KerdiBoard Problem

[greywolfarch]

I'm new to posting on this forum. i've learned a great deal in the past - thanks to all. Have not come across this issue in any posts. I have seen the Kerdi board fail twice in a commercial steam room. It appears to be melting. No help from Schluter to date. Would apprecitate some feedback.

[Houston Remodeler]

Ken,

Where was that kerdi board made? How old is it?

[John Bridge]

Welcome aboard, Ken.

I have no idea what might have gone on there. What is the blue material?

[Shpedly]

Maybe Hydro Ban? Looks more green to me. No help from Schluter? Have they said anything about it?

[TileArt1]

Hang tight - an online schluter rep will... Nevermind.


I'm more curious about why there seems to be a full substrate behind the kerdi board. It looks as if there is the kerdi-board, and another substrate behind it. Plywood? What is that? Doesn't look like mud and it looks too solid to be the back layer of the kerdi-board?

[cx]

Welcome, Ken.

You'll do a lot better with a separate thread than posting on an unrelated thread. Not sure the Hangout is the proper venue, but we'll see.

If you're in the tile trades please put some information in your User Profile so folks here will have some idea what sorta fella they're having the discussion with, eh?

'Fraid I can't really tell what we're looking at in those photos. Maybe you could give is a little tour and perhaps help us help you figger it out, eh?

[advertguy2]

I'm not a pro. Is that a steam outlet right in the corner? If so, was it by any chance tested after the board was installed but before tiles were? If so, would that possibly cause these issues?

If that is a steam outlet, how exactly is the actual "finished" trim for the outlet supposed to be connected since it's right in the corner? Doesn't even look like there's enough room behind it for tiling the kerdiboard wall.

[John Bridge]

I have made inquiries. I can't quote sources, but I have discovered that the steam line from the steam generator was run inside a CMU (concrete block) wall -- between the CMU and the Kerdi-board. The installation is apparently not done according to the steam unit manufacturer's specs. The line, which was insulated intermittently (and not adequately) built up so much heat that it melted the Kerdi-board.

I hear that Schluter is involved and is working on this case. In fact, they are participating in some of the repair work even though no product failure has been shown. I am also aware that there are many other Kerdi-board steam room/steam shower installations out there, and that this particular installation is an isolated case. It is, in fact, the only one that has been brought to their attention.

Originally Posted by greywolfarch

I have seen the Kerdi board fail twice in a commercial steam room. It appears to be melting. No help from Schluter to date.

That statement would appear to be inaccurate in that Schluter is involved in the case that you depicted. I'm not aware of the other case you allude to. I would like you to substantiate that a little.

[ceramictec]

that doesnt look like Kerdi Board. it looks more like Kerdi on drywall.
and it looks like the seams or something was painted with HPG or a green liquid membrane.

was mastic used to set the tile ? I dont see any sign of a thinset mortar.

[ckl111]

Ken, were you the architect involved with this installation or are you just asking for information for future reference if you want to spec. Kerdiboard on future projects.

From John's information on this particular case, it sounds like it may have been installer error however it does bring up some interesting points. If cement board was used, it obviously wouldn't have melted but that build up of heat could still have been a problem in different ways.

Whether it was their fault or not, it was very wise of Schluter to participate in analyzing the problem and devising a solution as these are real world uses and problems that their products face. You can't just sit behind a laboratory and dictate perfect conditions that must be met for the warranty to be valid.

I'm surprised after all these years and JB's personal experience, they won't approve Versabond for Kerdi....

[CRB]

Interested to see this. I had a couple of doubts / issues about Kerdi board the first time we used it in 2010 when it was early days for it in the UK, and I had a valuable job with it specified by the architects.
We started with it, but I had to bring my concerns up to the construction co. Its use was stopped and Wedi substituted.
Will keep an eye on tile world road testing developments with interest.

[John Bridge]

I don't know any more than I've reported here. I think (but don't know) that Wedi board would melt under the same conditions. In fact, I venture to say that any foam board would melt under those conditions. It's all foam, and most of us have seen what happens to foam when it is overheated.

I don't want to sound bias here. I've been close to Schluter for ten years, and I know that the folks there take matters such as this seriously. I also know that they have come to bat even in cases where it's clearly not the fault of their products. Other companies that I'm familiar with have done, and continue to do, the same. If it is eventually determined that the problem lies with the product, you can be sure I'll let you know.

One last note, then I'm finished for now: This is a case involving a commercial steam room. Let's not let it spread any further than that.

[gueuzeman]

Agree with the others that the steam head appears to be too close to the corner, and the floor for that matter.

Greenis/bluish stuff kinda looks like Aqua-D.

Commercial steamer, so it was running for 16+ hours a day? Or 24?

How long did it take for this to happen?

Original poster- It would be great if you could provide more details, including type and size of tile, thinset and grout used, mud floor?, ummmm and..... other stuff. Thanks.

.

[HS345]

The OP has been outed, I seriously doubt he'll be back.

[ckl111]

There's no need for him to not come back. I'm sure he has better things to do than just post a few pictures to libel Kerdi board. That's not his intent. I would welcome a discussion on the specifics so it won't happen again.