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I found a good link here (http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/ren...refash_024.cfm) on basement construction. There are some good diagrams for what your basement walls should look like.

JW

So after testing liquid after liquid I have found a new all time favourite. I just tired this Prim Grip from Mapei and it rocks.

I have not tried it over no primed drywall but did use it as a tile primer over the painted walls and it worked so well. Here is a look.





We just did a really light coat and once dry the surface has texture. It's like a light sand grain mixed in. This rough texture made tiling even easier since the thinset stuck so well to the rougher surface!



I'm going to try it over drywall with no paint and drywall that has been skim coated. I'll report back later.

JW

The shower above was fixed by the installation of the "Anti Air Lock" collar and threw hole. I have since improved the install to include 306 stainless steel and a cleaner look. The proto type install worked wonders and the drain is working perfectly right now.

All three of the installations failed in Vancouver with flow rates under 5GPM and one even with a flow rate of 2GPM.







JW
By Any Design Ltd.
http://www.No-Curb.com

When designing a barrier free shower flow rate is critical and is affected by many factors. Pipe size. Venting. Volume of water. Direction of water flow and on and on. I have privately tested many of these new shower drains in my lab. Or as my wife calls it "HER LAUNDRY ROOM". One constant thing I have measured in high flow rate settings is the build up of water above the strainer - this can be between 3/8" and 5/8" depending on strainer design and how the water enters my test boxes. If your design a barrier free shower do not set the drain any lower than 3/4" below finished floor height!

If you love the look of these new tile top drains make sure you realize that in your environment you may need to alter the look and add in the "Anti Air Lock" feature. As we install more I'll measure the flow rates and positions of the drains that don't work. As of today I know of four reported failures - three here in Vancouver and one in Chicago.



Above you can see a 5"x5" tile top under water. This effect seams to happen only when the drain is dry and right after the shower is turned on. This drain design from Laticrete is a new design and differs already from the print image in the instructions. The instructions show similar feet that the drain does not have. The drain above was a similar design to the picture on the Laticrete install instructions.

The little nubs or air bubble poppers might be the missing link the old tile top drain designs lacked.

Time will tell.

JW
John Whipple
By Any Design Ltd.
http://www.No-Curb.com

You need to be careful using different types of cleaners on your shower floor. If you are not comfortable with this work hire a pro to help. Or if you would rather be hiking or gardening - call a pro instead.

John Whipple - By Any Design Ltd.