Why Waterproofing Is the Most Important Step in a TileShower – JM Tile Of Eau Claire

Jared Meader
Jul 16
2 min read

Contact JM Tile For A Professional Tile Shower Install Eau Claire

Building a tile shower in Eau Claire or the surrounding cities? The most important step isn’t the tile — it’s the waterproofing behind it.

We build tile showers that not only look great but are professionally constructed from the groun

up, properly waterproofed, and finished to stand the test of time.

Whether you're in Eau Claire, Altoona, or Chippewa Falls, hiring a tile installer who prioritizes

waterproofing is the key to protecting your home and avoiding costly water damage.

What Is Waterproofing in a Tile Shower and Why Does It Matter?

Waterproofing a tile shower means creating a watertight barrier behind the tile surface. This step prevents moisture from soaking into your walls and subfloor — something grout and tile alone can’t do.

Without a proper waterproofing system, you're at risk for:

Mold and mildew buildup
Damaged drywall or framing
Costly structural repairs
Premature shower failure

Even a beautifully tiled shower will fail if what’s behind the tile can’t handle moisture.

How We Waterproof Every Tile Shower the Right Way

At JM Tile, we do not use cement board or traditional rock board in any wet areas such

as showers, bathrooms, or other high-moisture spaces. These materials can absorb water

over time, wick moisture into surrounding surfaces, and lead to mold, swelling, or prematurefailure. Instead, we use foam backer boards that are 100% waterproof and specifically

designed for high-moisture environments.

Here’s what sets our waterproofing apart:

Foam wall boards that don’t absorb or retain moisture
All seams, fasteners, and corners sealed with a topical waterproofing membrane
Full waterproofing of niches, benches, and wall penetrations
A sloped shower pan that drains properly to eliminate standing water

We don’t tile over shortcuts. We build a completely waterproof system before a single tile goes

on the wall — because that’s what protects your home long-term.

How to Know If Your Shower Is Properly Waterproofed

Ask your installer:

Are they using modern waterproofing materials, not just cement board?
Do they waterproof the entire shower — not just the pan?
Are all seams, corners, and screw holes sealed?
Are they creating proper slope to prevent water pooling?

If your contractor avoids these questions or says waterproofing isn’t necessary — you’re taking

a big risk.

Serving Eau Claire, Altoona, Chippewa Falls, and Beyond

We’ve torn out countless showers that failed due to poor workmanship — whether it was

missing waterproofing, outdated materials, or improper slope in the mud bed that caused

water to sit and seep over time.

That’s why we build every shower with long-term performance in mind, starting with the

right prep, the right slope, and the right waterproofing system.

Whether it’s a simple walk-in or a custom-designed tile shower, JM Tile is proud to be one of Eau Claire’s best options for quality tile shower installations.