Shower-Tub Wall Surfaces

Ceramic Tile

Wet-bed - There are two basic methods of setting ceramic tile. Wet-bed systems, mostly in older properties, are made up of a cement base or ground coat over wire lath. A second cement coat will receive the tiles. After the tiles are set and allowed to dry, the tiles can be grouted. Wet-bed systems are superior to mastic systems. About half of the showers with lead pan bases tend to fail in the 45 to 55-year range. You may wish to cover the drain with a wash cloth or small towel, assuming there is no drain plug, fill the base of the shower with 3 to 4 inches of water, turn the water off and remove the wash cloth or towel. Wait 5 minutes and check the ceiling below. Tap and gently press on the tiles around the perimeter of the bottom 3 courses of a shower stall, around the faucets of a tub or shower and at the sidewall of a tub, closer to the front to look for loose tiles, which may indicate deteriorated or water damaged substrate.

Mastic - Modern tile is placed directly onto a green board, which is drywall with a small amount of asphalt in the paper to make it water-resistant. The tiles are then set in a mastic or adhesive designed for this application. Grouting of the tile can be done the next day. Tile systems set over water-resistant drywall or sheetrock has a typical life expectancy of 10 to 14 years in a shower and 12 to 16 years in a tub/shower situation. Check the areas around the bottom of the shower and at the faucets and wall closest to the faucets in the tub/shower situation. A better mastic system is installed with a waterproof substrate, such as wonder board, which is a cementious board, instead of the water-resistant gypsum drywall board.

Plastic Tile

Plastic tile is a low-end material and is usually not installed in modern construction.

Fiberglass Tub/Shower

Fiberglass tubs and showers are less expensive and relatively common in new construction. The newer units are superior to older units because older units are thinner, and tend to crack and discolor. The modern fiberglass is stable and the bottoms are thicker, supported better and do not crack like some of the older mid-1970s tub units. After you checked the ceiling below, the best way to check for problems is to stand in the unit in about the same position you would if you were taking a shower. From this position, look for cracks to the outsides of your feet. They may only leak with someone standing in the tub. This is especially common with the 20 to 25 year-old units.

Hardboard

Hardboard, such as Marilite, is an inexpensive compressed board with a glossy finish. The life expectancy is 5 to 7 years in a tub/shower that is used daily. Water has a tendency to leak into the edges of this material. This moisture is absorbed into the hardboard and the finish separates.