So you're saying it appears the vapor barrier didn't go up the walls as far as it should have, right? I guess then it's hard to know exactly where it ended. The current cracks are all in the corners where walls meet shower floor, not going up the walls. If I can get the installer to redo that change of plane with caulk, is that likely to be enough to prevent future leaks/bad smells? Or am I likely to have problems either way since I think I've read that some moisture goes thru the grout (thus the need for the vapor barrier and preslope in the first place)? I might be confused, but what do you suggest now? Unfortunately, I was not at home when this part was done, and didn't pick up on the missing vapor barrier at the top of the durock. While I def value Bill's expert opinion, and I know Bill that you're advising the absolute right way it should be done, I'd also like to hear from folks who had a similar situation and how it turned out (I think- actually, maybe I don't want to!)

I think it's highly likely that the Shout stain remover is your problem. Plastics are notorious for experiencing cracks and splits in the presence of corrosive chemicals. What happens is that without the chemical the plastic is able to withstand the residual stresses and strains of being screwed onto the washer, but the chemical affects the material strength and lowers it so that these same residual stresses can crack the plastic. There are other products that can cause the same problem. Spray & Wash is one example. It's easy to find out if this is the problem. Just make sure that you don't spray these chemicals when you are close to the door, and if it still cracks, then I'm full of baloney.

In all honesty I have been in the millwork industry for 25 plus and have never seen a company that warranty's stress cracks. As the word implies the stress is generally from something other than the windows which would be why they are not usually warrantied. Anyhow I do not believe they are that common or occur often enough to be concerned with when ordering windows. I would be more concerned in new construction than an older house as older houses have generally done all the settling they will do, which is a major cause of stress cracks.

Then I would be going back to the kitchen designer and have them bring the issues to the cabinet company. I would assume you bought from a kitchen shop/designer representing that cabinet company. I purchased Wood-Mode cabinets from a long time reputable kitchen designer and I know he would be working with me if any issues like this came up. I paid the KD and not Wood-Mode, so I have to go through the kitchen shop/designer to resolve any problems. Who did you pay for the cabinets? Of course, if that person/shop is not helping you then I would escalate to the regional representative of the cabinet company and then up the chain of command.