Hey everyone! I recently hired a contractor to remodel my bathroom, but I'm feeling a bit anxious about how things are going. I'm not very experienced with bathroom renovations—most of what I know comes from YouTube and Reddit. I've noticed some things in the work being done that don't seem right to me, particularly with the waterproofing. In the pictures I shared, I don't see any hardy board or Schluter. I asked the contractor about the waterproofing method they're using, and they mentioned that it's all taken care of, but I can see staples and nails going through the membrane, including in the shower niche. Since we had some water damage and mold issues last year, I'm really on edge about this whole process. I'd appreciate any insights or advice you can offer. Thanks a lot!
2 Answers
What you’re seeing looks like a traditional wire lath shower setup. That black material is felt paper, which acts as a waterproofing layer. If your contractor knows what they're doing, they’ll apply cementitious material over the lath to create a flat surface, similar to using HardieBacker board. This method has been around for a while and can actually yield better results than some modern methods when done right. Just keep in mind it requires a high skill level, so that’s something to ensure your contractor possesses. Good luck with your remodel!
Is that chicken wire I see in your pictures? If so, it’s classic but requires a lot of skill to nail down correctly. Have you talked to your contractor about how they're sealing those staples and nails? Those points could be vulnerable if not properly managed, especially with your previous water damage issue. Make sure they’re giving extra attention to waterproofing those areas.