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How prepare the puddle flange ready for tiling?

I have purchased a shower base with a built in fall. The puddle flange has already been fitted and sealed. However, as you can see, the puddle flange is recessed quite a lot (about 10-15mm) and I’m unsure how best to bring it up to the level it needs to before tiling. Can I just use thicker tile adhesive? I don’t really wanted to have to screed as I’m just about to waterproof and I don’t want to have to wait for the screed to go off.
Or could I just waterproof, screed, and then tile without adding another waterproofing layer…?
I assume I’m also go to need some kind of riser so that the shower grate is also set to the right height?

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MitchellMc

Hi @squeakysim,

Due to the depth, it’s likely that the area will need to be brought up to the correct level before you start tiling. With a 10–15mm recess, plus the additional tile bed thickness of the surrounding area, relying solely on tile adhesive isn’t ideal. Tile adhesive is not designed to be applied at such a depth, and doing so could lead to weak points and potential failures down the track.

The best approach is to build the area up properly so it’s flush with the surrounding base before you waterproof and tile. This usually involves applying a small amount of screed to bring the flange level with the surrounding fall. Once cured, you can then proceed with waterproofing over the entire area as one continuous layer, ensuring the puddle flange is correctly integrated with the membrane.

You’ll also need to use a riser to set your drain grate at the correct height to suit your finished tile level. This will allow you to maintain a clean, flush finish with the tiles and ensure proper drainage.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

squeakysim

Thanks @MitchellMc

I decided to call Sika, as I’m using their adhesive, and ask how thick I can apply the adhesive. And they said the most is 10mm to avoid shrinkage. However, when I described my situation they suggested laying a 10mm bed of adhesive and allowing to dry, then laying tiles over the top of that.

So I’ve now waterproofed and will be applying the first bed of adhesive today so I can allow to dry.

Meanwhile, I trying to work out when I come to tiling, how I get the adhesive close to the centre to secure the shower waste without adhesive going down the drain! Any thoughts? I upload a pic later showing the shower waste in situ so you can see the gap I’m concerned about. But if you check my previous photo you can see the inset lip where the waste sits and the gap that sits between…

Or does it not need to be secure/cemented in, and is just siliconed around the perimeter of the waste..?

JacobZ

Hi @squeakysim,

You'd have to check with a plumber or tiler, but I believe the waste just sits on those lugs and is siliconed in place around the perimeter when the tiles are installed.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @R4addZ and @Noyade to see if they have any insight.

Jacob

Dave-1

Good Afternoon @squeakysim

Mmmm Going through both yours and @MitchellMc 's explantions I would probarrly be going along the lines that @MitchellMc suggested over the crew from Sika. Going through the steps it makes sense that the puddle flange will be supported properly instead of a double max layer of glue on its own.

I would suspect that the center waste with those slopes align the shower pan, so siliconing around it does make sense.

Dave

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