

TILE MINER STEAM CODE
The International Building Code (IBC) is somewhat ambiguous on the topic. Where materials manufacturers do not agree on a particular recommendation, a manufacturer is offering what's called a proprietary recommendation.
TILE MINER STEAM PROFESSIONAL
Thus, the Handbook leaves the determination of a suitable membrane/backer board combination up to the membrane and backer board manufacturers to declare and up to the design professional to select/specify. At the same time, not all drywall manufacturers recommend their product be used in a shower, even if a membrane will be applied to the surface. While some membrane manufacturers promote use of their membrane in such installations with drywall as the solid backing, other membrane manufacturers do not. We are often asked if drywall is a suitable backing for these shower methods. The membrane must cover the solid backing under the entire area to be tiled. Is drywall a suitable "solid backing" for methods B421 and B422?ī421 and B422 are shower methods in the TCNA Handbook in which a waterproof membrane is applied over an unspecified solid backing. While many tiles work well in steam rooms, ceramic tiles used in steam room applications should meet ANSI A137.1 and be recommended for use in steam rooms by the manufacturer. What kind of tile should be used in a steam room?Īs with all TCNA Handbook methods, the methods for steam rooms, SR613 and SR614, provide a list of tile and installation material options that can be used and the minimum criteria the materials must meet. In general, the industry cautions against the use of gypsum wallboard in a steam room environment. There are no details in the TCNA Handbook that incorporate gypsum wallboard in a steam room assembly. This tends to vary according to the manufacturer.Ī surface application of the waterproof membrane has the advantage that the cement board fasteners do not puncture the membrane.Ĭan gypsum wallboard or "dry wall" be used in a steam room?

However, some manufacturers require that the waterproof membrane be used on the front and a vapor membrane on the back. If using cement board, should the waterproof membrane go on top of or behind the board?įor thin-set applications (TCNA Handbook detail SR614), you will see that a waterproof membrane can be installed on top of, or behind, the cement board. Rather, this is a specialty membrane which bonds to the substrate and to which tile can be bonded. This is not at all the same as waterproof coatings used on building foundations or as might be used on wood decking.

Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions and TCNA guidelines. Always check with the manufacturer's instructions.ĭo I need a specific type of membrane for my steam room?Ī waterproof membrane meeting the standards of ANSI A118.10 (as well as being rated and recommended by the manufacturer for the steam room application) should be used where ceramic tile is specified (bonded directly to the membrane or otherwise incorporated into the system). Each manufacturer may specify a different application of the membrane. It may also be necessary to insulate the wall cavity due to differential temperatures on both sides of the wall possibly causing condensation. It is highly likely in a steam room assembly that vapor can pass through the grout. In fact, cementitious grout easily transmits water and vapor. While glazed tile is vapor impermeable, the grout is not. Why do I need a membrane for my steam room? Once you have picked out the materials for your installation, you should consult the manufacturer for their proprietary application procedures and warranties. Installation guidelines are included in the TCNA Handbook. What are the requirements for installing a steam room in a residential or commercial application?
