Gym Shower Waterproofing

[tcxtc]

Just over a year ago, we had a completely new fitness facility built out in Minneapolis, MN. The space had one shower installed. Yesterday, the ADA bench basically fell off the wall and we discovered that no waterproofing was done. They stuck tile directly to drywall, and used drywall anchors to secure the ADA fixtures. So any place where a screw penetrated the tile, it is all rotten.

First off, the only information I have been able to find is based on residential code. But, I assume even if you are installing a shower in a commercial building, there has to be waterproofing requirements in a walk-in shower, right?

The second issue we are having is that our contractor passed away 6 months ago and his company has dissolved. So, we aren't sure who to go after for this. We know who the tile installer, plumber, and drywall/framing subcontractors are. Who would be responsible for this?

Any other advice would be very very much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[BN4537]

Try section 1209 Toilet and Bathroom Requirements of the International Building Code.

As for who to go after, you are going to need a lawyer for that question.

 

[tcxtc]

Try section 1209 of the International Building Code.

As for who to go after, you are going to need a lawyer for that question.

I'm more wondering which subcontractor would normally be responsible for waterproofing the shower. I assume it would be the tile installer?

 

[BN4537]

It varies. It could be guys from the general contractor, it could be that the tile guy does the waterproofing too, it could be the general contractor hired a separate individual to do the waterproofing.

I have even seen it where the GC hires subs to do finish carpentry, but the finish carpenters can't do their jobs because the walls aren't done, so the GC hires them on a time and material basis to do random things (like waterproofing a shower) until they are ready to do the carpentry work they bid on.

 

[north star]

# ~ #

tcxtc, ...you could obtain the services of a lawyer and go down that path,
or find a reputable contractor to go in and remove the shower and start
over.

Q1): Were there any inspections performed for the shower before
everything was "closed up" ?

# ~ #

 

[ICE]

The dead, General Contractor is the only entity that can be held liable. The lesson to be learned here is that it is best to avoid contractors that are over the age of fifty.