Installing a Shower Pan Membrane Liner for a Custom Ceramic Tile Shower

Installing a custom ceramic tile shower in your home is something a do it yourself homeowner can do with a little upfront knowledge. The most important aspect of a successful custom ceramic tile shower installation is properly installing a shower pan membrane liner. The shower pan membrane liner is used to ensure a leak-proof shower.

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Shower pan membrane liners are used to funnel any water that seeps through the floor or wall grout to the shower drain below. The shower pan membrane liner is made up of a flexible type of plastic material that sits below a bed of mortar, and the tile, in the shower floor area.

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Prior to installing the shower pan membrane liner, the floor of the shower needs to be pre-sloped to ensure that the water will flow towards the shower drain assembly. The pre-slope is accomplished by applying a layer of mortar to the floor of the shower unit area. The layer of mortar is troweled in such as way as to create a gentle slope from the shower wall edges to the center of the shower where the drain resides.

Once the pre-slope mortar has cured, the flexible shower pan membrane liner can then be installed. There are a couple of types of shower pan membrane liners on the market, with each having their own benefits. With either type of membrane, the homeowner needs to form and fold the material into the base of the shower area and secure it to the sides of the shower wall frame with staples and/or nails. In addition, an opening in the membrane should be cut out to allow the adjustable shower drain assembly to slip through.

With the shower pan membrane installed, the cementitious ceramic tile backerboard can then be secured to the framed shower walls. The backerboard is a rigid material that is ideal for attaching tile in wet areas such as a shower stall.

After installing the ceramic tile backerboard, a final coat of mortar needs to be applied on top of the membrane to protect it and to provide a solid base for laying the ceramic floor tile.

With the final coat of mortar cured, the ceramic tile can then be installed in the shower.

Once the tile and grout have been installed, the shower drain assembly should be adjusted so that the drain height sits flush with the finished ceramic tile floor.

For more information on installing a shower pan membrane liner, see the Shower Pan Membrane Liner Installation EBook from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Shower Pan Membrane Liner EBook will quickly teach you the step-by-step process for installing the shower pan membrane liner correctly. It includes instructions on framing the shower stall, pouring the pre-slope and shower base mortar, and installing the shower pan membrane liner.

Installing a Shower Pan Membrane Liner for a Custom Ceramic Tile Shower

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Installing Rubber Membrane Roofing

One of the main barriers to using Rubber Membrane Roofing is the common perception that it is difficult to install, and also difficult to move. These are not entirely accurate, and while it does require some special installation instructions, it is possible for anyone with basic construction knowledge to install rubber roofing tiles.

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The first step in installing it is in the preparation of the surface. For starters, the roof must be made clean before the rubber is laid. A cleaner that is prescribed by the roofing shingles manufacturer is usually the best product to use. If one can not clean the surface because of it's nature, it must have an underlayment laid down. For example, if the existing roof top is gravel, simply lay 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch plywood over the top before installation.

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Next, the roofer must lay the first pieces of rubber. It is helpful if it is laid out for awhile so that the roofing tiles can get the wrinkles out. The manufacturer generally recommends about a half hour. Once the rubber is set, it must be folded back while the adhesive is applied. Roll back the rubber at the farthest end, and apply the adhesive evenly. Make sure that the adhesive is prepared by stirring it for at least five minutes.

While the roofer has applied adhesive to the roofing itself, he or she must also apply adhesive to the plywood or roof. This helps to create a bond that is double-tight, which guard against leaks. Be sure that the adhesive is away from the seams, as it gets a special treatment later. As the roofer lays down the roofing, use a broom or roller to eliminate any wrinkles or bubbles. Also, check to see that the adhesive is tacky. This will make the roofing tiles stick better.

Finally, one must make sure that the seams are properly installed. Rubber roofing relies on the strength of the seams, so this job must be done correctly. First, clean the seams with the cleaner prescribed by the manufacturer. Next, use the seam tape provided to seal the rubber together. Make sure to do this process slowly and neatly, so as to insure that there are no leaks. Once this part is done, slowly remove the rubber backing.

This is all it takes to install membrane roofing. It is not difficult like the experts might have one believe, and money can be saved through self installation.

Installing Rubber Membrane Roofing

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