Question from Amanda
AAAAH! I need help! I am renovating my 30 yr. old bathroom and replacing the tub with a stand up shower. The contractor coordinator explained the process step by step, and said they’d be using a thick rubber liner befor mudding the shower floor. The rubber is now in, and it stinks in here. I went in to investigate and discovered it’s PVC! I phoned the coordinator and she explained that there are only two code approved options (I’m unsure if it’s county, state or national codes)and those options are PVC membranes and fiberglass, which I heard is even worse. My local green building supply guy said he knows of no other membrane alternatives, but there is a coating to prevent offgassing, but it needs 24 hours to dry, and the mudding guy is coming first thing in the A.M.. He mentioned that the mudding and tiles should suppress the offgassing, but I’m still worried about the environmental impact and future tumors! Is there anything I can do in the next 15 hours?
Thank you in advance for any help… It’s really smelly in here, I have a headache, and my lips are tingling!
Amanda in the Tampa Bay area
P.S. Why the heck is PVC still legal?!?
Debra’s Answer
It will be OK. Once the liner is covered with tile, you won’t smell a thing. We have a PVC liner in our bathroom, so I know this from experience. It will be completely sealed in.
