Tiffany Haney
Tile Redi shower pans are a popular choice for those looking for a quick and easy installation process. The company provides helpful installation videos and written instructions in the form of downloadable PDFs, as well as a dedicated technical support team. The shower pans are made from a polyurethane composite and require a flat, level surface for proper adhesion and drainage. While some people have experienced issues with flexing and air bubbles during installation, others have found success by using a generous amount of Versabond tile mortar and allowing it to set for 24 hours. Overall, Tile Redi shower pans offer a convenient and hassle-free installation experience for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the walls and floor
First, ensure that you have access to the plumbing from below. Installing a Tile Redi shower pan without good access from below can be challenging, as you need to be able to secure the shower pan to the drain pipe before the glue dries. It is important to have a flat, level surface for proper adhesion and drainage.
Next, prepare the walls and floor by installing Hardiebacker cement board. This applies to both the walls and the floors where tiling is required. Ensure that the cement board is installed with the TileRedi flashing kit, which goes behind the cement board but on top of the shower pan. This allows any water that gets behind the cement board to drip back into the pan.
Before laying down the shower pan, address any issues with rot, termite damage, or poor construction techniques that may impact the installation. It is also important to note that Tile Redi shower pans must be installed directly on the subfloor or a concrete slab. Do not install it on top of your current shower base, as this could compromise the integrity of the installation.
When you are ready to lay down the shower pan, use a generous amount of Versabond tile mortar, creating a bed of about 1" and temporarily framing it with a 2x4. Some installers have also found success using a bed of spray foam. Place the shower pan into the mortar, pressing it in moderately, and then check its level. Make any necessary adjustments to ensure the pan is level, and then place something heavy on it while it dries.
Overall, preparing the walls and floor for a Tile Redi shower pan installation involves creating a solid and level surface, addressing any construction issues, and properly installing cement boards and flashing kits to ensure a waterproof installation.
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Using mortar or concrete
Tile Redi shower pans are designed to be installed directly onto a subfloor or a concrete slab. The surface must be flat and level to ensure proper adhesion and drainage. While some plumbers may suggest that it is unnecessary, using a bed of mortar or concrete is important for support and levelling.
To install a Tile Redi shower pan using mortar, begin by preparing the mortar mix. It should be slightly smoother than a milkshake consistency. Apply the mortar to the subfloor or concrete slab, raising the surface by about 1/8 of an inch, as per the instructions. Set the shower pan in place, starting at the drain end to allow air to escape from the other end. Once the pan is level, leave it to set for 24 hours. Avoid standing or walking on the pan during this time.
To prevent the pan from shifting or lifting, you can place weight on top of it. One method is to use bags of sand or mortar, with at least one or two bags recommended for larger pans. Alternatively, you can use concrete blocks or slabs. Leave the weights in place for at least a week to ensure the mortar has properly hardened.
Another method to secure the Tile Redi shower pan is to screw above the pan into the framing. This will prevent any shifting as the pan sets into the mortar. However, it is important to never screw or nail through the shower pan itself as this can compromise its leakproof design.
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Installing the pan
First, ensure you have the correct tools and materials. You will need the Tile Redi pan, mortar (such as Versabond tile mortar), a trowel, a level, and possibly some cardboard. It is also recommended to have a helper for this process. Before beginning, carefully review the instructions provided by Tile Redi and watch their installation videos or consult their customer support for assistance.
Prepare the surface by ensuring it is flat and level. Tile Redi pans must be installed directly on a subfloor or a concrete slab. If necessary, address any rot, termite damage, or plumbing issues beforehand.
Next, create a bed of mortar. Spread a generous amount of mortar to a thickness of about 1" and temporarily frame it with a 2x4. Some installers have also found success using a bed of spray foam. You can prevent mortar from falling through the drain hole by cutting cardboard to fit snugly into the hole, creating a temporary barrier.
Carefully lay the Tile Redi pan into the mortar bed, ensuring it is level on all sides. Use a level to check and make adjustments as needed. Once the pan is level, place something heavy on it to weigh it down while it dries. Allow the mortar to cure for at least 24 hours. Do not stand or apply weight to the pan during this time.
After the mortar has cured, you can finish the installation by installing the cement board and flashing kit. The cement board should be installed on the walls and floors where tiling is required, and the flashing kit goes behind the cement board but on top of the shower pan to direct any water back into the pan.
Finally, you can begin tiling your Tile Redi pan, following the manufacturer's instructions for best practices. With the right preparation and attention to detail, your Tile Redi pan installation should provide a solid and leakproof foundation for your shower.
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Checking for flexing
Before installing the Tile Redi pan, it is essential to prepare the surface properly to prevent any flexing issues. Ensure that your sub-floor is sturdy and stable. You can perform a test by placing a marble on the sub-floor and asking someone to jump on it vigorously. If the marble doesn't move, your sub-floor is strong enough. Additionally, you can add extra jack studs between the regular joists to reinforce the sub-floor and minimise any potential movement.
When installing the Tile Redi pan, pay close attention to the mortar bed. Some people have reported issues with flexing due to an inadequate mortar mix. Make sure your mortar mix is slightly thicker than the recommended consistency to prevent it from settling and causing flexing. It is also crucial not to stand or walk on the pan during the installation process, as this can compromise the integrity of the mortar bed and lead to flexing issues.
After levelling the pan, let it sit for at least 24 hours. Once the mortar has set, carefully stand on the pan to check for any signs of flexing. If the pan feels solid and there is no movement, you can proceed with the installation. However, if you notice any flexing or softness, you may need to dig up the pan and start over, ensuring that the mortar mix is not too wet and that you have followed the manufacturer's instructions precisely.
To enhance the stability of the Tile Redi pan, consider placing heavy objects, such as bags of concrete or cinder blocks, on top of it while the mortar sets. This will help prevent shifting and lifting, ensuring a solid installation. Additionally, you can use a product like Redgard on the plywood and studs to improve adhesion and reduce the likelihood of flexing.
Finally, when tiling the shower, be cautious of any flexing or movement in the splash walls. Pushing tiles into place against a flexible splash wall can cause tiles to crack or grout to break. Ensure that your splash walls are secure and stable before proceeding with tiling for a durable and long-lasting installation.
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Finishing plumbing and seams
Before installing the Tile Redi shower pan, ensure that you have prepared the walls and floors by installing Hardiebacker cement board where tiling is required. This includes the walls of the shower area and the floor area where the shower pan will be placed.
When it comes to the actual installation of the Tile Redi shower pan, start by creating a bed of mortar. Use a generous amount of Versabond tile mortar, spreading it to a thickness of about 1 inch. You can temporarily frame this mortar bed with a 2x4 to hold it in place. It is important to address the issue of mortar falling through the drain hole. One innovative solution is to cut cardboard to fit into the drain hole, acting as a retaining wall to prevent mortar loss.
Place the Tile Redi shower pan into the mortar bed, pressing it down moderately. Use a level to ensure it is straight, and make any necessary adjustments by adding more mortar. Once you are satisfied with the placement, place something heavy on top of the pan while it dries. This will help ensure that it sets correctly.
The rest of the cement board installation can be completed using the TileRedi flashing kit. This kit is placed behind the cement board but on top of the shower pan. This strategic placement allows any water that gets behind the cement board to drip back into the pan, helping to prevent leaks.
It is important to note that Tile Redi shower pans must be installed directly on a subfloor or a concrete slab. They require a flat, level surface for proper adhesion and drainage. Do not install the pan on top of an existing shower base as it may compromise the integrity of the installation.
Finally, be mindful of the flexing issue that some people have experienced during installation. To address this, avoid standing or applying pressure on the pan during the installation process. Allow it to set for at least 24 hours, and it will continue to harden over the next few days. Professional builders and contractors also use Tile Redi products, so you can be confident in the process.
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Frequently asked questions
Tile Redi pans are easy to install and guaranteed to be leakproof. First, ensure that the product is installed directly on a flat, level subfloor or concrete slab. Then, follow the instructions for your specific Tile Redi product, which can be found on the Tile Redi website.
Tile Redi shower pans must be installed on a flat, level surface such as a subfloor or concrete slab. They should not be installed on top of an existing shower base as this could compromise the integrity of the installation.
Yes, Tile Redi shower pans are made to be tiled over. However, LuxShower shower pans are an exception and do not require tiling. These pans are crafted from a high-quality solid surface and have a durable, sleek finish that is low-maintenance and resistant to mould and mildew.
It is recommended to use a generous amount of Versabond tile mortar for your Tile Redi pan installation. Spread the mortar in a 1” bed and temporarily frame it with a 2x4. Some people have also found success using a bed of spray foam.
