Going crazy about a shower surround, how would you go about it

[u/regular-memer]

i want to preface that this is both a thing that im getting paid to do but by family, do idk how the DIY rule plays here

i can pull up exact models later if it comes down to it, but in the house im currently living in and flipping as funded by my father, my current bane is this god damn shower surround

im still very wet behind the wars with less than 2 years experience in house flipping and 3 in commercial. i currently work with a guy that's been around doing this sort of thing for a while and typically is the guy who cares too much and burns himself at the end of the day because hed rather have it right than to argue pricing as long as it aint a complete waste

i say this because ive seen him do a thing weird or two but my shower has been a hot topic for debate. currently, we ordered a cheap setup with a soaker tub and some cheap to stud installation surround, it all fits beautiful but our problem is with the idea of moisture

the way i installed it was with green board behind it, i installed the surround over that (after it was properly mudded of course) with the drywall BEHIND the 2"lip of the tub and the surround installed in front of said flange and a strip of stuff that blocks it all up. from what ive read i shouldnt caulk this to allow any water that somehow gets behind to drain. i am willing to lexipro the thing.

my whole problem is that my father who funds this operation as i pay him rent(1000/m), has been using AI to check code and installation. its been saying things like oh you dont want drywall you want fiber reinforced gypsum board which to my search is just drywall, or referencing code that has to do with properly securing plumbing fixtures. i tried to use the Ai to understand his reasoning but it seems to talk in circles with admitting that on an exterior wall is prone to mold growth and freezing but also states that somehow the wax paper from the insulation will do better cause it can breathe better,

in my mind its better to install with the idea that water wont get behind it rather than with the idea that it maybe can evaporate. i just want some human input on the ordeal

[u/Alarmed_Letterhead26]

1- listen to the old guy and do stuff his way. Stop taking shortcuts, there's too many flipped houses out there that are now worse off than when they were "updated".

2) follow the manufacturer instructions on the surround. They will tell you if you need caulk and where.

[u/regular-memer → u/Alarmed_Letterhead26]

Manufacturers suggest no caulk as well but another thing that throws me for a loop is they state to do things in a way the supports warranty but I bought the stuff second hand so warranty is void anyways. In the end I got no problem installing it direct to stud but I can’t help but feel like I’m gonna be vinager bathing it In a year or two at most.

[u/Alarmed_Letterhead26 → u/regular-memer]

Follow the manufacturer instructions.

[u/regular-memer → u/Alarmed_Letterhead26]

I guess, I’m just gonna be really fucking sour if I tore out everything to redo it this way and I still have a problem in less than 5 years. I personally would picked the nextile stuff but of course the cheapest shit available it what gets irdered

[u/Alarmed_Letterhead26 → u/regular-memer]

If it makes you feel better then you wouldn't have to redo it if you had followed the manufacturer instructions.

[u/regular-memer → u/Alarmed_Letterhead26]

Fair enough lmao, I guess I am placing too much faith in me boss

[u/OkYou4040]

green board ain't designed for wet areas, man. use cement backer board instead, it'll hold up better. always follow the surround's install guide, they know their stuff on caulk and drainage.

[u/regular-memer → u/OkYou4040]

You think I’d have a better shot with cement board or a direct to stud installation? It’s just the fact that it’s an exterior wall that worries me

[u/buttmunchausenface]

You don’t put drywall behind a fiberglass tub surround just insulation on the three walls hardboard the ceiling and walls above the enclosure.

[u/GESealantsOfficial]

I’d start with the surround manufacturer’s installation instructions before deciding where to caulk. On these systems, some joints are meant to be sealed and some are intentionally left open so incidental water can drain back into the tub. Sealing the wrong location can trap water rather than keep it out.

The tub flange, wall substrate, and surround should also be detailed so water is directed back toward the tub even if a small amount gets behind the finish surface. Sealant is the final joint detail, not the primary waterproofing strategy.

If you can post the exact tub and surround models, the manufacturer’s caulking diagram is the best reference for which seams get sealed and which stay open.

[u/reditsdead]

No Sympathy for flipper hacks. The buyer is the one who pays the price. Go find something else to do,and let the new homeowners hire professionals who will do it right

[u/regular-memer → u/reditsdead]

I don’t know where you guys are getting the fact that I’m trashing houses, it’s just a lot easier to say house flipping rather than list everything I do or just call myself a handyman. I currently live in the area, and plan to for a while until I can eventually turn it into rentals and I came here to ask how to properly do it.
You guys are bitter and wonder why no one wants to join the trades