Need any suggestions?

[Ninaspets10]

Ok, we are finishing our walk in shower. I am looking for any suggestions on how to approach one of the curbs. We are using the quick pitch system to do our floor. We have already got the pre-pitch step done. We have our liner ready to install, but we can't figure out how we want to conquer one of the curbs. There is one curb that runs alone our tub, we must have our access panel there. I have attached a picture. The green tongue and groove wood(labeled 1) is what we are making our access panel. The area labeled 2 is were we we wanting to bring the liner up about half way. Label 3 is the curb. Was thinking about using a preformed curb cover or the quick pitch curb and removing the back side of it so that the liner could come up under access panel. We would have to attach it along the top of curb. If we used silicone in screw holes and painted it really heavy with waterproofing, would we have issues. Or is there a better way to work this one curb.

[Carbidetooth]

Suzanne, what's going to sit atop the curb? Glass? Tub deck?

Perhaps a photo that puts what you're referencing into context would be helpful.

Is this a jetted tub? what's behind the access panel? Can it be moved?

That's probably enough questions for now

[cx]

Welcome, Suzanne.

I, like Peter, have only questions and would also like to see a photo that provides more perspective.

1. Are we to understand that green access panel will be both inside and outside the wet area of your shower?

2. If so, how do you plan to waterproof that area?

3. What is the purpose of the curb parallel to the tub?

[Davy]

Yeah, same questions for me. I don't understand the access panel. With waterproofing over it, how could you gain access to it? Also, usually the panel is large enough to change the pump, can't see how that could be possible. Maybe I'm missing something.

Is this a sunken tub, recessed into the floor?

[cx]

Glad to see a consensus on the confusion. I was startin' to worry about Peter there for a while.

[Carbidetooth]

Originally Posted by CX

Glad to see a consensus on the confusion. I was startin' to worry about Peter there for a while.

'Cuz I'm easily befuddled? 'Cuz I climb on dying horses? Or maybe it's that turnip squeezin'.

[Ninaspets10]

Let's see if this helps.
Picture 1: this is what it looks like behind the curb in question. (The black plastic stuff in previous picture is a temporary barrier to keep the cat from exploring behind the tub) the motors for the tub are to the far left behind black panel were the can is sitting. This tub has lights and air and jets and we need access from one end to the other.
Picture 2: I used items to try and show you how we are thinking about doing this. The blue pad would be the liner, over the liner we will put a preformed curb or kirb perfect. Which ever one we can only use the top and inside. Making it so that we have to screw it down across the top. Everything says no, but if we were to use silicone in screw holes and paint that whole curb with waterproofing before we tile, what are the chances of having issues. The green boards in photo are what we will make our access panel out of and will sit on top of tile on top of curb and it will go run the whole length of the tub.
Picture 3: this is a picture of the shower area right beside the tub. Shower water will come from the ceiling straight down between drain and wall were fauset controlled are. There will be no walls or glass.
Ok hope this helps with questions. We don't see much water hitting the tub side curb. I was just wondering if we paint that curb with waterproofing substance really well before laying tile could there be issues, or is there a better way. I don't want a wall or glass, want it open.

[Ninaspets10]

Sorry they didn't come up on previous post.

[cx]

Scares me and I'm usually neigh onto fearless!

Seriously, I hafta very strongly recommend against both that extra curb along the tub and the access doors within the wet area. Yes, you might well need access there, but it'll be primarily to allow repairs caused by the long term water damage with your current plan.

I understand the desire for creative spaces, but I'd like to see you toss in a little more practicality along with the creativity.

I'd first move the curb we see at the north end of the photos outward enough to make it die into the tub surround wall. Then remove all the curb along the tub. That portion of "curb" will be nothing but a problem area to waterproof no matter what else you do.

I would also recommend you switch to a direct bonded waterproofing membrane method of shower construction rather than building a traditional receptor. My first choice would be the USG Durock Shower System, but any of the sheet membrane systems should work.

The other curb at the south end could then just die into the tub surround wall and can be waterproofed (yes, it will get wet) as would any other curb in a shower. But that all presumes you'll have a solid waterproofed wall across the side of the tub, which I must very strongly recommend. That'll make access to plumbing difficult, but not impossible and if the plumbing is done correctly it should be decades before you need to find out.

You also will have a good bit of splash-out over that south side curb judging by the apparent distance from the presumed location of the southern most shower head, presuming there will be one for each set of controls, if controls are what we're seeing on the long east wall opposite the tub.

The access to the motors would be outside the curb on the south side. Still not entirely out of the wet area, but far less likely to be problematic than further into the shower. There are ways to make tiled access panels that can be caulked into the rest of the tile layout and cut out for the infrequent maintenance requirements.

Likely to be a rather cold, open place for a shower in Indiana in the winter, non?

My opinion; worth price charged.

[Carbidetooth]

I'm afraid I don't have any sage advice, Suzanne.

Honestly, this looks like a classic example of trying to fit 10 lbs. of potatoes in a 5 lb.. sack. I suspect you've underestimated where water will go during a routine shower, even with the ceiling mounted (rain?) head.

Easiest way to control water with what you've apparently got there would seem to be a curtain on the two open sides. That could give you the access you need to tub internals. In addition I'd have that tub side curb go away and make it part of the tub deck. As CX pointed out, a surface applied membrane would facilitate that best. Nothing short of a major overhaul is going to make this viable long term.

You've got yourself a real puzzle, perhaps more than you realize. Without spending beaucoup $$, the above is the best I can offer.

[Davy]

I have to agree with the others.

I have a fairly large shower with no door. There are times I wish it would steam up but without a door, the whole bathroom has to steam up. Your shower will be wide open, much more open than mine. And, I'm in Texas. I don't have to deal with real cold temps like you do.