Floor-level showers in old buildings

Bathroom renovations on suspended timber floors always present with an array of challenges. Therefore, especially when it comes to installing floor-level showers, particularly intelligent, well-thought-out solutions are paramount. wedi, the bathroom and wet room specialist, offers two shower elements which are developed in close collaboration with industry professionals for this purpose: Fundo Ligno Plus and Fundo RioLigno. As part of the wedi system they offer maximum, long-term safety for suspended timber floors.

Renovation instead of new construction
More and more people choose to adapt an existing property to their needs. However, old buildings often hold unpleasant surprises. - "Until the 1960s, suspended timber floors were a standard feature in residential buildings" - says Markus Wittlerbäumer, head of application technology at wedi. - "When these are uncovered during a renovation, previously undetected damages, such as damp or unstable joists, often come to light." - Rebuilding is not always straightforward either, especially when it comes to bathrooms. - "Standard solutions are usually not possible. This is particularly true for the installation of a floor-level shower on a moisture-sensitive timber floor." - adds Markus Wittlerbäumer.

Thoughtfully designed and adapted to the challenges
To provide a secure solution, wedi has developed two special shower elements, the Fundo Ligno Plus and the Fundo RioLigno. - "In developing these, we considered all the challenges that come with installations on timber floors." - says Wittlerbäumer. Both elements can be installed flush with the existing timber floor. - "To do this, the floorboards in the area are removed and the support plate is placed between the beams."
Additionally, lot of sealing systems are unsuitable for wooden floors, and it is also difficult to tile directly onto these substrates. - "The task is therefore to find a solution that decouples as well as provides a suitable seal. wedi Fundo shower elements offer both in one." – continues Wittlerbäumer.
Both the Fundo Ligno Plus and the Fundo RioLigno have a factory-installed, precise gradient to ensure reliable water drainage, and the drainage area on the underside is reinforced. - "We have also taken sufficient support and optimum alignment of the drain into account. Quick and safe installation is guaranteed with the Fundo drain substructure elements." – explains Markus Wittlerbäumer.

Certified point and linear drainage
Both wedi shower systems are suitable for installation in old buildings with suspended timber floors, but there are some distinctive features. The main difference between the two solutions is the different type of drainage: the Fundo Ligno Plus has point drainage while the Fundo RioLigno features linear drainage, therefore the outer edge thickness of the Ligno Plus is 2 mm less. Like all shower elements from wedi, they are also certified, waterproof solutions. - "This is imperative for installations in suspended timber floors and offers craftsmen and building owners additional safety and peace of mind." – adds Wittlerbäumer. Furthermore, both Fundo elements are extremely lightweight that is not only practical for transport and installation but is also vital for the structural integrity of the suspended timber floor.
Both can be directly tiled after installation, but the Fundo Ligno Plus can also be combined with the precisely fitting, ready-to-install Fundo Top design surfaces in assorted colours and finishes. - "They offer a sleek bathroom design and thanks to their seamless, antibacterial surface, they are also very easy to maintain" - says Markus Wittlerbäumer.

Further information
wedi has summarised the information on bathroom renovation for wooden beam ceilings on a website: https://www.wedi.net/uk/shower-elements-wooden-beam-ceilings/