What Tiles Should Not Be Used On A Shower Floor?
If you’re remodeling your bathroom, you probably have a lot of questions about which products are best for your particular situation. You also want to ensure your bathroom is remodeled correctly to prevent mold growth or water damage. There are several mistakes people easily make when remodeling, but Casterra has a solution to prevent them all.
What Tiles Should Not Be Used On A Shower Floor?
When it comes to choosing tiles for a shower floor, there are certain types of tiles that should be avoided. The following tiles are not recommended for use on a shower floor:
Smooth tiles: Smooth tiles like polished marble, porcelain, or ceramic can be slippery when wet, increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
Large tiles: Large tiles may look great on a shower wall but are not ideal for the shower floor. The grout lines between the tiles can be difficult to keep clean and may become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Glass tiles: Glass tiles are not recommended for shower floors because they are extremely slippery, which can lead to accidents.
Mosaic tiles with mesh backing: Mosaic tiles that come with mesh backing may be easy to install, but the mesh can be a trap for water and soap scum, leading to a buildup of bacteria and mold.
6 Common Mistakes Made in Bathroom Remodels
To ensure your shower is completely waterproof, avoid these 6 common mistakes in bathroom remodeling:
Assuming grout, tile, and sealant makes a shower waterproof. While these products are water resistant, the proper preparation is what makes the space completely waterproof. Make sure you aren’t cutting corners on tile installation, and when possible, stick to the same manufacturer to ensure all products are being used properly and in tandem.
Not properly calculating the correct slope for the drain. Without the correct slope, water can’t drain properly. Standing water can lead to bacteria growth, mold growth, and leaks. The shower floor should have ¼” per foot pre-slope- slope without any materials. It’s best to hire a contractor if you have any questions on this step.
Forgetting or not performing a flood test before tile installation. A flood test to measure water tightness should be performed once you finish preparing the shower space and before any tile is put down. If any leaks are discovered, they are much easier to address before any tile is laid. Be sure you are plugging the drain and test for a full 24 hours.
Compromising the waterproof membrane. Once you have created a waterproof space, don’t mistakenly puncture it and compromise the seal. Don’t use nails or screws to attach cement boards or to attach benches.
Choosing the incorrect tile for the floor. Not all tile is created equal. Tile for shower walls is rated differently than tile for shower floors. Check with the manufacturer to ensure your tile is rated for the purpose you intend to use it for.
Poor or inefficient mortar coverage. Tile requires 95% mortar coverage to work efficiently in wet areas. Even the smallest amount of dry space behind the tile can be the perfect space for bacteria to grow.
Casterra Custom Shower Floors
All of those mistakes can be very easy to make when an untrained individual is performing the tasks, and even the smallest mistake can spell bad news for your bathroom. The team at Casterra knew there had to be a better way to install showers, so they created their own method.
Casterra custom shower floors are zero-entry custom shower floors made of concrete but look and feel like stone. Casterra starts with one solid piece allowing less room for cracks and space for bacteria to grow. Most tile showers often need to be refinished three or more times before settling correctly. Casterra shower floors are the beautiful solution to so many common problems homeowners face each year. Other advantages to Casterra’s custom shower floor include the following:
No need for grout, which makes cleaning and maintaining easy
One piece of concrete= quick and easy installation
Designed with the proper pitch in mind for easy drainage
Only needs sealing every 4-6 years
Elegant textures feel natural and prevent slips
Casterra is the Modern Solution to Shower Floor Problems
Custom concrete shower floors are designed to help with surface slip and provide proper water drainage to prevent mold and leaks in bathrooms. If you are considering a bathroom remodel, the professionals at Casterra are here to help provide a quick and efficient solution to your shower floor needs. Contact us today for a quote or to kick off a new project!