Attractive tiles do not explain what protects the construction from water. In a shower, the visible covering, joints and underlying system perform different functions. Surface selection must therefore progress alongside the technical file, before the walls are closed.
01
Distinguish surface from system
MAPEI notes that tiles and grout do not form waterproofing on their own. A tile’s low absorption does not guarantee the performance of the complete assembly of junctions and penetrations.
Ask the contractor which system is proposed for the substrate and use. An answer naming only the tile brand leaves out essential elements of shower construction.
02
Identify every interface
Mark corners, floor-to-wall junctions, niches, tap penetrations and the connection to the drain on the plan. These interfaces need coordination even when concealed by the finish.
Clarify who supplies and installs each part. When several trades follow one another, unclear responsibility can leave a detail unapproved; a shared drawing makes those boundaries explicit.
03
Select the products as a system
The substrate, waterproofing, adhesive and accessories must form a documented combination. Do not substitute an item on the assumption that the same generic name means identical compatibility.
Then select size, thickness and finish while considering levels and drainage. Visual continuity must not erase the junctions, falls or useful access points planned by the professional.
04
Keep a record of preparation
Before covering the work, request documents and photographs useful for later follow-up. The contractor must define checks and waiting periods for the chosen system, without borrowing them from another product.
At handover, archive the data sheets and service drawings together with the surface references purchased from EDIFIS. This record supports future work and explains what was actually installed.
Before you decide
- Identify the complete system.
- Draw the junctions.
- Assign the work.
- Archive the documents.
The essentials
Your questions, our guidance.
Is water-repellent grout enough to waterproof a shower?
No. It does not replace the protection or waterproofing system appropriate to the construction.
Do large tiles remove the need for waterproofing?
No. Fewer joints do not eliminate junctions or penetrations.
From idea to project
Discover at EDIFIS
Choose the surfaceCoordinate the drain and levelsPlan my bathroomConfirm references, configurations, finishes and availability for your project.
Documentation & references
EDIFIS design advice. For specifications and installation, consult the documentation for the selected reference.
MAPEI ↗