Would you recommend a curb-less shower with Schluter-System?

3 years ago

My shower leaks, and we are about to tear it out to fix it. We are assuming it is a shower pan issue. We have tried many repairs, but it is still leaking. Currently we have traditional shower pan and curb-less entry as you can see in the photo. We are considering going back with curb-less with the Schluter system. Some tell me that curb-less showers are prone to leaking and that we should avoid them. Others say the Schluter-System will work well with curb-less and I shouldn’t have a leaking problem again. Would you recommend going back with the curb-less shower with the Schluter-System or would you recommend adding the curb for to ensure no future leaks?

Also, can you recommend a good marble slab installer who is certified in Schluter-System in the Houston, TX, area?

Thanks for your help!

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Comments (5)

catbuilder
3 years ago
Where is it leaking? Why are you assuming it is the pan that is leaking? Have you conducted any tests to find the source of the leak?
Anita Birdwell thanked catbuilder
MongoCT
3 years ago
"Would you recommend going back with the curb-less shower with the
Schluter-System or would you recommend adding the curb for to ensure no
future leaks?"

Properly built, neither should leak. If you do go curbless, yes, Schluter products can work fine for the curbless build.

If the concern is finding a proper mechanic to build a curbless shower, then a curbed shower, which is more common, may be the safer choice. But obviously you'd still need competent tradespeople to carry out the build.

Sorry for your issues, here's to hoping the rebuild is successful.
Anita Birdwell thanked MongoCT
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Your son in law is who needs to create an account and read here. There’s nothing worse than a game of telephone, with information lost in the retelling. Also, and your family may be different, but a handy guy isn’t likely to gracefully accept advice well from his MIL. Why don’t you buy him a TCNA handbook as a late present, and point him towards Schluter’s website directly? Have him post here too. The handbook is the industry bible for all things tile. If he reads that, and Schluter’s website, he will do OK. https://www.tcnatile.com/products-and-services/publications/218-english-publications/188-handbook/960-2019-tcna-handbook-for-ceramic-glass-and-stone-tile-installation.html As far as the decorative edging choices and niches, for the project, that comes down to skill and the tile chosen. Many tile these days do not offer bullnose tile. That leaves using the metal matching or contrasting edges. They aren’t as bad as you fear! Or the tiler can miter the edges together. That’s an advanced skill. You SIL would need a lot of practice on inexpensive tile before moving to the tile that they want to use. Here are a couple of Schluter Jolly edges. And here is a niche with bullnose. And here’s one where the edges of the pebble were polished up and used. The Schluter kit is shown in the orange box. That make one for a 36x36 shower that has all the parts he needs instead of buying them individually. Buy that and a extra small roll of Kerdi band. Or, the 48x48 will have a bit extra material, for goof ups, and can be cut down. Buy from a real tile supplier, not a box store. https://www.lowes.com/pd/Schluter-Systems-Kerdi-Shower-Kit-Stainless-Steel-Styrene-Shower-Base-48-in-W-x-48-in-L-with-Center-Drain/1000877582
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Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
3 years ago
Listen carefully to what Mongo just said. Your problem is not the system but the qualified installer. Don't go about it backwards. Get the qualified installer. Multiple systems/methods can be used. Schluter is only one. Your qualified installer will have their preference. You mentioned "marble slab installer"? I think you meant qualified tile contractor? Make sure you vet them well and ask how they will be building the shower to industry guidelines and manufacturer specifications. Also, might consider having the current shower torn out while you wait to get on the installers schedule. They will need to see what other remedial work needs to be done as the result of the moisture. You shouldn't use the shower now anyway. A couple places to start your search (you can search by your location): https://www.tile-assn.com/search/custom.asp?id=2759

https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/find-certified-tile-installers
Anita Birdwell thanked Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
Anita Birdwell
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks you. Yes plumber did water tests. Also, I laid the shower wand at the back of the shower and let the water run for 30 minutes. The shower leaked. We removed the shower glass and re-grouted and added silicon caulk to the joints. We resealed the marble. Various and multiple contractors have been unable to find the cause without ripping out the shower. It leaks at the front two corners where the glass meets the marble. After the repairs, we only see water on the right side as you look at the photo. Contractors believe the shower pan is filling up with water some how and overflowing. The leak is actually delayed. You won’t see it for 30 minutes to hours after a shower.

So a curb-less shower is not a problem giving it is installed correctly? Same as one with a curb?

Yes, finding a qualified installer who will put slab on the wall is like finding a needle in a haystack. The original installer was with an very reputable marble company in Houston, TX. We didn’t go cheap.

I’ll check out the links. Thank you.
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Mint tile Minneapolis
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Cabot and Rowe may have a refferral. I wouldnt get hung up on the Orange brand you mentioned. :):)
Anita Birdwell thanked Mint tile Minneapolis

Would you recommend a curb-less shower with Schluter-System?

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catbuilder

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Would you recommend a curb-less shower with Schluter-System?

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catbuilder

MongoCT

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Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.

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Anita Birdwell
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