Installation Guide

BARRIER-FREE SHOWERS — Accessibility and style 33
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.
Accessibility and style
BARRIER-FREE SHOWERS
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
KERDI waterproofing membrane is topically applied. Once the slope to the 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 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 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 KERDI over mortar
beds and Schluter
®
-Systems prefabricated EPS foam substrates. Use the DITRA uncoupling membrane over plywood/OSB or concrete
subfloors. All seams are sealed using KERDI-BAND. Please see detail K-SHBF on page 10 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.