How to Know When It’s Time to Waterproof Again

You’ve had your bathroom redone. Maybe your balcony was sealed a few years ago. The deck? Looked fine last summer. But now you’re wondering —how long does waterproofing actually last?

And how do you know when it’s time to do it again?

At Infinity Shower Pans, we get this question a lot. Waterproofing isn’t something you look at every day, but it plays a huge role in protecting your home from rot, mold, and costly water damage. Whether it’s a hot mop shower pan, a torch down flat roof, or an exterior deck, all waterproofing has a shelf life. Let’s break down how to tell when it's time for a refresh.

1. You’re Seeing New Water Damage

This one’s obvious, but still worth saying: if you see water stains, mold, soft spots, bubbling paint, or mysterious puddles, you’ve got a problem. Water is getting in somewhere it shouldn’t be. A once-solid waterproofing job might now have pinholes, cracks, or separation from key joints. If water is showing up, it’s already passed through layers it wasn’t supposed to.

2. It’s Been 7+ Years Since Your Last Job

Most waterproofing systems — including hot mop pans, torch down roofs, and deck membranes — last around 7 to 10 years with good installation and maintenance. After that, materials start to age, shrink, dry out, or lose their bonding. Even if you’re not seeing leaks yet, that doesn't mean everything underneath is still solid. If it's been close to a decade, it's time to get it checked.

3. You Notice Cracks, Blisters, or Separation

This applies especially to balconies, flat roofs, planters, and exterior decks. Walk the area and look closely — any visible cracks, bubbling, or lifting around the edges means moisture has started getting in or the membrane is failing. Same goes for any roofing that looks like it’s pulling up around drains, corners, or seams.

4. Your Shower Pan or Roman Tub Starts Smelling Musty

If your bathroom smells musty even after cleaning, or if the floor near the shower feels soft, your hot mop pan might be on its last leg. A lot of homeowners think tile or grout is what keeps the water out — but it’s the pan underneath that does all the real work. When that layer starts breaking down, the first clue might just be a smell.

5. The Surface Is Frequently Exposed to Harsh Conditions

Got a rooftop deck with full sun exposure? A balcony that takes constant rain? Or a planter that sees a lot of water? Surfaces like these wear down quicker, especially if the original install wasn’t layered properly. UV rays, pooling water, and thermal movement speed up the aging process. If that sounds like your situation, get your waterproofing inspected sooner rather than later.

6. You’re Planning a Remodel or Upgrade

This is a big one. If you’re doing a bathroom remodel, adding new tile to a deck, or making structural changes, don’t skip redoing the waterproofing. It’s the perfect time to update it while everything is exposed — especially if the original work was done a while ago or by someone who didn’t specialize in it. New finishes look great, but they won't last long over failing waterproofing.

7. You’ve Never Had It Inspected

Even if everything seems fine, waterproofing is one of those things that can quietly fail underneath the surface. A quick inspection by a professional can catch signs you might miss — like moisture readings behind tile, minor delamination, or weakening joints. It’s worth the peace of mind, especially when the alternative is a slow leak that turns into a big repair.

Don’t Wait for the Leak

The best time to waterproof is before a leak ever shows up. Whether it's been a while since your last job or you're just not sure what’s happening behind the scenes, let Infinity Shower Pans help you take the guesswork out of it. Our team takes the time to inspect, test, and walk you through the process so you know exactly where you stand.

Call us today at and book a waterproofing assessment before small issues become big problems.

We’ll make sure your shower, balcony, or roof is ready to stand up to whatever comes next.