Waterproofing: the Invisible Half
Tile is the pretty 10%. This page is about the dry 90%.
Ask any bidder two questions: 'what board goes behind the tile, and what membrane goes on the board?' If the answer is greenboard and nothing, keep shopping. Here is our specified assembly for Southington tub surrounds, why each layer exists, and the photos we take mid-job so you never have to take our word for it.
Southington notes
In Southington we photograph every membrane coat with that day's date: Southington's 90s primary showers are failing in waves — loose floor tile and musty grout that no cleaner fixes. Re-tile the floor, save the walls. Dry walls are a system, not a material — and the system is what our workmanship stands on.
- Cement board substrate. Won't swell, soften or feed mold when wet.
- Bonded membrane. Paint-on or sheet membrane over every wet-area square foot.
- Sealed penetrations. Valves, spouts and fasteners gasketed, not just grouted around.
- Movement joints. 100% silicone at corners, tub line and ceiling — grout cracks there.
- Photo documentation. You see the waterproofing before tile covers it. Always.
Dry-wall system, layer by layer
Six directions Southington tub owners choose between, with honest notes on each.
Common questions
No — moisture-resistant drywall still fails under chronic wetting. Most Southington tear-outs we do are greenboard autopsies. We never tile over it.
All work when installed to spec; the installer matters more than the brand. We use sheet membrane in showers and paint-on for tub surrounds, per manufacturer coverage rates.
Our workmanship warranty covers the assembly we build — substrate, membrane, joints and seals. The quote states terms plainly; no weasel words.
You must — we photograph every stage and walk you through before setting begins. Any bidder who won't show rough work is telling you something.