58 2017 | TECH introduced to the market, which have also greatly improved efficiency and productivity. As few as 20 years ago, a shower assembly was complex, labor-intensive and time-consuming. The introduction of “sealed” show- er systems incorporating bonding flanges that completely waterproof the entire assembly are not only an improvement on performance com- pared to the traditional method but are less time-consuming and easi- er. Again, this important innovation makes tiled showers more accessible to a greater proportion of the popu- lation thereby increasing tile con- sumption. Going forward, upcoming innovations will see “sealed” shower assemblies become even more effi- cient by reducing installation time while improving performance. Robert Sears, owner Trending Accessibility www.trendingaccessibility.com The tub-to-shower conversion is the most popu- lar remodeling/ new construc- tion trend. One of the biggest trends in showers is the European wet room, a curbless shower. The wet room was invent- ed in London in the 1980s and has been utilized globally as a solution to achieve a fashionable and safe curb- less shower. A European wet room is a whole-room solution that water- proofs the entire bathroom and pro- vides a curbless result in the shower. A curbless shower is an architectural statement that offers a seamless look and eliminates the compartmental- ized effect of most bathrooms. It eliminates the largest physical bar- rier in the bathroom, the bathtub. A wet room curbless shower will open up the bathroom for more useable space. Scott Crandall, senior manager North American sales and business development USG www.usg.com The shower will continue to be the centerpiece in a bathroom – whether it’s for a commercial or residential project. With this in mind, showers are getting larger, more luxurious, and no matter the design, tenants want customization. Shower con- struction is moving from water resis- tant to waterproof, and a great devel- opment that addresses this is shower systems that don’t require traditional mud-bed installation. With these sys- tems, a waterproofed shower system that offers a vast selection of drains, curbs, niches and benches is easier than ever to achieve. And, it can be faster to install than traditional con- struction methods. This is an ideal option for architects, designers and contractors in search of a one-stop- shop complete waterproof shower system. SHOWER SYSTEMS –––––––––––––– Compotite Corp. has introduced the shower waterproofing indus- try’s first thread-less clamping ring for hassle-free installation of linear drains. Though many linear drains are intended for a thin-bed installa- tion, where the waterproofing layer is just below the finish tile, the new Compotite thread-less clamping ring allows installation of the linear drain with traditional thick-bed mortar installation. Designed and manu- factured in the U.S., the clamping ring creates a watertight connection with the waterproofing membrane and allows for traditional weep holes to be used with the linear drain. The ring is available in ABS or PVC and is UPC and IAPMO approved. www.compotite.com LATICRETE� HYDRO BAN� pre- formed shower system products includeanexpansivelineofpre-sloped shower pans, linear shower pans, niches, seats, benches and acces- sories – all made with a high-density polystyrene core. Complemented with a variety of adhesives, grouts and sealant caulk options, includ- ing HYDRO BAN, HYDRO BAN Sheet Membrane, HYDRO BAN Board and HYDRO BAN Adhesive & Sealant, LATICRETE show- er systems pro- vide everything needed for a problem-free shower installation, backed by one of the industry’s best warranties. www.laticrete.com Noble Company’s new ProBase® II Single-Slope Shower Base is designed with the flexibility to adapt to vari- ous installation requirements in a linear drain application. The durabil- ity of ProBase II in combination with the innovative clamping-ring feature of the FreeStyle Linear Drain™ and the company’s ultra-thin ValueSeal® waterproofing sheet membrane provide an easy-to-install system that is ideal for barrier-free show- ers. The ProBase II kit also includes Shower Systems