[DIYadam]

Hello everyone!

I live in a newly constructed home and ever since we moved in I have been unhappy with the ensuite shower. So, whats a DIY'er to do? Easy - grab your hammer and start demo'ing! :yes:

This weekend I took out our ensuite shower and ripped down the drywall to the studs.

I picked up a Schluter-Kerdi shower kit from Home Depot and I have to be honest, I am extremely impressed with the product. I used to work in a tiling warehouse and I've seen quite a few tile installations, and everytime I see installers do a shower bed with dry-pack, it makes me cringe.

Now I should say, if done properly, dry-pack can make a fine shower bed, but the people I used to see were only good at making shoes.

So, back to the product at hand. I installed the new shower base and curbs using unmodified thinset, applied the Kerdi membrane all with unmodified thinset as per the instructions supplied with the kit.

Now, today I've been doing alot of reading, and I have been finding conflicting responses regarding what type of thinset to use. Some say modified, others say unmodified, some say unmodified won't work, others say its worked fine for them.

Basically every combination of modified/unmodified, worked/not worked is out there and I'm starting to get worried. I mean, I understand the difference between unmodified and modified, and it does worry me a bit having to use unmodified, but thats what the damn instructions said?

What do you guys think? Will it be okay? Please make me feel better.

I also plan on doing a water test this week! Have to finish a couple of corners first though.

 

[canadaclub]

Looks like you're doing a helluva job:thumbsup: Unmodified thinset is the way to go. Besides, if the instructions say use un-modified and you use modified you could end up with warrantee problems. I always use unmodified thinset except for over Ditra..then I use the modified.

 

[DIYadam]

Looks like you're doing a helluva job:thumbsup: Unmodified thinset is the way to go. Besides, if the instructions say use un-modified and you use modified you could end up with warrantee problems. I always use unmodified thinset except for over Ditra..then I use the modified.

Thanks, I wish I could say getting from the first picture to the second picture was fun, but it almost killed me.

 

[Ron6519]

Where are you that Home Depot sells the kits? Around here they only sell the Ditra. I bought a 60" shower kit online for $475. 3 years ago. Now I can't find one for less then $570.
Ron

 

[DIYadam]

Where are you that Home Depot sells the kits? Around here they only sell the Ditra. I bought a 60" shower kit online for $475. 3 years ago. Now I can't find one for less then $570.
Ron

http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/...artial&Ntx=mode+matchall&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumber

I live in Ontario, Canada. I watch Holmes on Homes alot and they use these kits all the time. And the Home Depot is a big sponsor of the show.

 

[DIYadam]

I'm getting ready to do a waterproofing test for my install.

Anyone know the best way to plug to drain for the test?

 

[Ron6519]

I'm getting ready to do a waterproofing test for my install.

Anyone know the best way to plug to drain for the test?

If you're really anal they actually sell test plugs you put in the pipe and tighten to seal.
I use a few plastic bags or a rubber ball.
Ron

 

[DIYadam]

If you're really anal they actually sell test plugs you put in the pipe and tighten to seal.
I use a few plastic bags or a rubber ball.
Ron

Thanks Ron, I'll look into it!

 

[canadaclub]

I am in Ontario Canada.The kits come in 48x48 32x60 centre drian and 32x60 off set drain

 

[DIYadam]

Okay, the shower base is filled with water. Now we wait. Oh jeese I think my blood pressure is going to kill me.

 

[canadaclub]

My money is on what looks like a great job..have faith. and even if it fails..another lesson can be learned. Now if only you can change the avatar to a real contractor...Holmes will just find a fault somewhere and put you on TV

 

[Ron6519]

Okay, the shower base is filled with water. Now we wait. Oh jeese I think my blood pressure is going to kill me.

If you drop dead, the wife will have the shower repaired and get remarried .
Don't give her the satisfaction.
Ron

 

[Bud Cline]

So, whats a DIY'er to do? Easy - grab your hammer and start demo'ing!

Now see...that's the Holmes I was talking about in the other thread.

Your shower looks pretty darned good my friend, it's your avatar I think should be changed. I do these things on a regular basis so believe me when I say: I feel your pain. But, never had a problem and have installed scores of KERDI showers by now. I love the damned things.

 

[DIYadam]

My money is on what looks like a great job..have faith. and even if it fails..another lesson can be learned. Now if only you can change the avatar to a real contractor...Holmes will just find a fault somewhere and put you on TV

Thanks for the compliment, 2 hours later and its still holding strong, crossing my fingers!

If you drop dead, the wife will have the shower repaired and get remarried .
Don't give her the satisfaction.
Ron

LOL!

Now see...that's the Holmes I was talking about in the other thread.

Your shower looks pretty darned good my friend, it's your avatar I think should be changed. I do these things on a regular basis so believe me when I say: I feel your pain. But, never had a problem and have installed scores of KERDI showers by now. I love the damned things.

Haha, I changed my avatar for you, tried to find something that fit well. :wink:

 

[Bud Cline]

Haha, I changed my avatar for you, tried to find something that fit well.

That's much better actually. I always liked Homer.

 

[DIYadam]

Okay, so I used that red tape for vapor barrier and such to seal off the drain. Now I sealed it about an inch or so down the drain and so that it doesn't interfere with the kerdi membrane at all.

Anyways, overnight I lost about an inch of water over a 10 hour period. Now, I couldn't find any signs of water leaking from any walls that are opposite to the shower walls, including the main floor ceiling.

So, I think that with that much water being lost it would definitely show up somewhere. My conclusion is that it must be slowly leaking down the drain.

Any ideas?

 

[Ron6519]

Okay, so I used that red tape for vapor barrier and such to seal off the drain. Now I sealed it about an inch or so down the drain and so that it doesn't interfere with the kerdi membrane at all.

Anyways, overnight I lost about an inch of water over a 10 hour period. Now, I couldn't find any signs of water leaking from any walls that are opposite to the shower walls, including the main floor ceiling.

So, I think that with that much water being lost it would definitely show up somewhere. My conclusion is that it must be slowly leaking down the drain.

Any ideas?

Get a test plug at a plumbing supply and test it again if you have doubts.
Ron

 

[DIYadam]

Okay good thinking Ron. Let me ask, how long should I let the area dry for before installing tile?

 

[canadaclub]

I wouldn't trust tuck tape to stay all that water proof. You can go to the dollar store and pick up a cheap rubber or plastic ball ...coat the edge of the drain with vaseline and keep a weight on the ball over the drain and try again

 

[DIYadam]

Okay, I'm starting to get frustrated now.

I noticed some small air bubbles coming from a few pinholes here or there last night during another test. So I drained it again, problem is I'm not sure how many there is.

I think I'm going to install another sheet of Kerdi over top the one thats currently down, rather than just doing a bunch of patches. I'm also going to let it extend up the walls and curb as well for added protection.

Thoughts? Ideas?

I'm starting to feel worn out...