A modest bathroom redesign might involve little more than painting walls or tiling a limited area of floor, wall, or countertop. The most extensive bathroom remodel includes possibly replacing the tub, toilet, sink, plumbing and electricity. Tearing out all fixtures, down to the studs, offers a clean slate upon which to work. Gut renovation may take time because the subsequent installation involves piecing together many disparate parts. One way to reduce the time needed and the complexity of making many different parts come together is to deploy Schluter-Systems as a main component in your project. Standardized, high-quality building pieces are easy to interconnect and customize to offer an inherently waterproof installation. The major building blocks of the Schluter System are:
- Kerdi-Board – goes beyond the best attributes of sheet rock and backer board
- Ditra – think carpet padding underlayment, but waterproof
- Ditra Heat – radiant heat system
- Kerdi-Drain, Kerdi-Line, Schluter Shower – keeps water where you want it
- Pre-fabricated pieces such as Schluter Niche and Schluter Bench – design options galore
- Finishing, fastening, or connecting pieces - to pull it all together
Used individually or collectively, Schluter System components are ideal for mitigating water and vapor penetration for tile installations and bathroom remodeling.
SCHLUTER KERDI-BOARD
For decades, pressed gypsum board called “sheet rock” has been used to construct walls due to being lightweight and easy to cut. However, for walls in areas that need to withstand water or floors that are load bearing, “backer board” made with cement, is the go-to sub-surface. The Schluter-Kerdi-Board combines the best attributes of these two standards and more:
- Flat
- Stable
- Lightweight
- Easy To Cut
- Waterproof
- Load Bearing
- Insulated
- Grid Lines Standard on the Outer Laminate Surface Facilitates Straight Cuts and Measurements
The foam in-between the laminate ranges in thickness from 3/16th of an inch up to 2 inches. All told, this level, plumb and square surface protects from moisture and provides an excellent substrate for tiling.To accommodate curvilinear contours to room dimensions and fixtures, there are sensible variations to the standard flat panel. Designated by the letters U, E, and V there are specialty panels made to fit around pipes, create 90º corners without wood, or to create curves for rounded surfaces, respectively. The Kerdi-Board can be used on masonry wall or attached to wood framing. Cutting ease and sturdiness facilitate custom designs for:
- Vanities
- Shelving
- Countertop
- Sink or Fixture Openings
- Showers and Bathtub Surrounds
- Wall Partitions
- Tub Decks
- Or Other Non-Standard Sizes
Watch the video about Kerdi-Board Specialty Panels here.
Schluter-Ditra & Other Waterproofing Options
This waffle design of the Schluter-Ditra underlayment offers the benefits of load distribution, vapor management, and waterproofing. Although only 1/8” of an inch thick, it is strong enough to support weight while protecting the subfloor from moisture. In addition to eliminating the main cause of cracked tile, the low profile allows for an easy transition to adjoining floor surfaces. Schluter-Ditra is easy to cut and install. Pieces can be fitted together. To ensure waterproofing and to allow for expansion and contraction, there are guidelines for sealing connecting points as well as leaving space between differing surfaces, such as floors and walls.
Schluter-Ditra-Heat
Subject to local building code, a radiant heat floor can add warming creature comfort to any room. Schluter-Ditra-Heat begins with a floor mat of evenly sized and spaced octagonal shapes. Then a heating cable connected to a thermostat is interspersed throughout the membrane, subject to spacing guidelines. This flooring membrane is designed to uncouple the substrate from tile surfaces, thereby serving as a moisture barrier, allowing expansion and contraction, safeguarding against cracked tiles, and can optionally have sound proofing added. All installation must still adhere to standard building protocols such as being level with the proper pitch towards any central drain or drain line.
See the video about Schluter-Ditra-Heat here.
Schluter Shower System, Kerdi-Drain & Kerdi-Line
The ShcluterKerdi SHOWER kit is a waterproofing system, vapor-tight assembly.
The kit includes Kerdi waterproofing membrane to protect walls. Kerdi-band waterproofing strips seal all seams and connections. Kerdi-Seal-PS and Kerdi-Seal MV seal pipes and valve protrusions. Kerdi-Shower-T, TS, and TT are sloped shower boards pitched to lead to a Kerdi-Drain (center and circular) or Kerdi-Line (rectangular and placed along a wall, corner, or shower edge) for drainage. These components interconnect with the purpose of being sealed and waterproofed for tiled showers. All building standards of having level surfaces and adequate pitching apply accordingly.
Prefabricated Schluter Pieces – Benches, Niches, Shelves And Curb
Increasingly there are broadly applicable design conveniences that can be deployed to upgrade a bathroom. A niche in the shower for soaps and shampoos simultaneously provides storage and functionality.
Corner or wall shelves can be used for decorative or organizational purposes. A shower bench can provide a seating option for the elderly or injured. It can also serve as another way to luxuriate with steam. Tape, thin set, and mortar can be applied, at joints of connecting pieces or directional changes in surfaces, to address moisture, waterproofing and drainage accordingly. The modular nature of Schluter System supports making custom pieces, particularly for small spaces which require unique solutions. These pre-fabricated pieces provide for additional design options for the aesthetics and usefulness of your space with the added benefit of speeding up installation.
Schluter Finishing, Fastening, Connecting Pieces & Accessories
The Schluter System should be paired with attachment hardware that is purposefully designed for sealing and waterproofing. Screws, anchors and washers are made of galvanized steel. The anchors are suitable for masonry wall applications. The washers have pointed tabs to hold in place against Kerdi-Board to facilitate steady driving of the screws through to wooden studs. Perforated profiles made of brushed stainless steel or flat plastic are adhered to counter tops, vanities, or partition walls for a smooth finish and added support.
Acosta Home & Air Pro Installs Schluter System
The Schluter System is modular and flexible. Designed to be waterproof and vapor resistant, it is well suited for kitchen remodeling projects as well. Acosta Home & Air Pro is one of a handful of authorized Schluter System dealers in Westchester County. Call us today at (914) 875-3266 or stop by our showroom in Mamaroneck during business hours to begin planning your remodeling project.