Shower & Bathroom Waterproofing
Professional Waterproofing
Tiles and cement-based grout are not waterproof on their own. What actually keeps water out of your framing and floor is the waterproofing membrane underneath — and it has to be installed correctly, continuously and with the right details at every corner, penetration and drain.
Waterproofing is a core part of every wet-area tiling job we do. It's also the most common thing we find has failed when we're called out to a leaking shower.
Why Choose Tiling Canterbury?
Complete membrane systems
Primers, reinforcing bands at joints and corners, and the correct number of coats — no shortcuts.
Correct falls to waste
Floors formed so water drains away instead of pooling on or under your tiles.
Tiled on top — by the same team
No finger-pointing between trades: the people who waterproof are the people who tile.
Where waterproofing is needed
Any area that gets wet regularly needs protection under the tiles, including:
- Tiled showers — walls and floors, including level-entry showers
- Bathroom floors, particularly around baths and showers
- Laundries and wet-area floors
- Niches, ledges and shower seats (the most common failure points)
Why waterproofing matters so much in Canterbury homes
A slow leak behind tiles can go unnoticed for years while it rots framing and flooring. Fixing it later means removing tiles and linings — far more expensive than doing it properly the first time. We follow manufacturers' systems and recognised good-practice guidance such as BRANZ's advice on tiling and wet areas.
Recently Completed Waterproofing Projects
Click an image to see the workmanship in detail.
Suitable for new builds and renovations
Our Simple Waterproofing Process
- 1
Get a free measure & quote
We visit your property and provide a no-obligation quote based on your exact space measurements and design needs. A detailed breakdown of labour rates to full project management cost is included.
- 2
Choose your tiles
Pick the tiles you love — we're happy to help you choose the right supplier or style. We can help you choose the right tiles in terms of quality and durability, and tile dimensions to suit your budget.
- 3
Professional installation
From surface prep to sealing, we take care of everything — with attention to detail. We will remove previous flooring materials if it's a renovation.
- 4
Clean finish, guaranteed
We leave your space spotless and stand by our workmanship. We perform a quality-control inspection with you at the end of the tiling process.
What Our Customers Say
“Helped project manage all the contractors”
John came to assess a leak we had in the ensuite. Not only did he do an amazing job with the tiling, he also helped project manage all the contractors for the job. We got him back a few months later to do our shared family bathroom and the work has been fantastic. We've had lots of compliments from friends and family. I would highly recommend and I would definitely be using him again for any future tiling or bathroom work.
“Worked to our budget”
Right from the start John was very accommodating, making sure he could work to our budget. He was very friendly and professional with everything completed to a high standard. Will not hesitate to call him again for any future work or recommend him.
“Helpful advice on choosing tiles”
John responded promptly to my enquiry, and then was very helpful in advising me on the type of tile to choose. He completed the tiling within a short time and they look amazing! John was always friendly and easy to communicate with, and was competitively priced. I would highly recommend him to others.
Waterproofing FAQs
Aren't tiles waterproof already?
Tiles are water-resistant but grout joints and the gaps around fixtures let moisture through. The membrane underneath is what stops water reaching the structure.
How long does a waterproofing membrane take to cure?
It depends on the product and conditions — usually a day or more between coats and before tiling. We allow proper curing time rather than rushing it.
Can you waterproof an existing shower without re-tiling?
Surface sealers and regrouting can help with minor issues, but a failed membrane under the tiles can only be fixed properly by removing the tiles. We'll inspect and give you honest options.
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