Use and Care Manual

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. These coverings are not inherently waterproof,
however, and must be installed in conjunction with a waterproofing system that effectively manages moisture to
protect moisture-sensitive building materials and control mold growth.
Schluter
®
-Shower System
The Schluter
®
-Shower System is an integrated family of products that creates
a “sealed” system. First, the Schluter
®
-KERDI-DRAIN is installed in conjunction
with either a sloped mortar bed or the Schluter
®
-KERDI-SHOWER-T/-TS/-TT
prefabricated foam trays. The KERDI-DRAIN provides a simple and secure
connection to the Schluter
®
-KERDI waterproofing membrane at the top of the
assembly via the unique integrated bonding flange. Unlike shower pan liners in
traditional assemblies, KERDI is a bonded waterproofing membrane that allows
for the direct application of tile with thin-set mortar. KERDI is bonded to the
mortar bed or tray and the surface of the KERDI-DRAIN’s integrated bonding
flange. In addition, KERDI is installed over the solid backing (e.g., gypsum
board, cement backerboard, etc.) on walls, creating a fully waterproof and vapor-
tight enclosure.
The resulting assembly provides superior moisture management as it does not
permit moisture to penetrate into the mortar bed or solid backing, allowing the
assembly to dry completely between uses. The integrated Schluter
®
-Shower
System eliminates leaks, reduces the potential for efflorescence and mold growth
in the system, and dramatically reduces total installation time to ensure success
and make shower installation easier than ever.
The Traditional Tiled Shower System
The traditional method for installing tiled showers is time and labor intensive and
creates a “water in/water out” system. First, a mortar bed is sloped to the weep
holes in the drain. The waterproofing membrane, called a pan liner, is placed over
this “pre-slope” and clamped into the drain. Pan liners do not allow for the direct
application of ceramic or stone tile. Thus, another mortar bed must be installed
to provide load distribution and a bonding surface for the floor tile. Finally, a
moisture barrier typically must be included behind the solid backing on the walls
(e.g., mortar, cement backerboard, etc.) and lapped over the pan liner to protect
the wall cavities from moisture penetration and divert that moisture into the pan.
Contrary to popular belief, the tile covering itself is not waterproof. Moisture
will infiltrate the mortar bed and solid backing on the walls. This moisture must
percolate through the mortar bed to the sloped pan liner and exit through the
weep holes in the drain. With regular use of the shower the mortar bed can
remain saturated, particularly if pre-slope installation is ignored or the weep holes
become clogged, thus increasing the potential for efflorescence and mold growth
within the system.
Schluter
®
-KERDI-DRAIN
Sloped mortar bed or
Schluter
®
-KERDI-SHOWER-T/-
TS/-TT prefabricated foam tray
Schluter
®
-KERDI waterproofing
membrane
1
2
3
1
2
3
Pre-slope
Weep holes
Pan liner
Mortar bed
1
2
3
4
1
3
4
2
Bonded Waterproofing System for Tiled Showers,
Steam Showers, Steam Rooms, and Bathtub Surrounds
Schluter
®
-Shower System
Schluter
®
-Systems’ written installation instructions shall have precedence over referenced industry
standard guidelines and installation procedures insofar as referenced information may contain overlapping
or conflicting requirements. Type, thickness, and format of the tile or stone surface covering must be suitable
for the intended application.