Interview with a Grand Rapids Tile Consultant to Solve Steam Shower Waterproofing & Cleaning Issues

More info click here:

Cleaning tile showers can be the most thankless task a maintenance person is asked to perform. Steam showers increase this need many times over, due to their prolonged exposure to water´s impurities.

Some of the worst issues a steam shower can possess could be eliminated if the shower was properly installed and the correct materials were used. Many steam showers have mold and mildew issues that could have been avoided. Not only is it showing up in the steam shower, but also in the walls and in adjacent rooms.

• Why is cleaning steam showers such a big issue and how can it be minimized?

• We asked the expert, Dan Welch of Welch Tile & Marble how to avoid these problems.

Q: What type of surface materials work best in a steam shower?

A: Ceramic and porcelain tile are the most popular choices for steam rooms because of their inherent ability to perform under extreme conditions and their many design choices. Grout is required to fill the gaps between the joints, finishing the overall design and function of the steam shower. Cleaning this grout can be almost impossible without the correct knowledge and experience. Porcelain tile and epoxy grout are by far the most resistant to chemicals when you have poor water chemistry. These two products also inherently have less moisture absorption.

Q: Why do steam showers sometimes grow mold?

A: Many steam showers do not have the proper membrane under the surface. Steam rooms require a vapor barrier to contain moisture from escaping into the wall cavity. A membrane with a low perm rating, less than .1 per ASTM E96 procedure E can be considered low. This vapor barrier will limit moisture migration and in turn limit mold growth on organic surfaces in the wall and surrounding surfaces such as wood studs and paper on drywall. Inert products like tile and grout do not support the growth of mold.

Q: What cleaners should be used for steam showers?

A: This is a good question; the answer may be different for each shower. Many of the common problems can be traced back to water chemistry. Water carries with it minerals like iron, lime and calcium, these require an acid based cleaner to remove them from the surface of the tile and grout. Please note that cement grout can deteriorate with continued exposure to acids. Organic materials and soap scum require a neutral cleaner. Oils and grease can require an alkali cleaner. My recommendation is to identify what you are trying to accomplish and remove the water impurities before you introduce it to your shower with water conditioner or filter. If this can´t be done than consult a cleaning chemicals company for any recommended cleaners.

Q: Where should I go for specific installation methods for my tile steam shower?]A: The TCNA (Tile Council of North America) handbook can offer tips and industry consensus on what works best for the particular wall assemblies you choose. Just remember that the extreme exposure this steam shower gets is much higher than any other shower or even the exterior of your home. It is important to hire a certified installer with knowledge and experience in this type of work.

Welch Tile & Marble is a leading installation company in the Grand Rapids Michigan area with national connections to associations and foundations ranging from the NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association), the TCNA (Tile Council of North America), the ANSI (American National Standards Institute), and the CTEF (Ceramic Tile Education Foundation). Dan Welch, president of Welch Tile & Marble, is the vice president of the NTCA and has recently chaired the re-submission of the TCNA handbook method for steam showers, which will be published in 2011.

Comments are closed.