Q.I received the new JLC book "Tiling
for Contractors," by Michael Byrne, and was dismayed to see
that there is no section that addresses hot-mop shower pans,
including framing, backing, and pan installation. Why
not?A.Book author Michael Byrne responds: Given that a
shower pan is required by code to have a 1?4-inch-per-foot
slope, it is virtually impossible to install a hot-mopped pan
without the hot tar running down toward the drain. In addition,
since hot-tar fumes have been shown to be a contributing factor
in testicular cancer, I've used other, better methods - usually
a CPVC pan liner and weep...