I recently gutted my bathroom down to the studs and subfloor after discovering mushrooms and black mold. Thankfully, the structure is fine, but now I want to ensure everything is waterproofed. I'm considering using Kerdi board for the walls and ceiling throughout the bathroom, but I'm wondering if there are reasons beyond just cost for not doing that. Should I just go full Kirdi board everywhere, or is there a better mix with drywall for certain areas?
2 Answers
I totally understand your concerns after discovering the previous water damage! If you think you've fixed the leaks, then using Kerdi everywhere could work for you. Just remember that while Kerdi can help manage moisture, keeping an eye on potential leaks with smart water detectors is an excellent idea to prevent future issues.
Since you've stripped everything down, you can absolutely use Kerdi board directly over the studs for the walls and ceiling. There's really no need to put it over drywall - just make sure you handle the flooring separately. I'd recommend using plywood sealed with a waterproof coating, then cement backer board on top. This setup will provide a sturdier base for tiling without causing issues down the line.
For the flooring, you might want to look into using Schluter Ditra; it's perfect for a waterproof solution if you're going all-Kerdi in the rest of the bathroom.
Using the Ditra heat membrane for your floor sounds like a great call! Make sure to sand down that oak flooring to remove any finishes before putting down the Ditra.
Yeah, it's crucial to catch any leaks early. It might save you a lot of trouble later if something goes wrong.