Why Waterproofing Your Shower Is Non-Negotiable

Waterproofing a shower can be expensive, and it’s tempting to cut corners by skipping it altogether—installing tile directly onto the walls and assuming that will be enough. Unfortunately, that assumption can lead to costly damage down the road.

I’ve had this conversation with many clients, and time and time again, I’ve seen the consequences of inadequate waterproofing. Just recently, while working on a primary bathroom addition outside of Wichita, we uncovered a shower that was only a year old, yet already leaking. The water damage had begun rotting the framing members of the house.

At first glance, the shower looked fine. But when we opened up the back side, we saw the real problem. (See the photos above.) In one image, you’ll notice a white square—that’s the back of a shampoo niche. On the bathroom side, everything appeared perfect, but behind the walls, water had been seeping through, causing hidden but serious damage. Now, imagine what that leak would do over 10 years!

How We Prevent Shower Leaks at Pinnacle

We take extra precautions to ensure our showers never leak, using Schluter Waterproofing Systems. This advanced system creates a completely waterproof barrier, preventing moisture from ever reaching the framing of your home.

Unfortunately, many showers we remove in Wichita were not waterproofed correctly. Early in my career, I was taught to install HardieBacker board and tile directly over it—an approach that seemed solid at the time. However, after years of tearing out failed showers built this way, we’ve seen firsthand that this method doesn’t stand the test of time.

I first learned about Schluter products in college, and we’ve been using them for years with great success. We’ve never had an issue with leaks since switching to this system. This experience reinforced one of our core values at Pinnacle: Continuous Improvement. We’re always looking for ways to refine our processes and deliver the highest-quality work for our clients.

If you’re considering a shower remodel, make sure your contractor prioritizes waterproofing—it’s the difference between a stunning, long-lasting shower and costly damage down the road.