Waterproofing a Curbless Shower Pan for Tile ***LINEAR DRAIN*** -- Grandpa Bath Episode 5

[@AidanSkoyles]

did you make a video of the mortar bed process? found a video of yours form 2011, but was wondering if you had any new tips / best practices. thanks for your videos; they're an inspiration.

[@AidanSkoyles]

@@TileCoach many thanks; same technique over wood? I'm doing a curbless shower on 2d floor, so I recessed the shower subfloor to be level with the joists and built up rest of room's floor with 3/4 OSB, so I have about 1.5 of slope to work with.

[@sergsergio3576]

@@TileCoach hi there I was wondering if you can waterproof over existing tiles in Australia we have a product that is called waterproofing membrane the existing tiles have no movement and feel solid they have been tiled in the bathroom area on a concrete screed the walls are also Cement render but don't look like they are level what is your suggestion

[@cocorise9797]

He missed the process of putting up the hardyboard too. I'm following his videos to to repair my bathroom. I need all of the parts.

[@AidanSkoyles]

@@cocorise9797 I used Kerdiboard in the end. Worked well.

[@scottperezfox]

Excited to see this project come together. Curbless is a gorgeous design and a smart one! Even for a person with no mobility problems, it looks elegant and reduces trip hazards - not to mention fewer pieces to clean!

[@geedubb2005]

I like red gard and do all surfaces to be tiled. I like two or thee coats. That much red is hard on the eyes. There’s nothing worse than having to do one over because a leak shows up in six months or a year. I didn’t do many due to my age and what I charged. I wanted to be sure I’d be dead and gone before one ever leaked. A guy just can’t be too cautious when it comes to tile work. I like your style and dedication.

[@azurelegacy8314]

I've done quite a few bathrooms using the Schluter products, for the wrinkles I would suggest using thicker Thinset, and instead of using one taping trowel, use two, one to hold the corners tight, and the other to pull excess Thinset out and work the membrane perfectly flat, I've never really had an issue getting it damn near perfectly flat this way.

[@mikeo6525]

AzureLegacy 👍🏻 good technique... not a good idea to go around cutting the kerdi. Now it’s compromised.

[@hereticxxx9317]

No its not, he added a roll on water proofing. Youd be correct if the roll on wasnt added

[@johngreystoneridge4813]

Afternoon Coach, I was glad you showed the mixing of makers. Kerdi & Laticrete Sheet membrane. We are remodeling another bath and wanted a linear drain. Kerdiline is the only one I have found with a laminated membrane. FloFx needs to come out with one, pass that on. Great content Issac. You have brought yet another old school guy into the modern age. Keep it going.

[@uriels4097]

don't worry about about the camera work, it's already awesome to follow people like you while they are working

[@johnbrain8408]

One thing I really appreciate about your videos, is that you show real problems when you have them and what to do about it.

[@fraudsarentfriends4717]

I definitely like the linear drains for a curbless shower. A single traditional drain can become inadvertently blocked by a washcloth or by accidentally standing on the drain. However, I don't like putting the drain all the way to the front. It does create a rear entry curbless shower. But, it doesn't really allow you to make full use of the large shower area since there is only a fall 90 degrees from the entry instead of an opposing 180 degree fall from the entry. This only gives you a small shower area behind a kicker wall instead of the entire area.

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Try Mapei liquid membrane. It use it with 6 inch fibreglass mesh tape on the joints and corners. Works awesome and no wrinkles like Kurdy.

[@mikeo6525]

Mapei aquadefense. Than go over with kerdi... 👍🏻👍🏻

[@syproful]

The only downside is the downtime with these things. It requires planning when you have employees. These membranes can be tiled almost instantly. I use Weber dry. But there are many options

[@mikegomez5796]

So if u doing concrete slap would u do liquid membrane and have no problem?

[@struckus]

i'm glad you addressed the folds..I had a hell of a time with a few corners around my curb..you wonder if you're doing something wrong as a first timer but they just won't lay flat sometimes..

[@struckus]

@@TileCoach agreed man.. I used kerdi fix alternative and coated the area that was bubbled.. Did that before your tests.. I would have rolled on other waterproofing had I done it now.. Ah well.. It's held for a year so I'm satisfied it's waterproof enough for my usage

[@mikeo6525]

I like the linear drain at the back of the shower so the pitch is away from your bath floor and not side to side... looks a little nicer in my opinion. Great video!

[@OneAdam12Adam]

If the drain is located elsewhere, it becomes more complicated. It may add to the cost too.

[@09hockeydad]

Love love love your videos bro! Keep it up! It takes a lot of confidence to show your mistakes and what failed, then redo the jobs for the clients. I do the same thing for my clients as well, I will always stand behind my work. Thanks for doing your mock ups to show where things failed, it really proves that nothing is 100%. I’ve told people before it not if it’s going to leak, it’s when it leaks or fails, what is the secondary system going to do. I like the idea of when doing a shower to really go all out, it is so much cheaper to spend a little extra time and a few extra bucks to add a roll on membrane or some other extra waterproofing system. Great Job!

[@jmlcolorado]

I found one of those cheap drywall knockdown knives work well too for bonding the schluter tape to the thinset. The knife with the foam edge. Keeps from ripping or catching corners but you can still create a nice sharp corner. The metal knife is still needed but the foam one helps.

[@prwxnlb]

If the shower is to be used by a wheelchair user, a centered drain with UNIFORM slope is the best option. Most wheelchair users have torso control deficits. Putting a slope anywhere other than the center of the shower can make gravity work against them.

[@smasica]

My career and field was in data processing and systems design. Whenever a user or manager got impatient on a project, we'd tell them, "You can have it done fast or you can have it done right. Take your pick and live with the result." The smart ones chose the second.

[@KenBergquist]

I have a similar adage: You have three options: Good, fast, and cheap. You can have any two. Good and fast, won't be cheap. Good and cheap, won't be fast. Fast and cheap, won't be good.

[@smasica]

@@KenBergquist I like that.

[@joshuasanders5325]

If you have splices in the corners or very close, what about an manufacturer corner? I.e. Keri. Bc I almost never get 90° corners. Framers are ruthless sometimes. We do a lot of kedi. Almost 70-80% schluter installs for all our builders

[@beatlesgear]

I'm doing this exact process in the future in our guest bathroom. This video is a major help! Thanks very much for all you vids!

[@jimh2061]

Very nice work! I'm not a big fan of working with kerdi but have only done one shower with that. I like the water proofing on top that you did.

[@cristinaferreira2230]

You really care about the work that you're doing ,great info.

[@rickramirez3235]

I used felt roof underlayment and flex seal to water prove my shower pan a couple years ago and haven't had any problems . Felt repels water, algae, mildew, and it's safe. 😎

[@ArtByCater]

Nice install, your videos are always informative. Thanks Chuck

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

Hi you really do it right, not over kill at all.

[@shaunmilor]

the last kerdi linear drain I installed I used an adjustable drain bottom with weep holes and mated it to it with a threaded fitting from ace hardware and got rid of the flap on the drain. I only use vinyl pans so far

[@mimihealy5046]

Awesome video. I have a curbless shower situation where I need to place Aquadefense or Hydro Ban over Kerdi Band. Schluter doesn't have a liquid waterproofing material. Are you aware of whether Kerdi Band and Aquadefense will bond long-term? If not, would you please suggest how I might waterproof this seam? Set up: I have a curbless solid (not waterproof) VIM-brand shower pan. Ditra-Heat is on the main bathroom floor. Patch material will bring the shower pan tiles level with the main bathroom floor. Kerdi Band spans the seam between the main floor (Ditra Heat) and shower pan patch. So Aquadefense will be painted on the pan and the Kerdi Band that spans the seam. Thank you.

[@rainmaker3700]

With curbless showers, I waterproof the entire bathroom floor.

[@doubledarefan]

@@TileCoach Very smart.

[@craigpoer]

Ive been setting tile since 91' Im trying to use this membrane crap. So expensive and unforgiving. Can you paint the walls and pan with 8 + 9.

[@marcopoulin1897]

@@craigpoer yes you can do because you dont have to much skill👻

[@jamesmoon7312]

I'm fixing to do a walkin shower out of tile for a handicap couple . They want a smooth transition from floor to shower. I'd like to pick your brain about water proofing the floor outside the shower

[@4spcs429]

Did you double the hardie board on the floor to get up higher to be able to have enough drop to the shower drain?

[@korster]

I really need help with my system. I purchased a drain like that but is a 6"x6" square centered drain. It has the strip of waterproofing attached. The way they have the pan and drain insert the lip of the drain sits half an inch above my waterproofing floor. No weep holes. I purchased mosaic hexagon style tile for it but with this system id have to build it up almost half inch which would be a nightmare. Should i drill weep holes through the lip of the drain at the base of the waterproofing? Whats the best method on adding a 1/4 inch or so to the floor. Thanks.

[@teh60]

I like your waterproofing method.

[@xX1GuNNy1Xx]

if you do the plumbing, why not move the drain another inch or two away from the wall. that way it's only going up the left and right side walls and not also the front wall. would help a little with the complexity there, mainly in those corners. or maybe just cut the kerdi on the drain so it only lays on there floor, removing any that would fold up a wall. seems any positives you would gain from a solid one piece running up the walls also is negated by the difficulty of getting it to all lay correctly like you mentioned

[@RawH0tMess]

Love watching ur vids. I’m remodeling a bathroom that’s just taking me forever to do because I keep changing design/functions & not knowing how to create new ideas w/rough framing it all. . I’m doing a curbless walk in shower and all I’ve known was to use that thick rubber plastic and I can’t stand using it -it’s a pain in the ass to work with. Thanks! This helped me decide to use both applications that you shown here

[@michellepeer870]

How did you get the raised height outside the shower? I'm assuming you didn't shave the floor joists in the shower to get the 1" difference? Have you raised the height of the whole bathroom...with a higher transition into the hall/bedroom? Also wondering, how do you prevent the water pooling on the ledge where the glass will sit?

[@desmomotodesmomoto2033]

So if water starts leaking under the tiles, it will go in the drain? where does it go?

[@flipp308]

This is Flip with Flip plumbing and remodeling I just wanted to say thank you so much for your videos they will definitely make me a better tile setter thanks so much

[@ADUSEI6111]

Wonder if I can use the Schluter drain in my build and then just use Hydroban liquid waterpproof to waterproof after the thinset....Would that work? It seems like it would be just the same as the ARDex but in liquid form

[@markmanning6773]

I am just confused by flashing the bottom of a pan on the outside of the durock. I get that it probably works but if it fails it’s going to leak. Why not do it the way you do with traditional pan liner and build the pan before the Durock is installed on the wall and then let the door rock lamp over and then waterproof all that with a roll on waterproofer? Thanks

[@paulcurtin8589]

Thanks for all the outstanding info, I have learned so much in a short time!!!!❤️

[@Rayram555]

I will take whatever video you show , they are all good. However I really wanted to see the transition on the floor joist over plywood. Oh well . I am still satisfied with what I have seen on Grampa shower. Keep that camera rolling for the ages. Thank You.

[@amateurvegan2636]

Have you ever toyed with the idea of putting a dpm down under the floated mortar bed and folding it up behind the wall boards ?

[@johnal4560]

Hi as a tile installation expert that you are and i learn lots from u and i thank u for that but recently i want to install Granite on my wooden stair am i gonna be able to install it directly on wood if so what kind of cement should i use or i install backer board in each stair and than installing granite also would i be able to install granite on already installed tile thanks

[@ramonperera6218]

Excelent ! I needed it because I have to do it myself exactly what you did. Thanks a lot for such an explicit explanation. Go on we are learning a lot from you. !

[@JohnSmith-hl4bb]

Hi I watch your other video that same linear drain failed and why you still use it. Anyway, I like laticret linear drain, single component , water proof the whole surface floor and wall and tiles on the top of the drain flare, I think it is very good and reliable. Let me know what you think. Thanks

[@iFortold]

Great work. I'll start using that Ardex 8/9. Seems solid

[@tillmansr2002]

I noticed two things here. The Schluter system for the shower (or is this just the line drain), but the use of cement board (Durock) for the walls. When I discuss this with installers, they seem to indicate that I need to go with ALL Schluter products for the warranty. Or is it really ease of use/install for them and a 'best hope' for me. Another question, why did you use Schluter for shower area instead of cement board (or is it cement board, I can't tell)? I would think that with the wood subfloor (previous episodes) the cement board for the shower area would give 'extra' rigidity. Last one, why Ardex (Sheet) instead of Red Guard (liquid)? -- Curious Consumer, installing a linear drain, curbless shower in FL

[@mikeo6525]

If you use multiple manufactures they will all work together if used correctly but if you have any issue they will all be pointing fingers at each other if you have any warranty claims. It’s a concrete floor...sand mix and cement. You will need to pitch the floor for the water to drain correctly. The waterproof membrane is just preference. There are many liquid membranes as well as sheets to choose from. I personally would use a “sheet”(kerdi) AND liquid membrane on top(mapei Aqua defense)

[@tillmansr2002]

@@mikeo6525 Thank you for the reply. Greatly appreciated. I have a 85 yr old (Florida) home with solid subfloor, that I will be taking up (to drop 2 inches for curbless) that is a girder/ wood frame home. The 5x3 shower size has one of the walls (the five foot wall) a exterior wall with wood siding. Tile will go floor the ceiling. My concerns in this order are cracking tiles/popping grout. Or 1. Deflection, 2 expansion/contraction and lastly 3. waterproofing. Previously my concerns were in the order 3, 1 and 2 after this series of videos. I'm starting to think my best approach would be to 'mix systems' and disregard warranty value. What (combination) of systems would be preferred in your opinion? I started off Schuler system, then figured it would not adequately address the floor deflection (but would address expansion/contraction) of walls and floor. At this point I have 'contractor paranoia ' as none of them (8+) have told me why they would do one system/approach over the other. My answer from them is almost always "...this is how we do it on all jobs..." rather than "...in your case...I recommend this apprach and here is why..

[@seanoconnor7852]

Isaac, do you have any experience or opinion on Tile Redi shower pans? I am considering using one for a curbless install and value your opinion. The videos are great - the techniques and your passion shine thru Thanks --Sean

[@robincepeda7501]

Is there a way to fave the drain on one side and have a flat seam? Like no trancintion

[@the_hunterghost9231]

What membrane did you use ? And is it a kerdi line drain used also ??

[@snoodle877]

Love your videos Coach! Hey, just curious, why didnt you install the drain as close to the wall as possible so that membrane would just roll up onto the wall rather than floor/wall interface?

[@mikegomez5796]

How far is your drain from the wall? What have u noticed is best distance

[@darwinbodero7872]

Doesn’t a linear drain like this create a trip hazard? Is there a way to prevent that recess with this drain layout?

[@torreyintahoe]

I'm binging on this like it's breaking bad.

[@barrythompson6387]

Very impressive, multi- talented, and, like watching an old, long-time buddy. I have a bathroom build coming up so looking for the 'best-practice' build. I hope you can take suggestions without being offended...PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE wear your eye protection WHENEVER fooling with ANYTHING containing lime- I learnt the hard way :( Lastly, when working around any drains, PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE stuff a rag in there after the grate is removed. Also, any suggestions on building one of your creations- with dementia? Looks like everybody else offering feedback here is as impressed as me. "TileCoach"- PERFECT name!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Majoofi]

as for wrinkles I think it would be interesting to do a test with those stretchable window sill flashing membranes.

[@Peloterocal50]

What type of shower membrane did you use on the linear drain?

[@Waremonger]

Can't you just do without the sheet membrane and solely use the Ardex 8+9 fluid applied membrane?

[@Aaron86v]

I wonder the same thing... Here we just put on backboard, tape and float seams, polyurethane the corners, then green guard(aqua defense) everything.

[@Nebulation]

why not use corner bands on the two ends you had to cut? that’s basically how Kerdi is installed anyway.

[@mathalwaysii]

Love your videos, thanks for all the info you are sharing! May I ask, for a curbless shower where the shower floor is flat with the rest of the bathroom floor (center drain), do you prefer to use shower line to line the whole bathroom up to the door (a 4x8 would cover the whole bathroom floor already but have to cut holes and then waterproof around the toilet using goboard adhesive), or would you use a kerdi/goboard throughout the whole floor up to the door and use (kerdi) membrane to waterproof between the boards and wall, and then adhesive between board and toilet etc? Thanks!

[@robertdelgado9677]

Why don't we use Hydraulic cement for the seems with the tape?

[@bennisim7949]

Hi. Thanks for the video. Schulter membrane on the pan vs the Ardex 175. What is your openion?

[@archimedez]

Can you use Ardex 8+9 alone to waterproof the pan?

[@travisk5589]

I think so.

[@ronaldcaldwell5722]

I have a video to show you I have not seen this method anywhere on the net. It shows how to use a 2x4 & my Metabo grinder with a 10" blade to cut angled shower pan in concrete. Basically utilizing my carpentry skills to run the grinder that is 1" out of level and obtaining the 1/4" fall per foot

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

Do you do anything with the cement board walls?

[@Troy-Sheets]

@@TileCoach What would you do if you weren't floating? We don't really do that in my neck of the woods so I'd love to know what you'd do if floating them weren't an option? I usually use redgard on them myself. Thanks!

[@dkaloupis75]

@@Troy-Sheets Redgard?

[@johnbrain8408]

would the heavy duty Red Guard be more dependable in this application?

[@jaydenbosquez2953]

Can u use red gaurd as a same waterproofing membrane as u are with this product

[@joshg308]

I plan on doing a curbless double shower with a liner drain in the middle. can you provide some insight? His/and her shower panels on either side with a liner drain in the middle. 7ft long 3½ wide with a door in the middle.

[@NahkahMakua]

are yu able to use liquid hydro ban instead?

[@glassetter]

back in the 70s Laticrete had a cementitious wpm used with the fabric

[@BlueTurfer]

Are you still using the Ardex8+9?

[@smilelis180]

Issac, Any video of a Kerdi shower pan with a standard linear drain and screw-down flange?

[@omararcos3698]

Hey guys I'm using drywall instead of sheetrock. Do you guys think it's a bad idea thanks for any advice

[@ronald5728]

I think a wood float would work better to push out the air bubbles. Just a thought. Never tried it.

[@meanshoung]

which episode show the slope for the motar bed for curveless shower

[@tuesdayswithed]

Great video. Thanks for the tip on thin set. Looks good, good work.

[@Someonereallycares]

I Love You Coach.

[@MrCcarter7]

Great video Issac. Thanks for the tips.

[@ornothopter188]

wish i found your channel 5 years-ago, bath room dragged on longer then it should have

[@ShaneHolly]

do you have a video on installing and waterproofing a linear drain with no membrane in to drypack mortar bed. Just a standalone metal lenear drain.

[@KasiaMilesAway]

Do you have any videos on how to install this type of a drain in a cement floor?

[@meijsmark]

In Europe, the Netherlands we use something called Eurocol 685, its epoxy based and is used to waterproof all the corners and everything else. Especially the shower drain corners like you said are hard to flatten. this stuff makes it bond to whathever surface you apply it onto. I dont know if its available in the US. Im not fammiliar wiith what you call thinset.

[@berto316life4]

You got your Bob Ross on with that brush! 😂

[@HomeGardeningGuy1]

Great video brother 👍 you make it look too easy

[@bmcginnis6543]

I wish you went into more detail about placing the bed and what brand/type of mud you used.

[@chipmhandle]

as I understand he uses a local yard that has a mix. "Fat Mud" Souther Calif.

[@ryanm1975]

Thanks, Isaac!

[@syproful]

Why don’t you use a handheld vibrator ? I use raimondi volpino. It’s one of the best tile brands in the world. There are chinese made options also.

[@travisk5589]

9:40. Lol. Isaac, you look defeated. Tell us about the waterproofing process for the durock panels. Why use those versus the durock foam core panels? Are thei gypsum based.

[@stevenrennie2612]

Hi I’m thinking of putting a walk in shower, but it’s concrete floor and I have a stand in box shower with base? Any ideas thanks steven

[@douglasthompson2740]

I am curious as to why you would use Hardi backer board when in repairs, remodels and demolition it has so widely been found to fail? The board literally turns to wet mush even in high quality installations. Probably might survive out in the 'dry area' of the bathroom but why chance it? Especially in a no curb installation when other products do work (Durorock for one)? Enjoy your videos. Take care. Doug

[@tillmansr2002]

Doug,I'm curious. I thought in the video he was using Durock and did not use Hardi backer? Also, I didn't think either of those products Hardi, Durock turned to mush 'if' were wet/soaked (cement based products) ie waterproof. But do realize they are not water resistant (water will penetrate them).

[@douglasthompson2740]

@@tillmansr2002 Hello, He was using Durorock in the shower but in the transition out to the rest of the room he had Hardi on the walls. Although Hardi says the it's product is "cement board" it is some kind of a paper product mix. Duro on the other hand is real cement with what looks like a fiberglass weave for strength. A water resistant product. If you want a demonstration drop a piece of each in a pan of water and comeback in a few hours. Hardi plank has long been known to fail in wet climates and their Hardi backer board is no better. Because it is hidden it is not so obvious but in remodel work it shows up in wet areas as a dissolved mush. Used in dry areas under tile you might get away with it. But who wants to risk an entire job over a few dollars for known crap. Here in Alaska Hardi sold a ton of product and when failures appeared pretty quickly their response was to void their warranty in the entire state! Not something you want to invest in. In a longer test just leave their product outside alongside true cement board. If you have any humidity in your climate it will quickly get very heavy with moisture before literally falling apart. They use the same style of product in both backer and siding with similar results. Take care. Doug

[@douglasthompson2740]

PS: In snow country even dry climates check the first few courses of Hardi plank where the snow touches it. You will be amazed--it literally dissolves!

[@marcopoulin1897]

Hardibacker shit stuff go dansheild

[@bennyclowney7506]

What thin set are you using and what membrane ?

[@notstupid4755]

I hope that thinset is modified are the bonds not going to be worth a crap. Personally that whole system looks flawed. If I were you I'd go over the whole thing with redgard or some kind of roll on membrane up to four foot. Two coats

[@mikehigbie6392]

Man you seem so bummed out in this video, hope all is well. So I’m on board with you on the roll on, I am doing kerdiboard, would you apply it to all of the walls too or just the pan and up say 6 inches or so. And rather do a premix, which would you use if not the ardex

[@cesarorozco5328]

How thick is the least motor bed i can do

[@alexbaker3812]

Thanks for making more videos on this project!would like to see some tile setting video on this project ..? Thanks

[@garygushue4273]

Issac you went with pex pipe? For plumbing?

[@duanelundell4257]

Do you every use red guard for water proofing

[@lesliesweeney368]

What did you coat the usg boards with

[@ryancoulter7681]

Isaac I have to ask. Why do you use the sheet membrane if your rolling a top coat on? Seems like your kind of wasting time and money. I've used the 8+9 and it's great stuff. I normally use hydroban two coats on my walls and pan with no problems. I also have to ask why you would use hardy backer on the floor. In my opinion it's junk and a pain in the rear to cut and screw.

[@victorcaldwell2900]

All concrete products wick water. I dont care how "water proof" it says it is. Just makes good sense to take the extra hr to roll on some red guard, or laticrete hydroban for that added security.

[@richardmckrell4899]

Why don't you put the linear drain against the wall as recommended by Schluter? Is it because you float the walls?

[@jaly4121]

Not to answer for Isaac but maybe they didnt want to pay for a drain relocation or couldn't relocate. There is a slope on the back which will take the water from the wall and run it towards the drain when tiled. My tiled drain is on the wall but I put in the drain as well. Would have liked to have done the 8+9 but didnt have a dealer that I could find locally.

[@dustyflair]

Is this on a slab?

[@mikegomez5796]

Hey bro I would like to see a video on how u install a linear shower drain and u tile over it. Do u have one? Like ur technique how you tike over these drains