USG Launches Durock Fully Bonded Waterproofing Shower System for Tiled Shower Applications

USG Corporation, a leading building products company, has introduced its new DUROCK Shower System, a fully-bonded waterproofing system for tiled shower installations designed to control moisture independently of the tile covering, while creating a solid base for a long-lasting shower.

The system reduces installation time by featuring pre-sloped foam shower trays that install more quickly than conventional shower bases constructed of dry pack mortar; a thin, pliable, and extremely durable waterproofing membrane; and an easy-to-install drain assembly that accepts all DUROCK Shower System four-inch or five-inch grates.

“We are very proud to offer an affordable, higher quality system that will enable faster job turnover and higher profits for our customers,” says Scott Crandall, business manager, Substrates and Specialty Division at USG. "We put an abundance of research and engineering into this system to ensure a best-in-class solution that outperforms the competition.”

Ideal for both new construction and repair or remodel projects, the DUROCK Shower System is more adaptable to job-site conditions, is barrier-free friendly, and offers significantly more grate options and superior grate finishes − allowing homeowners to choose a style that fits their bathroom aesthetic.

The pre-sloped shower tray has a two percent slope, which allows for easy installation of a wide variety of tile shapes and sizes and provides a more comfortable feel for the homeowner. Molded from three pound density expanded polystyrene (EPS), it comes in three sizes: 48” x 48” center drain, 32” x 60” center drain, and 32” x 60” offset drain.

The system’s waterproofing membrane features an oriented high-density polyethylene, cross-laminated core that provides strength and tear resistance at much thinner mil thicknesses (0.12 mil), making it the most pliable, user-friendly membrane in the industry, with the least amount of buildup at seams. And because it has the lowest perm rating of any load-bearing, bonded waterproofing membrane on the market when tested to ASTM E96 Procedure E (<0.075), it is ideal not only for showers and other wet areas, but for continuous-use residential and commercial steam showers. The USG DUROCK Shower System waterproofing membrane is one of the strongest, most tear-resistant membranes on the market.

The drain assembly kit accepts all sizes and finishes of the proprietary DUROCK grates and can accommodate either ABS or PVC waste lines. Its integrated bonding flange features a nonwoven fleece on both the top and the bottom of the flange. The fleece on top provides ample surface adhesion for the waterproofing membrane, while the fleece on the underside provides the necessary bonding surface for the mortar that supports the drain assembly. The fleece is co-molded with the ABS drain body to ensure the highest possible permanent bond. With an innovative square design, the DUROCK Shower System grate assembly provides real adjustability.

The grate assembly can be adjusted vertically to match tile thicknesses ranging from 1/8" to 1" thick, and it delivers up to 25 percent more horizontal adjustment when compared to the competition - ensuring the grate and tile layout fit correctly.

USG offers more than 50 different grate options (sold separately) in up to 10 finishes including: Oil Rubbed Bronze, Brushed Stainless, Polished Stainless, Pewter, Satin Gold, Black Chrome, Antique Copper, Brushed Nickel, Polished Nickel and Chrome.

The DUROCK Shower System also includes shower benches and niches. The benches are made from durable three-pound density EPS, offering superior strength. Due to their solidity, they can be cut to virtually any size or shape to accommodate unique applications or jobsite conditions. The benches are offered in three sizes: 32" x 20" x 16" rectangle, 16" x 20" x 16" square, and 16" x 20" x 16" triangle.

The niches are constructed from rugged ABS plastic and feature a nonwoven fleece that is co-molded with the ABS plastic structure on the flanges and interior surfaces, which provides a superior bond to thin-set mortar. The niches are available in both square and rectangular shapes, with opening sizes measuring 13-3/4" x 13-3/4" x 3-5/8" and 13-3/4" x 22" x 3-5/8”.

The system can be purchased as a kit or as separate components, with each piece working harmoniously together as a proprietary system.