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HELP! Shower pan liner install–good or bad?

1steven | Posted in Construction Techniques on November 8, 2018 12:03pm

I’m having a new shower pan installed. Attached are pics. I’m concerned that from everything I’ve researched on how to do a rubber liner, sealing the corners is important, no nail penetrations on the inside or top of the curb, etc…The installer says he’s done hundreds this way and has never had one leak. But he’s only 29 years old and I’m concerned that in 10, 15 or 20 years it could leak and he’s likely not going to be around. The old lead liner lasted almost 65 years. Is it unreasonable to expect a rubber lined paan to last 40 years? And what is the typical cost to do a mortar shower pan? Please comment on the picturesattached. There are more pics in a separate post. THANKS!

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Replies

  1. mgmahan | Nov 08, 2018 12:48pm | #1

    Ain't pretty.

    It ain't pretty, but I don't see any penetrations below the curb. If the coners are folded without cuts it should be fine as far as leaks. I assume he will install expanded metal and mud the sides and top of the curb. I tuck my folds toward the outsice of the pan, Looks neater that way and makes the float easier. If done right the liner should be one piece with no glued seams. I always put the lath below the floor of the pan so that the mud locks it in. Floating over the corners could be difficult, but if there are no penetrations below the  curb it should be fine. It should be around leak free long after you are. 

    Mike

    1. 1steven | Nov 08, 2018 01:29pm | #2

      Thanks!

      He plans on using cement baord on the curb, which means more screws and penetrations. Not sure now he plans on securing that to the inside face of the curb?? Then he says he will apply RedGard over the entire curb.

      1. mgmahan | Nov 08, 2018 07:25pm | #6

        Backer board.

        I don't see any way to attach backer board to the  inside of the curb at this point without puncturing the liner. The folds in the pan liner will prevent it from going flat. It sounds as if the Redgard will be used to make up for penetration of the pan. This would be un acceptable. 

        Mike

  2. florida | Nov 08, 2018 02:12pm | #3

    It may be waterproof but it's mess. Water is going to leak down the curb corners and around your glass surround. I'd send him packing just for slop. A mud pan should only take 4 or 5 hours, or less,  and cost less than $500.00

    1. 1steven | Nov 08, 2018 02:50pm | #4

      Appreciate it!

      No it's not pretty and seems like all the folds on the curb will create a problem for creating a perfectly level surface to mount the glass shower enclosure panels on and maintain plumbness with the walls.

  3. catmandeux | Nov 08, 2018 06:21pm | #5

    That is a hack job.

    Based on the level of care and attention to detail shown so far, the finish tile work will likely be just as bad.

    Did the pan pass the 24 hr water test before packing the floor?

    Was there weep hole protection applied around the drain before packing the floor?

    Why is the finish drain cover sitting on the edge of the curb, covered in mortar?

    Personnaly, I would not let that person back in the house. 

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