How to Waterproof a Glass Block Shower Wall and Base Installation
- 1). Spread out an end of the membrane over the bare shower floor. Adjust it to extend up the walls at least 8 inches. Cut off the excess membrane with scissors or a utility knife.
- 2). Press down on the membrane to locate the drain opening. Cut out the opening in a slightly smaller diameter than the drain pipe. Apply a thin bead of silicone on the floor around the drain pipe opening and press down on the membrane.
- 3). Smooth the membrane over the floor and up the wall. Staple the upper edge of the membrane to the wall studs.
- 4). Measure around the wall stud portion of the shower enclosure. Cut a piece of membrane to that length. Test-fit the membrane by holding it against a wall stud and adjusting it up or down. Let the bottom edge overlap the upper edge of the floor membrane by several inches. Staple the membrane to the wall studs around the enclosure at that height.
- 5). Cut another matching length of membrane and attach it to the wall studs above the first sheet, using the same overlap. Continue until you reach the top of the enclosure. Add more staples to fasten the membranes to the studs throughout the enclosure.
- 6). Cover every staple with silicone, if desired, as an extra measure of security.
- 7). Screw cement backer board sheets to the studs over the membrane using galvanized wood screws and a power drill with a Phillip's head bit.
- 8). Press fiberglass mesh tape against the backer boards, covering every seam.
- 9). Mix thinset mortar in a bucket according to the manufacturer's instructions. Scoop up the material on the edge of a mud knife. Spread a thin layer over every strip of tape and screw hole.
- 10
Seal every gap, seam and space with silicone.