USG Corporation 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 is designed to reduce installation time by featuring pre-sloped foam shower trays; a thin, pliable, and extremely durable waterproofing membrane; and an easy-to-install drain assembly that accepts all DUROCK Shower System 4-in. or 5-in. grates.

“We are very proud to offer an affordable, higher quality system that will enable faster job turnover and higher profits for our customers,” said Scott Crandall, business manager, Substrates and Specialty Division at USG.

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

The pre-sloped shower tray's 2 percent slope allows for easy installation of a wide variety of tile shapes and sizes and provides a more comfortable feel for the homeowner. Molded from 3-lb. 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). Featuring a low perm rating 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 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 company said.
 
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. 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 3-lb. density EPS. Because they’re solid, 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, yet each piece works together as a proprietary system. For information about USG’s DUROCK Shower System or any other USG tile and flooring solutions, visit www.DurockShowerSystem.com or www.USG.com.