TRUGARD VAPOR SHIELD

1

MORE AFFORDABLE

Same great quality, at the more affordable price

2

PROVEN SYSTEM

More than 20 years of use in Europe and the United States

3

GUARANTEED PROTECTION

Bonded polyethylene, stays waterproof for up to 500 years

EASY INSTALLATION

1

CLEAN & CUT

Clean all substrate and other surfaces. Cut the membrane roll to the appropriate sizes, allowing for a 2 inch overlap in each section.

2

MORTAR & PRESS

Apply modified thinset mortar over the substrate surface using a V-notched trowel. Press the membrane into the mortar.

3

SEAMS

Using the TruSeal Sealant or thinset mortar, create a 2" overlap between sections using excess membrane or a membrane band.

4

CORNERS

For inside and outside corners, apply the Trugard Seals Kit to cover any corners using the thinset mortar or TruSeal Sealant.

5

PIPE & VALVE SEALS

Make sure to seal any piping or valves with a membrane pipe seal or shower valve seal, included in the Trugard Seals Kit.

6

COMPLETE

The shower or bathtub installation is now successfully waterproofed. Once the membrane and mortar has completely bonded, place your covering on the membrane. For tile, fully cover the membrane with thinset mortar.

SPECIFICATIONS & SIZES

Membrane Roll Dimensions

• Length: 16.77' per 55 sqft
• Width: 3.28' / 39.37" / 1 meter
• Thickness: 0.008" / 8 mil

Green polyethylene membrane with polypropylene fleece laminated on both sides.

Available Sizes

• 55 sqft
• 110 sqft
• 165 sqft
• 220 sqft
• 330 sqft

ESTIMATED AMOUNT NEEDED

Shower Installation Sizes - Wall and floor coverage

• 110 SQFT
• 36”x 36”x 7’h = 89 sqft
• 42”x 42”x 7’h = 100 sqft
• 48”x 36”x 7’h = 108 sqft

• 165 SQFT
• 36”x 60”x 7”h = 123 sqft
• 48”x 48”x 7’h = 130 sqft
• 48”x 60”x 7’h = 145 sqft
• 48”x 72”x 7’h = 160 sqft

• 220 SQFT
• 60”x 60”x 7’h = 162 sqft
• 72”x 72”x 7’h = 204 sqft

• 330 SQFT
• 7’ x 7’ x 7’h = 248 sqft
• 8’ x 8’ x 7’h = 294 sqft

Bathtub Surround Installation Sizes - Wall coverage

30”x 60” = 55 sqft 36”x 60” = 62 sqft 42”x 60” = 74 sqft 48”x 60” = 90 sqft

Number estimates are rounded and approximate, be sure to accurately measure.

The Trugard Vapor-Shield shower waterproofing membrane System is a complete assembly bonded together to create a watertight envelope for tiled tub surrounds, showers, and steam showers to keep moisture away from and protect the structure. Unlike shower pan liners in conventional assemblies, the shower membrane is applied on top of and bonded directly to the sloped mortar bed, protecting it from becoming saturated and becoming a haven of moisture that leaves the shower area musty and humid encouraging microorganisms, mold, and mildew growth. The TRUGARD-DRAINS provide a simple and secure connection to the Vapor-shield fabric at the top of the mortar bed shower base assembly. The  Shower System eliminates the potential for leakage, efflorescence, and as mentioned mold and mildew growth, leaving a maintenance-free healthy shower. The traditional method for installing tiled showers is time and labor intensive, the TRUGARD Shower System dramatically reduces total installation time, making the overall shower installation better and easier than the old traditional systems, making the do-it-yourselfers and tile contractors raving fans.

Keys to understanding for installing the Shower vapor-barrier System correctly

Make it leak-proof!

The Trugard vapor-barrier System boldly and proudly declares “leak-proof”... when installed correctly, of course. One of the reasons the Trugard system stands out above the rest, is because of its redundancy engineering. In the aircraft industry, most airplanes have duplication or, in other words, a backup as a “fail-safe” for critical functions of the system. Everything Waterproofing We at Trugard believe that a vapor-barrier system and not having leaks is extremely critical and merits redundancy and “fail-safes” throughout the system.

Areas of redundancy and fail-safe:

Key 1. The Vapor-shield fabric is installed like a roofer would install a roof. They start at the lowest point and then overlap the next layer so that any water or moisture running off of a higher level piece of Vapor-shield fabric will shed the moisture on top of a lower level layer of waterproof fabric. Now in the event that the home settles, the overlap should still shed the water on top of the lower layers.

Key 2. We start with the floor Vapor-shield fabric section first, taking the perimeter of the floor fabric up the wall a minimum of 2 inches, creating a floor pan on top of the sloped mortar bed, ensuring that the water will not climb up the wall and possibly leak at the floor/wall intersection.

Key 3. Next, we apply approved adhesive sealant to the inside and outside corners as the backup or fail-safe to ensure that the Vapor-shield shower pan is watertight up the walls for at least 2 inches.

Key 4. Install pre-formed Inside and Outside Corner Seals with approved thin-set mortar as the first barrier of water leak protection.

Key 5. Since the most critical area for possible movement and leaking is the floor/wall intersection, we have engineered our system to require that the wall Vapor-shield fabric be brought down the walls and onto the floor a minimum of 2 inches, hence creating a double layer of protection at the wall/ floor intersection and a single layer over top of the inside and outside corner seals.

Key 6. The thin set mortar does a great job at adhering and making it difficult for moisture to get behind the Vapor-shield fabric, however again we recommend a double protection system by applying a small bead of sealant around the perimeter of the Vapor-shield envelope and also any other penetrations through the fabric that might allow moisture or vapor through or behind the Vapor-shield envelope.

Installing the Vapor-shield waterproofing Membrane Assembly on bathtub kits - click here.

Once the mortar bed has cured enough to walk on, vapor-barrier with the can begin. Keep in mind that we are working with water and, like a roofer, we will start with the lowest point of the vapor-barrier envelope, the floor. Tip: For smaller shower mortar beds, experienced contractors will often use a rapid/quick set mortar mix which sets up in about one hour after finishing the mortar bed. This allows a quick install process. Cut fabric pieces while the concrete cures. waterproofing with shower sealants

Step 1. First, pre-cut your fabric allowing the fabric to go from the floor up the walls a minimum of 2 inches. This will create a floor pan and a double crack-bridging layer at the wall-floor intersection giving double protection as we will bring the vapor-shield fabric down the walls onto the floor a minimum of 2 inches also.

Step 2. Clean the mortar bed surface thoroughly.

Step 3. Dampen particularly dry or porous substrates in order to help prevent premature drying or skinning of the thin-set mortar. Note: The  is installed using modified thin-set mortar (mixed to a fairly fluid consistency, but still able to hold a notch)

Step 4. The bonding coat of thin-set mortar is applied, using a 1/4” x 3/16” V-notched trowel, to the shower floor base including the Trugard-Drain bonding flange except for the inner 3/4” area. Apply a 1/4” Bead of approved Sealant around the drain hole.

Step 5. Apply the Vapor-shield fabric to the entire floor mortar bed surface and up the walls 2 inches. Cut the excess out of the corners.

Step 6. Embed the fabric into the mortar throughout its entire surface to ensure proper adhesion and to remove air pockets. Periodically lift up a corner to check the fleece/webbing for full coverage.

Step 7. Now place cardboard over the Trugard fabric to protect it from damage or puncture, leaving adequate workroom for the corner seals.

Step 8. Caulk generously all inside and outside corner areas or any area that might present a potential leak, with a Trugard approved sealant.

Step 9. Apply with thin-set, the inside corner seals first, followed by the outside corner seals.

Step 10. Pre-cut your wall pieces remembering to add 2 inches that will go down onto the shower floor mortar base.

Step 11. Dampen the wall substrate to prevent premature drying.

Step 12. Firmly press the fabric into the thinset mortar starting with the top edge and then pressing a line all the way down the middle of the fabric, then working from the center of the fabric outward in every direction removing all air pockets to ensure complete adhesion.

Note: If roofers find it necessary to overlap vapor-barrier materials at higher elevations over top of those at lower elevations then it only makes good sense that we would want to do the same. This way if the homes settles or any other unforeseen movement happens, we are prepared and should still not have any leaks.

Step 13. Periodically peel a corner back, to make sure the vapor-shield fabric is receiving complete coverage of the thin-set mortar.

Step 14. Now you're ready to continue on to the second section of wall installation of the vaporshield fabric.

Step 15. Follow the same steps, this time overlapping the first section of fabric with a 2” overlap of thin-set and the next strip of fabric.

Step 16. Finish applying the vapor-shield fabric to the wall areas that will be tiled. Note:  can also be applied on ceiling areas for steam showers. A modified rapid set thin-set mortar should be used for ceilings.

Step 17. The final step in creating a watertight envelope is to install the Trugard Shower Valve and Pipe Seals around protruding pipes and shower valves per videos, ensuring a tight leak-proof fit.

Congratulations! Your state-of-the-art shower vapor-barrier system is complete and you are now ready to install your stone or tile.

Trugard® Vapor-Shield vapor-barrier fabric Roll

Discover Why Builders And Tile Contractors Are Calling Trugard® #1 When It Comes To vapor-barrier Your Tile Or Stone Shower.

Trugard® Vapor-Shield is a pliable polyethylene that is used in conjunction with ceramic and stone tile coverings to quickly and easily waterproof your shower and protects your home or property against costly leaks, mold, and deterioration.

The advanced shower waterproofing membrane is crack-resistant and provides the perfect substrate to anchor your tile or stone to your shower wall with its fiber webbing. Tiles are installed directly on to the Trugard® Vapor-Shield fabric.

You don't need to be a professional tile contractor to install Trugard®. The Trugard® fabric is so easy to install that even the average DIY'er can quickly and effortlessly install this advanced vapor-barrier system.

Trugard® conveniently provides detailed written instructions as well as how-to videos that show you exactly how to install this system step by step and in clear detail.

Make it Leak-proof"... TRUGARD®

Trugard's bonded polyethylene shower system has a 35 year track record in Europe and a 20 year track record in the United States for providing 100% problem-free shower vapor-barrier system.

Trugard® is easily applied directly to your drywall or backerboard with a small amount of thin-set mortar. The advanced polyethylene material is 100% leak and moisture proof, preventing efflorescence as well as resisting fungus and bacteria growth. The end result is a high-quality, maintenance-free shower enclosure.

*Includes Lifetime Warranty.

Trugard® 55 sqft Shower Membrane is a pliable, bonded polyethylene and vapor retarder which is covered on both sides with a special fleece webbing to anchor the fabric in the thin-set mortar.

After the Trugard Vapor shield fabric has actually been installed on the floor and the shower visual, you'll next off install the preformed inside edges as well as outside edges. As soon as the preformed edges have been set up, we're ultimately prepared to start setting up the wall surface fabric, and also this is, in fact, thinset mortar that I just placed in to fill some deep openings to make sure that we can get a very early begin on drying and also healing. So this is not sheetrock mud, it's thinset mortar. You could put sheetrock mud on it, if you do, you desire to add, spray prime to really prime or paint to lock the dustiness and also the weak layer of the sheetrock mud. So, if you place sheetrock on it, get it actual quick with some primer or paint, something to lock it in with each other, yet allows obtain going.

Okay, I'm mosting likely to start by wetting my substrate, I don't wanna completely dry now too quick. I've already done my line increase here, that is very important to earn certain you mark. you are currently prepared to begin mounting the vapor shield fabric on the walls. All right, your line is defined, let's go right to the line. Go right to the line since you're going to press it out a little bit past, so you're going to see your line. first, the secret is to obtain it right, especially your very first item, your sideline, my side's looking good, my top's looking great right there. And I'm mosting likely to see to it that my sides go the entire method down. On this initial one, I want it to be right there. Okay, at first, you wish to begin at the top. Ok, now, you take as well as decrease the middle, from the middle, you take place both sides, so down the center, you desire it to bring it here. Deal with both sides. I got this piece right here I have actually reached cut. As well as to begin with I'm gonna reduce a little X there. Allow's go as well as reduce a little X below. Okay, now I can see the shutoff opening is, so I cut around it. Okay, you want to copulate down the middle After that, now, I'm gonna go on as well as cut the edge below. Hold your corner, now, down through the center, completely down. Okay, from right here, we go below as well as I need a tool right here to hold that therein currently. I've gotta go down. Once more, from the center, down. I require my scissors and I cut with the corner. I find my edge right there and also I cut to it. Currently I'm all set to have the corner piece in there. So it doesn't need to be specific. Okay, I'm mosting likely to come in the center, out. Okay, here, I'm just mosting likely to reduce to where I assume it's straight, right to that edge. Okay, I feel a bump right there. The mud didn't go out great, so I'm going to press that mud over to the edge and also function it out to the edge, to the internal side Currently, if I needed to level edges, I 'd perhaps be jabbing this when I hit the edge. Make certain you submit this edges on your trowel. Making certain you enter the corners, it just draws this back, a little back into that instructions, but it's still in. Good, that's truly well. Outstanding, it came fantastic. Currently, I've simply reached press them out around the bottom.

Here we're going to install the Drain And I have four stainless steel screws. already done the dry fit now where this one is one inch I actually want to raise this side up so I'm going to put the screw in and you go in any of these slots. it's really close right there the first thing that we're gonna do is we're going to find level with our drain with the top of our drain. so I have a two-foot level and in two feet we should have one half inch rise for a slope of 1/4 inch in one foot. so we're going to take a two-foot level and we're going to go out there and find level and mark level. okay, so the short and easy way to do this is this isn't what happens to this board here and my advisor this one inch this should be one and a half so we're going to come out here and lay this board and Mark one and a half inches around here. You need to pay attention to your level. you want to make sure this is level and then work it. we're going to be making a rapid set mud bed so that it will harden in about an hour after we're finished installing it. now what you want to use is the sand topping mix from quikrete is a good brand there are other ways you can make it and then we're going to put one part of rapid set three parts of Quick-set. set up in about an hour so that we can go ahead and install the trugard vapor shield fabric as well, today. you want it to be pretty dry. it should not squish through your fingers so pretty dry but in a ball. I can have a little bit of dry in the in the bottom of the bucket I'll mix that in here. now underneath we're going to just save and push the mud underneath the drain. also, make sure you put a plug into the drain so nothing goes down in the in the shower. Now continue packing the mud around the drain and fill up the rest of the shower with mud. Once you reach the pencil line that you put on the outside walls you want to make sure to pack the mud exactly around the line to ensure you have a level floor all around the shower base.