Hi, first post on the forum. Looking for advice/opinions on a belt and braces approach to tanking a shower cubicle. Reason for this, I have a shower in a narrow room that is in within three walls. Have had complaints from occupier in the flat below that he is experiencing mould growth in his kitchen and he believes that it's due to my shower leaking/causing damp. So to resolve any possible problems I wish to strip out my shower to investigate any possible leaks and than re-instate but with tanking to the cubicle area with any extras that will add all the bells and whistles so to speak (even if its OTT). The wall costruction is brick (but I think the previous installer used plasterboard as a substrate to tile on). The original installation has been in for about 5 years. There's little sign of grout wear and sealent.

What I have on my mind from reading some posts on here are to line walls with moisture resistant board and then tank. Can anyone advise or give their opinions on what they would use and even the name of products and in what order of use? Looking for something that will be top quality and last.

Hi, I would investigate the mould growth before you throw money at tanking your shower, the problem may well be poor ventilation in the kitchen downstairs??
On tanking, this week i have used the "weber" tanking kit which was very good, in the past i have used the "BAL" tanking kit which is also very good. I like to use the "wedi" tile backer boards, light weight easy to cut and fix.

thanks for your reply hammer, so just the wedi baords with a weber tanking kit, do you use any trim/gasket around the shower tray where the tiles meet? I'm thinking of something in addition to silicone alone. Also, any ideas on best way to deal with wall corners (again something that will be in addition to silicone alone).

In addition, my shower tray sits directly on the floor and as part of the works I want to raise to allow something like a 150mm access underneath for future inspection of pipework. Was thinking of a purpose built timber frame to raise the tray, maybe any other ideas on a better method for this?

you can buy a riser kit which is part of the norm installtion this will raise it the 150 you want for access and pipe work

pvc fronts supplied with the mira riser kits to finish the fronts off

you can also frame it as well if its not stable enough

The tanking kit comes with a roll of tape for the internal corners, as for the tray/wedi junction silicone before tiling and again after.

Hi & welcome to TF.

Before you get too hung up on waterproofing your shower cubicle I think you need to investigate whether you have a "water" issue first.
A couple of quick questions....
1. Has your grout cracked or appeared to dis-colour in any section?
2. Do you have signs of mildew pores in your shower cubicle?
3. Has the silicone seal in the corners or around the base of shower tray failed anywhere?

If your shower cubicle is looking damp free then there may just be an issue with the waste leaking. Without seeing your current installation it is difficult to advise how to effect an inspection or repair but if you can post some pictures we should be able to advise further.

To be honest, I don't think the issue is with your tiling or possible lack of tanking unless you can convince me otherwise.

Regards,

Daz

Thanks for all your responses so far. I will carry out a little more investiagation work and post an update.