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Construction Industry/Travertine in Steam shower

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Expert: - 3/15/2009


Question
Have you ever used travertine for the interior of a "STEAM" shower?
Thank you.

Answer
Hi Gail,

Yes - I've used it many times.  Travertine is a marble that was formed with less pressure than typical marble.  It is more porous and has some pitting that can be a problem in moist or damp areas - mildew forms.  However, steam has great cleaning power and mildew is rare in a shower that is used frequently.  Steam can also scald - so be very careful when using the shower.

Travertine, like marble can be acquired in sheets to cover an entire shower wall or in tiles that are normally used as a flooring material.

I would recommend sheets on the walls and tile on the floor.  The tile can be adjusted to slope the floor to the drain.  Also, you may want to consider a sheet of travertine on the ceiling.  That should be the first piece installed wall to wall and then the wall pieces will act as an edge support.  Don't forget to have a "shower pan" installed.  This will prevent water damage if the drain ever gets clogged and the water backs up.  I have seen the tiles on the wall also.

I hope this has been helpful.

Roger

Construction Industry

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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