Originally we thought we wanted a steam shower, but after trying some steam shower in hotels and at DS's house, we realized that we like it when it gets steamy in there from the hot water, but we don't actually like the steam being generated and pumped into the shower. I want there to be a build-up of steam because I don't like the cold air coming in from the top in the winter. So if we close it up, there will be a gradual build-up of steam without the pumping in of steam. It wasn't really a cost issue, but it just didn't seem like a good thing to spend money on if we didn't love it.

My DS loves hers and couldn't believe anyone would forgo the steam unit, but somehow it made me feel like I was choking.

So thus I want the glass to go to the ceiling and we will have a transom window above the door and a vent nearby in the ceiling.

Mostly I'm worried about the caliber of the waterproofing which would apply no matter if we were taking the glass to the ceiling or not. If there are any additional steps that must be taken because of the steam I need to know that too.

MongoCT,

You can cyber-yell all you want. I'm here to learn. Learning more might keep me from real-life-yelling later.

Ask him to provide details on the bid. Personally, I'd never agree to anything so vague.

You can also include in the contract that everything be done to TCNA standards.

I went to the TCNA website and there are so many pages and links. What should I be looking for?

jellytoast,

What details should I ask for? The type and brand of materials to be used? The waterproofing methodology? If I just ask "give me details" I don't know if that is asking the right question.

Our plans call for laticrete waterproofing 9235. They started yesterday. It's a blue liquid and turns black. They also used fabric in between layers.

Can I ask this:

If there is someone on this forum who has an old contract that spelled things out clearly and then the job was done well. Could you share that language with me? I'd like to see what level of detail I should be shooting for.

I have a very similar question and hope this isn't hijacking the thread. I asked my contractor about waterproofing for my shower tub combo, and he told me hardiebacker then seal the seams. I understand the hardiebacker alone isn't waterproof and am not sure what makes sense to get it done right.

1) Ask him to do use one of the methods MongoCT suggests above.

2) Would any other waterproofing method (not involving the hardiebacker) be better to suggest? i.e. easier to use effectively

3) Job hasn't started, nothing signed, no $ paid. Should I find a different contractor?

Thanks in advance!

Just cover the walls with plain old white drywall and apply Kerdi over it, seaming it down and over a mud bed floor with a Schluter drain. Easy, quick, reasonably priced and waterproof. 'Nuff said.

I've done one Kerdi and I'm a fan. It's pretty much idiot proof. And water proof.

some valid advice and some great info from others... Its Just that the number 1 question you should ask has not been touched upon and it is called a "flood test" preferably an permitted/inspected flood test one in which you verify every drop of water quickly runs down to the drain and no pooling is evident.

many tile pros skip this step still today... and want easy and quick so they can move on to the next earning..

This along with the proper wording in youre contract will help you eliminate hiring the wrong tile professional.

Never thought of the flood test, thanks!

You should be able to take a shower without any tile installed and have it be completely waterproof. If an installer can't agree with that get another installer.

"You should be able to take a shower without any tile installed and have it be completely waterproof. If an installer can't agree with that get another installer."

The one and only Kerdi job I've done was completed just before my 10-day Yellowstone vacation which the customer knew about in advance. She showered in a Kerdi with no tile for nearly two weeks. Quite happy about it as a matter of fact.