FAQs

1. What is a tiled shower system?: A pre-finished tile shower system is an all-in-one solution for any shower area where tiles are being use. It is a quicker, more cost-efficient and reliable way of creating a tiled shower than the traditional method of custom tiling (or building a shower from scratch), especially for situations where there is a high risk of water leakage. It consists of factory-made components that combine in a complete watertight solution that is easily installed.

2. What does it include?: The tiled shower system comes complete with everything needed to construct the framework of the shower in the shape and size you require. This includes the ready-to-tile shower base, a waste outlet that connects to your plumbing, toughened glass screens and wall membrane to waterproof the walls. To achieve the final look of the shower, simply add your choice of tapware and tiles (these are not included in the system.)

3. Why is a pre-finished system better than custom tiling?: Because constructing a tiled shower from scratch is time-consuming and requires a high degree of skill to get it right. You may be lucky to get a very experienced tile-layer who will do a good job, but there is also a higher risk of leaks and other problems occurring - which can cause major damage over time. A tiled shower system, on the other hand, is made up of pre-finished components that fit together perfectly and are easy to install - eliminating the risks for downstream problems.

4. How does Atlantis compare to other tiled shower systems?

Atlantis are the originators of the tiled shower system idea, which is now being imitated by others. However, unlike our competitors, Atlantis specialises solely in tiled showers - allowing us to continually innovate with new ideas and improvements and offer a much larger range of options than any other tiled shower supplier in the New Zealand market.

When comparing different systems, make sure you are comparing apples with apples as some competitor "systems" do not include all the components that come with Atlantis showers.

5. What does the Atlantis guarantee apply to?

Atlantis guarantees the durability and performance of its system, giving you total assurance that you will not experience leaks during the normal lifetime of the shower. While each component of the system is warranted separately, the critical performance area of the shower is the shower base (and connections to it) which is where the maximum guarantee of 25 years applies.

Please note that the installation and workmanship guarantee is offered separately by your installer. We always recommend you use an Atlantis approved or certified installer.

6. Can I install the shower myself?: While an Atlantis shower tiled system is a quick and easy method of constructing a tiled shower, it is not a DIY product and should only be installed by qualified tradespeople and/or a Certified/Approved Atlantis installer. As with any similar product, there are installation risks if you are not experienced. Your warranty may also be affected if you do not follow instructions and achieve acceptable trade workmanship standards. You may also have difficulty in getting a Council completion certificate.

7. Where can I see an Atlantis shower?: Atlantis display showers are found in plumbing and bathroom merchant showrooms throughout New Zealand. For more details click here.

8. Do I need to buy the complete system?: While we recommend purchasing the complete system as the best option for most situations, you can also buy a partial system or components where appropriate. For example, if your tiler or waterproofer prefers to use a different method for waterproofing the walls we can supply the system without the membrane. Or you may simply wish to purchase the shower base or screens separately.

9. Is my warranty affected if I don't purchase the complete system?: The leak-free warranty applies to the Atlantis shower base regardless of which system components are purchased. However, you should check with the supplier and installer of any substituted part for their applicable warranty coverage.

10. How does the Atlantis system deal with the possibility of leaks?

Tiled showers are notoriously leak-prone if they are not built correctly and with care. The Atlantis tile shower system effectively addresses all of these risk areas:

1. Poor silicon seal between the shower tray and the waste area which breaks down and allows water to escape into the flooring structure. The waste in the Atlantis system is mechanically sealed to the tray rather than relying on a silicon seal alone.

2. Weak connections between the shower tray and the corner wall junctions - allowing water to escape out the shower enclosure into the flooring structure. The Atlantis system utilises precision-fit components (wall and base channels) that are sealed onto the membrane and interlock at the corner junctions.

3. Movement over time of the timber structure which stresses the membrane and creates a potential opening for leaks. As the Atlantis tray is made from solid reinforced fibreglass, there is no chance of movement or buckling in the critical shower floor area.

4. Inadequate or uneven falls to the waste which result in water pooling or escaping. Atlantis shower bases have a guaranteed integral fall to the waste.

5. Membrane failure due to inadequate application or each coat not being given enough time to cure before the next coat is applied. This risk is removed with the Atlantis self-adhesive AFM-WM sheet membrane, which can be tiled over immediately after it is applied.

11. Can I get a protective coating on the Atlantis shower screens?

Atlantis supplies a powerful Glass cleanser and Protector as accessories that can be ordered at any time. These are DIY products that can be easily applied once the shower is installed and will offer protection against water stains and build-up of lime-scale and soap scum. These products require maintenance applications after several months to maintain their effectiveness.

If you would like a more durable treatment, there are a number of commercial glass protector applications available that work with Atlantis shower screens. Ask your merchant or shower installer for further advice.