Q. Why should I use the Schluter-Shower System?
A. The Schluter-Shower System is an integrated family of products that together form a fully bonded, watertight assembly for tiled showers. Unlike shower pan liners in conventional assemblies, bonded waterproof membranes, such as Schluter-KERDI, bond directly to the mortar bed and protect it from becoming saturated with regular use. In addition, KERDI protects wall cavities from vapor penetration. The Schluter-KERDI-DRAIN provides a simple and secure connection to the KERDI membrane at the top of the assembly. The integrated Schluter-Shower System eliminates the potential for leakage, efflorescence, and mold growth in the system, is maintenance-free, and dramatically reduces total installation time to ensure success and make shower installation easier than ever.

Q. Can I use Schluter-KERDI in my steam shower?
A. Yes. Schluter-KERDI has a low water vapor permeance (0.75 perms), allowing it to function both as a waterproofing membrane and vapor retarder in steam showers.

Q. At what stage of my building project does TWC come in to install my Schluter Shower System?
A. We come in to install after the drywall is taped and before your tile setter starts. Please do not book us if they are stippling your ceilings or your painter is spraying.

Q. How long does it take TWC to waterproof my shower?
A. Typically, we can waterproof a shower in one day. The tile setter can start 24 hours later.

Q. Does TWC have any special needs to install my Schluter Shower system?
A. TWC needs a flat, smooth, clean substrate. We also need the basics – water, heat, and power. Our installer will need an area to cut the Kerdi Mat. A room with a wood or concrete substrate is ideal. We use utility knives to cut our material, so we want a flat, clean floor that won’t get damaged.

Q. How far in advance do I have to book TWC?
A. 2 weeks

Q. How much does it cost? Are you expensive?
A. TWC can install The Schluter Shower System actually much cheaper compared to a proper conventional water management system. We make it faster and easier for other trades, you can use regular drywall instead of expensive backer boards, and we are 3 times faster. Our average invoice for a shower, including a custom pan, Kerdi drain, curb, and Kerdi mat, is $1200.00

Q. What are Custom EPS shower pans, curbs, and benches made of? Can they really support the tile assembly?
A. All our products are made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) foam with a high compressive strength. They provide a convenient, lightweight, and stable substrate for the Schluter-KERDI waterproofing membrane and tile. After the tile is installed and grouted, the assembly will support all the loads typical of tiled showers. This can include glass doors or glass block walls.

Q. My shower is a custom size with the drain off centre. Can you make a pan to fit?
A. Yes. With our patent pending process, we can replace mortar beds with a custom fit, pre-sloped, shower pan that is designed to specifically integrate with the Schluter Shower System. Any size – Any shape.

Q. Can I just buy a custom shower pan from TWC if I choose to install the Schluter Shower System myself?
A. Yes, you can buy custom shower pans online from Custom EPS at http://customeps.com.

Q. Can TWC install Schluter-KERDI over drywall in my tiled shower?
A. Yes. Once you install Schluter-KERDI over the drywall panels, they will be completely protected from the water and vapor in your tiled shower. No need for expensive backer boards.

Q. TWC is installing Schluter-KERDI over drywall in my shower. Do I need to tape the joints between panels before installing the KERDI?
A. Yes. We need a smooth, flat, clean surface. We also need corner bead on any outside corners we might be waterproofing over. Thinset will not stick to exposed edges of drywall.

Q. What type of thin-set mortar should I use when installing ceramic and stone tile over Schluter-KERDI?
A. Unmodified thin-set mortar is recommended to set ceramic and stone tile over the KERDI membrane.

Portland cement-based unmodified thin-set mortars are dependent on the presence of moisture for hydration in order to gain strength. Since Schluter-KERDI is impervious, it does not deprive the mortar of its moisture. This allows the cement to properly hydrate, resulting in a strong, dense bond coat. In fact, after the mortar has reached final set (usually within 24 hours), unmodified thin-set mortars achieve higher strengths when cured in continually moist conditions.

Exceptions: Certain moisture-sensitive stones, e.g., green marble, or resin-backed tiles may not be appropriate for use in wet areas or may require special setting materials. Please consult the stone supplier and Schluter-Systems for more information. For an acid-resistant covering, use an epoxy adhesive to set and grout the tile. However, do not use epoxy to install the Schluter-KERDI membrane.

Modified thin-set mortar is not recommended to set ceramic and stone tile over the KERDI membrane.

Modified thin-set mortars must air dry for the polymers to coalesce and form a hard film in order to gain strength. When sandwiched between two impervious materials such as Schluter-KERDI and ceramic tile, including porcelain tile, drying takes place very slowly through the open joints in the tile covering. [According to the Tile Council of North America’s Handbook for Ceramic Tile Installation, this drying period can fluctuate from 14 days to over 60 days, depending on the geographic location, the climatic conditions, and whether the installation is interior or exterior]. Therefore, extended cure times would be required before grouting if using modified thin-set mortars between KERDI and ceramic tile, including porcelain tile. If extended cure times were not observed, the results could be unpredictable. This is even more important to consider in wet areas such as showers as there is the additional concern of latex leaching.

Q. My tile setter accidentally poked a hole through the Schluter-KERDI while installing the tile. Can I simply repair the hole?
A. Holes can typically be repaired by installing a “patch” of Schluter-KERDI or Schluter-KERDI-BAND with unmodified thin-set mortar, making sure to provide a 2" overlap in all directions. Small penetrations may also be repaired using the Schluter-KERDI-FIX sealant.

Q. Can I install glass tile over Schluter-KERDI?
A. Glass tiles are unique products and may require special consideration. Please call Schluter-Systems at (800) 472-4588 to discuss your particular application before installing glass tile over Schluter-KERDI.