AKW Tuff Form Formers - Canadian and American Installations
Good day men. I have not logged into your site for quite some time and am researching in depth the AKW Tuff Form Former. I ordered a 36"x36" kit with the Mapei Mapegum WPS waterproofing (tanking) kit. These Former Kits are much more common in your parts so I decided to jump in and ask the UK crew some questions.
I have a few questions for you seasoned installers.
1). What grit sandpaper should I use to rough up the shower base? I was thinking 60-80 grit and sanding it with a wooden block. I was also wondering if I could hit it with a metal cup wheel (wire cup brush for the angel grinder) and then a quick sand with 80-100 grit sandpaper.
2). How tight do you set the screws into the perimeter Noggins (blocking)? The install sheet I have says not to over tighten and to open the holes up with a 1/4" bit first. I was wondering if by chance I should set the screws with a rubber washer and then drive them home???
3). If I want to use a product like Kerdi or Durval (sheet membrane) over top what is the best thin-set? An epoxy based one perhaps? I would think a scuff up or sand first again before going this route?
4). If I go with the included kit and roll and brush on the Mapegum WPS - how long before I flood test it? Mapei's spec's state the Mapegum WPS product dries over an absorbent material in 12-24 hours and 4-5 days for non-absorbent surfaces. I have mocked up a little test box to test this new material. Any one have a strong opinion one way or the other?
My 36"x36" AKW Tuff Form
Mapei's Mapegum WPS
Test Box
I have a load more pictures on this kit and my AKW drain
here.
Thanks for any and all help men!
John Whipple
By Any Design Ltd.
North Vancouver
British Columbia, Canada