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| Custom glass block shower and base as an integrated system  Getting a custom glass block shower and base to work together used to be a difficult. Since the block units cannot be cut the base needs to be designed with the finished walls in mind – requiring multiple contracting trades, an owner, and a glass block installation specialist to get on the same page early in the construction process. The reality – this coordination process has often failed. Columbus Glass Block has introduced a line of one piece ready for tile extruded polystyrene glass block shower bases that make a successful custom installation a reality. This shower base is 100% waterproof, can install in 30 minutes or less, is designed to fit a customer's specific drain location, and matches the base and the glass block walls together.An extruded polystyrene base is often used to replace a mud set pan base that was traditionally done by the tile setting trade. Mortared mud set pan bases, while cheap to install initially, can create challenges in the long run if the hand crafted mortar work is not completed right (for example they can sometimes crack or not be sloped properly). This new polystyrene unit is shipped in piece and is pre-sloped with customer defined drain location. The shape, design, and size of the glass block walls are virtually limitless (the system can accommodate straight, curved or radius glass block walls). You can even design rounded exterior walls with this base. These shower bases can be made to fit small or larger areas and usually weigh from 25 to 45 pounds – making them easier to get into a remodeled space and to install. If a customer has a need for a roll in or walk in shower design there are barrier free ramp entries available. These bases are made of extruded polystyrene which makes them 100% waterproof and are easy to install by spreading out some modified latex thin set, placing a bead of silicone around the drain body, and then installing the pre-designed and pre-sloped pan. Glass block shower walls can be prefabricated with a vinyl stack system and made into manageable sections (most sections are 16" t 24" high) to ease the installation process. The assemblies are siliconed together, anchored to the adjoining walls, and field grouted. Block option include the use of shaped glass blocks (for angles, curves, and finished end block and step down units and also colored, frosted and etched glass blocks to make a one of a kind design possible. write your comments about the article :: © 2009 Construction News :: home page |