As Canadians catch the LVT wave, MAPEI responds with Shower System 4 LVT

At MAPEI we know the importance of presenting a superior finished product that can maintain a high aesthetic while meeting exacting standards for durability and non-slip resistance to moisture and chemical exposure. That's why we developed the Shower System 4 LVT, backed by a 10-year limited warranty.

In recent years, LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) has become more refined in look and feel, achieving growing popularity in the Canadian marketplace as an attractive alternative to traditional tile & mortar applications for shower systems. What makes LVT an increasingly sought-after option for architects and specifiers - in both residential and commercial settings - is its reputation for efficiency. It allows for ease in cutting-to-form, faster installation times, and smaller teams needed to do the work. That also makes it easier for construction crews to coordinate their plans around the more stringent workplace safety and social distancing requirements recently put in place in many jurisdictions.

Shower System 4 LVT is a combination of products that allows installation of luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and other
resilient coverings in showers, tubs and other wet environments. It includes a cement-based sloping
material for shower pan creation; a premixed waterproofing and crack-isolation membrane; a one-component, modified-silane polymer-based adhesive; a resin-based grout; a resin-based grout smoother; and a two-component, aliphatic, anti-slip polyurethane finish that really sets it apart.

Benefits of using the system

Easy to install, this high-performance system provides superior waterproofing in wet areas where LVT finishes are required. Shower System 4 LVT can be used for waterproofing and installing LVT on walls and floors in shower cubicles, bathrooms, dressing rooms, wellness centers, medical offices, hospitals, hotels and wet environments in general.

System components

■ Planislope™ RS is a pre-blended mortar that includes a blend of selected aggregates for use in sloping and thick-bed mortar installations. Used for preparing a substrate before the installation of tile and stone, Planislope RS is designed for pre-sloping under waterproofing membranes and mortar beds in showers when quick turnarounds are desired.

■   Mapelastic® AquaDefense is a waterproofing and crack-isolation membrane for installation under ceramic tile, stone and LVT in residential, commercial and industrial environments. It provides a thin, continuous barrier to protect adjacent rooms and floors below from water damage.

■   Mapeband™ cove roll and drain flashing are flexible, rubber-coated polyester accessories for waterproofing. They are designed for fast, easy embedment with MAPEI’s Mapelastic, Mapelastic 315, Mapelastic HPG, Mapelastic AquaDefense and Mapelastic Smart waterproofing membranes over coves, corners, drains, expansion and movement joints.

■   Ultrabond ECO® MS 4 LVT Wall is a silane-modified polymer adhesive specifically developed to bond LVT and replace conventional two-component reactive adhesives in all areas where this type of flooring is installed.

■   MAPEI Flexcolor® CQ is a professional-grade, ready-to-use specialty grout for precision commercial and residential installations with porcelain, ceramic, natural-stone tiles and LVT. MAPEI Flexcolor CQ is formulated with the latest innovation in quartz aggregate, which ensures color consistency, ease of cleanability and improved workability.

■  Mapesil™ T is a professional-grade, 100%-silicone sealant for use on multiple substrates. This product is specifically formulated for heavy traffic and expansion/movement joints and meets ASTM standards.

■   Mapecoat™ 4 LVT is a transparent protective matte (10 gloss) or semigloss (30 gloss) finish for LVT floor and wall coverings. It provides a non-slip finish with high resistance to wear on LVT flooring in residential and commercial surroundings, including areas subjected to high volumes of pedestrian traffic.

System limitations

• Do not install Shower System 4 LVT on crumbly cementitious substrates, old floors that are not well bonded

to the substrate or surface treatments that impede a good bond.

• Do not use Shower System 4 LVT on surfaces continuously immersed in water, such as swimming pools, fountains and storage tanks.

Surface preparation

Shower System 4 LVT can be applied onto new or existing substrates, as well as over ceramic tiles or natural stone, provided they are well bonded.

Existing floor and wall coverings made of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles must be well bonded to the substrate and free from substances that could affect the adhesion of the membrane, such as grease, oil, paints and wax. To remove such substances, use suitable cleaning products and/or abrade the surface.

Uneven cementitious substrates or ceramic surfaces with wide joints need to be smoothed off and repaired using Planiprep™ 4 LVT.

Preparation and application of the waterproofing membrane

Before applying Mapelastic AquaDefense, pay particular attention to corner joints between horizontal and vertical surfaces. In all cases, apply Mapeband cove roll and drain flashing, bonded to the substrate with the same Mapelastic AquaDefense.

Bonding, grouting and cleaning the LVT

After 12 hours from applying the final coat of Mapelastic AquaDefense, the surface is ready for laying LVT on floor and wall using Ultrabond ECO MS 4 LVT Wall. (Note: Ultrabond ECO MS 4 LVT Wall can also be used to bond LVT on shower floors.)

LVT can be placed with or without grout joints. When grout joints are requested, use traditional grout spacers for the desired appearance of grout lines. The joints must be dry, clean, free of dust and empty. Any adhesive that has seeped into the joints while the LVT is being laid must be removed while it is still fresh.

Before grouting with MAPEI Flexcolor CQ, make sure that the adhesive has set. Spread MAPEI Flexcolor CQ over the surface of the LVT with a grout float, making sure that the joints are filled right down to the bottom. With the edge of the same float, remove excess material.

After grouting with MAPEI Flexcolor CQ, cleaning should begin after the surface develops a dry, skinned-over appearance – within 5 to 10 minutes, depending upon the temperature, humidity and absorption rate of the tile. Move a damp grout sponge or white scrub-pad across the tile surface in a circular motion to loosen grout and to shape the joints. Drag a clean and damp sponge diagonally across the tile joints, applying slight pressure. Use one side of the sponge for each pass over the tile, rinsing the sponge after the second pass.

After the finishing procedure, it is very important that no traces of MAPEI Flexcolor CQremain on the surface. Once hardened, the grout is very difficult to remove. Therefore, rinse the sponge often with clean water during cleaning.

Application of the anti-slip finish

From 12 to 24 hours after the application of MAPEI Flexcolor CQ, apply one coat of Mapecoat 4 LVT to seal the joints and provide a non-slip finish on the flooring surface. If the LVT was installed without grout lines, then Mapecoat 4 LVT can be applied 12 to 24 hours after the LVT has been bonded using Ultrabond ECO MS 4 LVT Wall.

Floors can be subjected to light foot traffic after 16 hours and showers can be put in service after 24 hours. Expansion/movement joints must be sealed with Mapesil T after the application of Mapecoat 4 LVT. In any case, follow the instructions in the Technical Data Sheets for the products mentioned above.

After all is complete, your installation of MAPEI’s Shower System 4 LVT will be able to provide all the benefits of LVT’s warmth and feel, along with a secure waterproof bond, waterproof seal, and anti-slip coating; all backed by our10-year limited warranty.