Installation Techniques:<br>Innovations in shower stall assembly
The standard North American two-stage shower drain has served its purpose well. However, with the evolution of new building materials and methods, this drain system has seen its time pass. The introduction of the Kerdi-Drain by Schl¿terR-Systems highlights common sense modifications that combine functionality with time and labor-saving installation methods.
When a tile contractor approaches a new construction project to install a traditional tile shower floor, he is likely to face some considerable prep time. This often includes cutting back the existing sheet rock, which has been run to the floor, and installing solid "blocking" between the studs. Before the membrane can be installed, the floor must be "pre-sloped" (1/4 inch per foot) to the weep holes of the sub-drain assembly. After the pre-slope is cured, the contractor can install the pan liner. Once the pan liner has been installed, he must check that the shower pan has not been damaged or that nails or screws have not been driven through it, as is sometimes the case. The next step is to float a primary mortar bed on top of the liner, making sure to first surround the weep holes of the sub-drain with crushed tile or stone. [Note: Smart contractors will install a drainage mat on top of the pan liner before floating the primary mortar bed so that water can freely run off the pan liner and into the weep holes. Using a drainage mat eliminates the need for placing crushed tile or stone around the weep holes.] The contractor will then lay the tile, making difficult cuts around a round drain grate.