Architectural specification.

Section includes porcelain composite wall panels as indicated and specified: shower surround panels, tub surround panels, and wet room wall panels.

Porcelain composite wall panels consist of 6mm vitrified porcelain slabs adhered in-plant to an engineered waterproof backer and an integral mechanical track system. The material is nonporous, with the specified color and pattern on the porcelain surface.

• Shop drawings indicating panel sizes and seam locations.
• Samples of the full range of available colors and patterns for selection.
• Manufacturer’s care and maintenance instructions.

• Transport and deliver all items in appropriate packaging to prevent damage.
• Handle materials to prevent damage to adjacent surfaces and previous work.
• Carry all shower wall panels vertically to avoid breakage.

Source limitations: where porcelain composite wall panels are indicated, the material shall be Touchstone, manufactured by Regal Building Products, 6130 Cochran Road, Solon, OH 44139, 440-287-0101.

Installation qualifications: panels shall be installed in accordance with the published manufacturer instructions.

Furnish the manufacturer’s limited warranty covering defects in material and workmanship, per the manufacturer’s published warranty program. Standard coverage is provided with each kit; installs completed by a Factory Trained Installer using the full Pro installation specification qualify for the Pro warranty. See the Touchstone warranty for full terms.

Touchstone porcelain shower surround system, Regal Building Products, 6130 Cochran Road, Solon, OH 44139, 440-287-0101.

• Panels shall be Touchstone, manufactured by Regal Building Products.
• Panels consist of 6mm vitrified porcelain slabs adhered in-plant to an engineered waterproof backer and an integral mechanical track system; nonporous, with the specified color and pattern on the porcelain surface.
• Panels shall be installed using mechanical attachments, with no thinset adhesive or grout.
• Panels shall be removable for future plumbing repairs and shall allow for reinstallation upon completion of the repairs.

Panel type:

• Maximum panel size: 94-1/2" W × 47-1/4" H.
• 3/4" overall panel thickness, consistent throughout including at edges.
• Supplied at the largest practical widths to minimize seaming at the jobsite.
• Trimmed and scribed at the time of installation to ensure proper fit.

Color & pattern:to be selected from the manufacturer’s standard selection of available colors and patterns.

Finish:to be selected from the manufacturer’s standard selection of finishes.

Basic limitations: material is designed for interior use only.

Examine all substrates to receive porcelain composite wall panels for compliance with installation tolerances and other conditions affecting performance. Proceed only after unsatisfactory conditions have been corrected.

• Install products plumb and level in the locations indicated, per the manufacturer’s recommended procedures; trim and scribe panels for proper fit using the manufacturer’s recommended tooling and blades.
• Install the manufacturer’s in-wall mechanical fastening system per published procedures, adding in-wall blocking where necessary.
• Install panels in a stacked configuration to create a single horizontal seam in each shower wall; seams shall be level and align with adjacent walls.
• Install self-adhesive, closed-cell foam gasket between panels at vertical corner joints.
• Install self-adhesive, waterproof flashing in one continuous piece on framing behind vertical corner joints (top of panels to top of shower base, bottom edge inside the water dam) and at the horizontal joint between the shower base and wall framing.
• Install the manufacturer’s recommended color-match sealant at all visible panel joints; maximum joint width shall be no more than 1/8" in finished work.
• Do not use thinset adhesive, mortar, or grout. Coordinate plumbing installation with Division 22.

Keep components clean during installation and remove all adhesives and sealants from product surfaces. On completion, remove excess materials and debris. Protect surfaces from damage until the project is complete; repair or replace damaged components that cannot be repaired to the architect’s satisfaction.