A waterproof and durable tiled shower
Presented by Schluter

In Québec, the bathroom is the primary focus of family home remodelling projects. And, because of their luxurious look, ceramic and stone tiles are often the home owner’s choice for surface coverings.However, in order to achieve an optimal installation that effectively manages moisture, these coverings must be used in conjunction with a waterproofing system.

A shower is used everyday and in most homes, more than once a day. It is therefore the area in the house that accumulates the most moisture. This is why it is important to make sure that ceramic and stone tiles are installedwith an adequate waterproofing system. Contrary to popular belief, ceramic or stone tiles coverings are not completely waterproof.Water and vapour can penetrate between the tiles through the grout joints even if these joints are sealed.

The consequences of such an installation can be very severe, according to home owner Caroline Brunet. “Six years ago, a contractor built my shower with the traditional tiled shower system. A year later, mold started to show on the grout joints on the floor and around the bench.After removing the tiles,we realized that the concrete base and some parts of the walls were completely wet and covered with mold.” As well, prolonged exposure to this organic matter can be dangerous for your health.

“It is important to make sure that ceramic and stone tiles are installed with an adequate waterproofing system.”

The only way to avoid these problems is to prevent them. By controlling moisture, it is possible to avoid mold growth. Schluter® proposes a waterproofing system that is installed directly on the shower’s components (mortar bed and backerboard panels on the walls) rather than underneath, as it is the case in traditional waterproofing systems.With the Schluter®-Shower System, the substrates are fully protected from water and vapour infiltration and the shower can dry completely between uses. Consequently, there is not enough time for moisture to turn into mold.

In Caroline Brunet’s opinion, the Schluter®-Shower System has proven itself. “The contractor has assured me that I would never again have mold problems if a Schluter®-Shower System was installed. This was four years ago and my remodelled shower is as beautiful today as it was the first day I used it!”

Schluter®-Systems is a world-wide leader in the design of installation systems for ceramic and stone tiles.Year after year, they introduce new systems to make life easier for installers and home owners.

www.schluter.com