Is it a big deal to skip the pre-slope layer in a shower remodel?
Asked by uN3wUser742
I'm remodeling my walk-in shower and just discovered that my contractor installed the shower pan liner directly on the plywood subfloor without a pre-slope layer. After that, he added micro-cement, then thinset, and finally tiles on top. I've heard that NYC building codes require a pre-slope for proper drainage. Is this something I should be concerned about? Should I ask my contractor to redo this part?
Answers
It sounds like your shower setup could lead to some major drainage issues. If the micro-cement doesn't create a slope toward the drain, water could pool and cause problems over time. It's crucial for the floor to slant correctly to allow water to flow down. I’d definitely recommend having a chat with your contractor about fixing this!
Reply to this answer
I had a similar situation where I insisted that my contractor remove the liner before the tiles went up and actually create the pre-slope with mortar. It was a hassle, and we had some mess below, but I’m really glad I pushed for it. Over a decade later, and my shower still drains perfectly with minimal mildew. Trust me, getting that slope right makes all the difference!
uConstructionCurious82: Sounds like it was worth the extra effort! Did you go with mortar underneath and then reinstalled the pan before the thinset and tiles?
Reply to this answer
Add your answer
Answers are reviewed before publication.
uShowerSaver99: Yeah, I agree! Water pooling is the last thing you want in a shower. You might as well fix it while you can.