As architects, specifying the right shower base is crucial for ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal in your projects. Here’s a detailed comparison between traditional tiled showers with screed and modern pre-formed shower bases to help you make informed decisions for your designs.
Traditional Tile Showers and the Use of Screed
In traditional tiled showers, screeding is a key process used to address uneven floors. This technique involves applying a mixture of cement, sand, and water to level the floor, ensuring proper water runoff towards the drain. After the screed sets, a waterproof membrane is bonded to a leak control flange, creating a ‘tanked’ area that is resistant to water penetration. Tiles are then installed over this waterproofed layer, following the appropriate falls created by the screed.
Pros of Screeding
Flexibility
Allows for on-site adjustments to floor levels.
Customisation
Screeding can be tailored to specific project needs (and so does our ProFinish™ Tile Over Base, which can be fully customised).
Cons of Screeding
Extended Installation Time
Screed requires several days to dry and stabilize, which can delay the overall project timeline.
Risk of Imperfections
Manual application can lead to inconsistencies, and flaws in the waterproofing can result in leaks and water damage.
Movement Sensitivity
Screed is less accommodating to structural movement, which can lead to cracking over time. While building movement, contraction and expansion of house materials is a well-known factor, this becomes specially true in New Zealand, where we get around 15,000 earthquakes per year!
The Evolution: Pre-Formed Shower Bases
Pre-formed shower bases have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional screeding methods. These bases are designed to be tiled over and come in various materials, including options like the ProFinish™ Tile Tray System, DryFit™ Tile Shower System, and Stainless Steel Tile Over Trays. They offer several advantages over traditional screeding.
ProFinish™ Tile Tray System
The ProFinish™ Tile Tray System is a precision-engineered solution made from high-density polyurethane. It eliminates the need for traditional screeding, with built-in falls ensuring efficient water drainage.
- High Precision: CNC Machined for consistent falls and accurate water flow.
- Reduced Risk of Leaks: Minimizes the risk of leaks compared to traditional screed, which can be prone to flaws.
- Faster Installation: Waterproofing can be completed within 24 hours, compared to the longer drying times of screed.
- Wide Range: ProFinish™ Tile Bases comes in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, including 2-Sided, 3-Sided, and Neo-Shaped Trays, and these can be either be recessed or hobbed trays.
- Customisable: Aside from a wide range of sizes, ProFinish also enables you to fully customise your shower to accommodate virtually any waste position. You can also choose between Channel Drain or a Point Drain option.
DryFit™ Tile Shower System
The DryFit™ Tile Shower System offers a robust solution with a single-sheet acrylic liner that eliminates the need for separate waterproofing membranes. It allows for independent movement between the tray and walls, accommodating structural shifts.
- Complete Water Containment: Eliminates the need for traditional membranes.
- Movement Flexibility: Accommodates up to 20mm of movement, reducing the risk of cracks.
- Quick Installation: Faster setup compared to screeding.
- AquaCheck™ Technology: The DryFit™ Tray comes factory fitted with our AquaCheck™ Seal which provides an anti-capillary air gap, therefore, helping prevent water migration into the tile shower system.
Stainless Steel Trays
These trays are known for their durability and strength, providing a solid, watertight layer beneath the tiles. These trays are highly resistant to wear and tear, and are ideal for areas in high use bathrooms. They are typically more expensive then other pre-formed trays which can be a downside. You can download our Quick Tile Tray Guide to check all the comparisons below.
Making the Right Choice
When choosing between traditional screeding and pre-formed shower bases, consider factors like installation time, precision, and long-term durability. Pre-formed shower bases like the ProFinish™ and DryFit™ systems offer several benefits, including quicker installation, higher precision, and reduced risk of leaks, making them a preferred choice for many modern architectural projects.
For more information on selecting the best pre-formed shower base for your projects, explore our detailed article on different types of tiled-over trays. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Newline Showers. We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your shower design needs!
