My dad and I enjoy working together on projects around my house. We work well together and our projects are commonly called “four letter projects” in my family. We recently had a disagreement regarding proper installation of V-corner and V cap ceramic tile in the walk-in shower I am building. It is his belief that the top or flat part of the v-cap should be on top because installing it the other way will create a low spot and edge around the counter, or in this case stub walls to the shower opening, that will collect water. I say that because one of the tile’s edge is a bull nose (the flat side) and the opposite side with the downward slope is designed to accept another tile that should be the side that is up and its designed that way so liquids won’t spill to the ground as readily. Is there a correct way to install v-caps or is it really based on preference?
Signed,
Looking to Correct my Dad
Replies
Well, the application you're citing isn't the typical application for V-caps- so there's not really a "right" answer. V-caps are typically used on countertops, and the "hump" is on the top side, not the face. This keeps water from running off the edge of the countertop. In your situation, I guess whatever floats your boat is fine.
Bob
I would install as if it were a counter top because that is the way it looks best and was designed to be installed, but.......
Given that this application process will in fact collect water, I would pitch the top of the wall to where the tile is being installed. Of course, that pitch should be fairly aggressive, about half a bubble or more (at least an eight). Of course, that wall should be membraned as well, with paint on membrane like Laticrete 9235 or any of its clones. Whatever kind of tile you are using it should be water impervious, like a porceline, and the grout sealed of course.
I don't think this is the best kind of tile to put in a shower due to its propensity to collect water, but hey, its your shower.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934