Why Proper Shower Waterproofing is Critical

(And Why Cheap Contractors Skip It!)

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🛁 Planning a Bathroom Remodel in Libertyville, Lake Forest, or Highland Park?

One of the most overlooked—but most important—steps in a bathroom remodel is shower waterproofing.

Too often, cheap contractors skip this step to cut costs. The result? Hidden water damage, mold growth, and thousands in repairs just months after the job is done.

At No Xcuses Remodeling and Plumbing Contractors, we believe in doing it right the first time. That’s why we use premium waterproofing systems like Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense to protect your shower and your investment.

📞 Call us today at (847) 791-2868 for a free estimate!

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🚨 What Happens If Your Shower Isn’t Waterproofed?

Don’t be fooled—tile and grout are not waterproof. Without a proper waterproofing membrane, your bathroom is exposed to serious damage:

• ❌ Hidden Water Leaks – Water seeps behind walls and under floors.
• ❌ Mold & Mildew Growth – Moisture builds up, creating serious health risks.
• ❌ Cracked Tiles & Loose Grout – Water weakens tile adhesives.
• ❌ Rotted Subfloors & Framing – Long-term leaks destroy the structure behind the walls.

💡 If you’re remodeling in Lincolnshire, Barrington, or Deerfield—don’t cut corners. The cheapest bid often leads to the most expensive repairs.

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🔧 How No Xcuses Ensures a Leak-Free Shower

We follow proven, industry-standard methods to deliver a fully waterproofed, mold-resistant shower that will last for decades.

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✅ Step 1: Cement Board Instead of Drywall

🚫 Some contractors still use green board (moisture-resistant drywall) in wet areas—it’s not enough.
✅ We install USG Durock® Cement Board, which is water-resistant, mold-resistant, and built to last.

🔹 What We Use: USG Durock Cement Board

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✅ Step 2: Waterproofing Membrane – Mapei AquaDefense

Waterproofing behind tile is not optional—it’s critical. We apply a liquid waterproofing membrane before any tile work begins.

✔ Stops leaks and moisture buildup
✔ Prevents mold & mildew
✔ Extends the life of your bathroom

🔹 What We Use: Mapei Mapelastic AquaDefense

💡 We serve Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, and surrounding suburbs—our clients trust us to build bathrooms that last.

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✅ Step 3: Protecting the Shower Floor & Pan

The shower floor is one of the most common areas for failure—cheap contractors often skip the waterproof liner altogether.

✅ We install a Schluter DITRA Uncoupling Membrane to prevent movement and cracking.
✅ We use high-quality, code-compliant shower pan liners for a fully sealed, leak-proof base.

🔹 What We Use: Schluter DITRA + Premium Shower Pan Liners

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🏡 Work With a Remodeling Team You Can Trust

Whether you’re in Lake Bluff, Vernon Hills, or Arlington Heights, we’re proud to help homeowners upgrade their bathrooms with confidence.

👉 No shortcuts. No leaks. No Xcuses.

📞 Call (847) 791-2868 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation today!

🚫 What Happens When Waterproofing Is Ignored?

At No Xcuses, we recently got a call from a homeowner in Highland Park. Just four years after completing a bathroom remodel with another contractor, their shower started leaking. What seemed like a minor issue turned into a major problem:

🔎 We found:

• Mold growing behind the shower wall
• Rotted subfloor and water-damaged framing
• Cracked grout lines and loose tiles
• A musty odor spreading through the hallway

💸 The cost of repairs? Over $7,500—and that didn’t include replacing the original tile work.

Why did this happen? The contractor skipped proper waterproofing. No membrane. No sealed seams. Just tile over drywall.

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❌ Tile Isn’t Waterproof—And That’s the Problem

Many homeowners (and unfortunately, some contractors) believe tile and grout are enough to stop water.
They’re not. Without a waterproofing system behind the tile, water seeps into the wall cavity and floor, leading to:

• Structural damage
• Mold & mildew
• Costly repairs
• Potential health risks