Questions in Response to Previous Guest Blog Post
By Chris Lawson, Tile Excellence
The concept of waterproofing systems is a interesting idea and I know a few installers who swear by them. I personally have some reservations and questions that need to be addressed before I would use them.
First of all the systems I am familiar with require the use of a unmodified thin set to install the system. I use strong modified thin sets to install all my tile, after all the tile installation is only as strong as the thin set used to set it. So my No 1 question would be " Can I use a strong acrylic fortified thin set with the waterproofing membrane system"? I've used the rubber membrane shower pan system for over 20 years with Hardi board walls and have never had a shower leak.so my no 2 question would be "why would I change a tried and true proven shower floor process that has never let me down for a more expensive questionable product"
I've installed over 300 showers at least in my career and never had not 1 ever leak It would take a lot of convincing to get me to change a process that has given me such results over the years especially considering the cost of materials for a dry in shower floor is about $75 in materials and $175 labor to my customer for a dried in shower floor with the concrete ready to tile so question #3 would be " why would I pay a considerable higher cost for something new to replace a system proven reliable and trustworthy over years of use
Chris Lawson, Owner of Tile Excellence, Gloucester, MA
Blogger on "ask chris"
The Trugard System may be the only membrane out there that allows you to use the strong modified thin set for your shower, but yes you can absolutely use it as long as you use the 1/4" notched trowel. Any thicker and you'll need to wait long for the thin set to dry.
ReplyDeleteFor your last two questions...
The issue isn't always leaking with the Rubber shower pans unless you continuously staple, nail, and screw holes in the membrane (creates weak points for potential leaks) here's the main issue: The traditional rubber shower pans that are installed prior to the cement mortar bed without any slope are the issue. They leave an enormous amount of water saturating and puddling in the bottom of your shower underneath the tiles creating the perfect environment for microorganism growth such as mold and mildew and the perfect scenario for a potential water leak.
For the Price:
Now I don't know your prices but based on the $75 say for a 6' x 6' base your charging over $2 a Sqft. and that only covers the base. The Trugard system is less then $1 a Sqft and it protects your entire shower not just the base.
There are benefits to each, we just believe in protecting your entire shower more effectively and keeping it mold free is the better option.
Great Questions!