10 tips for installing an Italian shower
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As it is at ground level, the installation of a walk-in shower requires a lot of preparation work. Here are 10 tips to make this delicate design work.
TIP 1
The rule
Being very simple, either opened or closed, an Italian shower is always installed at floor level without any difference in height. However, as we will see, there are a few adaptations.
TIP 2
The ideal slope
There are actually two slopes in a shower, the evacuation slope and the floor slope. The minimum is always 1%,or more but it is better to predict 2-3% to facilitate the evacuation.
TIP 3
Ready-to-tile floors
Ready-to-tile floors are available that offer the necessary slope and can ensure effective tiling If not, it is possible that water will overflow, especially if your Italian shower has no screen.
TIP 4
A waterproof shower
One of the most important objectives is ensuring the waterproofness of your installation. Tiling alone does not guarantee a fully reliable result. There are three alternatives. A Liquid Waterproofing System (LRS) can be applied directly on the walls and floor. The panel to be tiled must be installed in accordance with the sealing strips. Finally, in order to install sealing mats, lay them as paper before tiling to be confident of your results.
TIP 5
Screed
Slope and sealing must also be performed with precision for the screed which is laid in the shower.
Minimalist bathroom.
TIP 6
Adaptation
It is not always easy to respect the basic rule of a installation at ground level. Particularly in an apartment, the drainage basin is often constructed to be high up. It is therefore almost impossible to align the shower at ground level and to create a sufficient slope. Most often, it will require a rise of a minimum of 15 centimeters.
TIP 7
Materials and floor
Beware of slipping! Small tiles and non-slip cover are very effective to prevent this.
TIP 8
A shower screen or not?
Normally there is no shower screen in an Italian shower, but if you plan to install one, remember to perfectly seal the joints.
TIP 9
Bathtub
The big question is whether we zhould remove it to leave room for a large Italian shower? In a small bathroom, this it’s necessary to make this decision. It’s also necessary to consider the daily habits of the whole family and especially those of the children. Remember that a bath can consume less water than a shower!
TIP 10
Variations
Today more and more showers are equipped with mobile and fixed shower heads. Some even have two shower heads, which is a good idea to avoid the morning rush.
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In a nutshell
Anticipation
Before planning the installation of an Italian shower, make sure that is possible to do so in your bathroom and your home without imposing elevation.
Espace
The real model comes without a shower screen, but it’s best if you have a large bathroom to benefit from this type of design.
Call a professional
Installation work should be carried out by experienced handymen, so do not hesitate to call a professional.
