Q:   My home is only 2 years old and my master bath custom shower has leaked and caused damage to surrounding rooms.  Should the green sheetrock used fail in such a short period of time?

A:   First, the word "custom" is widely over used.  "Custom" does not come in  kits, buckets of glue, or prefabricated components.  Custom is built on site by highly skilled mechanics that have an understanding of water management, as well as possess a skill in tile installations.  Secondly, sheetrock is not an acceptable substrate for ceramic tile.  This is stated in the International Residential Building Code of 2006.  Your builder, tile contractor, and local building inspector should be well aware of these codes and they should be enforced to protect you.

Tile, grout, or backer boards are not waterproof.  Tile is only cosmetic and has absolutely no waterproofing capabilities.  Unfortunately, there are very few contractors that know and understand proper shower construction.  Most consumers depend on retail flooring stores for their waterproofing needs.  

Ask questions to qualify your contractor, and especially your tile installer.  The Ceramic Tile Education Foundation has a link on their website, www.tilecareer.com, to a contractor questionnaire that can be printed for your use.  Don't be shy about requiring your potential installer to provide you with their qualifications.  It would also be in your best interest to inform your choice of installer that you will have their work inspected by a qualified tile inspector prior to remitting final payment.  Any installer that has a problem with this is one from which to walk away.