Case Study: Micro-Cement Basement Bathroom in Mount Royal

Featuring Wedi® Waterproofing System, Advanced Tools & Expert Craftsmanship

Client & Situation

Fredrick and his wife, Vivian—originally from Europe and now living in Calgary’s Mount Royal community—wanted their neglected basement bathroom to feel like the modern, spa-like ensuites they were used to overseas. They loved:

• Seamless surfaces

• Minimal grout lines

• Light, calming finishes

• High design with low maintenance

They chose micro-cement for its European aesthetic—but before we could apply a premium finish, the space presented serious structural and moisture-related challenges that required specialized tools and experienced hands.

Pre-Project Hurdles—And the Tools, Skills & Planning Required to Solve Them

A basement bathroom renovation is never just about applying a finish. Success depends entirely on solving the hidden issues first—with precision, planning, and the right materials.

Below is a deeper, more technical breakdown of each hurdle and how Elevation Renovations resolved it.

1. Previous DIY Renovation & Hidden Substrate Problems

What We Found

• Uneven walls

• Misaligned corners

• Different wall materials patched together

• No proper waterproofing—especially in the shower

• Substrate movement risks that could crack micro-cement

Why This Is Serious

Micro-cement is thin—every flaw telegraphs through it. An unstable substrate = future cracks or delamination.

Tools & Skills Needed

• Rotary hammer & oscillating multi-tool: for clean demolition and to remove old tile and backer without damaging structure.

• Laser level (cross-line): to realign walls, corners, and ensure surfaces were perfectly plumb.

• Straightedges & feathering trowels: to re-plane uneven areas before panels were installed.

• Skim-coating expertise: to create a uniform surface ready for Wedi and micro-cement.

Our Solution

1. Selective demolition using oscillating tools to expose hidden layers safely.

2. Rebuilding the substrate using proper cementitious materials.

3. Re-establishing straight walls using laser-guided alignment and precision shimming.

4. Preparing surfaces for Wedi waterproof panel installation.

This step required craftsmanship and construction knowledge, because micro-cement only looks as good as the substrate beneath it.

2. Moisture Concerns & Cold Basement Walls

What We Found

• Past staining on lower wall sections

• Cool foundation walls causing seasonal condensation

• A faint but noticeable musty smell

Why This Matters

Moisture trapped behind walls ruins micro-cement, causes mould, and undermines the entire structure.

Tools & Skills Needed

• Moisture meter: to test the wall assembly and slab moisture levels.

• Thermal camera: to identify cold spots and condensation-prone zones.

• Foundation crack-seal technique: knowledge of proper patching materials and bonding products.

Our Solution

1. Moisture testing to confirm no active leaks.

2. Local remediation of minor issues—sealants, corrections to exterior grade (with client coordination).

3. Improved insulation strategy behind walls to limit temperature swings.

4. Use of Wedi system, which is:

   • Waterproof

   • Lightweight

   • Dimensionally stable

   • Ideal for basements where moisture control is critical

This required an installer skilled in building science, waterproofing, and precision carpentry.

3. Low Ceilings & No Natural Light

What We Found

• Low clearance

• No windows

• Outdated lighting that emphasized every flaw

Why It’s a Challenge

A tight basement washroom can feel small and shadowy, regardless of finish.

Tools & Skills Needed

• The lighting designer’s approach to layer light correctly

• Laser level & stud-finder to install recessed fixtures safely

• Electrical experience (licensed electrician) to relocate and add lighting circuits

Our Solution

1. Installed slim recessed LED fixtures for even brightness.

2. Positioned lights to graze walls, highlighting micro-cement texture.

3. Used a light-grey micro-cement that reflects light and brightens the space.

The skill here is understanding light behavior on different textures and controlling the environment to make a small space feel open.

4. Plumbing Layout, Drain Relocation & Curbless Shower

What We Found

• Shower drain in a poor location for a curbless design

• Inconsistent floor slope over old concrete

• A curb that Fredrick and Vivian wanted removed

Why This Is High-Risk

Curbless showers require perfect slopes and waterproofing—especially in basements, where leaks remain hidden.

Tools & Skills Needed

• Jackhammer or concrete saw: for selective slab cuts to move the drain.

• Slope gauges & digital angle finders: to create precise floor gradients.

• Wedi Fundo shower systems expertise: to install pre-sloped waterproof components correctly.

• Flood-testing knowledge to confirm perfect performance before finishing.

Our Solution

1. Drain relocation with a licensed plumber.

2. Re-sloping the shower pan over the slab to ensure water moved efficiently.

3. Installing the Wedi® Fundo system, which gives:

   • Built-in slope

   • Complete waterproofing

   • A rigid base ideal for micro-cement

4. Flood test to validate waterproofing before moving on.

This required tile-system expertise, carpentry precision, and plumbing coordination.

5. Code Compliance & Long-Term Finish Stability

What We Found

• Previous work did not align with best practices

• Substrate transitions were questionable

• No proof of previous waterproofing

Tools & Skills Needed

• Knowledge of Alberta building code

• Understanding of compatible materials (primers, membranes, micro-cement systems)

• Professional installation of Wedi & micro-cement

Our Solution

1. Treating the project as a new build—not relying on old work.

2. Using a completely compatible system:

   • Wedi panels

   • Wedi sealants

   • Micro-cement approved primers and bonding agents

3. Precision timing for:

   • Cure stages

   • Membrane drying

   • Micro-cement layers and sanding

This requires a skilled tradesperson, not just a cosmetic installer.

Design & Micro-Cement Installation

Once the hidden problems were addressed, we moved into design and finishing:

• Warm, modern European-style micro-cement chosen by Fredrick and Vivian

• Multiple thin coats, troweled and sanded by hand

• Seamless integration of walls, niche, and shower floor

• High-performance sealer applied for long-term durability

This work demands:

• Trowel skill

• Knowledge of curing dynamics

• A steady hand for edge work

• Experience blending micro-cement for consistent color and motion

Micro-cement finishing is a craft, not just a product.

Final Results

The finished basement bathroom is:

• Bright, warm, and modern

• Seamless and easy to clean

• Completely waterproof with Wedi beneath

• Free of grout lines and clutter

• A true reflection of the European minimalism Fredrick and Vivian love

Guests often can’t believe it’s a basement bathroom.

Key Takeaways

• The beauty of micro-cement depends on the invisible craftsmanship behind it.

• Wedi® systems provide reliable waterproofing for basements where water management is crucial.

• Solving substrate, moisture, and plumbing challenges properly requires:

  • Professional tools

  • Building-science knowledge

  • Skilled installation

Micro-cement looks simple—but only when the work underneath is extraordinary.

Call to Action

If you’re considering micro-cement or a basement bathroom renovation in Mount Royal or anywhere in Calgary, Elevation Renovations specializes in:

• Wedi waterproof systems

• Micro-cement finishing

• Precision building and substrate correction

• Basement moisture and drainage solutions

Reach out to book a consultation and bring European-inspired craftsmanship to your home.