Shower bases are necessary components of any modern bathroom. A shower base performs several functions, the most important of which is to control the drainage of water from your bathroom and ensure that it does not touch the floor beneath.
Many decisions must be made when remodeling a shower unit or a bathroom. One such major decision is the material to use in the construction of a shower base. But do you even need a shower base? No, you don’t. Shower pans are similar to bathtubs in that the bottom of the pan does not touch the bathroom floor. This is because they are sloped to allow for water drainage. This design, however, causes shower pans to sag slightly when standing on them, and although most shower pans have underneath support to prevent sagging, this is usually insufficient to keep the pan from flexing. Also, while this should not be an issue, it irritates most people and makes some shower pans appear weak. If this bothers you and you want to fill the space, you should think about installing a shower base.
Shower bases are installed in the space between the shower pan and the bathroom subfloor. This space, if not filled or filled incorrectly, can cause the shower pan to flex or squeak. It can even cause damage to the shower pan over time. Many different materials can be used to fill this space. It is important, however, to avoid using one that expands, as this will put pressure on the pan and potentially damage it. Spray foam, wood, and cement are just a few of the materials that can be used to fill your shower base and strengthen your shower pan.
In this article, we will look at cement and foam as shower base materials, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Foam Shower Pan Base
For obvious reasons, foam is one of the most common shower base materials used in most homes. It is extremely simple to get and use. It’s not that cement is difficult to get, but the possibility of grabbing a spray foam off the shelf at the corner store and getting straight to work, rather than mixing mortar, is a significant advantage it has over the cement shower base. Foam is commonly used in the home to insulate air, but it can also be used to fill larger spaces such as shower bases.
It is critical to consider the type of foam if you intend to use a foam shower base. Because different foam materials solidify and expand at different rates, not all foams are ideal as shower base materials. The best foam material is a non-expanding one or foam with a low expansion rate. When some foams are applied, they expand before they begin to solidify. This can be dangerous because it may push the shower pan or even damage it. Non-expanding foam eliminates this risk, while low-expansion foam reduces it by providing just the right expansion range to reduce flexing of the shower pan while still allowing some room for comfort.
How to Apply Foam Shower Pan Base
To apply foam, first, outline the size and dimensions of the shower pan. If a pan is already installed, you must first remove it and clear away any debris that may interfere with your work. Take care not to damage the tailpiece that is attached to the shower pan while removing it. Remove the tailpiece carefully as well, as it may interfere with your measurements and outline. Install the water drainage system next; follow the instructions in the manual that came with your shower kit. Replace the shower pan in its original location without securing it, mark out its perimeter, and remove the pan. It’s time to start spraying. Apply the foam spray to the position you have marked out. Begin at the edges and work your way in, making sure to spray evenly and fill all gaps. After spraying, reposition the shower pan on the foam carefully before it dries. Check that the pan is level and that every part of it is in contact with the foam so that it remains securely in place when it dries. Screw the shower pan into place next. If your pan lacks screw holes, drill them and secure the pan. Finally, put a weight on the pan. This will ensure that it is well embedded in the foam. But avoid putting too much weight on the pan to avoid the foam moving out of place. Take care not to let the spray foam touch your clothes when applying it. Spray foam is difficult to remove from any surface, but if it comes into contact with fabric, that cloth should be discarded.
Reasons to Use
- It reduces shower pan flexing
- It allows for a small amount of movement
- It dries up quickly
- It is simpler to use; simply pick up the can and begin spraying the foam
- Foam can also be used to fill other small gaps, such as crevices between walls or the space between the bathtub and the bathroom wall
Reasons to Avoid
- Some foams are biodegradable, a biodegradable material will deteriorate over time and is therefore unsuitable for use as a shower base
- It is the more expensive option. It emits some toxic fumes during installation
- It does not allow for errors
- The foam shower base is difficult to remove once installed
- It is best installed by an expert
Cement Shower Pan Base
Another material that can be used to fill the gap between the shower pan and the subfloor is cement. Although the material used is called “mortar,” it is a mixture of sand, standard cement, and Portland cement. While the terms “cement,” “mortar,” and “concrete” all mean the same thing and can be used interchangeably, there are some distinctions between them. Mortar lacks the large particles that the other two have, but it is strong enough to withstand any weight that can be placed on the shower pan. It also has the best cohesion and is the easiest to mold. This is why mortar is an excellent choice for a shower base. If you intend to use a cement shower base, ensure that it is self-leveling. A self-leveling mortar will solidify and provide good support for your shower pan when mixed to the proper consistency. The flexibility of using self-leveling mortar for your shower base means that if you forget to fill a crevice or hole while installing it, the material will flow down and level itself out. This alone is a significant advantage over foam as a shower base material because the foam does not provide this.
How to Apply Cement Shower Pan Base
It is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the mortar you purchase, as it may require some special ingredients or procedures. However, cement shower bases are typically installed either before or after the shower pan is installed. Before anything, place a sealant or liner on the floor before adding the mortar, to ensure the watertight integrity of the floor. If you want to install it before the shower pan, mix the mortar according to the manufacturer’s instructions and apply it evenly on the subfloor, filling every crevice, before placing the shower pan on top and allowing it to dry. If you want to install it after the shower pan has been installed, make sure you can reach the space before fitting the pan, then pour the self-leveling mortar into the space with a funnel or hose. In this case, the mortar must be mixed to the proper consistency to produce the desired result.
Reasons to Use
- It is durable
- Cement is less expensive than foam, and installing a concrete shower base is generally less expensive than installing a foam one
- It is better for a bathroom that will be used frequently
- It is possible to install a cement shower base without the assistance of a professional
Reasons to Avoid
- Like every concrete mold, there is the potential for cracking, usually caused by discrepancies in the mixing of the mortar
- Cement does not dry quickly.
Which is Better? Comparing Foam and Cement Shower Pan Bases
Now that you know what cement and foam shower bases are, we’ve compiled a comparison based on the following features to help you see the difference between them:
Shower Pan Type And Flexibility
The type of shower pan installed in your bathroom or that you intend to use will determine whether or not reinforcement is required and which one to use. Shower pans, like shower bases, can be made of a variety of materials, the most common of which are fiberglass, custom tile, acrylic, and composite. These materials are stronger than each other and have varying degrees of flexibility. The most flexible of these materials, acrylic, which is common in most modern homes, and fiberglass, require a shower base. Tile and composite, on the other hand, are rigid and do not flex, so they do not require a shower base.
Application
Another factor to consider is the mode of application, especially if you have limited access to the space or want to install the shower base without removing the shower pan. A mortar mixture can be applied with a hand-held pump, but given the amount required, the traditional method will be more convenient. Foam, on the other hand, is typically packaged in a lightweight spray container, making it versatile, easy to use, and ideal for small spaces. As a result, if you care about the mode of application, a foam shower base is the most practical solution for you.
Durability
Installing a shower base is one thing; having to do it on a regular basis is quite another. When selecting a material to mold between the shower pan and the subfloor, you want one that is both strong and long-lasting. Both cement and foam are extremely long-lasting materials. Although not as strong as cement, foam is made of polyurethane, a material with an extremely long life span of 80 to 100 years. A cement mortar, on the other hand, has a 20-to-30-year lifespan. It is, however, extremely strong and long-lasting. Mortar is resistant to weathering, abrasion, chemical reactions, and any other factor that could deteriorate a shower base. Choose a setting based on how long you intend to use the shower base.
Ease of Installation
When it comes to installation, there is a significant difference between these two materials. When compared with installing a foam shower base, installing a cement shower base is relatively simple. Installing a foam shower base can be a nightmare. Simply over-spraying can result in a large amount of foam being deposited in undesirable locations. Furthermore, polyurethane, the material used to make foam, is a potentially dangerous compound that emits toxic fumes when sprayed and should not be inhaled or allowed to come into contact with the skin. This is why you should always wear protective gear when applying it. Even better, have it installed by a professional. As a result, if you’re concerned about the ease of installation, a cement shower base is the way to go. It is safer and can be installed without the assistance of a professional.
Cost
You’d think that materials as useful as shower bases would be prohibitively expensive, but this is not the case. Although foam is more expensive than cement, it is not expensive in and of itself. However, if you’re on a tight budget, choose a cement shower base over a foam one.
Conclusion
The shower base is used to reduce shower pan flexing and to insulate the bathroom floor, but it is not considered necessary; your shower pan will function without it. If you must install one but are unsure of the material to use, this article will help you make a decision. As you may have understood, cement is less expensive and stronger, whereas spray foam has a longer life expectancy and works better on uneven surfaces.
