Though Wedi Shower Systems is a reputable global brand in the shower and bathroom industry, their products are not as reliable as presumed. Wedi building boards are not a perfect solution for your bathroom installations. The company has had to make changes to some of its items to correct its faults. In some instances, they have recalled products from the market after several failures.
Do you need a vapor barrier with a Wedi board?
Yes, you need a vapor barrier with a Wedi board. The vapor barrier protects the board against damage from the steam room moisture. Vapor barrier application ensures the boards may be safe and functional for many years.
How do you waterproof a Wedi Board?
Even though the cement board is water and mold-resistant, it still requires extra waterproof measures. In one process, you can use joint sealant to create a waterproof seal and a leveled surface.
The Subliner Dry System has a sealing tape prefabricated inside
and outside corner tapes, Subliner Dry Sheet Membrane, and different types of waterproof components are necessary for waterproofing steam rooms or showers.
Can you tile straight onto a Wedi board?
Wedi is a perfect surface to fix ceramic covering since you can easily install tiles directly to the board. The reliable ceramic covers protect the Wedi boards from moisture in wet areas such as bathrooms and showers.
Wedi boards provide a stable and secure surface where to fix tiles. Tiles are available in various colors, shapes, and materials. You can use the versatile quality to create wall and floor designs to suit your preference.
What is better, Schluter or Wedi?
Wedi board is a German product normally used in construction as an underlayment for showers, bathrooms, and floors that need waterproofing. Schluter is an all-inclusive package with the components to assemble a watertight shower.
Schluter systems have an advantage over the Wedi because of the following comparative analysis;
- Availability: Schluter is readily available in the market compared to the Wedi system. Wedi system is less widespread than Schluter.
- Price: Schluter system goes for half-price of Wedi boards. The main cost difference is on the shower bases. The wall panels of the two systems are in the same price range.
- Installation: Wedi system is quicker to install than Schluter. Wedi has fewer installation processes but does require you to be precise with your installs and cuts.
- Tiling: The Schluter system requires mortar sealed with a Kerdi band and Kerdi membrane. However, the system can’t be completely square and flat. It can cause build-up. Wedi tiling has a better installation that rarely causes build-up.
- Preparation: Wedi boards do not allow for mistakes on cuts during installation. The system is less forgiving of any mistakes. Unlike Wedi, you can use Kerdi band, offcuts, and mortar to fix any mistake in your Schluter cuts.
- Waterproofing, features, and preparation: The two shower systems comparatively tie in the three facets. You do not lose on either since the two systems match on features and do not have build-up if properly installed and 100% waterproof.
How long has Wedi been around?
Wedi has been in existence since 1983. By then, the company was known as wedi-Wannenbauelemente GmbH. Wedi started when the founder, Helmut Wedi, the master tiler, made the first directly tileable building board that is 100% waterproof.
Ever since Wedi has progressed through continuous improvement and innovation. The trailblazing company is a renowned brand in the bathroom and shower systems industry. Wedi products are reputable worldwide for their unique designs, quality, and innovation.
How thick is a Wedi shower base?
Wedi shower base, Fundo Ligno Curbless Shower Kit, is 48”x60.” (US2000061). The curbless shower kit is designed with a low profile base approximately ¾ inches (19mm) thick.
The sloped shower base is suitable for a fast and flush installation. The shower kit also has a T-bar specifically made to support the mortar bed and tiles.
Who bought Wedi?
ARDEX Group acquired the majority shares of Wedi GmbH & Co. in 2021. Wedi retained independent operations with Stephan Wedi and Fabian Rechlin at the helm as the Managing Directors. The duo regarded the collaboration as of great benefit to both companies.
The two entities are strong international brands with complementary products. The corporation was to safeguard and enhance the independence and growth of each company. The acquisition, according to Mark Eslamlooy, the CEO of ARDEX Group, was a significant milestone for the two companies.
Are Wedi boards waterproof?
Wedi boards are 100% waterproof and excellent for waterproofing showers and bathrooms. Even though there have been cases of Wedi shower systems problems, you can count on their waterproofing ability.
Wedi boards are made of fiberglass covered with a layer of cement-resin coating. The ceramic tiles are bedded on the Wedi Tilebacker boards once the XX77/W adhesive is set and well-hardened.
Wedi boards are also pliable, do not warp, and ideal bonding surfaces. You can confidently use the boards as they come ready for installation and with a full warranty.
Can you screw into a Wedi board?
Yes, you can screw and fasten into a Wedi board. However, you have to use Wedi to fix washers and screws. Wedi fixing washers are specially made to attach Wedi boards to other surfaces.
The tab steel washers prevent the screws from deforming the Wedi board. If you use drywall screws, they may corrode due to leaks or the humid environment. If you experience any Wedi shower systems problems, you can contact a qualified Wedi professional to resolve the problem.
What is best to put behind the tile in a shower?
The best material to install behind tiles in a shower includes; cement boards, fiber-reinforced gypsum, fiber-cement, fiber mat-reinforced cementitious backer panels, or glass mat gypsum. The materials are water-resistant and will protect the tiles against moisture damage.
Do not use paper-faced drywall in shower enclosures or caulked tubs. The material will not protect the system from moisture or mold damage. Use papery-faced backer boards that have an Energy Star rating from ASTM mold-resistant standards.