56 2017 | TECH Shower Systems Joe Comitale, president Prova www.provaproducts.com Today’s consumers are inspired by what they see in the design com- munity and are demanding – and receiving – more options when it comes to bathroom shower renovations. The trend to bigger showers continues and is lim- ited today only by the size of the bathroom itself. Modular systems with improved waterproofing to eliminate mold allow for great flex- ibility when building a large shower, and drains can be ganged together if necessary. The designs afforded by using linear drains and large-format tile were unheard of until recently. The introduction and proliferation of pre-sloped pans means that water pooling because of a poorly sloped mud bed are a thing of the past. Wall niches, benches and shelves, multiple head sprays are now com- monplace, as the shower begins to be viewed as an oasis rather than just a place to wash up. In the future, we see more, curbless systems where the floor and shower base are on the same uninterrupted plane. Dave Wormmeester, national sales manager Noble Company www.noblecompany.com Changes in waterproofing mem- branes, installation methods and developments in drains are facilitat- ing the growth of waterproofing sys- tems comprised of bonded water- proofing membranes and preformed shower bases. These types of sys- tems are ideal for low profile, curb- less showers favored by contempo- rary designers and owners. The use of linear drains in contem- porary showers is another change. Linear drains utilize a single slope that allows for the use of large-for- mat tiles, which are ideal for con- temporary designs and barrier-free showers. Trends such as “aging in place” and low profile, contemporary shower designs are important drivers of these changes. Since durability is at the core of “sustainability,” manufacturers and designers must also consider the abil- ity of their products to last and per- form for decades. While the traditional mortar bed shower designs will not disappear any time soon, the changes we see are expected to continue. Bastian Lohmann, director/ VP sales and marketing/general manager wedi Corporation www.wedicorp.com The custom- tiled shower industry is changing fast. From a design perspective, we see custom- ers favor barrier-free shower installa- tions, and linear drain designs. Because shower designs are becoming more complex, another trend is forming. Installers want to invest more time in installation train- ing, to acquire more expertise in safe and efficient installation practices. A good manufacturer should focus on providing training support as a huge added value. More is expected from product systems: uniform, consistent and safe performance. Appreciated are complete shower installation systems, with a clear and modular installation procedure, but leaving flexibility to work in custom proj- ects. Often, these systems are foam- based, adding several other benefits. Add to this a serious, transparent and substantial warranty package. The trend is added-value systems, product and service, so installers can have the peace of mind knowing that the shower will not be the big liability it used to be. Greg Gelston, president Profilitec www.profilitec.com The introduc- tion of thin-set mortar several decades ago was a key contributing factor to the growth of tile consump- tion. This important innovation signif- icantly reduced labor time and cost while greatly improving productiv- ity, making tile accessible to a larger proportion of the population. More recently, innovations have been Shower systems are an emerging category that is cur- rently seeing many changes and advancements. Contrary to what many believe, tiles and grout joints are not inher- ently waterproof, and must be installed in conjunction with a waterproofing system that effectively manages moisture and prevents mold growth. Today’s new shower systems are designed to form a bonded, watertight assembly for tiled showers. These new systems are now designed to greatly reduce the risk of failures due to water and vapor penetration while also cutting total installation time. From drains to shower benches to waterproofing pipe seals, the industry now offers everything the contractor may need to guarantee a much more reliable and water- tight installation. As you read the following, you will learn about the latest, state-of-the-art selections in shower systems and how much easier they are to install. – Louis Iannaco