Waterproofing Your Bathroom Remodel in Sacramento: Schluter System
Fun Fact: Showers and baths are wet.
We’ve talked about the importance of proper engineering during renovation projects before. It’s the side of remodeling that often demands a professional touch to ensure that the build will be durable, long-lasting, and won’t endanger other aspects of the home. Bathroom remodels almost always involve the addition, expansion, or renovation of a shower, bath, or combination of the two. This brings us back to our fun fact.
Showers and baths are wet. Their purpose is two-fold: (1) to produce water, and (2) to retain that water and direct it down a drain. This is where precise engineering comes in.
If you’ve used more than one shower or bath in your life, chances are that you’ve had at least one leaky, moldy, or puddly experience. The engineering of a shower or bath is often an afterthought in people’s minds, but a poorly engineered unit will rear its ugly head at you every time you bathe. The materials and systems that you use to install your new shower or bath are more important than the grout color, tile texture, and luxury finishes. We’re not at all minimizing those features, but we want to drive this point home — an expertly waterproofed shower or bath is a vital part of your bathroom renovation.
At Central Builders, we believe that every home renovation should be an upgrade from the previous. That’s why we commit ourselves to premium materials, systems, and innovations that bring you high-quality results for beautiful remodeling projects that will stand the test of time. You shouldn’t have to remodel your remodel. With that said, we want to dive into the Schluter® waterproofing system to give you an idea of what it is, why we use it, and how your bathroom renovation can benefit.
What Is the Schluter System?
The Schluter system is a collection of products that work together to deliver entirely waterproof and vapor-tight wet spaces, like showers and tub surrounds. Some of the components in this system include:
KERDI Waterproofing Membrane – This is a lightweight, polyethylene sheet installed behind tiles that protects the walls and substrate from any moisture.
KERDI-BOARD – These are prefabricated waterproof backer boards that are shaped and installed per your wet space’s specific dimensions.
Prefabricated Shower Trays, Curbs, and Benches – There are customizable options to create waterproofed additions and features to your new shower.
Specialized Drains and Profiles – These work seamlessly with the other components to create a cohesive system that’s fully water-proofed, vapor-tight, and perfectly sloped for optimal drainage.
Our team is able to order and install a fully customized Schluter system for your bathroom’s wet space. With years of experience renovating homes in the Sacramento area, we stand by the effectiveness of this system as a premium option for bathroom renovations that last.
Why We Use Schluter in Shower Remodels
A poorly waterproofed wet space will cause mold growth, mildew, cracked grout, and even structural damage. There are several methods apart from Schluter that can still deliver a high-performing shower, but there are good reasons for using the Schluter system:
1. Long-Term Protection
A bathroom shower or tub that’s going to see regular use is highly vulnerable to moisture buildup underneath tiles that can lead to mold growth. What makes Schluter special is the vapor-retardant capabilities of its waterproof membranes. These components are designed with extra mold and moisture prevention in mind.
When we renovate spaces, one of our goals is to deliver a final product that can last decades. A lot of contractors are only concerned about how the space looks during the final walkthrough. We use quality techniques and materials because we’re building with the future in mind; just like you, our home is in Sacramento, and we aim for our reputation to last forever.
2. Integrated and Reliable
Using a cohesive system has huge benefits. Since the components of a Schluter wet space are all engineered to work together, there are less points of failure and a reduction in leaks, poor drainage, or shifting tiles. The shower base, drain, membrane, wallboard, and more are all designed to perfectly interlock and create an impervious unit. This level of precision and consistency is a hallmark of our overall renovation philosophy and bodes well for the longevity of your shower.
3. Highly Customizable
Even though this system is highly technical and involves multiple components, there is so much flexibility in the installation process for your specific needs. Custom benches, niches, and curbs are all available for you to explore within the same waterproof system, without sacrificing any functionality! This means that your vision for a brand new wet space can be realized within your own personal style or accessibility needs. We can meet the engineering requirements while still delivering on your dreams.
4. Efficient and Effective
With the Schluter system, your bathroom renovation will get a boost in efficiency without sacrificing any effectiveness. Project times are typically shorter using this method in comparison to others due to the integrated nature of the system. This doesn’t mean that there are any shortcuts taken, or that there will be a reduction in quality. We can move easily from framing to waterproofing to tile within the Schluter system. This translates to less time living in a construction zone and a quicker turnaround on your overall renovation. The longer a renovation takes, the more risks get introduced, so we see this as a major win!
Other Great Waterproofing Options
We’re not trying to sell you on any one specific option. There are other waterproofing methods that we employ for homeowners, including liquid-applied membranes and cement board with waterproofing barriers. To be honest, each system has its place and the best option for you will depend on a number of factors. The most important part of any renovation is the team performing the remodel, and we always take the time to evaluate your situation based on the following:
Your budget
The design and layout of your shower
Whether you need curbless or ADA-compliant features
Moisture levels and ventilation
Your tile selection and preferred finish
While the Schluter system does make the most sense for a large number of bathroom renovations, we don’t want to give the impression that it's a one-size-fits-all solution. However, it does give our team the ability to deliver on high-end bathroom designs with an emphasis on structural quality and longevity.
The Schluter System in El Dorado Hills
We just completed a full bathroom renovation using the Schluter system for a homeowner in El Dorado Hills that turned out amazing. It featured double sinks and a wet room at the far end of the bathroom that was fully waterproofed with large-format tiles on the floors and walls. We installed a sleek and modern freestanding tub to one side of the wet room with a rain shower head and glass partition at the other end. The result is a spa-like retreat in their home that’s smartly designed to retain, repel, and direct moisture out of the room with superior materials and drainage afforded by the Schluter system. It’s a wet room that will last.
Renovate Smarter with Central Builders
We understand that it's easy to focus on all of the visual aspects when it comes to remodeling your bathroom — tile options, finishes, fixtures, and even lighting. That’s why its important to work with an experienced team that can inform you about the importance of what you won’t see. Every shower or tub installation involves an important system that can either protect your new bathroom from moisture damage or let it in. Selecting the right system is one side of this coin, but it’s just as important to have the right team by your side to install it properly.
We take renovations seriously at Central Builders. We chase excellence every day by developing our craft with the training, innovations, and materials that deliver the best results for Sacramento homeowners. When it comes to remodeling, we’re building things that are meant to be used and enjoyed for not just days, weeks, or months, but years. That’s why we use methods like the Schluter system, so you can rest assured that your new bathroom was an investment worth making.
If you’re interested in renovating your bathroom, reach out to us today! We’d love to chat with you about your goals and even answer any questions you may have. We’ll even come out for a free estimate and consultation to give you guidance to make the best decision for your home.
