b'Shower SystemsFunctionality, technology highlight shower system developments something that weve observed hasFind YourIf theres a project that requires expert engineering, itsShower systems have seen a lot of developments in theNichea shower system. Steam showers, whole-room, Europeanlast few years but wet rooms, barrier-free/zero-entry showers, evolutionsbeen a shift toward shower waterproofing systems that in drains that includelinear drains, tileable drainsandincorporate a prefabricated shower pan, said Julia Billen, wall drains all bring functionality and style to showers Owner and President, WarmlyYours Radiant Heating. as well as learning curves for installers. Improper slope,Thissystemtypeoffersseveralkeyadvantagesover leaks and moisture vapor are bad news for any type oftraditional mud beds, she added, such as weight reduc-wet install, from rot to mold proliferation to discolorationtion (particularly important for non-slab subfloor instal-to deterioration. lations), speed of install (since you dont have to wait for Shower systems depend on expert waterproofing, buta mud bed to fully cure), and a consistent slope towards moreandmoremanufacturershavebeendevelopingthe drain (something that is difficult to achieve by hand lightweight modular panel systems that integrate water- without exceptional skill and patience).proofing into the backer and pan elements. Prefabricated shower pans also offer a distinct advan-In recent years, some of the most innovative examples oftagewhencombinedwithelectricradiantheatingsys-performance engineering have occurred within the showertems as their dense foam construction typically has an systems category, featuring systems that form waterproof,inherentdegreeofthermalresistance(orR-value), functional, high-performance backdrops to attractive com- concluded Billen, meaning they wont absorb the heat binationsofstoneandtile.Thefollowingproductsarefromheatingelementsandnegativelyimpactenergysome examples of these new and interesting innovations. efficiency.Louis Iannaco Largest Selection of Niches in the Industry502019|TECH 2019 Noble Company, Spring Lake, MI | Image courtesy of Daltile.2019 Avondale & Glass Horizons.2019 NTCA Reference Manual Niche Ad.indd 1 7/2/2019 10:47:36 AM'