I have been reading a lot about showers recently ,and found this article by John Whipple to be very informative. So I decided to share it with you.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
How to build a barrier free steam shower
Steam Shower
No curb - barrier free
Building a barrier free steam shower is easier than you think. Noble Company makes a product called Noble Seal TS that is perfect for steam showers and they also make small round and square drains and linear drains as well. That's one option. The options in setting materials and tile are endless and there is no restrictions on product selection. Dal Seal is the same as Noble Seal TS if you have a local Dal Tile store near you.
Jaeger makes a membrane good for steam showers and they private label the stuff for Wedi. With this sytem you can make a steam shower and barrier free shower. Like Noble no restrictions on tile or setting material.
Linear drain
no curb shower
Schluter makes a product called Kerdi which is OK for steam showers in that it just makes the perm rating requirements but they have many restricitions on setting materials and tile choice. As well because of the requirement of a non modofied thinset the use of an expansion strip is recommended in a steam shower build. In the US you can use Kerdi but in Canada you can't. In Canada the TTMAC wants you to use a modifed thinset in steam showers - I think because of the expansion issues.
Rain Head in
Steam Shower
Custom Building products make Red Guard for steam showers, laticrete makes Hydro ban and Mapei makes Aqua Defence. When using a liquid membrane you should consult the manufactures for proper diagrams. These will vary for exterior walls and interior partion walls.
Drain placement is key. A drain right at the door way is less than ideal since the door will not open in unless it is off the floor a fare bit. The drain in the center or at least 24" from the door works great and allows for less toleranaces in the glass spacing.
There is alot more to consider but when planning your steam shower you should first select the tile and then the waterproofing system. Make sure the waterproofing system is acceptable for steam showers and that all the manufactures instructions are followed. Here in vancouver there is no "Steam Shower inspection" and your tile crew may have no idea how to build one or worse build it wrong.
Add this to any quote or email.
In Canada: The current TTMAC specifications for steam showers to be followed in construction of my steam shower.
In USA: The current ANSI or NTCA specifications fro steam showers to be followed in construction of my steam shower.
Please post of question or send me an email if I can help more. Start with the tile and work backwards. It is the only way to do it!
If you need Noble Seal TS or Jaeger membrane please send me your shower dimensions and city location and I'll work out a price for you. We can bundle your order with a new linear drain or tile top drain if you like! We have shipped to date Noble Seal TS from Vancouver to Pittsburg and four spots in between. I stock Noble Seal TS locally here in Vancouver and sell it for $4.00 per square foot. Orders in the USA are far cheaper since there is less shipping and no duty on the orders.
Best,
John Whipple
By Any Design Ltd.
(604) 506 6792
