Dealing with water issues can be difficult. This is because water can capitalize on the smallest hole or space in the shower pan and create a big stinky problem that may cause the pan to remain wet for too long and becomes slippery. In addition, a leaky shower pan can cause mold to grow faster damage the bathroom, walls, and subfloor.
Unfortunately, most of us have experienced this problem in our home or rented apartment at one point or another. But it doesn’t have to be this way, hence the need for waterproofing the shower pan in the bathroom. Waterproofing a shower pan is a massive task that requires the addition layer like RedGard between the tiles and the mortar to prevent water from seeping in.
While RedGard is a great waterproofing material that has worked in multiple scenarios with great efficiency, it is not enough for the shower pan. A lot of water passes through the shower that needs to be cared for. Therefore, you can use RedGard as an additional protective measure and not the main water protective measure.
Can RedGard be used for the shower pan?
RedGard is a great option for a shower pan. It is a trusted and recognized waterproofing material used in multiple scenarios with great efficiency. However, when dealing with something as technical as a shower floor, the RedGard is not enough. The shower floor is mostly wet due to its function and usage.
While RedGard holds off the water that passes through the shower floors off decently, the water absorption level of the shower floor is too much for RedGard alone. Therefore, you can have RedGard as an additional water protective measure and not the main water protective measure. Moreover, RedGard is not a standard code-approved method of shower pan lining across the United States.
What can you use to seal a shower pan?
You can use the shower floor sealer to seal the shower pan. Below are some of the instruments needed to seal a shower pan.
- Vacuum
- Paper towels
- Safety gloves
- Mineral spirits
- Mild detergent
- Silicone sealant
- Chisel or sharp knife
- Sealant application gun
- Silicone sealant application tool
How do you seal a shower pan?
You can use the shower floor sealer to seal the shower pan. To successfully seal the shower pan, wear a safety glove and use a chisel slice to remove the old sealant on the shower pan. Don’t apply much pressure so that you wouldn’t damage the surface. Remove all the remaining strands with your finger.
Vacuum the area to remove all debris, clean the pan with mild soap and warm water. Don’t use a lot of water so that you wouldn’t damp the area. Open the door for adequate ventilation, then use a quality silicone sealant with an anti-fungal additive or use a type of sealant compatible with your shower pan. Finally, use a sealant application tool like an application gun to remove excess sealant after you are through with this process.
The next phase on how to seal a shower pan is the sealing process
Ensure to cover the gap (opening) with the sealant application gun, then cut it at an angle 45-degree. Start from the inner corner of the shower pan. Apply sufficient pressure to the sealant application gun to emit sufficient silicone. Fill the opening and the edge with silicon and ensure you don’t leave gaps.
Release the pressure and wipe off the excess tissue. Smoothing the spot with the smoothing tool and follow a similar process while applying the silicone. When it is smooth and clean, don’t touch it any further. Trying to manipulate the silicon once dries damages the surface to tear and pulls wouldn’t make the silicon seal effectively. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or let the silicone dry for 24 hours.
How long should mortar cure before RedGard?
According to the manufacturer, it is advisable to wait for at least twenty-eight days for the sand mix to dry before applying RedGard.
How long does RedGard last?
The RedGard liquid-applied waterproofing membrane will last for 4-5 months.
Can you use a premixed thin-set over RedGuard?
The premixed thin-set does not dry out or form a good adhesive bond when applied over or under a non-permeable membrane-like RedGard. However, the dry mix does.
How do you waterproof a shower niche?
Using a fiberglass tape
- Precut the pieces to wrap the seams, including walls, corners, bottom and top
- With the help of a six-inch putty knife, apply the membrane to the bottom of the niche, rubbing the membrane into all the seams with the six-inch putty knife.
Can RedGard be used as an alternative for Shower Pan Liners?
Shower pan liners are PVC (a simple plastic sheet placed between two-layer mortar to prevent water from the shower tray from trickling down the bottom layer. While Shower pan liner and RedGard are both popular methods of waterproofing showers pans, they are not alternatives for each other. The shower pan liners can be used as a water protective measure alone.
Still, RedGard can only serve as an additional water protective measure and not the main water protective measure. Setting a pan liner is easy. All you have to do is to measure your shower area first. Then, use a liner that is 5-6 inches bigger on all sides and screw the liner with the wall. Once placed, put on the next layer of mortar, and you’re set.
Conclusion
Waterproofing your shower pan is very important. Showers floors are one of the most technical parts of the house. Therefore, using quality products is also very crucial. For this reason, homeowners need to know the details, quality and efficiency of every product they plan to use for their shower renovation.
While the RedGard is a reliable liquid-applied waterproofing membrane for residential and commercial tile and stone applications that creates a waterproof barrier and reduces crack transmission, it cannot be used alone. RedGard is more effective when used as an additional water protective measure than the main one. Moreover, RedGard is not a standard code-approved method of shower pan lining across the United States.
