RedGard vs Hydro Ban vs AquaDefense – The Waterproofing Test That Shocked Contractors
When we waterproof bathrooms in New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania, the goal is simple: keep water where it belongs. A small failure behind tile can lead to mold, rot, structural damage, and huge costs for homeowners. That’s why we constantly stay up to date on testing and installation best practices — like this eye-opening tensile strength test from Tile Coach on YouTube.
He put three of the most popular waterproofing membranes to the test… and the results shocked everyone, including him.
🎥 Watch the Test (Source: Tile Coach — YouTube)
🔬 How the Test Was Conducted
Tile Coach built a custom tensile strength testing machine.
All products were:
✔ Applied at equal thickness
✔ Cut into identical test strips
✔ Pulled apart under equal conditions
Products Tested:
ProductApprox. CostReputationRedGard~$55Affordable favoriteAquaDefense~$52Mid-range replacement for sheet membranesHydro Ban~$100Premium option with strong marketing claims
📈 The Results (Flexibility Before Failure)
ProductStretch Capability🥇 RedGard675% before failure🥈 Hydro Ban400% before failure🥉 AquaDefense100% before failure
Tile Coach expected Hydro Ban to run away with the victory — especially at double the price.
Instead, RedGard blew the others away in pure tensile performance.
🧠 Why Flexibility Matters in Real Homes
Homes in the Northeast move — temperature swings, humidity, subfloor deflection.
Higher elasticity helps prevent:
✔ Micro-cracks under tile
✔ Waterproofing breaches
✔ Hidden long-term leaks
RedGard’s flexibility = more forgiveness
…especially in older homes where movement is common.
🏁 Final Thoughts from a Pro Contractor
Hydro Ban still has strong value in complex designs and compatibility with other systems — but when it comes to pure tensile durability:
The budget-friendly option… won the durability test.
Sometimes proven science > brand hype.
Huge credit to Tile Coach for a fair, controlled construction test like this.
Considering a Bathroom Remodel?
We install showers the right way — waterproofing that’s proven to prevent leaks, not just pass inspection.
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