Plum Solutions LLC

Let’s break down the options most commonly used in residential waterproofing. Each approach serves the same goal: protect the structure beneath your tile from moisture intrusion.

 

1. Liquid Waterproofing Membranes

These are brush- or roller-applied membranes (like RedGard) that cure into a rubbery surface. They’re relatively affordable and can be great for shower walls and floors.

Pros: Easier to apply, flexible. Cons: Can be inconsistent in thickness; prone to user error; takes longer to dry and requires multiple coats.

 

2. Sheet Membranes (My Go-To)

Sheet membranes like Schluter®-KERDI are bonded to walls and floors using thinset mortar. They create a seamless, reliable waterproof barrier. Schluter’s system also offers preformed shower pans, corners, and seals for drains and valves.

 

Pros: Predictable, reliable, and ideal for wet zones. A physical, tangible material—making it easier to verify proper installation. The components are designed to interlock, creating a fully integrated system from the walls, across the floor (including benches and curbs), and into the drain.Cons: Slightly more expensive upfront, but saves on repairs later.

➡️ Visit Schluter’s Site for System Overview

 

3. Foam Boards

Although the KERDI membrane (sheet from the previous section) can be applied over most substrates, products like KERDI-BOARD combine waterproofing with a rigid backing, replacing cement board and creating a mold-resistant wall structure in one step.

Pros: Lightweight, quick to install, and waterproof out of the box—saving time and labor costs.Cons: More expensive than standard cement board; however, the added cost is often offset by eliminating the need to apply a separate membrane over the entire wall—only seams, corners, and fastener penetrations require treatment.