The wall behind the tub.

[Miggory]

We had mold (probably from leaks in the tile around the tub). Tub and everything have been taken out. Now time to rebuild.

House built 1978.

1. A friend suggested I caulk the studs at their junctions with the (I am going to call it tar board) tar board. I did. I was reading in another thread something about Tyvek breathing in one direction. I don't know that I have Tyvek. What I have is about 1/2 inch thick, black on the side that faces into the house. The interior of it is brown stuff. The friend also suggested I paint this black tar board with enamel to further waterproof it. I did. Now, after what I've read, I am worrying that I have messed things up if it is supposed to be breathing. (This is an outside wall, the exterior of the house being stone.)

2. I am going to have a 3-piece tub surround put in. I've been told I don't need green board/cement board behind it because it's not tile with all those grout seams. Is this right?

3. The tub must be able to accomodate a 430-lb. person. I have been told that a Vikrell tub by Sterling will hold up to this - that it will hold 300 lb. per sq. inch. A good choice? Plumbers don't seem to want to install a cast iron tub because of the difficulty due to it's being so heavy and this being a remodel job ( i.e. have to get it around corners to get it into the room).

Thanks so much for any expertise anyone might share.

 

[Jimbo]

Tyvek is installed on the OUTSIDE of the sheathing. You would not see it from the inside of the wall. I don't understand caulking anything you would see behind the shower wall. If it is an outside wall, I would insulate with the plastic-cased batts, and possibly put a 2 to 4 mill vapor barrier over that.

You do not need greenboard or backer board behind a tub surround.

Sterling(Kohler) has the Vikrell spec sheets on their web site. Check with them on the weight limits.

A cast iron tub is certainly difficult to maneuver, but it is the " top of the line" and if you want it, a reputable plumbing contractor would do it. Labor cost would be appropriate to the job.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Miggory]

Thank-you

Thank-you, Jimbo, for sharing your expertise with me. I appreciate the information and your taking the time to help me out. This is a really useful website for people.

-Mig