It is undeniable that the options for wet area wall surfaces are growing - literally.  Whether choosing large-unit porcelain tile, one-piece ceramic wall surfaces, or other solid surfaces in shower applications, the fact remains: the fundamentals of wet-area waterproofing must still be followed.

Unfortunately, the increasing demand for these types of wall treatments is fueling the potential for increased exposure to costly and unhealthy microbial growth issues.

Learning Objectives: 

• Examine the history of large format finished surfaces in wet areas/showers.

• Review the nature of vapor migration in wet areas and the role waterproofing membranes play in vapor containment, as well as best practices.

• Highlight misinformation, misperceptions, and ineffective installation practices which are fueling the increase in shortened life cycles of shower enclosures.

• The presentation culminates with supportive documentation and collaborative information from independent forensic and waterproofing consultants, strengthening the assertions and issues raised, and maps out a critical path of proactive specification language designed to minimize the risk of microbial growth when using large format/monolithic wall surfaces in wet areas.  By elevating materials, methods and best practices, the risk of remediation associated with poorly managed vapor migration can be greatly reduced.  

Cost:
AIA, Assoc., Allied, NOMA Members: Free
Non-Members: $10.00

CEU:
1 HSW CEU