Schluter Shower system vs Traditional Shower System.
What is a Schluter shower system?
If you’re not in the contracting business you may have not heard of a Schluter
system (maybe you have). But if you haven’t by the end of this hopefully you’ll know
not only what it is, but the differences between a Schluter and a traditional shower
system. So what is a schluter system?…
Schluter®-KERDI is a pliable sheet-applied membrane. What gives it a particular
advantage is that it’s completely waterproof and vapour-retardent. It’s been designed
specifically for the direct application of tile. Although most people think that tile and
grout joints are waterproof in their own right, that is not the case. They must be
installed with a system that is capable of preventing mold and can manage moisture.
That is where our bout of the shower system begins! That’s right we are back for
another round in the face-off of the industry designs. Although in my opinion this is less
Ali vs Frazier and more Tyson vs Spinks, but nevertheless we’re here to breakdown the
2 shower systems and you will decide which is best for your bathroom!
What is a Traditional shower system?
A traditional shower system is also know as the water-in/water-out system or a
sealed system. The water-in/water-out system is very effective when installed properly,
the problem is this method is very time consuming and labor intensive. The first step in
installation is the mortar bed is sloped to the weep holes in the drain, then the
Waterproofing membrane (Pan-Liner) is placed over the pre made slop and clamped
into the drain. Step 1, Keep that in mind.
Step two is installing a 2nd mortar bed to provide the load distribution and a
bonding surface for the tiles. Pan-liners do not allow for the direct application of tiles
so the extra mortar bed has to be added in order to even lay the tile. With regular
shower use (which by the way the average shower sees 1100 inches of water a year)
the pre-slope mortar bed can remain saturated between uses leading to the clogging of
the weep holes. And clogging is never good for anything, or anyone. This can increase
the potential of efflorescence and mold!
With other errors that can occur in installation, fastening the pan-liner below the
height of the curb or installing a vapor retarder behind the backer board, moisture WILL
penetrate the structure causing damage to moisture sensitive building materials such
as wood framing possibly leading to, you guessed it, more mold.
Well, Traditional shower systems just took a beating and this match-up has only
just begun… Are we looking at a potential KO in this bout or will the Traditional Shower
System Throw in the towel before its end.
How is the Schluter different?
The Schluter Shower System is a family of products that when integrated
together create a “seal system.” Together these products avoid the common
challenges and hurtles that come with Traditional water-in/water-out shower systems.
But why? Well, the process of installing schluter shower systems is much more
streamlined and simpler with greater effect. Let’s break it down below.
The Schluter-Kerdi waterproofing membrane is installed directly over the solid
backing of the shower or bathtub surround walls. Next the Schluter-Kerdi drain is
installed with a sloped mortar bed/a sloped Schluter shower tray with integrated
waterproofing. The already integrated waterproofing means less time needed, for the
second mortar bed does not need to be installed. The drain is secured directly to the
top of the membrane at the top of assembly via the bonding flange.
Unlike a Traditional Shower System assembly, tiles are able to be set directly
over the waterproofing membrane making installation quick and efficient. Huge blow to
traditional shower systems in the late rounds here, think about it, that means less time
in your house and less time in labor costs. Also with water proofing directly behind the
tile, moisture is unable to penetrate into the mortar bed or solid backing. This allows
the system to completely dry in-between uses, drastically reducing the potential for
mold and efflorescence to grow.
In Conclusion…
With reduced; installation time, potential for mold and material needed for all the
integrated parts the Schluter shower system appears to be the victor in the match-up
between the 2. With Traditional showers throwing in the towel it is all over in the G2
arena today. Traditional showers, while effective in their own right, are an outdated way
of redesigning or building your shower out. But which would you prefer? To know more
about Schluter shower systems and how they fit in your bathroom speak with a
designer today.
