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Shower Construction Methods

Welcome back to my blog! Today we will be discussing different methods for constructing and sealing a shower.

To create a shower from scratch:

  1. The first thing that is done is the general framing of the shower.
  2. Next the shower pan is pre- sloped,
  3. Followed by a waterproofing membrane that is installed over the pre- sloped pan and about 3″ up the side of the shower (about the size of the dam).
  4. Next, the walls are lined with felt and backer board is installed over it.
  5. Then, all the joints are filled and the pre formed niches are added to the shower.
  6. Finally, a mortar bed is applied to the pan (which consists of 1 part cement and 4 parts of sand). The shower is now ready for tile installation. It is common (and good) practice to being with tiling the pan first!

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Lovely tile job! (1)

There are variations to this but in general this is the path that most installers will follow.

Another method to constructing a shower is to use a drop in fiberglass and acrylic enclosure. This is probably the easiest method that a handy do-it- yourselfer can manage. This project can be completed in a couple of days. The shower is sold in a kit at most home improvement stores. In the kit you will find everything you will need (minus tools) for installing your shower. the acrylic / fiberglass shower comes with 3 molded plastic sides. They are super easy to keep clean and do not require any thought as to tile layout- since there will not be any. From a design stand point, I would never recommend this. This enclosure is very large and cumbersome, and it has an obvious lack of style.

Also available on the market are Styrofoam shower pans can be purchased for easy installation. They are convenient due to the fact that they are pre-sloped and are customizable.

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I’ve seen much better pans in my life! (2)

And lastly there are pre- fab showers available where they have all the pieces pre put together (the pan, drain, dam etc). This product is nice because tile can be applied directly on the surface.

Before I jump into sealing, please be sure that proper blocking, backing and drain installation has taken place. Okay, ready to begin?

Hot mopping is a method that has been used for many, many years. Typically the term “hot mop” applies to waterproofing a roof, so you know its heavy duty! Basically hot mopping is heating asphalt and mopping it on. Once the asphalt is in place, felt paper is rolled onto to the surface. This process is repeated many times until you have a good three layers of felt paper. During my research it has also been suggested that the corner of the shower should be reinforced with fiberglass.

Sheet membranes (usually self-adhering rubberized asphalt membranes) are great for thin set installation and can be used over common substrates. They are also great to use for vapor barrier protection. This product is very difficult to work with (it’s basically a double sided sticker) and requires two people for installation. The biggest advantage is their consistent thickness.

Roll on waterproofing membranes can be applied over approved substrates simply with a roller, or brush. The major con to this method is a prolonged period of drying time.

 


Sources

Photo

Photos are acquired and protected under creative commons law

1.http://freerangestock.com/details.php?gid=&sgid=&pid=18035

2. http://freerangestock.com/details.php?gid=&sgid=&pid=12983

 

Content

1. http://stoneimprovementusa.com/2009/12/travertine-maintenence-tips/

2. http://www.tileprotection.com/home.php?cat=6

3. http://www.ehow.com/fiberglass-showers/

4.http://www.concretenetwork.com/concrete/waterproofing_concrete_foundations/sheet_membranes.htm

5.http://www.thetiledoctor.com/howto/showers5.cfm

 


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