A bathroom that looks great on day one should still look great in year ten. In Toronto, long heating seasons, steamy showers, and tight footprints push bathrooms hard. The difference between a spa that lasts and a shower that leaks is planning, waterproofing, and clean detailing.
Why Waterproofing Matters In Toronto
Moisture is relentless. Warm indoor air meets cool exterior walls for months at a time, which drives condensation into gaps and corners. Older semis and condos often have compact baths where steam builds quickly. A full waterproofing plan protects framing, drywall, and finishes, and it stops mold before it starts.
Pick The Right Waterproofing System
Sheet membranes
- Factory-controlled thickness and consistent performance.
- Seams are taped with compatible bands and corners.
- Great behind large format tile, where even coverage is critical.
Liquid applied membranes
- Roll or trowel on. Ideal for complex shapes and niches.
- Must hit the manufacturer’s wet mil thickness to perform. We use a gauge comb to verify.
Foam backer boards and shower pans
- Lightweight, fast, and dimensionally stable.
- Works well for curbless builds and linear drains when space is tight.
We mix and match to suit the room. For example, a foam pan with a sheet membrane on walls and a liquid detail at niches and benches.
Slope, Seams, And Penetrations
- Slope to drain at a minimum of 1/4 in per foot so water leaves the surface quickly.
- Pre form corners and band all seams. Lap and roll for full contact with thinset.
- Seal penetrations at mixing valves, body sprays, and shower arms with gaskets.
- Niche detailing matters. Pitch the bottom, wrap the inside with membrane, and avoid placing niches on exterior walls where possible.
Curbless Showers In Compact Toronto Baths
Curbless looks sleek and removes a trip point. It also requires planning.
- Recess the subfloor or use a pre-sloped pan to gain room for slope without a bulky transition.
- Choose a linear drain at the entry or the back wall to simplify tile layout.
- Create a tiled wet zone with a slightly lower finished height and use a discreet glass panel to control spray.
- Keep bathroom doors and hallway floors protected during demo so new heights tie in cleanly.
Steam Showers And Vapour Control
Steam rooms are wonderful in winter, but they load the enclosure with moisture.
- Use a vapor retarding membrane rated for steam.
- Slope the ceiling to shed drips and insulate exterior walls.
- Seal doors tightly and run a dedicated exhaust fan outside the shower area for clear air after use.
Substrates, Mortars, And Big Tile
- Install tile on stable, plumb substrates. Cement board or foam board is preferred in wet zones.
- Use polymer-modified thinset matched to the tile size. Large format porcelain and gauged panels need a proper trowel size and back buttering.
- Keep movement joints at perimeters and where planes change to reduce cracking.
Grout, Sealers, And Cleaning
- High-performance cement grouts are easier to install and resist stains better than old mixes.
- Epoxy or urethane grouts offer superior stain resistance in niches and floors.
- Use silicone color match at corners and change of plane.
- Seal porous stones and follow a gentle, pH-neutral cleaning routine.
Heated Floors And Wet Room Integration
Radiant heat feels great and dries surfaces faster.
- Install uncoupling membranes over heated cables to reduce cracking.
- Keep thermostats outside of wet areas and use dedicated GFCI protection.
- Coordinate floor heights so the warm zone flows right into the shower without a bump.
Common Failures We Prevent
- Tile directly over drywall or green board in a shower.
- The liquid membrane is too thin or skipped behind large tiles.
- No slope at benches, sills, and niches.
- Unsealed penetrations around valves and heads.
- Missing movement joints that lead to cracked grout lines.
Permits, Condo Boards, And Inspections
Moving plumbing, adding electrical heat, or altering framing can require permits. Condos add board approvals and quiet work hour rules. We prepare drawings as needed, coordinate with your property manager, and schedule inspections so the project stays compliant.
Good, Better, Best Packages
Good
Waterproofing upgrade for an existing alcove shower, new valve and head, porcelain tile, cement grout, and a quiet fan on a timer.
Better
Curbless shower with linear drain, hybrid membrane system, niche and bench, large format wall tile, high-performance grout, and heated floor in the main bath.
Best
Steam-rated enclosure, slab-style porcelain panels, epoxy grout, custom glass, full waterproofing documentation with photos, and integrated lighting and control scenes.
Our Process At JG Contracting
- Assessment of layout, structure, plumbing, and ventilation.
- Selections for membranes, tile, drains, and hardware that match your style and budget.
- Build with clean demolition, protection, precise waterproofing, and careful tile setting.
- Wrap up with photo documentation of hidden work and tips for care.
Related reading on our blog
- Toronto Bathroom Ventilation Guide 2025
- Aging in Place Renovations 2025
- Toronto Laundry Room Renovations 2025
Ready For A Shower That Stays Beautiful
We build bathrooms that handle daily life and Toronto winters. From a simple alcove refresh to a full curbless steam sanctuary, we will tailor the right system for your home.
Ready to transform your home? Contact us today to book a consultation.
📞 Call us at: 437-259-9632
✉️ Email us at: jgcontractingyyz@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://jgcontractingyyz.com
