Our therapeutic massage facility includes a tiled steam room, approximately 8' X 6' with a peaked ceiling, 8' at the center, sloped to 7'4" at the supporting walls. There are two built-in, tile benches facing the door. The wall with the door opening has several necessary penetrations: steam outlet and cover, temperature sensor, shower head, shower value, light fixture and hand held shower mount.

The steam room was built in 1985 and has had a couple major repairs. We're in a older building, on the second floor. Over the last three years, we've had repeated leak problems, affecting the downstairs business. Previous repairs addressed the same issue. We have determined that the facility has reached its useful life and plan to do a complete tear out (down to the metal studs) and re-build.

We came across your site in researching effective water/vapor proofing approaches. Here are our questions:

1. Unfortunately, the ceiling below was closed up last year, so access to the drain from below will be difficult. In this situation, it seems properly installing a Kerdi drain and floor membrane will require a tile contractor with a lot of experience and precise technique. One contractor we have found, who uses Kerdi membrane, has proposed installing Kerdi membrane on ceiling and walls, a conventional shower pan and drain. Do you support this approach?

2. We are also concerned about how to handle waterproofing around the necessary wall penetrations. The contractor mentioned recommends sealing the wall penetrations through the Kerdi membrane with polyurethane caulk. Will this be effective?

3. Hanging a door, so as not to penetrate the Kerdi membrane, also seems like it will be a challenge. What are your recommendations to deal with that issue?

4. Are there contractors in Seattle you would recommend, who have experience building tiled steam rooms in a commercial setting? Note: our steam room operates 12 hours/day, seven days per week.

We want a pleasing and relaxing environment for our clients that will hold up well. Will appreciate any advice you can offer.

1. Sounds ok up to the shower pan. It should also be Kerdi with a Kerdi drain. The entire envelope should be done in Kerdi.

2. Yes. Some fixtures can be sealed with Kerdi Fix caulking.

3. There will be holes in the membrane from the hinge fastners. A shot of Kerdi Fix in the holes first should seal it enough.

4.Sorry, I can't answer that one. I'm thousands of miles away.

There should be many installers in your area.You can talk to 10 different guys and hear 10 different ways. Dont go with lowest bid-you will get lowest product.tell installer you want highest quality and you want him to warrent job for 10 years. Check him out with references and that he can afford to fix job if he makes a mistake.Get a list of materials and procedures and call the manufacturer and double check. Do me a favor and use large square edge tile with butted joints for the ceiling.I hate it when that water drips.