Tile is a versatile material. It is used on floors, accent walls, showers, pools, and even counters. A durable, attractive material, most people also have the misconception that it is completely waterproof. That, however, is not true, at least not waterproof enough for it to stand alone. That is why, when applied in a wet area, it is only as good as its waterproofing. There are many different ways to waterproof tile, but most consider Schluter to reign supreme.
What is this Orange Stuff?
Foam board and orange plastic; on the surface, there is not much to it. Schluter Systems makes a variety of products to use in water-prone areas, from underlayments for the tile to metal trim pieces, thin sets, and more. They manufacture every component for a shower except the tile and grout. Their key to success is the waterproof membranes they manufacture, which provide a leakproof seal for the area where they are applied. This is crucially important for showers and other water-prone areas. If water seeps behind the tile, it may cause thousands of dollars in damage without your knowing, and in some cases, damage insurance will not cover it. Their membranes are so reliable that they are one of the few companies to offer a guarantee. In addition, they also manufacture pre-sloped shower pans. These are also nifty components as they ensure adequate drainage in a shower, another area where traditionally built showers may fail. These systems combined make for a practically foolproof shower installation. Another neat feature they also offer is a heating system to go with their floor membrane. Easily installed, it provides a cost-effective way to heat your tile floor.
The Savings-ish
So, what is the catch? Look at the price of a Schluter system vs. traditional plastic and concrete boards. You will probably be taken back a bit. How, then, can it make sense to pay the extra money for Schluter? The most surface-level response was mentioned before. If your shower leaks and insurance does not cover it (or even if they do with your deductible in mind), you are now in the black by going with Schluter. There are also some more hidden savings if you dig deeper, mainly in labor. Where a traditional shower pan takes an extra day to form and pour and another day to waterproof, Schluter Showers can be ready to tile the same day. Depending on what your installer charges, your shower may cost less with Schluter.
In summary, Schluter Systems are one of the best products on the market for tile installations, which is one of the reasons we exclusively use them at Farris Construction. Time and time again, they prove themselves in our in-house leak tests. Peace of mind and quality you can count on are the crux of a Schluter System.
Has anyone had any shower horror stories or experience with a Schluter System? Feel free to comment below!
Farris Construction LLC has not been compensated for their opinion on Schluter Systems, nor are they affiliated with Schluter Systems.