We have come across many people that believe they can put drywall up for their shower walls. This is a common misconception. Other companies advertise that it is safe for drywall to be put up because their shower systems will cover the wall (therefore protecting it), but this is not necessarily always right. Depending on the conditions where you live, you may be able to use drywall, but these conditions do not exist in North America. This photo shows what can happen when using drywall in a shower; the water has seeped down underneath the wood sub floor, creating permanent damage. This damage is very unfortunate but is also preventable, if you take the right steps.

Rarely do we come across any drywall that isn’t damaged in some way, when faced with shower repairs or remodeling someone’s shower. It’s a product that absorbs water easily and gives mold and fungus an excellent spot to live, while it’s destroying your home.

This is truly a home repair nightmare.

There wasn’t any type of vapor barrier behind the tiling and the drywall. We recommend to attach the CertainTeed Vapor Barrier, once this is attached, put up a cement board on top. If you only use drywall, once the drywall is wet, it will not be long before mold, mildew and fungus start the destructive process of destroying the drywall and wood framing.

All ceramic tile showers need a strong water resistant backer board. We recommend the Durock Ultralight Foam Backer Board.

A cement board will give you the greatest resistance to moisture and mold so your floors/walls are protected. Look for a cement board that has the following features:

• Moldblock Technology: This enables you to achieve perfect score on industry mold tests.

• Make sure it contains no paper facing, which serves as a food source for mold, or gypsum, which can disintegrate with continuous moisture exposure

Home Repair Tip: This one isn’t going to be easy. I would remove the entire shower and the rest of the damaged building materials, and rebuild it correctly.