My Kerdi wannabe question:

15 years ago

so I have mentioned previously the fact that I have to use another type of shower pan, it has already been in the house for 10 months awaiting our use. It is a pre-slope pan, covered with redguard (http://www.showerbase2.com/uploads/TB_Installation_2008.pdf).

I would like to try to integrate Kerdi into the install, so I have a few questions ;-)

1) one thought was to use my base with the kerdi as one might with a tub surround (mongo had posted a cool diagram for that set-up) by doing Kerdi down to the floor and ending with kerdi-fix at the base/wall junction.

Does this sound possible? If not, why wouldn't it work?

2) my second possible thought was to use the standard clamping drain with either a "kerdi hat" that is tough to find, but then I could kerdi all the way to the drain, right? My understanding is it would work like a flashing? Is this reasonable to do? Is it overkill as the pan is already redguarded?

another product for this purpose is the NObleFlex drain flashing- is this like a kerdi hat? could I one use this together with kerdi over the pan?

If I am off base here, I can take the feedback...

Thanks!

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Comments (6)

bill_vincent
15 years ago
Does this sound possible? If not, why wouldn't it work?

I looks good on paper, and should work. Just be advised-- you're "working without a net". If there should be a problem, Neither Custom (Redgard's manufacturer) nor Schluter will warranty an installation using a combination of their products. That said, I've done pretty much the same thing many times, using Hydroment's Ultraset any time Kerdi-fix would've been necessary. But I also have some experience working with the products.

my second possible thought was to use the standard clamping drain with either a "kerdi hat" that is tough to find, but then I could kerdi all the way to the drain, right?

Although I don't know that I personally would trust Redgard as a pan membrane, I don't know that I'd want to chance creating a "moisture sandwich" between the Redgard and Kerdi, either. And yes, Noble has something very similar to the "Kerdi hat". But now you're using bits and pieces from three different manufacturers. It'd be like taking a Chevy, and trying to put a Ford motor and Mopar transmission into it. If you know what you're doing, it could work. But even if you DO get it to work, you'd be better off to use all from one manufacturer.
pepperidge_farm
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the thoughts, Bill.

Hmm, a moisture sandwich, I hadn't thought of that. I like your analogy too, makes sense, if I proceeded with the latter, I should use Kerdi all the way.

I guess I will have to stick with the first option, and keep hope that Redguard does what it claims it can do? It never occurred to me that any company would warranty my work, though!

This question my be sticking you between a rock and a hard place (or stuck between 2 membranes- forgive the bad analogy, couldn't resist, I know, I'll keep my day job). Is it then, your instinct is that the "lesser of 2 evils" would be trusting the Redguard vs. creating a potential area to trap moisture?

Thanks
Sarah
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2) Seams won't need to be taped. The Kerdi will bridge the transition from sheet to sheet. 4) You want all the rough plumbing, including the installation of the shower valve, to be complete before the cement board goes up. 6) No need for Kerdi fix to attach the niches. They should fit in between the framing so as to be able to put a screw in on either side. The only time you'd need to use any kind of sealant behind the niche flange is if you were doing a conventional shower (as opposed to a Kerdi Shower). The Kerdi is all the seal you'll need. 7) One thing to think about-- If your walls are 42", you might want to think about running the Kerdi horizontally, being that the roll of Kerdi is 39" wide. Otherwise you'll be using a 5-6" strip to finish it off. Horizontally, there won't be as much waste. As for how far to run it down the wall, I'd run it all the way down. That way, you're assured of being able to have your 2" overlap once the pan goes in. As for the whole valve assembly thing, all you need to do is make sure there's enough room in that hole to allow the valve stem to protrude, and for the screws that hold on the face plate to go in. 11) Schulter says you can use a 3/16" v-notch trowel. I've found that sometimes it just doesn't put enough thinset on the wall, so I'll usually use a 1/4x1/4 notch. Now, the one I use is well worn, but even with a new one, you can always "squeeze" out the excess. I'd rather see a little too much and squeeze out the excess than not enough, and have a bubble not sticking in the Kerdi. 12) no need to atach the Kerdi to the valve. The face plate has a foam gasket that'll keep water out. 16) [do i have to make sure to use the outside corner pieces of kerdi with the premade niches? Use the outside corners, and even though the niche piece is sealed, you want to have a completely continuous membrane, so Kerdi the entire niche. 31) Next to it.
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bill_vincent
15 years ago
Absolutely. If you don't want to trust the Redgard, scratch some slices through it and use the Kerdi. But I'd still want to replace that drain with a Kerdi drain before proceeding. As long as you penetrate the Redgard several times, so that you're not backing one solid barrier with another, you should be all right to use the Kerdi.
pepperidge_farm
Original Author
15 years ago
OK! I was hoping you might say something like that- score the RedGuard, use a Kerdi drain and Kerdi all the way?

I will be the one to do this part of the work, but I am still working on my DH who started out with the belief that CBU is waterproof and all that was needed. He is coming around slowly, very slowly.

I am having trouble getting a good idea of the anatomy of the Kerdi drain/photo, would love to put my hands on one- but it seems possible for me to use it with the base that I have??

If this is true, then I think that sounds like the best option... right?
bill_vincent
15 years ago
score the RedGuard, use a Kerdi drain and Kerdi all the way?

That would be the best possible scenario
pepperidge_farm
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks Bill!

My Kerdi wannabe question:

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My Kerdi wannabe question:

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