Hi again all!
I’m in the process of building a custom shower base and have a few questions. At this point I have poured the first layer mortar base with the correct slope, installed the cpe membrane, installed the drain, have tested for leaks, and installed the lower level of backer board. Now I’m ready to pour the floor above the membrane and am a little confused. I’m using 2 guides and one suggests using metal lath and the other doesn’t. Metal lath is non existent at the plumbing supply stores around here but I Have some ½ inch galvanized screening I think will work if I need it. I’m not as concerned about the floor as I am the shower curb. I have used 3 2 x 4’s as recommended to construct my curb and have laid the membrane over the curb to the bathroom floor. Do I just pour the mortar over the curb and shape it? Or is there a technique better using backer board to cover the curb? Since the mortar covering the curb will only be around ¾ inch thick I would think I would need metal lath or my screen material for reinforcement. Any help would be appreciated..
IMSA
Replies
Home Depot carries the expanded metal in the concrete area. It is used for stucco and many other applications and is just fine for your purpose.
When I did my first custom shower, I had the same questions. For the curb, I fastened the metal on the outside of the curb only and bent it over into the shower before adding mud. Do not puncture the membrane inside the curb or on top.
http://www.johnbridge.com is where all the tile gurus hang out. Very helpfu;. Check out the tile forums
the John Bridges site will have all the info U need and more.
U definitely need mesh over the curb ... or ... use a performed curb.
and as U mention ... 2 schools of thot as to mesh in the top layer of mud.
some think since that's the "wet layer" ... the mesh will rust and breakdown and eventially tear the liner ...
me ... I'm pretty sure even if it does rust away ... it ain't going no where ... so I do use mesh over the entire floor ... and up and over the curb ... and I also hold my CBU walls up 6 to 8 inches ... and run the mesh up the walls ... over the rubber but tucked tight against the framing ... and pull the floor mortar up the walls and make all flush with the 1/2" cbu.
harder at first ... but makes for a little mortar swimming pool at the bottom.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa