Tank my shower...or not?

j1985_2

Hi All, i hope someone can help.

Over the next few weeks i am going to be fitting a new bathroom which includes a shower unit and i will be tiling within the shower only. Someone mentioned to me that i need to tank the area before i tile the wall? Is this true or will waterproof adhesive be ok on it's own?

Many thanks

cddc

Waterproof adhesive is ok but tanking is undoubtably better. If I were you I would tank it.

sunshinetours

Tank it for a proper job

j1985_2

Thank you. I guess paying out £50 on a tanking kit is a lot better than having to re do everything if there was an issue.

andyhop

cddc wrote: »

Waterproof adhesive is ok but tanking is undoubtably better. If I were you I would tank it.

No adhesive is water proof, Same with grout

Homelux membrane £50 a roll, enough for a bath/shower

tpt

as andyhop says no adhesive\grout will stop water passing through it, waterproof means it just doesn't breakdown when it comes into contact with water.

Tanking it is well worth the trouble. if you have a shower tray, fit that first and tank down to and slightly over it. then fit your tiles, grout and slicone between the tile and the tray and in the corners.

Tanking is available in liquid\kit form (special tape for corners and joins then roller it on) or sheet form. Sheet is the best for traders as you dont have to wait for it to dry but most of our diy customers get on better with a kit\liquid one.

what surface are you tiling\tanking over?

j1985_2

Hi,

thank you for your posts - i am learning so much already.

My husband and i fit the tray in place last weekend and are hoping to tank the area tomorrow after everyone's advice. I would prefer to be safe rather than sorry.

What tanking kits would you recommend. I dont want to cut corners but we are on a budget as we are renovating the house so hopefully they aren't too costly.

The walls were in such a state after we took the 2 layers of tiles off that we had to have them bonded and plastered - which was around about 10 days ago so hopefully it is completely dry (it look like it is anyway). So we will be tanking and tiling on freshly plastered walls.

We were going to use pre-mixed tubbed waterproof adhesive for the tiles but have been told that it will take a long time to dry??! Is this true? What is the best adhesive to use for the tiles?

Many thanks

tpt

diy wise we sell a lot of these and had had good results. http://www.tradepricetiles.co.uk/adhesives-grouts/tanking-waterproofing/shower-tight-tanking-kit.html
I'm not suggesting you buy from us as the postage will probably elevate the cost too much

use one from a trade manufacturer like granfix, palace or bal. the quality is far higher than the diy own brands such as unibond etc.

Tile adhesive wise - it depends on the type of tile and the size. can you tell me the size and material (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone etc).

Ready mix adhesive should be fine (again dont use diy ones use bal or granfix IMO) as long as the tile isnt larger than 300x300mm.

grout wise, use a powder every time.

dlspttr

Tank it and save yourself the bother of re-tiling due to water seepage months/years down the line.