There are several steps to a shower remodel process.
The first one is to prepare the space for the shower remodel. Shapiro Bathroom Remodeling utilizes drop cloths, tarps, and plastic sheeting to protect detached rooms, customer furniture, as well as immovable fixtures, décor, and appliances. Cray paper and/or floor runners will be utilized to provide walkways to nearest exits, eliminating potential damage to floors and trim. Homeowners like how we take these actions to reduce mess and protect their home.
Step #2: Removing Shower Items
We turn off the water if not already done to remove the plumbing fixtures.
All glass panels, tracks, grab-bars, other utilities, plumbing plates, and fixtures will be removed and stored for reuse or thrown away, depending on the homeowner’s need.
We usually cap off the hot and cold water supply lines at this point so that the water to the rest of the house can be turned back on to not interfere with the homeowner’s use.
Step #3: Removal Of Existing Shower Stall
The perimeter of the tile and basin to be removed is identified and scored to prevent damage to bordering walls and floors. Tile and wall boards are removed. Shower basin or bathtub is removed. Prefabricated “drop-in” basins typically leave the shower drain exposed and ready for needed plumbing modifications. Sloped builder’s pans are removed using a demolition hammer and spike chisel. Existing drain is removed from drain pipe, when required. After removing the tub or shower floor there is sometimes mold that needs to be properly removed. The space is then cleaned and vacuumed.
Step #4: Framing
Existing framing is inspected and reinforced or replaced when needed.
New upright studs or cross members may be added to anchor new fixtures, reinforce failing boards, or framing new insets for recessed niches and cubbies used to store bath products.
This is an important step in the shower remodel process to ensure it is structurally sound to hold the cement board as described in a future step.
Step #5: Plumbing Modifications And Upgrades
Modifications and upgrades to existing plumbing, in some instances, may precede or follow build out changes, depending on the extent of the changes and the overall project schedule.
For example in this remodel pictured, the homeowner wanted us to move the shower valve away from the wall where the outlet was located so it was easier to access the valve to turn on and off.
Wall plumbing changes are made while walls are “open” and technicians have ready access.
There are often floor plumbing changes made. It is best to move the shower drain to the center area when possible. A post tension slab foundation can prevent this move and we can work around that depending on the scenario.
Step #6: Substrate Installation – Shower Floor Pre-Pitch / Pre-Slope
The shower curb is formed of 4”x4”x16” cement block and positioned according to project design. For showers that are upstairs, the subfloor of the shower is reinforced with Cement board (Hardiebacker 500). The seams are taped with Fibatape Mesh and mudded with polymer modified thinset. This new substrate is
waterproofed with elastomeric membrane (Redguard) for added moisture protection. Then we install the new drain housing.
Step #7: Substrate Installation – Shower Floor Liner
A vinyl liner is installed on top of the pre-sloped shower pan and tacked no lower than the shower curb height up the framed walls on all sides. This liner is lapped over the new concrete curb and fixed into position with a cap block or added strip of cement board.
The drain flange is adhered to the vinyl liner with 100% silicone and fastened to the new drain body.
Step #8: Cement Boards For Shower Walls
Shower walls are rebuilt using cement board (Hardiebacker 500) which has a thickness of .42 inches to match the thickness of sheetrock on adjacent walls.
Step #9: Stage Two Of The Shower Floor Pan
The first item is ensuring the drain is installed to the appropriate height.
Stage 2 of the shower pan (Finish Slope) is now poured and sloped consistently to the finished drain height, minus the thickness of the floor tile to be installed.
Maintaining this height difference allows new tile (plus the thickness of the adherent mortar bed) to leave tile fractionally higher than the new finished drain, when complete.
All seams are then taped together using Fibatape and skimmed over with polymer modified thin-set.
Step #10: Substrate Preparation & Waterproof Elastomeric Membrane
The new walls are inspected to assure they are square and plumb. Using a polymer modified thin-set, the walls are shaped and corrected in a process called “Scratch bedding” to assure flatness, plumbness, and suitable for new tile.
Then the entire shower stall is painted with Elastomeric membrane, to include the perimeter of the newly formed finish slope. This is one of the things that gives us the confidence to give clients our no questions asked warranty on not only the materials but also our workmanship.
