b'Shower SystemsCONTRACTOR PERSPECTIVEGianna Vallefuoco to compromise on esthetic choices in order to coordinate Vallefuoco Contractors, LLC with the Schluter KERDI waterproofing system. The industry has responded to streamlining installation timebymodifyingpackagingtoaccommodateshowerNadine Edelstein system installations. We were excited to see Schluter nowTile Design by Edelsteinoffering KERDI waterproofing membrane in a 626 sq.ft.Oneofthemajorchangesin roll, twice as wide as the previous 323 sq. ft. roll. With theour industry over the past decade new roll, our installers can cover the wall area from show- has been the evolution of shower er floor to ceiling with a single piece of KERDI membrane.systems. The technology of water-This is a small change to the product, but an innovativeproofingsystemsenablesusto way to reduce install time, and make the waterproofingdesignandinstalluniqueand process a little more efficient for the installer. unusual spaces much more easily Schluterhasalsoaddressedtheissueofhavingto(and thus more affordably for our usebothunmodifiedandmodifiedthinsetwiththeirNadine Edelstein clients) and with more confidence membranes.TheintroductionoftheirALL-SETmortarthaneverbefore.Whetherwe allows for use both under and over all DITRA and KERDIwant to use a paintable membrane or a sheet membrane, products.Sinceitsrecommendedforceramic,porce- we now have systems that perform impeccably and reli-lain, and stone tile, including large-format tiles, its beenably. In addition, we can pick and choose how we want to aneasychoicewhenusingKERDIsunderlaymentandutilize membrane systems. For instance, we can choose to waterproofing products. This has allowed our installerspack a mud pan and use concrete board on the walls and to transport and mix fewer products from fewer vendors. then waterproof the entire shower with our membrane Schluter has also been savvy in responding to the demandof choice or we can use one of many foam-based systems fornewgratesandshelvesforbathroominstallations.for the entire space. Foam options are also highly cus-The selection of TRENDLINE finishes now allows clientstomizable. We can save time and resources in situations tomatchtiletrimprofilestotheirshowerdrainsandwhere drywall has been installed and still build a space shelves. This is a finish we can source and offer, minimiz- thatisproperlywaterproofedwithconfidence.These ing the clients need to go out and make selections in aoptions require that we stay informed and involved in our showroom. Interior designers are perhaps the happiestindustry. I personally love all of the options available and group to see these products because they no longer havelook forward to further innovations to come.Photo courtesy of Vallefuoco Contractors, LLC.682020|TECH'