Wall Tile Application Detail:
Materials:
- membrane - 15 lb. roofing felt or 4 mil polyethylene film
- metal lath - galvanized or painted expanded metal lath or other approved wire reinforcing
- portland cement - ASTM C-150 Type 1
- lime - ASTM C-206 Type S or ASTM C-207 Type S
- Sand - ASTM c-144
- water - potable
- mortar bed - 1 part portland cement, 1/2 part lime and 5 parts damp sand up to 1 part portland cement, 1 part lime and 7 parts damp sand by volume
- bond coat - portland cement paste on a mortar bed that is still plastic, or dry-set mortar or latex-portland cement mortar
Floor Tile Application Detail:
Materials:
- portland cement - ASTM C-150 Type 1
- sand - ASTM C-144
- water - potable
- mortar - 1 part portland cement, 6 parts damp sand by volume
- bond coat - portland cement paste on a mortar bed that is still plastic, or dry-set mortar or latex-portland cement mortar on a cured bed
- reinforcing - 2" x 2" x 16/16 gauge welded wire mesh or equivalent
- cleavage membrane - 15 lb. roofing felt or 4 mil polyethylene film
Cement Bed Over Slab Application Detail:
Materials:
- portland cement - ASTM C-150 Type 1
- sand - ASTM C-144
- water - potable
- mortar - 1 part portland cement, 6 parts damp sand by volume
- bond coat - portland cement paste on a mortar bed that is still plastic, or dry-set mortar or latex-portland cement mortar on a cured bed
- mortar bed bond coat - portland cement slurry
Shower Pan Repairs:
Ceramic tile showers properly built include a waterproof shower pan under them that catches the water that travels through the tile floor and guides it to the drain. The shower pan is not visible after the shower is completed so it’s impossible to determine what type of pan was installed and whether it was installed properly at time of construction.
Earlier shower pans over the years consisted of lead which oxidizes over a period of 20 years or so. The best material to use for shower pans now is PVC (poly-vinyl chloride).
The thickness is 4 mils and is expected to last forever. The material is laid on the sub floor and wrapped up the stud walls at least 3 inches above the shower step. The pan is then cut where it connects to the drain system. There are “weep holes” at the base of the drain that allows water to move down the drainpipe. (See Image below)
The shower pan is a vital part of the shower stall. A shower pan repair is usually possible rather than the expense of a complete shower renovation. The entire shower floor, step and approx. 3 courses of ceramic tile are removed. A licensed Master Plumber installs the shower pan and the lower part of the shower stall is prepped with wire mesh and cement and re-tiled.
Demolition is also a vital part of this procedure. Inexperience can result in damage to areas of the shower that need not be disturbed.
The existing ceramic tile is more than likely not available for the repair so together we can select a product that will be acceptable.
Below is a diagram showing our method of a shower pan installation and once again, we exceed the requirements set forth by the American National Standards Institute.
