Building a shower pan on a concrete floor requires several steps and materials. First, you will need to measure the area of the concrete floor where the shower pan will go and outline it with 1/2” rebar.
Make sure the layout is square, and then use a 4”-thick layer of gravel over the concrete, tamping it to make sure it is level. Add a 6 ml plastic sheeting, overlapping the edges by several inches, and staple it in place.
If the shower pan is for a tile floor, use a mortar base layer over the plastic sheeting. If the shower pan is for a solid surface, use a sheet of foam base layer. Once the base layer is in place, add the shower pan liner and ensure that it overlaps the edges of the plastic sheeting.
Check the drain pan for level, and adjust the liner until it is even. Secure the liner in place with a silicone sealant.
Once the shower pan liner is set, add the mortar bed, troweling and smoothing it until it is level with the drain pan. The mortar bed should extend up the sides of the shower pan walls, but should not go above the lip of the pan.
Allow the mortar to dry and then add the desired tile or stone. Make sure the grouting alignment is level.
Finally, check the drainage pipes and connect them to the drain pan. Seal the edges with silicone sealant, and then your shower pan is ready to be used. You can then install the shower door, curtain or other shower enclosure.
What do you put under shower base on concrete?
When installing a shower base on a concrete floor, it is important to use vapor barrier material between the concrete and the shower base to prevent water-related damage. This vapor barrier can either be plastic sheeting, or a material specifically designed for use under shower bases, like a Schluter®-KERDI® waterproofing membrane.
These vapor barriers must be properly sealed to ensure they are completely waterproof. Sealing along the edges of the vapor barrier can be done with Schluter®-KERDI®-SEAL-PS tape, a polyethylene tape with an adhesive backing.
Once the vapor barrier is sealed and in place, a layer of thinset mortar can be applied to the concrete, and then the shower base can be installed on top of the mortar. Lastly, ensure proper sealing of the shower base by caulking any gaps with a 100 percent silicone-based caulk.
How thick does a concrete shower pan need to be?
The minimum thickness for a concrete shower pan depends on the type of shower you are creating. For a standard tiled shower pan, the concrete should be at least two inches thick. If you plan to create a pre-formed shower pan (one that is not custom-formed onsite), the concrete should be at least four inches thick.
For a poured, expandable shower pan, the concrete should be at least five inches thick. For a concrete shower pan, the concrete should also be reinforced with steel mesh to provide added strength and stability.
Furthermore, it is important to make sure that a waterproof membrane is installed between the concrete shower pan and the tiling or other water-proofing material. This will ensure that the shower pan remains water-tight and won’t crack or break down over time.
Does a shower pan need a liner?
Yes, a shower pan does need a liner. This is an important part of the installation process, as it helps to protect against possible water damage. A shower pan liner is a special water-resistant material that is put between the underside of the shower pan and the subfloor.
It is often made of PVC, and helps keep water from seeping into the flooring and causing damage. Without a liner, water can seep between the pan and the subfloor, leading to mold and mildew buildup, rotting structural members, weakened flooring boards, and in extreme cases, entire floors becoming structurally unsound.
Installing a liner correctly is key to maintaining the integrity of your shower pan installation.
Can you install a shower pan without mortar?
Yes, you can install a shower pan without mortar—it is possible to use a specialty adhesive instead. With the right adhesive and installation method, a mortar-free shower pan installation can be successful and provide a water-tight seal for the entire shower area.
Be aware, however, that it requires extra preparation and care in order to achieve success.
Before beginning, your subfloor must be completely flat, clean, and dry. The shower pan needs to be laid over a vapor barrier and sealant tape, to ensure that no water or moisture gets underneath it.
An epoxy-based adhesive will be used to fix the shower pan to the floor. It’s important to follow the instructions of the adhesive carefully and apply it evenly. Once the adhesive is applied, the pan should be pressed into place firmly and securely.
Then, wait for the stated amount of cure time. This could take anywhere from two to twelve hours.
After the shower pan is installed with adhesive, it should be waterproofed. This can involve priming, taping, and applying a waterproofing membrane around the pan, to ensure complete water tightness.
For more complex installations such as showers with multiple curves, it can sometimes be necessary to use both adhesive and mortar.
When installing a shower pan, you should always consult your local building authority for specific requirements. Mortar can still be a good option for some shower installations, but with the right adhesive, it is possible to install a shower pan without mortar.
How do I put a shower in my basement without breaking concrete?
Installing a shower in your basement without breaking concrete can be done in several different ways. The most cost-effective and easiest solution is with a shower pan liner and mortar bed. This requires a mud bed that extends to the wall of the shower.
This is done by getting a base coat of mortar and embedding it with metal lath. Once this is done, a specially designed shower pan liner can be stapled to the wall of the shower. The mortar bed is then placed in the shower and once it is dry, the shower pan liner can be sealed to the bed.
If the concrete has already been broken, you may need to consider a subfloor. This essentially involves covering the entire area of the shower with plywood. This is secured and attached to the walls of the shower and any joists in order to create a waterproof base for the shower.
Once the subfloor has been installed, tiles or a preformed shower pan can be installed over it.
Finally, if you have the money and the time, you can dig up the concrete around the shower and replace it with a prefabricated shower unit. This will be easier, though more expensive, than replacing the subfloor or any of the other methods previously mentioned.
However, it is important to ensure that the shower is properly sealed to ensure that there is no water leakage. As such, it is best to hire a professional who has experience with this task.
Is it necessary to put mortar under shower base?
Yes, it is necessary to put mortar under the shower base when installing a shower. Most shower bases require mortar to be installed underneath them to provide a level and secure foundation for the product.
Standard mortar for tile installations is usually the most common choice for this job. Mortar should be used to hold the shower base in place and will create a waterproof surface that prevents shower leaks from seeping into the subfloor below.
It also helps to prevent the shower base from shifting from its original installation position when weight is applied. It is important to make sure that the mortar is mixed correctly and applied properly to ensure the best results for the base installation.
How high should a shower tray be from the floor?
The optimum height for a shower tray from the floor typically depends on the installer, but typically is anywhere between 30 – 34 inches (76 – 86 cm). Keep in mind that when installing a shower tray, the height of the tray should be proportionate to the size of the shower area as to ensure that water flows through the drain as well as it can.
Additionally, consider the height of the people usually using the shower as an additional factor when deciding on the height of the shower tray. For instance, shower trays installed for elderly users should typically be lower than for example for users with above-average height.
Keep in mind that shower trays installed too low may cause water to collect in the shower tray, potentially leading to a leakage. In any case, it is advised to consult with a professional prior to make any decisions.
Do you have to waterproof under a shower base?
Yes, it’s highly recommended that you waterproof under a shower base. This is because a shower base will be exposed to high levels of moisture and water and it’s important to protect your tile, sheetrock, and framing from water damage.
Waterproofing will create a barrier to ensure that moisture and water don’t seep through and cause extensive damage.
Fortunately, waterproofing shower bases is fairly straightforward and easy. Before you install the shower base, you will usually need to install a waterproof membrane, such as Schluter Kerdi. This membrane should be placed on the walls and floor and then sealed along the edges and seams.
For floors, you will also likely need to install a water-resistant material like cement board or heavier-duty backer board and seal the edges, seams, and spaces between sheets with a moisture-resistant tape before you place the membrane.
After that, the shower base should be installed and securely fastened with minimal gaps on the perimeter, and sealed around the base with a silicone caulk.
The key to successful waterproofing under a shower base is to use good quality materials and ensure that the membrane is installed properly and completely sealed. If there are any gaps, inconsistencies, or issues, it’s important to fix them as soon as possible so that the membrane can continue to function as intended and protect your shower from water damage.
Can you lay a shower tray on silicone?
Yes, you can lay a shower tray on silicone. Silicone is the preferred material used to adhere a shower tray to the floor. This is because silicone is a flexible material that will fill in any gaps and gaps between the edges of the shower tray and the floor; it also helps to reduce water loss.
Additionally, silicone is a waterproof material providing added protection against water damage and is more efficient than sealants during installation. To install a shower tray on silicone, prepare the area by cleaning it, and then apply the silicone adhesive to the back of the shower tray and place it in the designated position.
Once it is firmly in place, use a notched trowel to evenly spread the adhesive and then press down the tray corners firmly and wait for it to fully cure before continuing with the rest of the installation.
