From Realtà Mapei n° 41 - 11/18/2025

Transforming the Modern Bathroom

Inside MAPEI's complete Mapeguard Shower Systems

When it comes to building or renovating a bathroom, the shower is one of the most important and complex elements to get right. It must be beautiful, practical, and – above all – completely watertight. For too long, contractors and homeowners have faced a patchwork of combining components, time-consuming installations, and concern over system compatibility.

Recognizing these challenges, MAPEI has launched its Mapeguard Shower Systems – the most comprehensive and integrated shower installation solutions on the market today. Designed to empower installers with everything they need, this total system approach combines proven waterproofing technology, precision-made components and high-performance installation products under one trusted brand.

“With this innovative solution, we aim to empower installers with the ability to create unique, watertight showers and baths with confidence and ease,” said Brian Pistulka, MAPEI’s Tile & Stone Installation Systems Business Manager. “It’s a total system solution that is simple, convenient and a game-changer for the industry.”

Why a total system matters

Bathrooms, especially showers and wet rooms, are among the most demanding environments in any home or commercial space. A single failure in waterproofing or drainage can cause costly damage and headaches for installers, builders and homeowners alike. MAPEI’s Mapeguard Shower Systems address these risks with a carefully engineered suite of components that work together seamlessly – saving time, reducing guesswork and boosting confidence.

For installers, this means faster installations and fewer callbacks. Pre-formed trays, niches, curbs and benches speed up construction while eliminating complex on-site fabrication. Robust waterproofing membranes and underlayments deliver proven protection and peace of mind. Drainage elements handle water efficiently and look great doing it, thanks to stylish grates and modern design options.

Homeowners benefit too – with a shower that not only looks beautiful but is built to last. Every product in the system has been designed to meet the highest industry standards for performance, durability and long-term protection against leaks, mold and mildew.

Strength backed by innovation

Beyond installation speed and performance, Mapeguard Shower Systems stand out for another reason: They are backed by MAPEI’s decades of experience in advanced tile, stone and waterproofing solutions. This means every product is engineered to deliver on MAPEI’s promise of quality and innovation.

In addition, installers can count on compatibility: Each part of the system is tested to work together with the others, from the waterproofing membranes to the mortars, grouts, silicones and finishing profiles. This all-in-one approach means fewer surprises on-site and results that last for years to come.

A smarter future for bathrooms

For contractors, remodelers, designers and homeowners seeking peace of mind and premium performance, MAPEI’s Mapeguard Shower Systems provide a smarter way forward. They are a single source for every component needed to create stunning, watertight showers that stand the test of time.

Mapeguard Shower Systems are a true installation system solution. “To complete the installation, installers can use MAPEI’s Keraflex Membrane Mortar, a premium setting mortar, and waterproof with MAPEI’s Reinforcing Fabric and Mapelastic AquaDefense. Installers can grout with MAPEI Flexcolor CQ, a ready-to-use grout with color-coated quartz,” Pistulka said. “It’s a total system solution that gives installers the confidence that every element works together – from waterproofing to finishing – so they can deliver high-quality showers faster and with fewer worries.”

What’s inside Mapeguard Shower Systems?

Mapeguard Shower Systems are the industry’s most complete collection of shower construction products – all engineered to integrate perfectly for long-lasting performance and design freedom.

Core components include:

Mapelastic AquaDefense with Reinforcing Fabric: Liquid-applied waterproofing membrane for quick, easy coverage.
Mapelastic Turbo: Fast-drying waterproofing solution for tight timelines. This two-component, rapid-drying, cementitious-binder-based membrane incorporates fine-grained selected aggregates, special admixtures and synthetic polymers in water dispersion for interior and exterior installations.
Mapeguard Board: Lightweight foam boards for insulation and robust waterproofing. This multipurpose, premium-performance, lightweight, rigid, waterproof backer-board panel is made with a high-density, extruded polystyrene core.
Mapeguard Drain and Mapeguard Drain Grate: Complete drain kits with stylish grate options in polished stainless steel, brushed nickel or matte black. The drain features an integrated bonding flange and low profile for floor applications.
Mapeguard PIC and Mapeguard POC: Inside and outside corner pieces for watertight detailing. Mapeguard PIC and Mapeguard POC are thin, flexible, alkali-resistant, polyethylene membranes coated on both sides with a nonwoven polypropylene fabric.
Mapeguard Pre-Formed Curb: Ready-to-install curbs for clean transitions, made from high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS), with a solid composition and an acrylic polymer coating. It is used to create a tile-ready curb in wet areas in lieu of lath and mortar, or as a replacement for 2" x 4" (5 x 10 cm) boards that are overlaid and waterproofed.
Mapeguard Pre-Formed Niche: Stylish built-in storage for a sleek look. Made from high-density, extruded polystyrene (XPS) and coated with an acrylic polymer finish. The sizing has been designed to sit flush with 2" x 4" (5 x 10 cm) wall construction with a 1/2" (12 mm) backer board.
Mapeguard Pre-Formed Ramp: Supports easy-access, barrier-free ADA-compliant designs. Pre-formed, sloped, rigid and lightweight, it is made from high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS) and features a layered foam-honeycomb composition for superior compressive strength. Ramp slope height is from 1/4" to 1-5/8" (6 mm to 41 mm).
Mapeguard Pre-Formed Seat and Mapeguard Pre-Formed Seat Bench: Added comfort and accessibility without custom building. Each is made from high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS), solid composition and coated with an acrylic polymer finish. Convenient lengths of 38" (96.5 cm) and 48" (122 cm) for benches, and 15-1/2" (39.4 cm) and 32-1/2" (82.5 cm) for seats, but can be cut to fit or combined to accommodate a variety of lengths.
Mapeguard Pre-Formed Shower Tray: Precision-sloped base for reliable drainage. Made from high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS) with a high-quality waterproofing sheet membrane bonded to the polystyrene foam, it is pre-sloped 1/4" per foot (6 mm per 0.30 m) to the drain.
Mapeguard VC: Pre-formed valve collar for secure pipe penetrations. This thin, flexible, alkali-resistant, polyethylene membrane is coated on both sides with a nonwoven polypropylene fabric engineered with a stretchable rubber center.
Mapeguard WP 200: Flexible sheet membrane for superior wet-area waterproofing. This thin, flexible polyethylene sheet membrane features a nonwoven, polypropylene fabric on both sides, used for both waterproofing and crack isolation.
Mapeguard WP ST: Waterproofing sealing tape for Mapeguard WP 200, seams and corners.

Installation solutions include:

MAPEI mortars meeting ANSI A118.4/A118.15: Premium setting mortars, such as the Keraflex family of mortars with High-Transfer Technology™ for secure tile installations.
MAPEI grout: High-performance, stain-resistant grouts for lasting beauty.
Mapesil T Plus: 100%-silicone sealant for flexible, watertight expansion joints.
MAPEI edge-leveling system: Keeps tiles perfectly aligned for a flawless finish.
MAPEI profiles: Finishing trims for elegant, durable edges.

Together, these components create a reliable, installer-friendly system that takes the guesswork out of building beautiful, watertight showers.