Does anyone have info or web link to Ontario building code on shower pans. Is a preslope needed under the shower pan membrane. Yes I know what happens if there is not one. I just experienced the results of a shower failure.
Will

I've just recently seen a preslope on a set of building plans. Now, I don't think it was code, but it was there. IF you are doing Kerdi, you do not need a preslope.

Will, there is very little in the building code that has to do with tile work.
It only states requirements for floor underlayment construction,wall underlayment type and now ADA grab bar backings for new construction.

Was the failure a shower that you built?

Randall
The shower was done by the builder. I only meant to replace a cracked tile on the floor, but the tiles all along the curb started to fall off when I pulled the floor tile out, The adhesive was wet like molasses. Then I noticed I could pull the tiles off all the way up one wall and this continued on until I tore out the whole installation. The bottom 6 inches of the CBU was rotten with mold, crumbled at my touch, the top half of the shower walls was drywall and damp. No preslope. Liner was nailed to the 2x4 at the floor level. Curb did have liner over it. After I read a lot of posts here and realized the poor workmanship, I was stunned. How do they get away with this? Now I am paranoid about leaking. Maybe I should weld an all stainless steel shower stall. Just kidding.
Will

Unfortunately, most cities do not have inspection criteria for showers. I'll bet you could stick the tile to drywall with chewing gum and it wouldn't even catch the inspector's attention.

The Kerdi, properly applied, will not leak. Just make sure before you begin that everything has dried out properly from where the old shower was leaking. Use the proper materials as outlined in this website, take your time, and you won't have any problems. If you run into problems or have questions, you can always get your answers from the forum.

Good luck.

They get away with it because most people don't bother to rock the boat. The changing of laws and codes etc take effort and concern by those involved. No one will ever make a change for the better until the axels start squeaking .... and squeaking loudly.

The building codes are the bare minimum requirements for contractors and home builders to use as guidelines. Very rarely do they go beyond the minimum requirements.

The rules regarding how tile is installed are set clearly in the Terrazzo Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) Tile Installation Manual or the Tile Council of America (TCA). They in turn test and promote materials and procedures which MUST meet the requirements of the North American Standards Institute (ANSI). None of these procedures are ever followed by most builders, simply because the house will pass inspection regardless of how long the shower lasts.

The 1 year warranty protects the builder and the contractor who does the work. It does nothing for the home owner.
It's criminal!

Honestly I wonder how any one could build a shower; lets say on a second floor of a house and not have any knowledge or understanding of to get it Right! Consider the job like building a small pool on a second floor.Then make sure you are clear there will be no leaks, and carry liability insurance. Or dont get involved. Ross

This is the exact garbage I got with my home, bought it a year ago, we ripped out the shower on the exact day 1 year ago we took possession. When it was removed the drywall behind the tile was soaked, mortar under the tile was drenched in stale water.

I thought they would fix it the right way now that they removed it, they are going to repeat the same process over again.....this is almost criminal!! How can someone build garbage like this that can make mould and kill people...if I can't convince them to do it somewhat correctly and theres no law to make them. Is my only option is pay thousands to a contractor to do it right, or try and do it myself?

Hi Kevin
Repeating the same process over and over again while expecting a different outcome .... is insanity.

Document everything relating to the repairs and perhaps even get a written agreement from the builder stating that he is doing the work the right way. Let him know the onus is on him to give you quality workmanship.

I would like everyone with similar experiences to document the failures and feeble attempts made to quiet customers with shoddy quick-fixes. Specifically showers, because I also strongly believe this is a health issue and requires the building codes to be changed to accomodate better built showers.

I would consider posting documentation (ie: photos, contracts etc) if each source of information is genuine.

Until home buyers demand better workmanship .... the retailers, contractors and home builders have no "incentive" to increase the standards set in the industry.

I'll gladly nip at the heals of inept builders.

Harry's the man!

Sad state of affairs when the layman has to educate the builder.But that is what has to happen.People should start by confronting the municipality about such an issue.

Well,what do I know about politicking and stuff? :rolleyes:

Thing is...builders are given a licence to build a small swamp in your house that breeds all kinds of nasty organisms(in a bad scenario anyway)...and one that has a good chance of leaking eventually.The "rules" have to change here.In Australia for instance it is required (and accepted) that a builder or renovator must apply a waterproof membrane over the substrate in a shower.That way there are no instances of saturated mortar beds and moisture wicking into the wall panels and framing.

I think that if within 10 years a similar practice becomes the standard here for builders then we're doing pretty good.