It’s frustrating.
It’s absolutely frustrating when the water starts entering into the shower walls. But, what happens when the water enters?
Well, this water can form moisture into the joints of these walls. Hence, tile cracks and prolonged damages can form easily. As if that’s not enough, this moisture can cause mold and mildew formation as well.
But, you can avoid this situation by installing a waterproof membrane on the showers. Not only will these membranes prevent water from entering but they can also prevent mold formation.
Just a heads up-
As there are tons of options available in the market, choosing the best waterproofing membrane for shower won’t be an easy task. Even though there are different options available, not all of them maintain the price-quality ratio.
But you shouldn’t worry as we’re here for you. In fact, our research team has worked non-stop for the past 3 weeks in gathering all the data. Finally, we’re able to handpick our top 6 ones in this list.
And, to make things easier, we’ve included a buying guide in the end. This guide will help you in making a decision among the best bathroom waterproofing 6 products.
Sounds interesting? Let’s begin-
Comparison of Table For The Best Waterproofing Membrane For Shower
Product | Size/Capacity | Type |
Nova-Fiber 6 inch X 75 Foot Roll | 6 inch X 75 Foot (15cm X 23m) | Mesh Tape |
Laticrete Waterproofing Membrane | 6″ x 75′ | Fiberglass Fabric Roll |
USG DUROCK BRAND LIQUID WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE | 1 Gallon | Paint |
Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense | 1 Gallon | Paint |
Schluter Kerdi 108 Sq Ft Waterproofing Membrane | 108 Sq Ft | Bonded Membrane |
Waterproofing Membrane Strip | 5 in x 80 ft (33.33 sq ft) | Roll |
1. Nova-Fiber 6 inch X 75 Foot Roll
Presenting the best waterproofing membrane for bathrooms– Nova-Fiber 6 inch X 75 Foot Roll. If you’re on the market for the best waterproofing membrane then you’ve definitely heard about this brand.
This is because the brand Novalinea has been known for producing one of the best waterproofing membranes in the business. In fact, many individuals have been relying on their products for perfect flexibility and easy usability.
And, the USP of this particular product is that it’s able to maintain that flexibility and easy usage. Other than that, what are the other features that this product has to offer?
For starters, the product is made of a polymer material. Hence, it’s superior to the mesh tape made of fiberglass. Here, the polymer-based build ensures that the product has better flexibility. So, you’ll be able to use the product easily as well.
Apart from this, the product is made of thin fabric. As a result, it can sit in the corners of the walls without any problem. Furthermore, you can even put the fabric within the tiles and cracks of the walls due to the added flexibility.
On the other hand, the application process of the product isn’t complex at all. Here, you’ll just have to apply it with any brush. Then, press the fiber and put another coating on top. After this, you can even apply the thin-set to attach tiles if you want.
And, if all the features of this product have met your requirements then definitely give it a closer look.
The Good
- Has easy flexibility.
- Easy to use.
- Sits well on the corners of the walls.
- Tiles can be applied over the waterproofing membrane.
- Protects against cracks on the walls.
The Bad
- You can’t apply the roll directly to the walls.
- Surface preparation is needed.
2. USG DUROCK BRAND LIQUID WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE
Now, this one isn’t your typical waterproofing membrane. Because of its ability to prevent leakage completely, it’s considered as the best liquid waterproofing membrane.
So, what does this product offer? Well, from the name, it’s clear that it’s a liquid product. As it’s a liquid-based product, it has a faster drying time and easy application.
Speaking of the drying time, the product won’t even take a day to dry completely. Hence, you won’t have to wait for a long time before proceeding with the rest of the work.
Well, we’ve already mentioned that this product is great at preventing leakage in the showers. Other than that, it works great being the vapor retarder.
Being a liquid-based product, it doesn’t have any harsh odor after it’s applied to the surface. Moreover, the cleaning process is really simple as well. However, you’ll have to keep in mind that the surface is completely dry before you start the cleaning.
Even though the product already has a faster drying time, you can also speed up the drying process. But, how? Well, by setting a fan, you can fasten up the drying process. So, you can adjust accordingly if you’re in a hurry.
Lastly, the product has an easy application process as well. Just use a paintbrush and you’re good to go. Besides, the product has excellent bondability and will stick to the surface at all times.
The Good
- Has an easy application.
- Works well in wet areas.
- Has a faster drying time.
- Easy to clean.
- Has a solid bondability.
- Can be applied directly to the surface.
- Doesn’t have any harsh odor.
The Bad
- Tough to apply on the corners due to excess thickness.
3. Laticrete Waterproofing Membrane
Second up, we have a completely different kind of product for you. If you’re worried about the cracks on the walls then this product will make things less concerning.
Yes, we’re talking about the Laticrete Waterproofing Membrane Fabric. The membrane is favored by many due to its rating of load-bearing.
As the membrane has the ability to bear greater loads, it doesn’t crack easily. As a result, it provides suppression protection for the cracks. So, it makes installation easier as well.
Other than that, the membrane stops the shrinkage cracks from taking place on the shower walls. Normally, the best liquid waterproofing membrane for concrete substrates contribute to the cracks in taking place. Here, the membrane works as a relief layer for stress. Hence, it prevents tiles from getting cracks or being damaged.
If we focus on the build quality of the product, we’ll observe that it’s made of fabric tape. Here, the fiberglass materials prevent any leakage from the shower. Also, the roll covers a lot of area in the shower. So, it’ll be easier to cover up the joints.
Moving on to the process of installation, the fabric best roll on the waterproofing membrane is easy and simple to apply. Here, you’ll just have to apply the membrane on the surface and put the fabric over it. After this, apply the second coat and you’re good to go.
In the end, the product is perfect if you’re experiencing cracks on the surface. Besides, it works really well at preventing any kind of leakage in the shower.
The Good
- Easy installation.
- Covers up cracks easily.
- Has great adhesion ability.
- Durable materials are used in the making of the product.
- Covers up a large enough area.
The Bad
- Has a bit of thickness.
4. Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense
Well, we have another liquid waterproofing membrane for you. The next one is the Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense. If you’re in a hurry and want a product with a faster drying time then you’ll love this option.
The best thing about this product is that it saves a lot of time. With a 12 hour drying time, you’ll be able to begin proceedings straight away. In fact, you’ll be able to install the tiles after 25-50min only.
Other than that, the product has an easy application as well. Here, you’ll just need a roller or a brush to begin proceedings. And, you’ll even have the liberty of using this product over the curved surfaces.
Being a liquid-based product, it doesn’t contain any harsh odors and functions well on the confined spaces. Furthermore, it has excellent bondability and lasts for a long time.
So, from the Mapei aquadefense reviews, you’ll know the key features it brings to the table. And, if you love all the features then definitely go for this option.
The Good
- Has excellent adhesion and bondability.
- Lasts for a long time.
- Has an easy application.
- Doesn’t contain any harsh odors.
- Functions well on the confined spaces.
The Bad
- Preparation of the surface is needed.
5. Schluter Kerdi 108 Sq Ft Waterproofing Membrane
If you’re on the market for a completely waterproof membrane then you’ll love this one. The schluter kerdi waterproofing membrane works great on wet areas. So, it’s ideal for fixing shower leaks.
As the product has the ability of covering 108 sq ft, it’ll be able to cover most showers. Here, the product will stick to the surface for a long time. This is mainly because the product has excellent adhesion. As a result, the tiles won’t fall off by any means.
The Good
- Has an easy application.
- Has excellent adhesion.
- Fixes the leaks in a shower.
- Can cover up a large area.
The Bad
- The installation process takes some time.
6. Waterproofing Membrane Strip
Well, that brings us to the end of our list. However, even though it’s the last product of the list, it’s still one of the Best Shower Waterproofing Membrane. If you’re on a budget then you’ll love this option.
So, what does the product offer? Well, for starters, the product brings a lot to the table when compared to the price. In fact, it’s a great deal. Starting from simple application to excellent adhesion, the product has it all.
Speaking of application, the product is easier to apply and it sits well on the corners. After you apply the best shower waterproof membrane product, it works at preventing any kind of leaks or moisture.
The Good
- Affordable.
- Prevents moisture.
- Has excellent adhesion.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Completely tear-proof.
The Bad
- Has a thinner texture.
- Some owners complained about leaks.
Buying Guide
Well, we’re done with the review section. Here, you’ve seen 6 different products and their features. And, honestly, this is a lot of information to go through. So, the processing of this much information won’t be an easy task.
As a result, anyone can get confused easily. Well, it’s normal to get confused. After all, we’re humans. But, if you remain confused at the time of buying a product then you won’t be able to make a decision.
Hence, we’re here with our buying guide in order to make things even easier. Here, you’ll find the key buying factors that are needed to know. So, without any further ado, let’s begin-
Adhesion Factor
First of all, the adhesion plays an important part at holding the product on the surface. Moreover, the bondability and adhesion cause the tiles to stick to the product at all times.
Hence, it’s important that you get a product that has excellent adhesion. By ensuring this factor, you’ll make sure that the product lasts for a long time on the surface.
Types
Generally, there are two types of membrane for the shower- fabric and liquid. Well, both of these membranes have their added benefits when applied to the showers.
Firstly, the liquid membranes are the easiest to apply on the surface. In fact, you won’t need to waste a lot of time on the surface preparation. Just take a roller or brush and start applying on the surface.
Besides, the liquid-based membranes are easier to clean as well. They’ll stick to the surface at all times without any convenience.
On the other hand, the fabric membranes need a bit of surface preparation. Here, you’ll have to apply the thin-set first and then you’ll need to apply the membrane on the surface. Also, another finishing thin-set is required to complete the given task.
In the end, both the membranes have easy application and work best at protecting the showers from leaks.
Durability
The durability of the membranes are important. If the membranes don’t have enough toughness then they won’t survive on the walls for a long time.
Easy Application & Easy Cleanup
Easy application and clean-up makes life easier. If you’re a beginner then settle for liquid-based products. This is because you won’t have to prepare the surface. Just take the brush and start applying.
But, if you’re experienced in this field then you can apply thin-set and prepare the surface. After this, take the fabric membrane and start applying gently.
Before purchasing a plastic shower for cleaning bathroom work.
Drying Time
In the end, the drying time plays a major role if you’re in a hurry. Plus, you don’t want to wait for a long time before using the surface. Here, many products have a faster drying time. So, you’ll have to choose accordingly.
FAQs
Question: What’s the best process of waterproofing a shower?
Answer: Installation of a waterproofing membrane is the best way of waterproofing a shower.
Question: What’s the best liquid waterproofing membrane for showers?
Answer: The best waterproofing liquid membrane is the USG DUROCK BRAND LIQUID WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE.
Question: Is waterproofing the shower walls worth the investment?
Answer: Yes, waterproofing the shower walls is worth it. By waterproofing the walls, you’ll be able to protect them from any kind of damage. Moreover, it’ll be better for your walls in the long run.
Parting Words
That’s all we have for you in this article. Congratulations! You’ve just read a 2000-word article on the best waterproofing membrane for shower. In the end, we hope that we made it all clear for you.
And, if you’re still confused then go through the buying guide again as it’ll make everything clear. Sort out the products based on the features you need and that’ll make the work easier.
Lastly, if you have any queries then do let us know in the comment section below. So, why don’t you buy one from the list? Good Luck!