Please help a door guy with a project that is out of my jurisdiction.
I am pulling my enclosed tub out and repairing some water damage.
The original tile backer board–regular gypsum–is not mounted below the tub level. It starts above the tub. Do I replace it with Hardibacker from the floor up? or replace it just like it was originally? And what about a vapor barrier?
It’s a castiron tub that’s in good shape, so I will re-use it. But in looking at it from the plumbed end with the sheetrock removed, I think that condensation from the hot water pipe builds up with each shower and is trapped in the underneath cavity amd has caused deterioration to the studs. Am I crazy, or am I on target?
“Kinky for Gov. of Texas”
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Chuck S
live, work, build, ...better with wood
Thanks to all responders. I'm off to the hardware store."At least Kinky beat the Libertarian"
Kinky sang "They don't make Jews lik jesus any more"I wonder where he gets those Cuben cigars?Chuck Slive, work, build, ...better with wood
door, I don't know that condensation would be the cause (but trapped areas behind a wall in Texas?). Deterioration around and/or below the faucet handles, trim, spout can be linked to a poor seal at the escuteons in those area and also from water wicking up at the juncture of board to tub. At final finish it is wise to build a deflecting dam behind the escutcheon to move the water away (if it gets behind ). Also, seal the escutcheons and spout to the final surface. Go around the top and leave a half inch open on the bottom.
A great place for Information, Comraderie, and a sucker punch.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
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Does that tub have a lip around the edge against the wall? If so, it's a fairly easy deal to tile it in
I think it's more likely that moisture was just migrating through or under the gypsum to the cavity below. Condensation will occur on cold surfaces, not on hot, so it doesn't seem like showering should be a big problem.
You will probably have some condensation on the cold water line- insulate both water lines with foam.
Hardibacker is usually just put above the rim of the tub, over a moisture barrier of felt or 4-6 mil plastic.
zak
"When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin
"so it goes"
I just used dens-shield , a gypsum product, no need for a vapor barrier, check it out as an alternative to hardibacker or durock.
--you should find it online.
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