Can thinset fill joints in durock that are not tight or level?

rockin_painter · #1 Sep 17, 2007, 08:14 AM

I bit off more than I could chew and it has been a nightmare.

I failed to notch my studs to accommodate my shower pan liner and of course the Durock has a bulge and the joints are not as snug as I would like them to be. I also drove some of my screws too far causing some damage to the Durock. Can I make this work by taping and using the thin-set to fill joints and screw holes? I was going to just float it as level as possible, cover it with Red Gaurd and move on to the bench and curb.

Job Disc: Was asked to removed fiberglass shower enclosure and replace it with a new one. Sounded great/easy, I'll do it. Well, cust decided she didn't like any of the new enclosures on the market and bought Marble tile instead. Having already demoed the shower, I didn't want to back out. Much to my dismay, this has been a real drag.

Every aspect, so far, has offered obstacles and finding help or answers at the DIY stores has proven to be futile at best.

I struggled with the drain and the re-plumb for new fixtures, as I am not a plumber. I was sold the wrong drain and had to dig it out of the mortar and replace it with correct one. That is behind me now, but working alone I also struggled to hang the Durock and dread the thought of taking it down to notch the studs.

Should I install the grab bar before I tile or after? I did frame in some studs to support the installation.

Thanks for any advice or support to help finish this project. Remember, I'm putting 12 x 12 marble tiles in a 3' x 4' x 8' shower, with a bench, soap dish, shampoo shelf, grab bar and with a frame-less shower door. Lord help me.

dclynch · Sep 17, 2007, 02:29 PM

Tile substrate must be pretty flat. How big are the tiles. Small tiles can take more of a curve that large ones. I think you will need to take down the Durock and try again. You can fix holes with thinset. At this stage, you probably have to shim out the wall rather than removing the pan and notching the studs.

Grab bar goes on the tile.

I suggest you hunt up the John Bridge forums. You can get detailed advice on all aspects of tiling there.



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