Installation Products

Tile installation products can include backer board, underlayment, waterproofing membranes, adhesives, sealants, shower components, drains, radiant heating systems, and related accessories. The products required depend on the substrate, installation area, moisture exposure, tile material, and type of floor, wall, or shower assembly being constructed.

A tiled shower can require a shower base, compatible wall substrate, waterproofing system, drain, seam and penetration accessories, and tile setting materials. Benches, curbs, niches, shelves, and other components can also be incorporated depending on the design. Exact requirements depend on the shower and waterproofing system being used.

What goes beneath floor tile depends on the substrate and installation requirements. A tile assembly can include backer board, an uncoupling or other underlayment membrane, waterproofing, radiant heating components, and compatible setting materials. The appropriate assembly should be selected for the substrate and conditions of the installation.

Shower waterproofing systems can include sheet or other waterproofing membranes along with compatible bands, corners, pipe seals, valve seals, sealants, drain connections, and related accessories. Required components vary by system, so the waterproofing manufacturer's specifications should determine how seams, penetrations, transitions, and drains are treated.

Waterproofing membranes are designed to prevent water from passing through designated areas of a compatible tile assembly. Uncoupling membranes are designed primarily to manage stresses between the tile covering and substrate. Some membrane products provide multiple functions, so always verify the specific performance characteristics and installation requirements of the product.

Compatible electric radiant heating systems can be installed beneath tile floors according to the requirements of the heating and tile assembly. Systems can use heating cables or mats along with thermostats, sensors, membranes, and related components. Electrical, substrate, spacing, and installation requirements vary by heating system.

Tiled showers commonly use linear drains or square and point-style drains, depending on the shower design and drainage layout. Drain selection also depends on outlet configuration, waterproofing interface, plumbing requirements, grate or cover design, and compatibility with the shower base and waterproofing system.

Start with the substrate, installation area, moisture exposure, drainage requirements, tile material, and type of assembly being built. When products form part of a waterproofing, shower, heating, underlayment, or drainage system, verify manufacturer compatibility between components rather than assuming products from different systems can be substituted freely.