his bathroom had water stains behind the shower tile and a faint musty smell. It looked fine on the surface, but we suspected hidden moisture issues.
Discovery:
Once tiles and backer board were removed, we found that the subfloor was damp in multiple corners, and the wall studs near the shower base had early signs of mold.
Action Taken:
Applied a liquid waterproofing membrane across the entire floor and wet walls
Replaced compromised studs and installed cement board
Ensured proper slope toward the drain to prevent standing water
Outcome:
The bathroom is now fully waterproofed, with no risk of mold for years. The tiles went in smoothly, and everything aligns perfectly.
Pro Tip:
Never skip waterproofing — it’s cheaper and faster to do it right the first time than fix mold and rot later. Even small leaks can turn into major headaches.
Local sourcing note:
Materials came from Tile & Stone Center, Jersey City, which made the installation easier with consistent product quality.
