b'TECHNICALThe Hazards of HybridsBy Joseph Mattice, On The Level FlooringTodays tile installations enjoy a tremendous amount of flexibility and creativity in methods, materials, and design. While a few decades ago there was only one option for waterproofing shower stalls, today we have myriad options. One tempting method is the Franken-shower, or hybrid shower system. But what risks are there and when is it the appropriate choice?What is a hybrid?With topical applications like B421 and B422 in the TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass and Stone Tile Installation, which call for an ANSI A118.10 load-bearing, bonded, waterproof membrane, the membrane extends continuously from the drain to above the shower head.A membrane can either be sheet-applied or liquid-applied. Typically, a sheet-applied membrane calls for a 2 overlap at seams, corners, and penetrations. This is usually a band of the same material applied with A properly-installed liquid membrane and a properly-installed sheet membrane. (Credit: Jake Schaefer and Jeff Tomczak)98TileLetter | August 2020'