We’ve ripped out a lot of showers over the years and it is no surprise that many have mold and mildew all around them because water leaks go unchecked. Penetrating water however can create bigger problems than just mold and mildew and most people won’t notice until the floor or shower walls show signs but by then the damage is done.
Understanding the problems that water can create when it penetrates to where it shouldn’t be, we set out to find the best product to use in our shower, steam and even tub installations.
We’ve found a solution.
What we found is a 100% waterproof backerboard system that is manufactured by wedi Gmbh, the worlds leading producer of high quality ultra-lightweight ceramic tile underlayment’s and accessories. wedi has been manufacturing tile underlayment’s since 1983.
For the past three years Cahill has incorporated wedi products in our bathroom remodeling projects with great results. This system is not only a great investment for homeowners to protect against further damage but also allows us greater design possibilities for your bathroom remodel.
The wedi System
The wedi building panel is an ultra lightweight but heavy duty tile ready underlayment, weighing just over 8 pounds. The panels consist of three elements: the core foam, glass fiber mesh, and cementitious coating. The foam, extruded polysty-rene Styrofoam, is the key element of the board. The foam forms a closed cell matrix, providing a dense, lightweight, 100% water-proof core. It is coated with a fiberglass mesh and polymer-modi-fied mortar. The mesh adds to the strength and rigidity of the board and the coating functions as a superior bonding surface.
wedi building panel is produced under the highest of standards, resulting in an underlayment product unmatched in quality. The panels can be utilized in any area traditional tile backerboards are used. In addition, wedi board can be applied to areas where similar products would certainly fail to measure up such as show-ers, steam rooms, radius and curved walls. The wedi system can be put into place with astounding ease and speed, with the resulting installation holding up to the most rigid standards.
wedi fundo system -
the total solution for wet areas
Failures in showers amount to millions of dollars lost to contractors, homeowners, and builders. Water damage leads to mold and mildew issues, which in turn increase warranty cost and the number of unsatisfied homeowners.
The wedi Fundo Shower Pan is a one step waterproofing system that offers a no risk, easy to install alternative. The wedi Fundo pan is composed of a closed cell extruded polystyrene foam, making it 100% waterproof. The pan is coated with a modified cement slurry and fiberglass mesh for strength and rigidity.
The wedi Fundo waterproof shower pan used in conjunction with the wedi building panels on the wall takes away multiple installation steps and materials used in conventional installations. It eliminates pre-sloping, pan liners, mud beds, waterproofing membranes and the weephole drain. It also eliminates risks related to conventional installations such as pan liner cracks, clogged weepholes and mold growth in mud beds.
Creative Advantage
One advantage of this product is the ability to be creative in remodeling designs without taking on new risks of future problems.
We recently had a client, Jeanne of Evanston, who had fallen in love with a steam room she was able to enjoy while she was away at an oasis in Montana. She wanted one in her home, but she lives in a vintage home and her bathroom was a lot smaller than the oasis in Montana. A steam/shower would fit but she really didn’t want to give up her pleasure of also soaking in a tub
Having a steam /shower without giving up the ability to have a tub, in a very tight space was a challenge. The issue was integrating a bathtub with a steam system so water wouldn’t leak. Our bathroom designer Randy Hunt, who has been a fixture at Cahill (pardon the pun) for many years, was able to use the wedi system to seal the tub and steam shower and help Jeanne get the bathroom she wanted and create an oasis in her home.
Give us a call to see how this system can help you get the most out of your home.
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