Even flawless tile work fails if the waterproofing beneath isn’t installed precisely to manufacturer and code spec. At Tillerstead LLC, every shower is built to ANSI A118.10 (waterproof membranes), A118.12 (crack isolation), and the TCNA Handbook (details B422, B421, B415, etc.), ensuring your system is documented, warrantable, and durable—not just attractive.
Below: a field-tested, code-referenced comparison of three leading systems available at local supply houses and big-box retailers.
🔴 RedGard® (Custom Building Products) — Liquid-Applied Membrane
Type: Roll/trowel-on liquid waterproofing, ANSI A118.10 compliant
Best for: Cost-effective installs over cement board or mortar beds
Advantages:
- ✅ Readily available
- ✅ Adapts to complex shapes
- ✅ Low material cost
Critical Installation Steps:
- Apply minimum two coats at 30–35 mils wet-film thickness; confirm with a wet-film gauge
- Reinforce all plane changes and penetrations with alkali-resistant mesh per manufacturer’s instructions
- Allow full cure (typically >24 hrs) before flood testing per IAPMO PS 106 and local code
Typical Failure Points:
- ⚠ Insufficient thickness or pinholes
- ⚠ Missing mesh at seams/corners
- ⚠ Premature flood testing before full cure
Reference: RedGard Product Data Sheet #DS 462 (Rev 8/2023)
🟠 Schluter® KERDI — Sheet Membrane System
Type: Polyethylene sheet membrane, bonded with unmodified thin-set (ANSI A118.1)
Best for: Full rebuilds requiring testable seams and integrated drains/pans
Advantages:
- ✅ Surface-applied waterproofing
- ✅ Compatible with KERDI-Drain and prefabricated pans
- ✅ Easy, code-compliant flood testing
Critical Installation Steps:
- Embed sheets in unmodified thin-set mortar (ANSI A118.1) over a clean, flat substrate
- Maintain 2″ (50 mm) overlaps; roll seams to eliminate voids
- Use KERDI-Band, KERDI-Corners, and KERDI-Fix at all transitions and penetrations
Typical Failure Points:
- ⚠ Skipped seam overlap or poor embedment
- ⚠ Use of modified thin-set (voids warranty)
- ⚠ Unsealed fastener holes at benches/niches
Reference: Schluter® KERDI Installation Handbook 2024
🟢 LATICRETE® HYDRO BAN® — Premium Liquid-Applied Membrane
Type: Liquid membrane, ANSI A118.10 & A118.12 compliant
Best for: High-performance, elastic waterproofing under tile in showers, steam rooms, and exteriors
Advantages:
- ✅ Highly elastic, crack-isolating
- ✅ No fabric required at most plane changes
- ✅ GreenGuard-certified, low-VOC
Critical Installation Steps:
- Apply at 0.02 in (0.5 mm) dry-film thickness; verify coverage (≈50 sq ft/gal at two coats)
- Reinforce large movement joints/gaps with LATICRETE Waterproofing/Anti-Fracture Fabric
- Allow 2 hrs between coats and 24 hrs cure before flood test (per LATICRETE TDS 410)
Typical Failure Points:
- ⚠ Under-applied thickness or missed corners
- ⚠ Mixing with incompatible sealants/mortars
Reference: HYDRO BAN® Data Sheet #DS-663.5-2024
⚖️ Tillerstead’s Code-First, Warranty-Backed Approach
We select the right system for each project—never forcing a “one-size-fits-all” solution. All mortars, sealants, and tapes are paired by manufacturer specification for:
- Full warranty coverage
- Predictable cure/bond performance
- Compliance with NJ IRC P2709 for shower receptors
Every phase is documented—photos, flood-test logs, substrate flatness checks—so your shower is proven watertight and code-compliant.
Ready to build a shower that lasts? If you’re in Atlantic County or South Jersey, email info@tillerstead.com or request a consultation. We’ll match your space and budget with the right waterproofing system—and install it to the letter of the code.
Do the work with integrity and care.