Green interiors 

                 Eco Bath 

renovation and green priorities.


For every part of renovation or new rehab project we need to look into a major categories:

•  Energy Efficiency
• Indoor Air Quality
• Durability
• Renewable Resources
• Recycling/Recycled Content
• Environmental Impact
• Water  and reusing rain

For a shower gut renovation, the one category that dominates all others is Durability. Without proper installation, there will be problems with moisture control and subsequent issues with water damage and mold.

 Even using the largest recycled-content tile, and the lowest-flowing shower head … if the shower does not hold up to the test of time and win the war of durability (moisture mitigation), the renovation is a failure  Therefore, the greenest approach to this renovation would be to consider Durability paramount to the shade of green.

Choosing the correct materials and understanding the installation process for each is essential for this project. Let’s assume the demolition is complete and we are down to stud walls with the plumbing roughed in the walls.

Wallboard and Sub floor

One specification that I adhere to when building a wet shower area is to ensure that no paper-faced gypsum products or wood is used in the shower area. 

The only acceptable wall covering for a shower area is cement board. Popular name-brand cement board products are Hardibacker, Durock, and Wonderboard.

Install the cement board to the walls and floor of the shower area per manufacturer's instructions. For additional insurance, replace the ceiling area with cement board if your ceiling is exposed. Do not use joint compound and drywall tape to cover the seams.

To maintain the integrity of the area, utilize fiberglass tape and fill the seams with twinset mortar.

expensive but extremely effective and easy to apply. Laticrete Hydroban is a rubber polymer membrane that is applied with a paintbrush. practically few hours, you are ready for tile. Note that while this product can be installed over a wood sub floor,