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SCHLUTER SYSTEMS - INNOVATIVE INSTALLATION SYSTEMS FOR TILE

Contrary to popular belief, tiles and grout joints are not inherently waterproof, and must be installed in conjunction with a waterproofing system that effectively manages moisture and prevents mold growth.

The Schluter®-Shower System is an integrated family of products that together form a fully bonded, watertight assembly for tiled showers. The Schluter®-Shower System eliminates the risk of failures due to water and vapor penetration and dramatically reduces total installation time. From drains to shower benches to waterproofing pipe seals, Schluter®-Systems offers everything you need to ensure a dependable and watertight installation.

THE TRADITIONAL METHOD

The traditional method of shower construction, especially with respect to the base, is designed in a way that allows water into the tile substrate. With regular use of the shower the mortar bed can remain saturated, particularly if pre-slope installation is ignored or the weep holes become clogged, thus increasing the potential for efflorescence and mold growth within the system. There are also inherent challenges in creating thorough waterproofing, especially around the curb. The result is compromised performance for many of these showers which can often lead to costly callbacks and a damaged reputation for the builder.

Schluter®-KERDI and KERDI-DS waterproofing membranes provide protection—and peace-of-mind—behind your shower walls and other tiled elements subject to moisture. KERDI and KERDI-DS are pliable, sheet-applied, bonded waterproof membranes and vapor retarders with limited crack-bridging capabilities. Accessories made out of KERDI, including waterproofing strips, seamless corners, and pipe and mixing valve seals help complete the waterproofing process to ensure that your shower or bath surround is well-protected against mold and mildew.

THE SCHLUTER SYSTEM

The Schluter system assembly provides complete moisture management as it does not permit moisture to penetrate into the tile substrate, either the base or the walls, and allows the assembly to dry completely between uses. It is an integrated system that is simple and easy to install, which in turn prevents leaks and reduces the potential for efflorescence and mold growth in the system. Cost savings are realized through a faster, more efficient installation method and dramatically reduced call backs.

How to Choose the Best Drain for Your Shower

When you are planning a shower project for your home or rental property, one decision that seems small but is actually important revolves around what drain to use in the shower. Here are a few tips.

Point Drain or Linear Drain

There are more shower drains available than you can count, but they all really fall into two types – point drains and linear drains. Point drains are most common and are what we are used to seeing in showers. They are typically located in the middle of the shower floor, and the floor is sloped from all directions down to the drain. The shower floor is really a gently sloped funnel that directs all of the water into this drain. One tip is to look for a square drain grate, as opposed to a round one. Tiles are square, so your shower floor will look better with a square drain, and the installer won’t have to try to make round cuts on square tile.

A linear drain, as the name suggests, is long and narrow. These drains add an element of style to the shower and have become much more popular in the past few years. They may be located in the middle of the floor but are most commonly placed along one wall of the shower. The design and placement of these drains means the entire shower floor slopes gently and evenly toward the drain. No more funnel. Linear drains come in many different lengths, up to as long as 72”.

It’s important to know that both types of drains take the water away with equal efficiency. Unless you have an unusually large amount of water in your shower, either type will work. In most cases a point drain will cost less than a linear drain.

Large Tiles or Small Tiles

The most significant change that comes from choosing a linear drain is that you are able to use larger tiles on the shower floor. Because the entire floor is evenly sloped in one direction, any size tile can be installed on the floor. If you want small tiles that’s fine, but you can also use larger tiles. Many homeowners like this option because they can use the same tiles on the shower floor as they have in the rest of the bathroom. From a design perspective it creates a more seamless look and can help make small spaces seem larger.

Because of the funnel required for a point drain, smaller tiles have to be used on the shower floor. In most cases it is not recommended to use anything much larger than 4” x 4” tiles with a point drain. The tiles need to sit flat on the floor and you can’t put a large flat tile across a floor that has more than one slope. Many people prefer to accent the shower floor with smaller tiles and make it look different than the rest of the bathroom, so the point drain makes a good choice.

Decor Drain or Invisible Drain

Whether the decision is to go with a point drain or linear drain, the final step is to select the style and finish of the grate. This is the part of the drain that is seen and you want it to fit the style of the bathroom. I generally recommend choosing a finish that matches the rest of the fixtures in the bathroom so it all ties together. So if your taps and shower head are all in chrome, then your grate should be as well to complete the look. As for style, that’s a very personal choice. There are many options available and we really like the recent additions Schluter has come out with as they can add a bit of flair to the shower floor, and definitely stand out from your more traditional grates.

Another really sleek option is to use what’s called a tileable grate. In this case, the same tile that is used on the shower floor is adhered to a solid surface on the top of the grate, and the water drains simply around the edges of the tiled grate. The grate area blends in seamlessly with the rest of the shower floor, and becomes nearly invisible.

WARRANTY

All Schluter system products are backed by a guarantee. DCI Home Improvements is a certified trained installer of all Schluter-Systems products. If you are going to invest big dollars into your renovation project, don’t you want the peace of mind that comes with a lifetime warranty? Talk to us about how you can qualify.