I recently returned home to find that the contractor I hired for a bathroom remodel has partially tiled my shower, but he didn't waterproof the walls as expected. The niche is made of Durock, which is completely bare and lacks any waterproofing. The far wall seems to be DensShield, which should be fine if properly sealed. However, the contractor insists that the Durock is waterproof and claims that's the only place he used it. I'm concerned because I've noticed that the Durock extends across the entire wall, and I can't even check one wall because it's already tiled. I'm wondering about my next steps. Is it necessary to halt everything and redo the tile with proper waterproofing? Or am I okay to proceed if he ensures the tile is sealed properly? I thought waterproofing was standard for shower installations. What should I ask to make sure the floor and curb are also waterproofed correctly?
3 Answers
You may want to push for a written statement from him regarding what was done, just in case issues arise later. If waterproofing is mentioned in your contract, he should be held responsible for correcting the installation. If not, you'd likely have to bear the costs yourself to get it done right.
The main concern is that Durock is not waterproof – it’s water-resistant, meaning it can handle some moisture, but it’s still porous. Without proper waterproofing behind the tile, you're at risk for leaks down the line, leading to mold and structural damage. I'd insist he redo it if the contract specifies waterproofing; if he refuses, that could be grounds to terminate your contract and seek legal recourse.
Exactly! Waterproofing is a non-negotiable in shower installations, and it’s not reasonable for him to skip it just because it's not specifically listed in your contract.
Honestly, if he's willing to mislead you about the materials used, you should reconsider letting him continue with the project. It's crucial for the contractor to be trustworthy, especially with something as sensitive as waterproofing.
Good point! Keeping a record is essential for protection, especially if it turns into a bigger issue later.