Replies

1. 
   JOAII | Sep 08, 2002 05:57am | #1

   I am trying to post a picture to show what I am working with.

   
1. 
   JeffBuck | Sep 08, 2002 10:14am | #2

   Dani......a simple question...why would you want to introduce any additional moisture into your concrete?

   Not a good thing.......so yes......rubber shower pan.......or do it the wrong way. It's your house, afterall. Jeff.......Sometimes on the toll road of life.....a handful of change is good.......

1. 
   JOAII | Sep 09, 2002 12:01am | #5

   Thank you for the advice...point taken. Look's like I'll be installing the rubber shower pan.    Dani.

1. 
   JeffBuck | Sep 09, 2002 03:09am | #6

   Dani....look into the correct method of building a shower pan.......it'l be plenty strong and substantial. The guy from JLC has a pretty good book...Michael Burne(sp?)...think it's called Tile Setting.

   The rubber membrane is incased in dry pack mortar........meaning the tile is thinsetted directly to mortar......as in...no difference on that level from if ya skipped the all to important pan liner.

   A base of mortar sloped toward the drain is set. Let it set up. The the rubber goes over this...install correctly...nail high...fold the corners....use a clamping shower drain.....then.....the second layer of concrete is packed over this.......and this time....one thickness...so it follows the slope already established..........

   you have to make sure both layers of concrete are think enough to be strong.....I don't like anything less than 3/4".......

   I also build the curb forms between layers......and I forgot to mention the layer of diamond mesh on top of the membrane and in the curb form.......I also run the mesh up the walls a few inches ..as I leave the backerboard off the floor a few inches.

   Lately I've been doing alot of showers with a seat...and all that get's membrane, mesh and mortar'ed too......maked for one big mass.....all tied in and waterproofed.

   Get a book and figure it all out before ya start. Not too difficult once you understand the basics.

   For setting the tile.....take your time and lay it all out....dry lay to check......shift the lines till the crooked corners are hidden and all the grout lines line up. Best case senerio is no pieces smaller than 1/2 full......shift things till ya get close to perfect...and if a sliver has to happen.....shift the layout so it's not noticable at first.

   Jeff.......Sometimes on the toll road of life.....a handful of change is good.......

1. 
   JOAII | Sep 09, 2002 05:35am | #9

   A big thank you to all who have taken the time to respond to my question, I now know with out a doubt that I will be purchasing a rubber shower pan this week. Thank you all again for all of the information. It is greatly appreciated.    Dani

2. 
   jet | Sep 08, 2002 10:59am | #3

   Jeff you beat me to it.

   Tried to post this earlier.

   The water will "rot" the concrete but before that it will wick up the studs and rot them. I should know as I damaged the membrain to my shower and had to replace the floor and remove 3 rows of tiles around the bottom to do so. found the bottom of some of the studs rotten too. Good thing DW bought too many tiles in the first place.

   Put the membrain. $100 now or several $100 later??????

1. 
   JOAII | Sep 08, 2002 11:58pm | #4

   Thank's for the input. I now realize that it is a must, but... I still have concern's ... when I lay the tile will it still be as strong ,resistant to cracking etc... as it would have  had it been laid on a firmer, more substantial foundation? I hope you understand what I am getting at. will that mat of rubber move?

          `Dani.

1. 
   FrankB89 | Sep 09, 2002 03:11am | #7

   The tile doesn't go directly against the "rubber" pan.  Overlay the pan with a mortar or grout mix...better yet, educate yourself on the process before you start.

   Woops! Jeff beat me to it!  And was more gentlemanly about it. 

   I'll just add that it's not rocket science and it's kind of enjoyable to build your own shower.

   Edited 9/8/2002 8:14:20 PM ET by Notchman

1. 
   markjrogers | Sep 09, 2002 03:47am | #8

   One thing you might think about is your insurance .... Most companies will not insure with out a pan menbrain.... mold problems..... Mark

2. 
   Patrickjd9 | Sep 09, 2002 04:44pm | #10

   http://www.askbuild.com/cgi-bin/column?253

   http://johnbridge.com/shower_pan_replacement.htm

   http://web.archive.org/web/20010802230226/www.jlconline.com/jlc/archive/kitchen/mortarbed_showers/index.html

   Here are some links on the subject.  I have not done it yet, and after reading think I may hire someone rather than do it myself. 

1. 
   calvin | Sep 10, 2002 05:14pm | #11

   http://curve.phpwebhosting.com/~luka/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=howto&Number=515&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=0&fpart=__________________________________________

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

   http://www.quittintime.com/

    

1. 
   JOAII | Sep 13, 2002 03:16am | #13

   This is a great site too! Thanks

2. 
   JOAII | Sep 13, 2002 03:08am | #12

   These sites were very helpful. Thank you.