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Bonnie Baffer (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 09:05 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I am renovating gang showers in barracks buildings. (3 story buildings, steel deck with concrete topping.)The existing tile floor will be removed and new drains installed, with concrete sloped to them. I plan to use epoxy & marble chip flooring over existing 1x1 tile floor in the adjacent toilets. (Phoenix by American Hi-Tech Flooring Co) Does anyone have experience with epoxy flooring in showers? Is waterproofing membrane needed and does it adhere correctly beneath?
Dave Metzger
Senior Member
Username: davemetzger

Post Number: 163
Registered: 07-2001
Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 10:40 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I have not used epoxy flooring in showers, but have used a troweled resinous system, Dex-O-Tex M-E Floor System. And yes, we do use a waterproofing membrane below the resinous flooring. The W/P membrane should be by the flooring manufacturer otherwise compatibility could be an issue.

The epoxy flooring systems I've had experience with are moisture-sensitive and I'd be careful about their use in a shower. Verify with the manufacturer that they recommend the system for this application.
Curt Norton, CSI, CCS
Senior Member
Username: curtn

Post Number: 110
Registered: 06-2002
Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 11:59 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I would suggest contacting a rep from Dex-o-tex or General Polymers. GP has a product called Epo-flex MER that is very similiar to the system Dave mentioned. It will provide a waterproof system and move with the suspended slab. Epoxies are pretty rigid.
Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: awhitacre

Post Number: 341
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 01:55 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I've done resinous floors in animal cage wash areas (which might as well be showers) and agree with the comments above. since all of these products are proprietary and different, you need to verify that your exact product will be suitable in a shower condition (and using hot water, also the chemicals from soap).

I have always used a compatible waterproof membrane under the resin installation; usually the manufacturers will have a system that is recommended to be used with their other products. Make certain that the system you are specifying is actually a system and made to work together.

Run the membrane up 8 to 12 inches up the wall; you will need coving strips or other way to make that transition; and be careful at the wall/floor material transition so that is properly seamed up.
I've used Stonhard products, Crossfield (Dex o Tex) and Selby in these conditions.
Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS
Senior Member
Username: awhitacre

Post Number: 342
Registered: 07-2002
Posted on Friday, May 26, 2006 - 02:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I just reread the original post. You're putting resinous flooring OVER existing 1 x 1" tiles? why not remove the existing tiles? for a waterproof membrane to work properly, there has to be a good bond between the underlying slab and the membrane and between an impervious tile and whatever grout might be on the floor, it sounds like you're asking for a failure. is there more to this?
William Wagner
Senior Member
Username: bill_black

Post Number: 20
Registered: 07-2005
Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 12:50 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Anne-

Some manufacturers actually will warranty an over tile installation. I have actually specified this on renovation projects. Am I concerned--yes, but each rep said they would warranty it. I haven't heard how the installation went.

-Will
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 223
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Tuesday, May 30, 2006 - 01:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Suggest shot blasting existing floor first to achieve a mechanical bondable surface.
j smith
Senior Member
Username: specbuster

Post Number: 19
Registered: 07-2003
Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 12:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

What i typically see ia a double broadcast clear system with a ceramic aggregate.
Chris (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Tuesday, June 20, 2006 - 05:59 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

I would use a urethane. It has much better chemical resistance and will hold up longer under the clorine and cleaning products.

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