Waterproofing Before Tiling

Some people believe an expensive tiles and grout act as an impenetrable shield against moisture. Unfortunately, both of these materials are incredibly porous. When water hits your wall or floor, it seeps straight through those tiny grout lines. Without a protective liquid or sheet membrane applied underneath, that invasive moisture will silently destroy the structural material behind your walls and create a costly, hidden mold nightmare.

Look closely at the images in our gallery showing applied waterproofing in shower, bathroom and balcony before tiling. A professional tiler always applies a continuous waterproofing membrane directly over the cement board or cement sheet. A very dangerous myth floating around is that cement board is entirely waterproof. It is actually merely water resistant.

If you leave it exposed to constant daily moisture, it acts exactly like a heavy, dense sponge, soaking up water and passing it directly through to the internal material.

The exact same scientific principle applies to your exterior balcony. Heavy rainwater will inevitably find microscopic gaps between your exterior tiles over time. Applying a robust, seamless waterproofing layer ensures the water drains away safely rather than leaking into the ceiling of the below apartment.

You do not need to apply waterproofing before tiling in completely dry zones of your home. A kitchen backsplash located behind your stove, a decorative accent wall in your living room, or a second room wall positioned far away from the sink does not require it. If the specific area never sees direct splashing or prolonged humidity, you are completely safe to apply your tiles directly to the bare substrate.