Shower Installation Guide

18 BARRIER-FREE SHOWERS — Accessibility and style
BARRIER-FREE SHOWERS
Accessibility and style
As our population ages, there is increasing demand for accessible living spaces.
Tiled showers typically feature curbs to retain water in the stall, which can make entry
difficult for those with limited mobility, including individuals who need the assistance
of wheelchairs. Barrier-free tiled showers eliminate the use of a curb and rely on the
slope of the floor to keep water inside the stall, thus improving accessibility. These
showers have also become increasingly popular for their aesthetic benefits, as they can
integrate seamlessly with surrounding tiled surfaces to enhance an already luxurious
environment.
DESIGN AND INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS
The Schluter
®
-Shower System provides a simple and effective means of waterproofing
barrier-free installations. The key to this is that the Schluter
®
-KERDI waterproofing
membrane is topically applied. Once the slope to drain is established, KERDI and tile
are installed, thus minimizing the thickness of the assembly.
Barrier-free tiled showers rely on the slope of the floor to effectively contain water in the immediate shower area and direct water to the
drain. Given the wide range of potential configurations, it isn’t possible to address them all in this Handbook. However, the following
guidelines will assist in planning any barrier-free installation.
Ideally, the floor will be recessed before installing a sloped mortar bed or the Schluter
®
-KERDI-SHOWER-ST shower tray to allow an even
transition at the door threshold. This can be relatively straightforward in new construction and can also be accomplished in renovations.
When recessing the floor is not an option, it is necessary to provide a ramp up into the shower area. The Schluter
®
-KERDI-SHOWER-
ST/-SR tray and ramp can be useful tools in such applications as well.
Please note that recessing the floor of a bathroom must be done in a way that preserves the structural integrity and safety of the
construction. This may require the services of a qualified design professional (e.g., architect, engineer, etc.).
Waterproofing must be installed in all areas subject to water exposure. Ideally, the entire floor is protected. Install Schluter
®
-KERDI over
mortar beds and Schluter
®
prefabricated EPS foam substrates. Use the Schluter
®
-DITRA uncoupling membrane over plywood/OSB or
concrete subfloors. All seams are sealed using Schluter
®
-KERDI-BAND. Please see page 19 for further discussion.
Note on Accessibility Guidelines:
Various building codes and other sources, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, include specific requirements for disabled access
in public buildings and should be consulted when applicable. Areas of interest may include degree of slope, clearance, and supporting
structures such as grab bars.