Me the amateur novice, attempted a custom shower stall with pvc membrane sandwiched between two sloping layers of cement. I nailed the membrane 7” up from the first cement layer on studs with blocking between and did the pig ears and tested with a drain stop. No leaks overnight.
My question is what to do with the 1.5” space vacant below the durock on the walls to the shower floor. I was planning on using subway tile, only 3.5” tall and about 5” wide. I realize this size isn’t the best choice for an amateur, but I think it would look right with the age of the home. (94yrs)
How is that first run of tile supported with that 1.5” gap? Or is this size tile too small for that big of a gap? Would the thinset be strong enough to hold just the top half of the tile while the bottom floated there? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Replies
Why is their a gap at all? Shouldn't be.
I run the CBU up and over and down the walls right into the final setting bed, holding it above the membrane about a quarter of an inch. I seal the bottom edge CBU with a dab of butyl or Nobleseal 150. I then float the final setting bed which locks in the unsupported CBU.
You may want to elaborate, because I may not understand your situtation.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
Thread hijack:
Boris, I've read that the recommended way now is to not embed the wall CBU in the floor mortar, but rather hold it just above and caulk the joint. Apparently this prevents the CBU from wicking moisture out of the floor which can sometimes stain grout or some stone/marble if you've used that in your shower. Any opinions on this?
My opinion is that as long as you have a good pre-slope (I even goose mine to 3/8" a foot) no water should ever get anywhere near the perimeter to wick. I also seal the edges with butyl or Nobelseal.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934