Constructing a Shower Using Blanke Aqua Shield Waterproofing and SereneDrains Square Shower Drains
Building a waterproof shower requires careful planning, proper materials, and attention to detail. When combined correctly, Blanke Aqua Shield waterproofing, the Quick Pitch shower slope system, Kirb Perfect components, and SereneDrains square shower drains create a complete shower assembly designed for long-term performance and reliable drainage.
Unlike traditional shower pan construction that relies on PVC liners and pre-slopes beneath the waterproofing layer, bonded waterproofing membranes such as Blanke Aqua Shield are installed directly beneath the tile assembly. This approach helps simplify installation while providing a durable waterproof barrier throughout the shower enclosure.
This guide explains how to plan your shower project, determine the required materials, and prepare for installation using the Quick Pitch system and a modern square shower drain.
Step 1: Determine the Shower Size and Drain Location
Before ordering materials, determine the overall size and shape of the shower, including the location of the drain.
Proper drain placement is critical because it affects the slope of the shower floor, the number of Quick Pitch components required, and the amount of mortar needed for the installation.
Most residential showers use a centered drain, but offset drain locations can also be accommodated with proper planning.
Step 2: Measure the Distance to Walls and Curb
With the rough curb framing in place, measure the distance from the drain to each wall, curb, and corner of the shower.
These measurements will determine the number of Quick Pitch float sticks, extension pieces, and accessories required for the installation.
Accurate measurements at this stage help ensure proper drainage and simplify the material estimating process.
Selecting Standard or Extended Float Sticks
Quick Pitch Extra Float Sticks are designed for installations where the distance from the drain to the perimeter does not exceed approximately 36 inches.
Larger showers may require Quick Pitch extension kits to maintain proper slope throughout the shower floor.
Extension components make it possible to build larger custom showers while preserving a consistent pitch toward the drain.
Step 3: Plan Float Stick Placement
Starting at a corner, mark the perimeter of the shower in approximately 2 to 2½ foot increments while ensuring that a float stick will be positioned at each corner.
Closer spacing between float sticks generally makes screeding and shaping the mortar bed easier. Proper planning at this stage can save considerable time during installation.
The goal is to create a framework that supports a smooth and consistent slope toward the drain from every point within the shower.
Step 4: Calculate Quick Clip Requirements
Once the number of standard and extended float sticks has been determined, calculate the number of Quick Clips required.
Quick Clips provide additional support and alignment between float sticks, helping maintain a consistent slope during mortar placement.
As a general guideline, two Quick Clips are typically used for every 36-inch run.
The next step is determining curb requirements, waterproofing material quantities, and calculating the amount of deck mud needed for the completed shower floor.
Step 5: Determine Kirb Perfect Requirements
The shower curb plays an important role in containing water within the shower enclosure while providing a solid base for tile installation. Kirb Perfect curb sections simplify the process by creating a consistent form that can be filled with mortar and tiled.
To determine how many Kirb Perfect sections are required, measure the total curb length in 30-inch increments. Individual sections connect together using integrated dovetail connectors, making it possible to create virtually any curb length or angle configuration.
This flexibility is especially useful for custom shower layouts and larger bathroom remodeling projects.
Step 6: Calculate Waterproofing Material Requirements
Blanke Aqua Shield waterproofing membrane should be measured carefully before materials are ordered. Begin by measuring the length and width of the shower floor, then include the wall height to the top of the tile installation or ceiling height, depending on the project design.
The waterproofing membrane should fully cover the shower floor, walls, curb, benches, niches, and any other areas exposed to moisture.
In addition to the sheet membrane, be sure to include:
- Blanke Aqua Shield Banding
- Preformed Inside Corners
- Preformed Outside Corners
- Waterproofing accessories for benches and niches
Careful planning helps reduce material waste while ensuring complete waterproofing coverage.
Step 7: Calculate Deck Mud Requirements
After determining the shower dimensions and slope system requirements, the next step is estimating the amount of deck mud needed for the mortar bed.
A typical deck mud mixture consists of:
- 1 part Portland cement
- 4 parts clean sand
As a general guideline, multiply the shower floor square footage by approximately 9.5 pounds of deck mud per square foot.
For example:
- 3 ft. × 5 ft. shower = 15 square feet
- 15 × 9.5 lbs. = approximately 143 lbs. of deck mud
This estimate is generally sufficient for most Quick Pitch installations and helps ensure adequate material is available before work begins.
Step 8: Review Installation Instructions Before Starting
Before beginning construction, review all manufacturer instructions for the waterproofing membrane, shower slope system, drain assembly, and curb components.
Understanding the installation sequence before mixing mortar can help prevent mistakes and improve overall project efficiency.
A successful shower installation depends on proper planning, accurate measurements, and careful attention to each stage of construction.
Benefits of a Bonded Waterproofing Shower System
Unlike traditional liner-based shower pans, bonded waterproofing systems place the waterproof layer directly beneath the tile assembly. This approach offers several advantages:
- Eliminates the need for a traditional pre-slope liner system
- Provides waterproof protection directly beneath the tile
- Supports faster drying shower assemblies
- Works well with modern square and linear drains
- Compatible with niches, benches, and custom shower designs
- Suitable for residential and commercial applications
When combined with Quick Pitch components and a quality square shower drain, Blanke Aqua Shield helps create a durable and professional shower system designed for long-term performance.
Related Resources:
- Quick Pitch Installation Guide
- Quick Pitch System Specifications
- Quick Pitch Video Library
- Installing a Square Shower Drain with Quick Pitch
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