I have an enclosed shower and was wondering if the shower area ever “dries” out. I live in Houston where the humidity may drop below 90% for about two weeks a year. Good for the skin, bad for everything else.
The shower is on a second floor constructed with shower pan liner (PVC) with mud base on top and thin set tile on mud base. Since water will penetrate through the grout joints and the pan liner is not sloped to drain (but the shower floor is) but directly on the floor sheathing, it seems to me that this area is always wet since the water would simply “wick through” the mud base and eventually reach the impervious shower pan liner. The tile is a commercial grade impervious tile so I am not concerned about water/moisture penetrating the tile.
With the high humidity levels we have in this area, how could it dry out?
We run the exhaust fan and leave the door open during the day, but that is only one day since we usually shower once a day, usually.
Is this a “long-term” problem and if so, any recommendations? Should I seal the grout? How often? Products?
Thanks in advance, Glen.
Replies
That's why the better method of a shower floor is preslope the first layer of the mud bed ....
then membrane ....
then second layer of mud ....
This way ... the pvc is sloped to the drain.
Sealer's Choice Gold is a good sealer.
Jeff
Buck Construction Pittsburgh,PA
Artistry in Carpentry
I don't have a tile shower, mine is a one piece fiberglass unit. But I do have a wife with severe allergy problems, so after every shower for the last 20-something years, I take a squeegee and sponge and remove every drop of water from the stall, walls and floors. This gets rid of the water, thus preventing the potential for mold, mildew, etc.
Not sure if this will help, but if the water isn't allowed to sit on the floor, maybe the stall will dry out quicker. Or maybe not.
My $.02, for what it's worth.