What is a “tar shower?”

What Exactly Is a “Tar Shower?” Let’s Clear Up the Confusion.

Okay, so you’ve heard the term “tar shower” and you’re probably picturing something… well, messy. The truth is, it can mean a few different things, and the meaning totally depends on the context. It’s not always about getting covered in goo, though sometimes, it is. Let’s break it down, shall we?

1. Mother Nature’s Mess: When the Earth Burps Up Asphalt

First up, we’ve got the geological kind of “tar shower.” Imagine this: way back when, or even now in some places, the earth decides to, well, eject liquid asphalt into the air. Yep, like a shower, but with tar. Sounds wild, right? This bizarre event is usually linked to seismic activity in areas where oil naturally seeps from the ground.

• How it Happens: Think of it like this: the earth has little wounds where crude oil oozes out i. The lighter stuff evaporates, leaving behind this super-thick, sticky gunk – we call it tar or bitumen i.
• The Earthquake Factor: Now, shake things up (literally!). An earthquake can release trapped gas i. If the conditions are just right (or wrong, depending on how you look at it), this gas can blast the tar upwards, creating a shower effect i. I’m picturing something straight out of a disaster movie!
• Ancient History Connection: Ever wonder about those stories of Sodom and Gomorrah? Some folks think events like “tar showers” might be behind those legends i. I mean, the Dead Sea is known as the “asphalt sea” for a reason – bitumen tends to show up after earthquakes there i. Coincidence? Maybe not.

2. Shower Time, Construction Style: Hot Mopping and Waterproofing

Now, let’s switch gears. “Tar shower” can also refer to a pretty old-school method of waterproofing shower pans. It’s called “hot mopping,” or sometimes just “hot tar.”

• The Process: Basically, you’re creating a waterproof barrier using layers of hot, liquid tar and roofing felt. First, you prep the shower area, then slap on some roofing felt i. Next comes the fun part (not really): hot tar, heated to a scorching 500 degrees Fahrenheit, gets poured over the felt and spread around i. Repeat a few times, and bam! You’ve got a thick, hopefully waterproof layer i.
• The Good Stuff: Hot mopping is known for being super effective and long-lasting i. If done right, with a sloped mortar bed, it can seriously prevent water damage and nasty mold i. Trust me, you don’t want mold.
• The Not-So-Good Stuff: Okay, let’s be real: it’s messy, it stinks, and it takes time i. That tar smell can be intense during installation (think road paving, but in your bathroom). The good news is, it usually fades within a few hours if you ventilate well i. Plus, if you ever need to repair or renovate, removing it is a pain i.
• Modern Alternatives: These days, there are easier and cleaner ways to waterproof, like Schluter systems or sheet membranes i. I’ve used both, and honestly, they’re a lot less… aromatic.

3. When “Tar Shower” Just Means “Bad News”

Sometimes, “tar shower” is just a colorful way of saying you’re getting bombarded with something unpleasant. It’s more figurative, you know? Think of it as a slang term for a really bad situation.

4. Tar Balls: The Beach Bum’s Nightmare

Ugh, tar balls. These clumps of petroleum can wash up on beaches, often after oil spills or from natural seeps i. Stepping on one is the worst! If you get tar on your skin, soap and water or even baby oil can help get it off i.

5. Coal Tar: A Dermatological Tool

Believe it or not, tar can be helpful. Coal tar, in particular, is used in some skin treatments for conditions like psoriasis i. You can find it in shampoos and bath solutions i. But, fair warning, it can cause irritation and make your skin more sensitive to the sun i.

So, there you have it. “Tar shower” isn’t just one thing. It could be a geological oddity, a construction technique, or just a colorful way to describe a bad situation. Context is key!