60 2018 | TECH Trending design in the area of shower systems continues to be the concept of floor-even, barrier- free showers. These can be challenging projects that require knowledge, training and good product systems, noted Bastian Lohmann, wedi Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Other trends are more tech- nical and installation-oriented, support- ing good design and performance. They include: • More manufacturer-hosted training programs for pro- fessionals • Smarter, modular shower systems offering faster, clean- er, simpler and rock-solid installation experience • The use of defined, quality materials, which are safe to work with • Sustainable lifespan of these products in use • The ability to offer predictable performance, with the protection of a strong, comprehensive warranty pro- gram – the big “peace of mind always beats low cost” trend One of the most popular trends in the last several years in the home renovation segment, noted Greg Gelston, President, Profilitec Corp. North America, is to remove traditional bathtubs and replace them with dedi- cated stand up showers. “Of the reasons, at least at the initial stages of this trend, was that our fast-paced lifestyles did not allow the time necessary to ‘relax and luxuriate’ in a bath. Fast forward 10 years and the trend to replace tubs with showers is still hot but, ironically, showers are being built as a place to ‘relax and luxuriate,’ as we did with tubs several years ago. “The typical 5- to 8-minute shower is being replaced by spa-like experiences where showers are being built to include benches, music, TVs, multiple heads and other amenities to enhance the experience,” he said. “This now being a reality, it is necessary for the construction indus- try to recognize systems that adapt to this radical change in shower usage in order to address new challenges such as increased water volume and the presence of steam,” he said. Sealed shower assemblies, as outlined in method B422 of the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation, have been specifically designed to address these additional challenges. As Josef Erlebach, Vice President of the new company Rapid Recess noted, “The trend is clear, like anywhere in the world, even U.S. homeowners want curbless/flush entry showers. Most Europeans do not even have a name for what we call ‘curb’ in the shower; they simply do not use it and make the show- ers function and look beautiful. “Most of our customers request curb- less showers because of style, accessibil- ity or design and are extremely happy to see the design realized,” he said.” There are special considerations for these types of showers, like the capillarity break, but these issues are usually addressed by a good tile-setter... There is no turning back and a lot of companies are focus- ing their efforts in the direction and just for people with accessibility issues.” Over the course of the last few decades, many inno- vations have significantly changed the way tile installers go about their busi- ness, noted Dean Moilanen, Director of Architectural Services for Noble Company. Large-format tile, large-format tile thinsets, and clip/leveling systems, are just a few of the changes that have become commonplace within the tile industry, he said. Prefabricated foam shower pans have made significant inroads into the industry, replacing dry-pack mortar as shower pan installations, he said. They are popular in residential use, and are gaining ground in commercial applications. “With the increased usage in this area, architects and specification writers are scrutinizing the performance metrics of the various products available, particularly with regard to compression and point load- ing concerns,” he said. “An ANSI standard is possibly in the works, in which elements of IAMPO PS 106 may be incorporated. The design community as well as tile install- ers would benefit from a standard that identifies ‘good, better, best’ amongst the various foam pan/tray offerings available. ” Catering to an aging population Arthur Mintie, LATICRETE’s Technical Services Director pointed out that the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to more than double from 46 million in 2016 to over 98 million by 2060, accord- Shower Systems Style, accessibility and safety punctuate shower system developments Bastian Lohmann Greg Gelston Josef Erlebach Dean Moilanen