Schluter®-Shower System Installation Handbook 2015 Bonded Waterproofing System for Tiled Showers, Steam Showers, Steam Rooms, and Bathtub Surrounds
Schluter®-Shower System Bonded Waterproofing System for Tiled Showers, Steam Showers, Steam Rooms, and Bathtub Surrounds Ceramic and stone tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and hygienic, representing the ideal surface coverings, particularly in wet areas such as showers and bathtub surrounds.
CONTENTS SHOWER SELECTION GUIDE SHOWER ASSEMBLY STEAM SHOWER ASSEMBLY STEAM ROOM ASSEMBLY BATHTUB SURROUND INSTALLATION BARRIER-FREE SHOWERS THE WATERPROOF BATHROOM PROFILES THIN-SET FACTS 4 6 Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane 8 Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel 10 Barrier-free showers 12 14 16 Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel Schluter®-KERDI-DS waterproofing membrane 18 Bathtub surround assembly 20 Walls and ceilings
SHOWER SELECTION GUIDE Beautiful, durable, functional The Schluter®-Shower System is versatile to fit the needs of the installer. The Shower Selection Guide describes the available options to help you determine which products will best fit your shower application. Waterproofing options Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane over solid backing • Thickness: 8 mil (0.
Curb options Schluter®-KERDI-SHOWER-SC curb • Preformed, lightweight and easy to install • Can be cut to length • Can be used with Schluter prefabricated shower trays or mortar base applications KERDI-SHOWER-SC Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD curb • Customizable to fit any application • Build as desired (e.g., length, width, height) • Can be installed over various materials (e.g.
SHOWER ASSEMBLY Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane K-SH-K-15 6 6 2 2 1 1 3 3 6 6 7 7 5 5 4 12 12 8b 5 5 4 8a 9b 9a 11 1 Ceramic or stone tile 2 3 10 11 Drain: 11 Wood or concrete subfloor Unmodified thin-set mortar a. Schluter ®-KERDI-DRAIN 12 Schluter ®-DILEX profile (optional) Schluter ®-KERDI waterproofing membrane b.
Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane K-SH-K-15 Substrate Preparation Areas of Application Interior showers. Over wood or concrete subfloors. Areas requiring disabled access/barrier-free applications; see detail K-SHBF on page 10. Limitations Verify that subfloor panels and solid backing are properly fastened to framing members. Any leveling of the subfloor must be done prior to installing KERDI-SHOWER-ST/-L/-LS/-SC/-SB/-SR.
SHOWER ASSEMBLY Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel K-SH-KB-15 5 8 8 1 2 5 1 4 2 4 6 6 8 8 7 7 7 13 13 9b 7 9a 10b 10a 12 1 Ceramic or stone tile 2 3 3 3 12 11 Drain: 12 Wood or concrete subfloor Unmodified thin-set mortar a. Schluter ®-KERDI-DRAIN 13 Schluter ®-DILEX profile (optional) Schluter ®-KERDI waterproofing membrane b.
Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel K-SH-KB-15 Substrate Preparation Areas of Application Interior showers. Over wood or concrete subfloors. Areas requiring disabled access/barrier-free applications; see detail K-SHBF on page 10. Verify that subfloor panels are properly fastened to framing members. Any leveling of the subfloor must be done prior to installing KERDI-SHOWER-ST/-L/-LS/-SC/-SB/-SR.
SHOWER ASSEMBLY Barrier-free Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane or Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel K-SHBF-15 5 8 8 1 3 1 4 2 2 6 8 8 7 6 14 7 9a 3 10a 13 14 9b 10b 6 11 13 12 1 Ceramic or stone tile 2 Unmodified thin-set mortar a. Schluter ®-KERDI-DRAIN 3 Schluter ®-KERDI waterproofing membrane b.
Barrier-Free Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane or Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel K-SHBF-15 Areas of Application Interior showers with barrier-free access. Over wood or concrete subfloors. Limitations Certain glass tiles may not be compatible with bonded waterproof membranes and/or may require special setting materials. Consult glass tile manufacturer and Schluter®-Systems for more information. Certain moisture sensitive stones, e.g.
STEAM SHOWER ASSEMBLY Intermittent Use Steam Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane K-SSH-K-15 12 4 12 4 7 7 6 6 1 1 3 3 2 2 5 4 12 6 6 6 6 8a 4 5 12 8b 9b 9a 11 1 Ceramic or stone tile 2 10 11 10 Drain: 11 Wood or concrete subfloor Unmodified thin-set mortar a. Schluter ®-KERDI-DRAIN 12 Schluter ®-DILEX profile (optional) 3 Schluter ®-KERDI waterproofing membrane b.
Intermittent Use Steam Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane K-SSH-K-15 Areas of Application Substrate Preparation Interior intermittent use steam showers (e.g., residential applications). Over wood or concrete subfloors. Areas requiring disabled access/barrier-free applications; see detail K-SHBF on page 10. Limitations Verify that subfloor panels and solid backing are properly fastened to framing members.
STEAM SHOWER ASSEMBLY Intermittent Use Steam Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel K-SSH-KB-15 13 13 5 8 2 5 1 4 8 2 4 6 6 8 7 8 1 8 8 7 9b 9a 3 10b 3 10a 12 1 Ceramic or stone tile 2 12 11 11 Drain: 12 Wood or concrete subfloor Unmodified thin-set mortar a. Schluter ®-KERDI-DRAIN 13 Schluter ®-DILEX profile (optional) 3 Schluter ®-KERDI waterproofing membrane b.
Intermittent Use Steam Showers – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel K-SSH-KB-15 Areas of Application Substrate Preparation Interior intermittent use steam showers (e.g., residential applications). Over wood or concrete subfloors. Areas requiring disabled access/barrier-free applications; see detail K-SHBF on page 10. Verify that subfloor panels are properly fastened to framing members.
STEAM ROOM ASSEMBLY Continuous Use Steam Rooms – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI-DS waterproofing membrane K-SR-15 13 1 2 3 7 5 4 3 6 11 8 9 12 1 Ceramic or stone tile 2 Unmodified thin-set mortar 3 Schluter ®-KERDI-DS waterproofing membrane 4 Schluter ®-KERDI-BAND waterproofing strips 5 Schluter -KERDI-KERECK-F waterproofing corners 6 Schluter ®-KERDI-SEAL-PS seals or Schluter ®-KERDI-FIX sealant and bonding compound 7 Solid backing 16 ® 8 10 Schluter ®-KERDI-DRAIN 11 Sch
Continuous Use Steam Rooms – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI-DS waterproofing membrane K-SR-15 Areas of Application Substrate Preparation Interior continuous use steam rooms (e.g., applications in spas, fitness centers, etc.). Over wood or concrete subfloors. Areas requiring disabled access/barrier-free applications; see detail K-SHBF on page 10. Verify that subfloor panels and solid backing are properly fastened to framing members.
BATHTUB SURROUND Bathtub Surround – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane or Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel K-TS-15 7 4 7 2 3b 3a 1 9 5 1 5 7 7 2 7 7 6 10 8 8 10 5 5 3b 3b 4 Schluter ®-KERDI-BOARD-ZT washers 8 Schluter ®-KERDI-FIX 5 Schluter ®-KERDI-BAND waterproofing strips 9 Solid backing a. Schluter ®-KERDI waterproofing membrane 6 Schluter ®-KERDI-KERECK-F waterproofing corners b.
Bathtub surround – Ceramic or stone tile Schluter®-KERDI waterproofing membrane or Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel K-TS-15 Areas of Application Interior bathtub surrounds. Limitations Certain glass tiles may not be compatible with bonded waterproof membranes and/or may require special setting materials. Consult glass tile manufacturer and Schluter®-Systems for more information. Certain moisture sensitive stones, e.g.
INSTALLATION Walls and Ceilings Please refer to Schluter®-Systems' installation videos in addition to reading the instructions below. Shower walls may be made waterproof using KERDI/-KERDI-DS or KERDI-BOARD prior to construction of the shower base. The waterproofing is carried to the height of the showerhead (at minimum). KERDI or KERDI-BOARD application on ceiling is optional for showers. For continuous-use steam rooms, KERDI-DS is applied to walls and ceilings.
INSTALLATION Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD-SN Shower Niche Please refer to Schluter®-Systems' installation videos in addition to reading the instructions below. The exact order of installation can vary from that shown below, provided all fastening and waterproofing measures are performed properly. The following represents Schluter®-Systems' recommendations for simple and reliable installation.
INSTALLATION Shower Base with Schluter®-KERDI-DRAIN Please refer to Schluter®-Systems' installation videos in addition to reading the instructions below. Preparation Locate and cut a hole in the substrate for the drain outlet and coupling to the waste line using the template provided. Limit the diameter of the hole to 5" (125 mm) maximum to ensure proper support for the tile assembly. Note: Fill in box-outs in concrete floors with dry-pack mortar or concrete.
Clamping Ring Drain Installed: If a clamping ring drain is installed, replace with KERDI-DRAIN or convert using the KERDI-DRAIN adaptor kit. 1 Remove the clamping ring from the installed drain and save the bolts. Align the bolt pattern of the clamping ring with the adaptor ring and punch the matching inserts through the adaptor ring. 2 Apply a 1/4" - 3/8" (6 mm - 10 mm) bead of KERDI-FIX to the installed drain flange.
Clamping Ring Drain Installed: If a clamping ring drain is installed, replace with KERDI-DRAIN or convert using the KERDI-DRAIN adaptor kit. 1 Remove the clamping ring from the installed drain and save the bolts. Align the bolt pattern of the clamping ring with the adaptor ring and punch the matching inserts through the adaptor ring. 2 Apply a 1/4" - 3/8" (6 mm - 10 mm) bead of KERDI-FIX to the installed drain flange.
Grate assembly Grate: 1 Place the height adjustment collar inside the lateral adjustment ring and snap the grate into place. Note: For the 6" (150 mm) grates, the height adjustment collar is integrated with the grate. For the residential adaptor kit, there is no lateral adjustment ring.
INSTALLATION Shower base with Schluter®-KERDI-LINE Please refer to Schluter®-Systems installation videos in addition to reading the instructions below. Preparation Locate and cut a hole in the substrate for the drain outlet and coupling to the waste line using the template provided. Limit the diameter of the hole to 5" (125 mm) maximum to ensure proper support for the tile assembly. Note: Fill in box-outs in concrete floors with dry-pack mortar or concrete.
Schluter®-KERDI-LINE with Schluter®-SHOWER-L/-LS prefabricated tray 1 Any leveling of the floor must be done prior to the installation of the shower tray. If necessary, cut the tray to size prior to application. The shower base can also be extended beyond the tray using dry-pack mortar, which is in turn covered with the KERDI membrane. 2 Cut the flat end of the KERDI-SHOWER-L/-LS tray to fit around the channel support.
Waterproofing the shower base The KERDI-SHOWER-L/-LS trays are provided with integral waterproofing. When using a mortar bed, the shower base must be made waterproof using the KERDI or KERDI-DS waterproofing membrane. The membranes can be installed as soon as the mortar bed can be walked upon.
Grate assembly Grates A and B 1 Apply unmodified thin-set mortar to the underside of the grate frame and place it in the channel body ensuring full coverage and support of the frame. Insert the foam spacers in the grate frame to reinforce it during the remainder of the installation.
Optional Schluter®-SHOWERPROFILE-S/-R system profiles Select SHOWERPROFILE-S according to shower base tile thickness and the height and length of the wall area to be covered. Select SHOWERPROFILE-R according to the height of the wall area to be covered. SHOWERPROFILE-S 1 Measure the height of the area to be covered at the lowest point. Next, measure the length of the area and mark the profile where it is to be cut at both ends.
INSTALLATION Bathtub surround Please refer to Schluter®-Systems' installation videos in addition to reading the instructions below. The waterproofing is carried to the height of the showerhead (at minimum). KERDI or KERDI-BOARD application on ceiling is optional for bathtub surrounds. Schluter®-KERDI over solid backing The thin-set mortar used for bonding KERDI to walls and ceilings must be appropriate for the substrate and must penetrate and engage the membrane fleece. For most substrates (e.g.
Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD over wood or metal framing Grab bars or other heavy objects must be anchored in the structure or solid blocking behind KERDI-BOARD. Installation instructions for other applications of KERDI-BOARD (e.g. fully embedded or spot-bonded over solid backing) can be found in the 12.1 Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD technical data sheet. 1 KERDI-BOARD can be mounted vertically or horizontally on framing with appropriate screws and corresponding KERDI-BOARD-ZT washers.
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.
THE WATERPROOF BATHROOM Security and utility Bathrooms are a primary focus of today’s building and remodeling projects and are becoming more and more luxurious, complete with steam showers, oversized bathtubs, and the latest in fixtures and lighting. As such, tiled showers, bathtub surrounds, floors, walls, and vanities are in high demand. Tile and stone are beautiful, durable, and available in a wide range of formats, colors, and textures, allowing limitless design options.
PROFILES Details make the difference Ceramic and stone tiles are durable, easy to maintain, and hygienic, representing the ideal surface coverings for showers and bathtub surrounds. Exposed tile edges, however, are unsightly and prone to cracking and chipping.
THIN-SET FACTS Discussion on thin-set mortars and Schluter®-KERDI installations QUESTION: Should a latex-modified thin-set mortar or an unmodified thin-set mortar be used to install Schluter®-KERDI? ANSWER: The type of bonding mortar used to apply KERDI must be suitable for the substrate and mechanically anchor the fleece on the KERDI. For all the substrates listed in this Handbook (e.g., gypsum board, cement backerboard, etc.), an unmodified thin-set mortar is recommended.
TESTING, LISTINGS, & APPROVALS Products and system evaluation Schluter®-Systems is committed to providing reliable installation systems for tile and stone. As part of this commitment, we have invested considerable resources in testing our products and obtaining listings and approvals through various certification organizations to provide our customers and local code officials with relevant data that supports the efficacy of our system.
MOLD The importance of mold control The term “mold” is used to describe visible fungal growth. Mildew is another common term which refers to the type of fungi found growing on window sills and in bathrooms. Fungi are everywhere in our environment and are found both indoors and outdoors. However, the type and amount found in the home can be an important health issue. Understanding how to effectively control mold growth is very important. What is Mold? Fungi are different from plants and animals.
VAPOR The importance of water vapor management Why is water vapor management important? It is important to consider that water exists as both liquid and vapor in showers, and must be managed in both forms. The prime example of this is the steam shower. Steam showers that are not designed to manage water vapor have caused mold growth in wall cavities, rot in wood framing, and damage to moisture-sensitive wall coverings on the opposite side of the stud cavities.
PRODUCT & ORDERING INFO Ordering information for the Schluter®-Shower System and DITRA components outlined in this Handbook is located below. For technical support, our Illustrated Price List, or additional information on our complete product line, please call 1-800-472-4588 (USA) or 1-800-667-8746 (Canada), or visit our comprehensive website at www.schluter.com. Schluter®-KERDI KERDI is a pliable sheet-applied polyethylene waterproofing membrane and vapor retarder that guarantees uniform thickness.
Schluter®-KERDI-DRAIN KERDI-DRAIN is a floor drain designed with a sloped, integrated bonding flange to provide a secure connection to KERDI and other bonded waterproof membranes at the top of the assembly. Unique Features and Benefits: - Appropriate for both mortar bed and KERDI-SHOWER-ST tray installations. - Features a fully adjustable square grate and accommodates a wide range of tile thicknesses 1/4" to 1-1/4" (6 mm to 31 mm).
Schluter®-KERDI-DRAIN - Adaptor Kits KERDI-DRAIN ADAPTOR KITS are used to convert traditional clamping ring drains to integrated bonding flange drains when removal of the clamping ring drain is not practical.
Schluter®-KERDI-LINE KERDI-LINE is a low profile linear floor drain specifically designed for bonded waterproofing assemblies. KERDI-LINE can be installed adjacent to walls or at intermediate locations in showers, wet rooms, and other applications that require waterproofing and drainage. The floor can be sloped on a single plane to KERDI-LINE, which enables the use of large-format tiles and creates interesting design opportunities.
Schluter®-KERDI-SHOWER KERDI-SHOWER prefabricated substrates are made of expanded polystyrene foam, for use in conjunction with the KERDI waterproofing membrane. Prefabricated substrates provide an alternative to shower bases constructed of mortar and other shower elements constructed of framing and solid backing. KERDI-SHOWER-ST shower tray for use with KERDI-DRAIN Item No.
Schluter ®-KERDI-SHOWER-KIT The KERDI-SHOWER-KIT is an all-inclusive package containing the components required to create a watertight shower assembly without a mortar bed.
Schluter ®-KERDI-BOARD KERDI-BOARD is a multifunctional tile substrate and building panel, which can also be used for creating bonded waterproofing assemblies with tile coverings. It consists of an extruded polystyrene foam panel, with a special reinforcement material on both sides and fleece webbing for effective anchoring in thin-set mortar. The boards are simply cut to size with a utility knife. The gridlines, which are printed on the surface, are helpful for neat and quick cuts and installation.
WARRANTY Schluter ®-Shower System 10-Year Limited Warranty COVERAGE AND CONDITIONS: Subject to the conditions and limitations as stated hereinafter, Schluter®-Systems* warrants that the Schluter®-Shower System (the “Products”)** will meet all composition and performance criteria for a period of ten (10) years from the date of purchase only when the Products are used and installed in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Schluter®-Shower System Installation Handbook and industry standard guidelines
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