Tub-to-Shower Conversions and Why Waterproofing Matters
Replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower is one of the most common bathroom upgrades. It can make a bathroom safer, more open and easier to clean. It also exposes the part of the job most homeowners never see: what goes behind the tile.
What a good conversion includes
- Removing the tub and any damaged framing or subfloor
- Relocating or adjusting the drain and plumbing
- Building a properly sloped shower base
- Waterproofing the floor and walls
- Tile, niche, fixtures and glass
Why waterproofing is the critical step
Tile and grout are not waterproof by themselves. Water that gets behind them can rot framing and cause mould long before you see a stain. A continuous waterproofing system behind the tile is what protects the structure.
Ventilation matters too
A properly sized exhaust fan that vents outside helps keep moisture from building up. If your bathroom fan is old or noisy, a conversion is a good time to replace it.
Planning for accessibility
If you want a barrier-free shower, plan the slope, entry width and blocking for future grab bars during the design stage. It is much easier to build in than to add later.
Questions to ask your contractor
- How will the shower be waterproofed?
- Who handles plumbing and electrical work?
- Is a permit required for this work?
- What is the schedule and what is included in the quote?
Related service: Bathroom Renovation.
