Homeowners- Don't Skip These Four Important Expert Prep Steps During Your Shower Remodel!

Dear Homeowner,

Congratulations, you've decided to DIY your shower! It felt great to tear that old 1980's tile and wallboard out didn't it? And you rocked that demolition in no time right? Perfect-you're doing great and I know you're super excited to see your beautiful new tile adorning those walls. I know you're busy with your job and family but just for a minute, can you STOP, grab a cup of coffee and read this? You and your family will be glad you did.

As a long time master craftsman and founder of Spirit Building Group Fort Myers, I urge you not to underestimate the value of good quality prep work behind the tile. Failing to do so will cost you more time, money and may jeopardize your health in the long run when the tiles crack or fall out, water seeps in and black mold grows inside the walls.

Yes, it takes more time to do this prep work. Yes, it costs more for the materials. Yes, your time and added expense will pay off in the form of a solid, beautiful and hygienic shower for years to come. If someone told you construction is fast and cheap one of two things has likely happened. 1- They don't know how to do quality work or

2- They lied!

Here are your four expert prep tips for a successful shower remodel:

1- Tape cement backer board joints. Using a specialized fiberglass mesh tape here adds strength to the joints and helps prevent movement, cracks and water infiltration. You can see the tape lines horizontally and vertically underneath the waterproof membrane in the photo below.

2- Apply a waterproof membrane. A waterproof membrane acts as a seamless crack isolation barrier. Applying a waterproof membrane, like Redguard, to the entire area prevents water seepage behind the walls and prevents mold growth. At Spirit Building Group, we apply at least two coats as a standard practice.

Shower with properly taped backer board joints and waterproof membrane.

3- Spread thinset adhesive mortar evenly. Spreading the thinset evenly and completely behind the tile ensures they will adhere well without any hollow spots. Hollow spots lead to cracked tiles which then lead to water infiltration and, subsequently, mold!

Do This: Apply thinset adhesive mortar evenly and completely behind the tile over taped and waterproofed backer board.

Don't do this: Don't apply thinset in big globs. Note the lack of joint tape and waterproof membrane as well. We found this prior bad construction after removing the tile to remodel the windows in this bathroom. The homeowner had no idea!

4- Use proper window sill fill material. If there's a window in the shower, the best material choices for Florida's humid climate are natural stone, a PVC composite or a two-part epoxy filler. Please don't use old scraps and trash from the demolition for filling the window sills. The hollow spaces become a breeding ground for mold.

Don't do this: Don't use demolition scraps and trash to fill window sills. You might as well send out invitations to the nearest mold colony! What a disgrace!

Even if you decide to hire a contractor, feel free to use these tips as quality control checks so that you and your contractor are on the same page. Best of luck on your project, you've got this!

Scott Beffert

Spirit Building Group Fort Myers