Tile and Waterproofing

Why waterproofing is the real foundation of a bathroom remodel

Most bathroom problems don’t start on the surface. They start behind the tile.

When waterproofing and drainage details aren’t done correctly, the results are often expensive—and stressful:

• recurring mildew smell that won’t go away

• cracked grout and loose tile

• water damage behind walls

• rot around curbs, niches, and corners

• stained ceilings below (in multi-story homes)

• “mystery leaks” that show up months later

That’s why Fortress Builders doesn’t treat tile as “just a finish.” We treat it as part of a water management system—because a durable remodel depends on what happens before the tile goes up.

If you’re searching for bathroom tile installation in Utah or shower waterproofing in Davis County, this is the work that separates a bathroom that lasts from one that becomes a repeat project.

What Fortress Builders includes in tile & waterproofing work

Tile and waterproofing involve more than picking a pattern. It’s planning, prep, systems, and precision.

Waterproof membranes (the hidden protection layer)

We install professional waterproofing systems designed to keep moisture where it belongs—and keep the structure behind the shower protected.

That includes:

• selecting the right waterproofing approach for the shower type and layout

• applying membranes correctly at walls, floors, and transition points

• properly sealing penetrations (valves, showerheads, body sprays, niches)

Shower pan construction and drainage planning

A shower must move water toward the drain reliably—every day, for years.

We coordinate:

• pan construction and waterproofing

• correct slope and drainage planning

• drain placement that supports the layout and tile plan

Niches, benches, curbs, and “detail zones”

These are the areas where many showers fail.

We focus on:

• niche waterproofing and slope

• bench and curb detailing

• corner and transition reinforcement

• clean edges and proper sealing—especially where materials meet

Tile layout planning (so it looks intentional)

Tile can elevate a bathroom—or make it feel messy if the lines don’t land correctly.

We plan:

• tile layout, symmetry, and focal lines

• where cuts land (so they look clean and intentional)

• trim profiles and edge details (especially at niches and transitions)

• alignment with fixtures, valves, and plumbing locations

Grout and sealant choices for longevity

Not all grout and caulk decisions are equal.

We help choose options that balance:

• cleanability

• consistency over time

• appropriate use in wet vs dry zones

• long-term maintenance expectations

Flood testing and verification (where applicable)

A waterproofing system should be verified—especially in critical wet zones. We believe in building with confidence and minimizing “unknowns” before tile covers everything.

The tile and waterproofing decisions that matter most

Homeowners often get overwhelmed by tile options. Here’s what actually matters for performance and satisfaction.

1) The waterproofing system and the “weak points”

Most failures happen at:

• corners

• niches

• curbs

• penetrations (valves and plumbing)

• transitions (floor-to-wall, tub-to-wall, etc.)

That’s where we focus detailing and system integrity.

2) Drain placement and slope

A shower that doesn’t drain well will never feel good to use.

We plan for:

• drainage that works reliably

• slopes that feel comfortable underfoot

• tile selection that supports proper pitch and clean installation

3) Tile size, texture, and the reality of maintenance

A tile can look amazing—and still be hard to live with.

We help you evaluate:

• slip resistance for shower floors

• grout line density (more grout = more cleaning)

• texture and long-term appearance

• what will look good and stay manageable

4) Layout: where the lines land

This is where craftsmanship shows.

We plan layout so the tile feels deliberate:

• centered where it should be centered

• aligned with key features

• trimmed and finished cleanly at edges and transitions

5) Grout and sealant strategy

Bathrooms need sealant and grout choices that are appropriate for wet areas. We guide you toward options that support longevity and reduce maintenance headaches.

How Fortress Builders approaches tile and waterproofing as part of a bathroom remodel

Fortress Builders treats remodeling as a system. Tile and waterproofing are planned early because they affect plumbing placement, layout, ventilation strategy, and the overall build sequence.

Step 1: Design consult + goals and constraints

We start by understanding:

• your design direction (classic, modern, spa-like, etc.)

• how you use the bathroom daily

• maintenance preferences (low upkeep vs more detailed looks)

• existing conditions and structural considerations

Step 2: Waterproofing strategy + layout coordination

We coordinate:

• shower design and waterproofing approach

• plumbing locations (valves, heads, niches, sprays)

• tile layout planning and finish details

• sequencing with ventilation and other systems

Step 3: Build execution with disciplined sequencing

Bathrooms fail when sequencing is rushed.

We manage sequencing so:

• waterproofing is done correctly before tile

• penetrations are sealed and reinforced

• transitions are detailed cleanly

• tile installation is precise and consistent

Step 4: Final checks and walkthrough

We confirm:

• clean lines and finish quality

• proper sealing at transitions

• drainage and usability

• overall “feel” of the shower and bathroom

Who this is for

This tile and waterproofing approach is ideal if you:

• want a shower and tile bathroom built to last

• have had past issues with leaks, mold, or failing grout

• care about craftsmanship and clean finish details

• want a bathroom that looks intentional—not improvised

• value a remodel process that reduces surprises and rework

If you’re looking for bathroom waterproofing systems that are planned and executed correctly in Davis or Weber County, this is the exact type of work we build around.

Related pages to explore

Tile and waterproofing work best when coordinated with the rest of the bathroom system:

• Ventilation and Moisture Control (humidity management that protects the remodel)

• Heated Floors (comfort upgrade that pairs well with tile)

• Fixtures and Lighting (finish coordination, mirror lighting, and usability)

• Bathroom Portfolio (see completed bathrooms and tile directions)

Tile & waterproofing FAQs

Is waterproofing really that big of a deal if I’m using tile?

Yes. Tile and grout are not waterproof by themselves. The waterproofing system behind them is what protects your home.

What areas are most likely to leak?

Corners, curbs, niches, penetrations, and transitions. That’s why we focus on detailed, system-based installation.

Do you help with tile selection?

Yes. We guide homeowners toward tile that fits style goals and maintenance preferences, especially for shower floors and wet zones.

How do I reduce cleaning and maintenance long-term?

Tile size, grout line density, and grout/caulk selection matter. We help you choose options that look great and stay manageable.

Can heated floors be installed with tile?

Yes—heated floors pair well with tile when planned correctly. That’s why we coordinate floor build-up, waterproofing, and tile sequencing together.

Protect your remodel from day one

A bathroom should be relaxing—not something you worry about. If you want tile work that looks beautiful and waterproofing that protects your home long-term, the next step is a design consult.

Tell us what bathroom you’re remodeling, your style direction, and what “built to last” means to you. We’ll help you plan a tile and waterproofing system that reduces uncertainty and delivers durable results in Davis or Weber County.