Couldn't agree more about waterproofing being the real hero. Epoxy grout is great—no doubt—but it's not magic. I've seen bathrooms with top-notch epoxy grout still end up with hidden water damage because the homeowners skipped proper waterproofing underneath. Like you mentioned:
"water still finds its way through tiny cracks eventually."
Exactly. Tile and grout aren't meant to be the primary barrier against moisture. Doing it right from the start saves so many headaches down the road...
Haha, been there, done that... learned the soggy way. A few years back, I thought epoxy grout would solve all my shower woes—spoiler alert: nope. Turns out waterproofing underneath is the real MVP.
If you're budget-conscious (like me), here's my quick-and-dirty guide:
1. Rip out old tiles (brace yourself emotionally).
2. Apply a solid waterproof membrane—don't skimp here, trust me.
3. THEN tile and grout.
"Doing it right from the start saves so many headaches down the road..."
Exactly. Lesson learned!
Curious about something—does the waterproof membrane hold up well in older homes with shifting foundations? My place is ancient, and every year it seems like something new shifts or settles. I've always wondered if a good membrane can handle that kind of subtle movement, or if I'd be signing myself up for another redo down the line. Anyone have experience with that...?
"My place is ancient, and every year it seems like something new shifts or settles."
Had a similar situation at my old house—built in the 40s, foundation was always subtly shifting. Installed a waterproof membrane during a bathroom remodel about 6 years ago. Honestly, it's held up surprisingly well, no leaks yet. But I did go with a flexible membrane specifically designed for movement. If you're considering it, definitely look into membranes that advertise flexibility or crack isolation... might save you headaches later.
Yeah, older houses definitely have their quirks. I've worked on plenty of homes built around that same era, and honestly, subtle shifting is pretty common. Good call on the flexible membrane—I've seen a lot of folks overlook that detail and regret it later. A little flexibility goes a long way, especially when you're dealing with older foundations that never seem to fully settle.
One thing I'd add, though: even the best membranes aren't foolproof forever. It's always a good idea to keep an eye out for any new cracks or grout separation every now and then. Catching stuff early makes a huge difference. But sounds like you're already ahead of the game by thinking proactively... good luck with it!
