What Is The Schluter Shower System and Why Should You Use It?

Using The Schluter Shower System For Your Bathroom Remodel

Here at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel, one of the exciting parts of what we do is keeping on top of the latest innovations in building techniques and materials. One product we've been using recently for many of our bathroom remodeling projects is the Schluter® Shower System. The Schluter System is an integrated family of products that, when used together, form a fully bonded, watertight assembly for tiled showers.

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the schluter kerdi WATERPROOFING system installed, and a shower niche built in. note the waterproofing AROUND the shower VALVE at left.

As more homeowners are choosing to remain in their homes as they age, we are finding many of our clients who are opting to install threshold-free or low-threshold showers in their remodels. The Schluter Shower System is easy to install and completely prevents any water from saturating the mortar bed, requiring repair or replacement.

Let's take a look at the Schluter Shower System, what it is exactly, and why you should use it for your next bathroom remodeling project.

What is the Schluter Shower System?

Contrary to what you may believe, in the shower, tile and grout joints are basically water-resistant, not waterproof. They must be installed along with a waterproofing system to effectively manage moisture and prevent potentially dangerous mold growth.

The Schluter Shower System consists of a set of integrated products that is complete and, when used together, forms a fully bonded, watertight assembly for any tiled shower. This integrated family of products eliminates the risk of failure from water and vapor penetration, and because it is designed to work together, it drastically reduces installation time.

Tile being installed over the Schluter Kerdi shower waterproofing system.

From the membranes to the drains, shower benches, and even the waterproofing pipe seals, the Schluter Shower System offers everything that you need to ensure an easy, dependable, and watertight installation for your bathroom remodeling project.

Why You Should Use the Schluter Shower System for Your Remodel

Unlike conventional shower pan assemblies, bonded waterproof membranes, like the Schluter KERDI bond, is applied directly to the mortar bed and work to protect it from becoming saturated with regular use of the shower. 

the completed shower, with tile grouted and the niche installed, over the schluter kerdi shower waterproofing system

In addition to KERDI, the installation of Schluter KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panels protect the wall cavities from vapor penetration. KERDI-BOARD is a lightweight, easy to cut and install tile substrate and building panel system that is used to create a bonded waterproofing assembly with tile.

The Schluter System also includes the KERDI-DRAIN and KERDI-LINE, which provide a simple, secure connection to the membrane at the top of the system. The completely integrated Schluter Shower System eliminates any potential for leakage, efflorescence, and mold growth. The system is maintenance-free and reduces the time needed for installation dramatically!

Here at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel, we love the Schluter Shower System and recommend it highly for our clients. It's a cost-effective system that can save you money by reducing installation time and is efficient, effective, and offer our clients peace of mind. Often it's the elements you can't see that affect your home remodeling project the most. With the Schluter Shower System, you can rest assured that your bathroom will be protected from water or vapor penetration and will maintain its integrity for the entire time you live in your home!

If you're planning a bathroom remodeling project, and want to explore all of the possibilities and benefits you'll enjoy with the Schluter Shower System, give our award-winning design team a call at (608) 846-5963. We're always happy to talk to you about our process and show you what's possible!