Shower/tub tile remodel

by Blondie
(Round Rock TEXAS USA)

Is a hardy board enough or should there be a water barrier behind the tiles and does there need to be insulation on the outside wall and the hardy board?

If there is rotten joist, the shower floor caved in. . rotten 2x4s and molded insulation. . .how much of the bathroom should be replaced with new product.

I do not have venting in the bathrooms but have windows although they aren't opened so how do they do any good?

Blondie - Thank you for submitting a question to our Bathroom Remodel How-To page...

You have some great questions.... First, I will start by telling you that if one of your shower walls in an exterior wall, you are required to place a vapor barrier on the "warm" side of the exterior wall.... otherwise you do not have to place a vapor barrier... you can place a membrane such as Kerdi on the hardy board.

If you have rotten wood in the bathroom floor, you should remove the rotten area, and about 15 inches around the area or farther if you see mold...be sure you remove everything that has mold on it.

If you do not have windows that open, I would really recommend that you install a bathroom vent - it will circulate the air in the bathroom, and help to dry everything....

Good Luck on your bathroom remodel...


Any other comments are welcome!