance to do it the right way .

[@CHAWFAM]

Good Morning Isaac!! I just bought a place in Las Vegas and the bathrooms on the property needs to be remodeled. Would you have any recommendations on contractors in Las Vegas that you trust? I know nothing about construction and so I am afraid that we might be taken advantage of due to our lack of knowledge. I currently live in Sacramento now but will be moving out there in June.

[@suzannebonham583]

Is there any such thing as a pre-built shower pan like they have in Europe? (I mean - porcelain, not plastic)

[@Quantiples]

This video is old now. Do you still use the Kerdi system?

[@amattson6578]

Any thoughts on waterproofing a custom build niche with redguard or similar and use kerdi on the rest of wall? Kerdi'ing in a custom niche is so much overlapping.

[@brandibadger3036]

Hey Isaac, have you done vertical concrete over Kerdi before? any help would be much appreciated. I'm going to be doing shower walls that way.

[@LionHeartOG]

Has anyone else seen that after a little bit of time after flat troweling the kerdi mat down in Allset bubbling in the mat? I’ve pulled the mat and checked coverage troweled my ridges in the same direction can’t seem to figure it out. Found it the first time with penny tile on the second to last sheet at quitting time on a Monday. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@agentmuldermd]

I had water leaking into the crawlspace after a shower remodel (think a Redgard coat was used) from the exact spot pointed out in the video where he typically sees rot. A line of silicone caulk seemed to have fixed it for now. Any thoughts on what I would have to do to aside from removing the tile and redoing that section?

[@SuperSteven0808]

What a name of sealing on shower pan ? Thank you

[@travisk5589]

Hey tile coach. I am looking for suggestions on this tub shower that I am doing. The customer is worried about the cast iron tub leaking and running down to the ground and ruining the sub floor. I am trying to decide between cbu or plywood for the floor underlayment. I am also looking to possibly change up the waterproofing for the shower. I am thinking about giving 8+9 over some dens sheild a shot. What's your preferred method for tub surrounds?

[@carlosinzunza3618]

What did you put under the kerdi ?it looks like you started the video when you ate to install the membrane

[@joseluissicairos2392]

Hi my name is Jose from phoenix az. I like to watch your videos. I not do tile but I like see people. know what they doing things right. I do elect.ploming.etc.not tile but I will like one day. but do it the right way.my question is.what the right way for you seals a shower pan.i see the video with flex seal. I will like a answer from you.thank you.gad bless you.and people around you.

[@666cowboy69]

Hey man, i seem to have messed up, can someone break down what i did wrong and maybe if your so kind how to do this correctly,...im doing a ditra heat floor, the bathroom is very nonstandard, lots & lots of movement, i dont understand the difference between the uncoupling membrane mortar and floor tile mortar but figured the uncoupling mortar was ment to be mixed with the latex addative (i got both at lowes) to go under the ditra heat, the bottle of addative says improoves water resistance which confused me because its my understanding both unmodified mortars mentioned are waterproof when mixed with water but would likely crack and thats why i need the not waterproof but more flexible stuff under the heated membrane? Anyway i think i mixed the mortar too wet, i thought it would just take a little longer to dry but now that it has, i could rip the ditraheat membrane off the mortar with my fingers, the mortar is dry but weak and easily crumbles with my fingers, i can probably brush it all off the plywood subfloor with my hands....what happened? I know the ditraheat was pressed down properly, i checked. Im guessing i had to use the materials wrong? What did i do and how to do it correctly? I welcome links and being torn apart as a dumbass if you tell me how to fix, many thanks to you my friends. Friends, enjoy yourselves; its later than you think. -idk

[@chobo219]

Can you recommend a substitute for DensShield? I don't have it near me.

[@bennisim7949]

Hi. Do you not use pvc shower pan liner in your installs anymore? If not why? I live in Brooklyn NY. Thanks for your videos. I know enough now to ask installers if they up to bar you have set.

[@bennisim7949]

Hi so your morter bed is presloped and then you apply the water proof membrane? Thank you

[@dougjeter2951]

is Ardex 8+9 the same as laticrete hydro ban ?

[@nmlindon20]

How obout use grout trowel to pushing out thinset under membrane?

[@gardeningjunkie2267]

Will you be reviewing the KBRS tile basin shower at all? I am in the process of an installation with this product and am terrified but taking my chances praying that I'm not making a big mistake.

[@Rayram555]

This is an excellent video. I am about to install 1/2 inch Hardy backer on my shower walls. I am not going to float them with plaster. I will apply a topical liquid membrane then thin set with tile. What are your thoughts about a vapor barrier on my studs before Hardy board? Should I or not? I just need a field opinion on your experience about this. Thank You

[@kenchow8213]

If you're applying a topical liquid membrane on top of the hardie board, then you should not use a vapor barrier on my studs before hardie board. You don't want the hardie board sandwich between two water proof membranes/vapour barriers..

[@CheekyMonkey888]

use sill plate foam, comes in 6" rolls, rip to 2" strips and staple to wood stud edge, prevents migration of water through hardi and unto stud, but doesn't create a vapour trap of course apply liquid membrane to hardi

[@Casmige]

Why..... Can’t you corner-fold the Kerdi membrane like you would a regular PVC shower pan liner instead of cutting the corners?.

[@ragejed]

I think its because there is too much build up

[@constantinosschinas4503]

*using a non waterproof, non sealant for the overlaps (instead plain thinset) seems a pretty definite nogo. suprised you do it this way actually!*

[@richarddunnagan8984]

As a former GC I have torn ou t disgusting showers where thefloat was inside the waterproofing. Keep the waterproofing in front if any substrait.

[@chrisjolovich5477]

Isaac, do you think if you would have covered your Kerdi test box joints with Ardex 8+9, at least the exposed thinset, the joints would not have had any water migration? My other question is about using Ultraflex RS, how long should you let that cure before tile because of the polymer in the Ultraflex RS? Thanks for the videos man, they are great!

[@jesusramirez3413]

Why do you go up two inches on the walls instead of using the band and the corners

[@willhere8892]

So you install densshield, waterproof the corners and screw holes and then install metal lath and float the whole thing with fat mud??

[@shmerd1]

Why slice the inside corners? Wouldn't it be better to fold them?

[@ThaGodprintNation2024]

Tile coach, My family is relocating to the countryside in Texas and we are doing a tub/shower conversion. Can you send me a link that has the steps ordered from beginning to end? We are opting for pan liner on concrete foundation.Thx Appreciate the Grind u have within!

[@tomasmedina51]

What mortar did you use

[@SuperSteven0808]

Can I use redguard on Kerdi membrane ?

[@tduntkt]

Huge fan. Your following will increase exponentially following the purchase and use of a Lav Mic. Awesome work man! Thanks for your contributions.

[@legioni1354]

are most common liquid waterproofers compatible with the kerdi band or does it need to have some sort of special chemical?

[@synchrogrl18]

How does this compare to hot mopping the shower?

[@guillermorosales2895]

If you use kerdi membrane is ok use normal drywall?

[@christopherr7195]

does this mean you prefer this over tar pans?

[@Til468]

How is it ever good to waterproof the same day as wet thinset(glue).

[@tonyrodoracio3837]

Isaac, Why is the Schluter needed on the pan? Doesn't the Ardex waterproof the floor. It seams that the Ardex negates the need for the Schluter membrane. Great videos, Thanks!

[@marcopoulin1897]

Tony Rodoracio double protection as you dont know i guess

[@diybasics6270]

What's goin on Isaac, you do a great job, keep it up. I was wondering if you have a video on how to complete the tiling around the line drains, and how the final caps or covers are installed. Thanks Eddie

[@Tilethoughts]

Great video Issac....I have a new technique I'm working on for a seamless corners will share soon.

[@jonnymiskatonic]

If you're doing 8+9 over Kerdi like this, do you not have to do the kerdi corners? Or were those done off camera?

[@DouDouXiaoTangTang]

what type of mortar for tile on water prool mebrane ？

[@tuckerhoog9609]

What's the curb made of? Looks like sliced kerdi board

[@bennisim7949]

Hi. All else equal if denshield is substituted for cement board (durock) any additional steps to be taken in the walls? Thanks

[@davegordon6943]

Allot more screws, can't believe some people just have a screw every ten inches or so. I put screws every 4 inches around the edges and every 6 inches in the field. You're hanging concrete and heavy tile on the walls that you screwed on. But then again I like things to be strong

[@TheSavageBerzerker_Offical]

Do you still use DensShield? If so what do use to seal the seams?

[@TheSavageBerzerker_Offical]

Could you please give me sole advice

[@j3sports1]

what are your thoughts about fiberglass mat with two layers of resin?

[@JLT2342]

Issac - what type of cement board did you use for the walls?

[@adampimentel1516]

From what I can see, it's a product called denshield.

[@alandecker8912]

So there is a liner below the Kerdi?

[@TileCoach]

no

[@niarain]

Watched a few of your videos now and I'm wondering how alarmed I should be that I can see the PVC drain pipe right under the drain grill in my house...

[@Aepek]

Which would rather do, a pan & liner like this, or a curbless showers (which are my fav to install, & actually use at home😊). Lastly, after doing all your tests etc....would you do any of your old jobs any different? L8R ✌🏻

[@legacyturbo8485]

Best way of doing if is you put your inside outside corners in first then you kerdy waterproof on top.

[@orlandogalo5629]

can you link the mortar mix u use for shower pans because i went to home depot and there is to many to choose from

[@bigbob9702]

You mention a thinset in here (once!) but don’t list it. It’s not the schluter. What is it?? Thanks.

[@alexandervanvalin9522]

He says in the video it's ultraflex rs ( www.mapei.com/us/en-us/products-and-solutions/products/detail/ultraflex-rs ). @tilecoach, any concerns with this curing between the kerdi and the densshield (vs an unmodified thinset)?

[@hdwood76fxe]

Love your videos. File or grind the sharp corner tips on your trowel. Thanks so much. Hey, include likes to suppliers of some of the materials you use.

[@nickhickson8738]

Why not use wallpaper seam roller to iron out?

[@JDoe-hb7pc]

How come you didn't put the little rock around the drain? Isn't that necessary? I saw you talking about not blocking the "weep holes" thing... something about needing a channel drain for the water on a granite video... Thanks

[@MostlyPeacefulCombatVet]

This is a kerdi bonding flange drain. Not a standard locking collar drain. There are no weep holes. You do not do a pre slope with the kerdi drain. The top of the kerdi drain body bonds with the kerdi membrane to make a perfect waterproof seal.

[@JDoe-hb7pc]

@@MostlyPeacefulCombatVet Thank you so much!

[@legacyturbo8485]

In the new housing that I do we always kerdy the whole shower up to the ceiling it’s full proof.

[@martytruelove5026]

Yes sir,like shingling a roof,from bottom up..

[@anaheimstrangeanimal9790]

Excuse me Mr. tile coach but do you honestly think that that is better than Hotmop

[@MrPhillipBaxter]

Any reason for switching from the water through method? (deck mud over liner) are liner jobs failing? thanks for the video!

[@randelld4111]

@@TileCoach I've been researching a marble install and ran across this comment. I was leaning toward your Kerdi/Ardex method (which I like) until I read this. Have you considered making a video showing examples and discussing the reasons marble can turn dark and how to best prevent?

[@abl5516]

I love this set up. Definitely going in this direction on my next, up coming bath remodel. I’ll be doing a curbless (1st time) on plywood subfloor on this one. I can’t find a foam pan that works for my layout. So I expect to use deck mud transitioning to a 5’ line drain. What would you recommend I put under the deck mud since this system does not use a pvc liner? Should I use A 8+9, or just tar paper? I am looking to stay on top of the subfloor(maybe a small sectioned lowered to top of joists, under line drain, in order to prevent any undermining of framing integrity) Hope that paints a picture? Any feedback would be much appreciated. Your vids are a valuable resource. Thanks Isaac

[@abl5516]

Thank you IO, you’re a great coach!

[@abl5516]

Love the ingenuity!

[@bseant420]

Have you ever done a roman tub?