I'm renovating two bathrooms and want a water barrier in the shower and bathtub area. What's the benefits of schluter kerdi over a brush-on rubberized product?
The brush on is quick and cheaper solution to waterproof a shower or tub surround it does the job. Now the Schulter kit is more expensive and it takes more time to do. But once it's in you have a better seal overall . I only use Schulter in stand up Showers.
Now the difference is with the brush on if any moisture gets behind later on the tiles will pop off with it. As with the Schulter nothing will happen and you don't get any cracks in the grout lines.
A liquid waterproofing membrane will be a little easier to apply but the trick lies in making sure you get the right amount of coverage. The ease of spreading it can give you a false sense of security if you haven't reached the manufacturers recommended thickness.
Have you considered WEDI?
Cheers!
The schluter system is the way to go for a quality long lasting job. If done right will provide a 100% water proof shower.
Go with the Kerdi mat if you want a long lasting sure waterproof shower. The brush on is easier but it is easy to miss 100% coverage resulting in water pentration.
You get what you pay for...
Kerdi is a fool-proof waterproofing method. It comes with an excellent guarantee if installed properly. Roll-on is only as good as the substrate behind it. Everything has to be buttoned up perfectly. I would recommend kerdi over roll-on any day of the week!
The Schluter-Shower System is an integrated family of products that together form a fully bonded, watertight assembly for tiled showers. Unlike shower pan liners in conventional assemblies, bonded waterproof membranes, such as Schluter-KERDI, bond directly to the mortar bed and protect it from becoming saturated with regular use. In addition, the KERDI membrane or Schluter-KERDI-BOARD waterproof building panel protect wall cavities from vapor penetration. The Schluter-KERDI-DRAIN and Schluter-KERDI-LINE floor drains provide a simple and secure connection to the KERDI membrane at the top of the assembly. Other components include the Schluter-KERDI-SEALPS/-MV prefabricated seals and the Schluter-KERDI-FIX adhesive/sealant, used to treat protrusions through the membrane, and the Schluter-KERDISHOWER prefabricated substrates, which can reduce weight and installation time. The integrated Schluter-Shower System eliminates leaks, reduces the potential for efflorescence and mold growth in the system, and dramatically reduces total installation time to ensure success and make shower installation easier than ever.
Mike,
Was that a cut and paste from the schluter web site?
I thought the exact same thing when I saw the posting last night. The guy actually came to view my project and give me an estimate but hasn't given me numbers as yet. Maybe he'll copy and paste those too. Lol
Go with the Schluter Kerdi. I have done about 12 shower/ tub surrounds and have yet to have a call back for leaks with the product. The benefit of using Kerri is that it is light weight, easy to install and the clean up is easy. No I don't work for the company. I have used it successfully for years and it works.
I agree with everybody else, Schluter kerdi board is the way to go, I have use it for the last 2 years and it has made my life much easier. Not mentioning the benefits of peace of mind when install properly. More expensive than the roll on membrane but it will last way longer than anything else.
I think that a hybrid solution of both the Kerdi and roll on system - known as "Aqua defence" - is the best solution coupled with a particular wall board.
The Kedri is the best for the pan of the shower in stand up shower applications. Complete with the drain kit and pre sloped pan, Kerdi works the best for one piece application to cover the floor, drain and curbing.
Works like a charm.
I believe that the roll-on system COMPLETE with the membrane that is required make the best seal for the corners and seams of the shower.
The Aqua defence membrane with the rubberized material makes a water tight yet 90deg corner. Ideal for a better tile job.
The mortar and kerdi thickness add up to "bulge" out the corner similar to drywall compound. This sets the tiles on a slight slant or angle in the corners...in my opinion.
I use the rubber roll for all the screw holes and even roll on additional layers on all seams of kerdi if any and have never had an issue.
Matt
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