| uo;ve probably heard the adage, Beauty is only | | | | overlooked. Most projects today use water resistant |
| skin deep — it’s what’s on the | | | | materials like green board or masonry boards. |
| inside that matters. For construction projects this | | | | Although these materials will work if the materials |
| saying should definitely be taken to heart. Many | | | | installed over them are done correctly (meaning the |
| people have paid out big bucks for work that looked | | | | finished tile, granite, acrylic walls that are fastened |
| excellent when the contractor left but did not stand | | | | onto the adjoining shower walls), sometimes grouted |
| up to the test of time because of shortcuts taken in | | | | joints fail leading to water and mold problems. |
| the building process. In designing a glass block shower | | | | Consider using a Wedi building panel to eliminate |
| enclosure it’s the hidden quality in the | | | | future problems. This backer material is waterproof |
| materials and workmanship which eliminate an | | | | because it uses a core foam interior (closed cell |
| expensive re-do. This article will explore useful tips to | | | | system) and a polymer and cement based outside |
| get er done (as Larry the Cable Guy might | | | | which makes it ready for tile right after it’s |
| say) right the first time. | | | | installed. In addition the panels are light and not |
| Quality tips for your shower project | | | | messy to cut. |
| Idea 1 — It begins with the shower base | | | | Idea 3 — Reinforce and anchor the glass block |
| — Since glass blocks cannot be cut it’s | | | | shower wall — When building your shower wall |
| important to choose the type and size shower pan | | | | don’t skimp on what’s inside the wall |
| or base while you’re in the design process. | | | | to ensure it’s got the rigidity and support |
| The advantages and disadvantages of the three | | | | needed for long term performance. The two most |
| basic types are explained below: | | | | popular reinforcement and anchoring systems are |
| Acrylic bases — The advantages are they | | | | either (a) vinyl stack horizontal and vertical spacers or |
| have no seems, are easy to clean and are simple and | | | | (b) galvanized wire reinforcing and panel anchors. The |
| quick to install. Some disadvantages of acrylic bases is | | | | vinyl stack spacers are non-porous and generally |
| that they are available in limited sizes (there is | | | | easier to use for those who are less familiar with |
| currently a 60 x 32 and 60 x 34 | | | | glass block shower enclosure installations. In most |
| models for tub to shower conversions & a 72 x | | | | cases it is recommended to anchor your wall every |
| 51 for a larger walk in shower in white and biscuit | | | | 24 in height to the adjoining walls. |
| colors), cannot be customized, and it is sometimes | | | | Idea 4 — Use prefabricated glass block wall |
| difficult to fit the base into rooms that are getting | | | | sections — Laying blocks unit by unit at the |
| remodeled. | | | | site is time consuming and requires a higher skill level. |
| Custom mud set pan bases — The most | | | | A way to make the project easier and improve |
| common method used in more stylish custom | | | | quality is to purchase prefabricated wall sections. |
| showers is the custom mud set pan base. This base | | | | These panels can be designed in sizes and |
| is created on site and it’s advantage is it can | | | | configurations that make them simple to install (with |
| be customized to size and then tile, granite or marble | | | | the vinyl stack spacer system mentioned above you |
| installed over it. The disadvantage is the process is | | | | can literally stack one glass section on top of |
| messy, time consuming, and if it’s not done | | | | another). With vinyl stack after all the panels are set |
| right will be more prone to leaks and water damage | | | | and anchored, the wall can be grouted with the same |
| down the road. | | | | material you’re using in the adjoining walls for |
| 100% Waterproof Extruded Polystyrene Foam | | | | color consistency. |
| Bases — Extruded polystyrene bases can be | | | | Idea 5 — Get Qualified Help — |
| customized and are 100% waterproof because this | | | | Let’s face it — you don’t go to |
| material (like a styra-foam coffee cup) does not | | | | your family doctor if you need heart surgery. |
| absorb water. Other advantages include shorter | | | | Success will usually begin with finding the right |
| installation times, a neater installation, and improved | | | | contractors and suppliers to help you through the |
| quality because the pan is pre-slopped in the factory. | | | | process. If you’re not a do it yourselfer try to |
| The disadvantage is the initial purchase price is higher. | | | | seek out contractors that have successfully |
| Idea 2 — Use Quality Materials on the | | | | performed glass block shower and walk in shower |
| Adjoining walls — The construction underneath | | | | installations. |
| the walls adjoining to the block should not be | | | | |