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    murztwins's Avatar
    murztwins Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Feb 5, 2012, 08:48 AM
    Moisture Barrier under Swanstone Shower Walls
    I am framing in a new shower stall. There are no exterior walls to this shower. I am installing solid surface Swanstone over 1/2 inch cement board attached to wood studs. I was thinking I would not need a moisture barrier under these conditions. Much of the CBU is up. Any comments are welcome.
    massplumber2008's Avatar
    massplumber2008 Posts: 12,832, Reputation: 1212
    Senior Plumbing Expert
     
    #2

    Feb 5, 2012, 03:32 PM
    Hi Murztwins

    Many different schools of thought here.

    Best case would be to install a 15LB felt paper (tar paper) over the studs BEFORE installing the cement board.

    Next best would be to roll a waterproof membrane over the entire surface of the cement board once it is installed, but with swanstone walls I don't think that is correct procedure!

    Others would say that with no outside walls and no STEAM SHOWER UNIT being installed you don't even need a vapor barrier (I am not one of those people).

    In this case, I would have to tell you to contact the manufacturer of the product for a final say on this.

    I do know that swanstone will require that you roll a water or oil based primer over the cement board before installing the swanstone walls. This should be clearly stated in the instructions under USE CEMENT BOARD... ;)

    Back to you...

    Mark

    PS: DO NOT install a double vapor barrier by installing insulation on inside walls with vapor barrier toward bathroom, OK?
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
     
    #3

    Feb 5, 2012, 03:51 PM
    Swanstone does not require a vapor barrier but it is so cheap do do just lay down 15lbs felt or visqueen. However, I never have and have had no issues. He biggest failure installing a Swanstone is forgetting to grout the base in with Structolite or dry mixed drywall compound or even flooring thinset. A slight flex can happen to the floor of the base and that will result is noise and eventual leaks at the drain. Didn't you get a booklet like this one? http://www.swanstone.com/images/link.../BK-326072.pdf

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