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Do you think only decks need to be waterproofed? Well, if you are thinking about adding tile to your shower, be sure to consider waterproofing. Cement boards, backer boards and mortar are actually not waterproof, though they do offer some stability in wet environments. When your floor is not properly waterproofed, standing water can get trapped below the tile level. So although your tile may appear dry, the deck mud underneath the tile floor will never dry, which eventually will lead to mold. Mold can lead to serious health risks for many people and in some cases, it can be extremely debilitating to certain individuals who are more allergic to it.
Another thing that may happen is the appearance of efflorescence in the grout between your tiles. Efflorescence is a white, chalky substance that will begin to stain your grout. In some cases, it will even appear as if it is growing right out of your shower floor! Moisture trapped in the ground also tends to attract harmful insects, such as carpenter ants and termites. These insects can do incredible amounts of damage to not only your shower, but your entire home. Exterminating them can also be very costly.
Lucky for you, effective waterproofing methods for showers already exist. A couple examples of these are roll-on waterproof products or a complete shower system that includes a drain to help the shower completely dry. When the total shower system is installed, your shower will be 100% waterproof.
There is also a difference between waterproof and moisture-proof. Waterproof means that water will not pass through the tile and grout. Moisture-proof, however, means that condensation will not form due to the temperature. You want to be sure that your tile is waterproof and that your installer comes up with a waterproofing plan. This way, you can prevent damage and costly repairs down the road. If you want to prevent possible health hazards, take into serious consideration to research tile shower waterproofing in Los Angeles and near you.
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