Replies

1. 
   DDay | Oct 16, 2006 05:59am | #1

   neither of those is a moisture barrier.  You need to use something like kerdi or noble for a water tight barrier.  Do a google, and breaktime search for Schulter and kerdi.  You can also check out schulters website for all the details on the products and their complete shower systems.  Also go to the tile website http://www.johnbridge.com they have lots of info and lots of people with knowledge.

1. 
   bandaidsandstiches | Oct 16, 2006 06:16am | #2

   I know these are not membranes. My bad!
   This is an additional question concerning product to use over membrane.
   That is, what backer board to use on the walls?
   Thanx
   Larry

1. 
   DDay | Oct 20, 2006 02:56am | #3

   I don't know about noble but kerdi recommends regular drywall.  I'm doing a shower now and talked to the kerdi rep and he said you can pretty much use anything but they recommend drywall because it is so easy to install versus durock, hardibacker, etc.  Also with the hardibacker and durock you might need to wet them down before you put the kerdi on so they don't pull all the moisture out of the thin set.

   Since the kerdi is completely water proof, the drywall is just there to span the studs and provide a solid surface.  If installed right, it will never get wet because of the kerdi.  Also the drywall comes in larger sizes and costs much less.

1. 
   Geoffrey | Oct 20, 2006 04:24am | #5

   The answer is Dens-shield By GP(Georgia Pacific)!!! best tile backer around, cuts and works like drywall, but has a water-PROOF stippled face, no VB needed behind it. Available in 3'x5' or 4'x8' sheets, attach using ss screws or equal, butt seams and I.C.'s should be caulked w/silicone and allowed to dry, then set tile!! Be sure to allow board to come over top flange of base pan, but not allow to touch floor.Furring with 1/4" ply behind backer is O.K. if needed.

                                                                 Good Luck!    Geoff

2. 
   sully13 | Oct 20, 2006 04:56pm | #11

   Sorry to butt in.  I thought the latest codes prohibited using gyp board as a backer in any shower or tub area, whether it's MR or not. 

   At least that's the word that I got.

   sully

2. 
   JonE | Oct 20, 2006 03:41am | #4

   In spite of the myriad recommendations to use Schluter products, I went with National Gypsum Permabase (similar to Durock) and Laticrete brush-on waterproofing membrane on the walls.  Floor has both PVC pan and the Laticrete to provide double protection. 

    

3. 
   user-196900 | Oct 20, 2006 04:29am | #6

         I like to use durock for the shower walls over hardibacker because  it is stiffer,and feathers out to the drywall easier also the seams mud flatter in my opinion.

4. 
   Gene_Davis | Oct 20, 2006 04:59am | #7

   Plain old sheetrock, then Schluter's Kerdi membrane.  Read all about it over on the John Bridge forum, where many more tile professionals hang out than here.

   Complete sourcing info, and all installation details, are available for the Schluter products, by surfing around over there.

1. 
   zak | Oct 20, 2006 05:39am | #8

   One thing I noticed over on the John Bridge forum is that in some places, inspectors haven't yet seen, and won't accept, a kerdi system.  Not speaking from personal experience though.zak

   "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

   "so it goes"

    

1. 
   Gene_Davis | Oct 20, 2006 05:55am | #9

   What's an inspector?

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Oct 20, 2006 03:02pm | #10

   Zak said: "One thing I noticed over on the John Bridge forum is that in some places, inspectors haven't yet seen, and won't accept, a kerdi system." 

   I told my inspector yesterday that I planned on installing a Kerdi system. He'd never heard of it and asked if I could get him some literature. Bottom line, though, was "if the base holds water, I'll pass it."

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA