Kerdi bubbles on curbs

[Aquera]

I seem to have more kerdi bubbles on the curbs then anywhere else - I try to make sure its all stuck down, however I can't seem to figure out how to get it to stay there. I usually use 1 piece of Kerdi for the curb, would using 3 pieces and kerdi band help? does anyone else have this problem?

thanks

[irish tileguy in michigan]

Mike , it shouldnt be a problem, rub in one side then fold over then rub in again and fold the last one and rub. What size trowel are you using and are you mixing your thinset a little loose.

[Aquera]

I use the "kerdi" trowel (thanks schluter school) and my thinset is thinner then normal - I've tried it with a few different kinds of thinset and have had problems with all... maybe I'm installing it wrong side down...

[The Kid]

I use two trowels to rub it in. rub one side, fold it over hold flat trowel to rubd side and rub out the other. The whole time your keeping your previous work from pulling up.

[Topspin]

Ahh, the Kerdi Pucker.

At Schluter school theytaught us to fold and crease the edges in prep for the curb. However I get the same prob if fhe Kerdi isn't perfectlysquare to the angles (read curb dipped in the middle) and I planned to level with thinset after.

Anyway when faced with bubbles and creases, I cut out and Kerdi fix fisrt, and if needed kerdi band where needed

[Houston Remodeler]

MIke,

How big are your air bubbles? If they are smallish, say the size of a golf ball and not more than, oh, say 15- 20% of the entire area you should be fine. If the curb kerdi feels loose, then you need to redo it.

Kerdi curb tips;

cut a piece measuring from 9" inside the pan + up the curb+ over the curb + down the curb + 9" out into the bath floor. (that i'll get to later) The 9'' to either side allows the kerdi to "grab" bettah.

Kerdi doesn't like to make 90 º bends too well. When you drywall the curb, round off the sharp edges. The inside edges are made nice and crisp by using 2 trowels. One larger flat trowel (like your 12" notched trowel used to put the thinset on) and a margin trowel. Hold the flat trowel in one place, firmly into the corner along the long side of the trowel. Run the margin trowel along the length to smooth the kerdi. Repeat for the length of the curb. Snug the top by hand. Don't drag on the top as to pull the side of the curb you just did. Place the flat trowel on top of the curb and with the margin trowel, smooth the other side in a downward motion. this will snug the side of the curb. Repeat the same technique on the floor by placing the flat trowel on the side of the curb and smoothing the floor kerdi with the margin trowel.

I tried to find a video of it on youtube, but no luck

The reason the kerdi goes out past the curb is there is a lot of water getting outside the shower when people step out, showers leak, bad door or curtain position, inconsiderate 16yr olds.

[Dan Kramer]

What Paul said. I leave a little extra thinset on the curb where the fold is too. After a few in a row it gets easier/better.

My schluter guy told me to get one of these for the floor and I use it on the curb also. Helped me eliminate the air bubbles.

[ceramictec]

when you do the drywall on your curb you need to have a little area for the thinset to go into. I keep a small gap so when working in the Kerdi the thinset goes there. you can also hold back the top sheet a little.

I fold over my Kerdi and put my square or level on it to hold it at a mark I have.
then I run my hammer back and forth and it makes a nice seam.

[Houston Remodeler]

I use one of these to get the air bubbles out. I find the flat trowels can snag on a rock and make a hole in the kerdi

[Dan Kramer]

Why you Kerdi-ing over rocks, Paul?

[Houston Remodeler]

When making my drypack sometimes small rocks "appear" in the sand. Sneeky little buggers.

[tilelayer]

Maybe not enough thinset underneath, you gotta start in the middle and push your kerdi smooth I use a 5" spackling knife. My first curb had a bubble but not anymore.

[Houston Remodeler]

The roller is also good for the walls. BAck when I used a flat trowel I sometimes snagged a screw head that wasnt set properly. Man I got all sorts of problems.

[muskymike]

I use a wallpaper smoothie. No snags on nuthin.

[Foochacho]

Mike is that just a flat piece of plastic? Never done wallpaper.