Why Are Engineered Shower Installation Systems a Trend?

Written by Dustin Prevete, Sr. Product Manager for LATICRETE North America

If there’s a renovation project that has been overlooked in the past, it’s a bathroom remodel. However, a study of nearly 1,600 U.S. homeowners by Houzz found that wall finishes, floors and showers tie at 83% of all upgrades in a home bathroom and approximately 9 in 10 home renovation projects are updates to the style of the homeowner’s master bathroom. More specifically, the study named small showers as a leading pet peeve (34% of respondents, to be exact) among homeowners’ leading complaints. And, with people spending time at home more than ever, we can’t say we blame them.

Thanks to excellent performance engineering, the shower installation system category has made leaps and bounds in providing vast waterproofing advancements, including pre molded shower pan options, curbless methods and linear shower drains.

The Rise of Linear Drains and Curbless Showers

Originally intended for unimpeded access for wheelchair users in facilities like hospitals and hotels, the curbless shower trend has grown due to its unique and appealing design aesthetic. Most recently, we have witnessed the innovation of performance design within the shower system market due to the endless design possibilities, easy accessibility and a seamless look to complement the aesthetic of a bathroom. Also known as barrier-free showers, these walk-in systems are without a raised shower dam and are commonly devoid of glass or a door. They are sleek, modern and effortlessly enhance the appeal of an entire bathroom.

With the ability to extend nearly any type of tile from the floor directly to the shower, homeowners and commercial property owners are able to create a spa-like retreat with less visual clutter to keep the bathroom light and airy. Built-in seats, benches, shower niche options and shelves are also options for creating additional customization and comfort. Additionally, when the shower is seamlessly aligned with the floor, it makes the entire room easier to clean.

Innovation Calls for Waterproofing

Shower waterproofing can be a tricky task due to the various codes and requirements that must be met to be considered compliant. There are international building and plumbing codes, as well as national, state and local requirements, in addition to tile industry standards. Also, if the shower is curbless and expected to be handicap accessible, there are additional federal regulations from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Since bathrooms often do not confine moisture to the shower alone, it can be difficult to separate the “wet area” from the “dry area.” As such, the bathroom must be sufficiently protected against water and moisture as a whole with a liquid waterproofing membrane or a sheet membrane. As other methods of waterproofing are becoming more prevalent and accepted by professionals in the field, prefabricated waterproofing solutions such as sheet membranes or wallboards have been newly engineered to provide ready-to-tile solutions with effective waterproofing built in.

LATICRETE accommodates this new method with the HYDRO BAN® Board, a lightweight, easy-to-handle and ready-to-tile wallboard (backer board) that’s designed to be used in bonded tile or stone installations. Made with a high-density, waterproof extruded polystyrene core and a reinforced, waterproof membrane on both sides to give triple protection from water and vapor intrusion, it can be used on walls, floors and ceilings.

Likewise, the HYDRO BAN® Sheet Membrane is a waterproof sheet membrane and moisture barrier underlayment that is installed using a substrate-appropriate LATICRETE thinset mortar. Due to its polymeric construction, this sheet membrane can also be used as a vapor barrier/waterproofing membrane for steam room and steam room shower applications. Available in rolls, tapes, corners and collars, HYDRO BAN Sheet Membrane allows for a quick, easy waterproofing installation, which will retain its integrity for the life of the installation. In addition, the product is lightweight when compared to most common alternatives, which reduces the stress and wear and tear an installer puts on their body over a given period of time.

Ask an Expert

Curbless shower systems are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners, designers, architects and installers due to their sleek and modern finish. However, it’s important to acknowledge all aspects that factor into ensuring a successful installation. Consult a manufacturer before selection and installation to determine the system’s suitability for the intended area of use and the specified project.