here we are demonstrating the installation of a water retaining collapsible dam and weighted shower curtain for barrier-free curbless showers before we get started it is important to note why water retaining accessories are a smart choice and a necessity in smaller spaces all barrier-free showers are by definition barrier-free or curbless with a gentle slope to the drain the size and depth of a barrier-free shower often determine the shower area's capacity to retain water collapsible dams are particularly well suited for bathtub replacement size showers that have narrow depths usually around 32 inches collapsible water dams are soft and flexible underfoot yet durable enough to stand up to robust commercial applications when paired with heavy tape weighted curtains that is curtains that have weights sewn in every two inches along the bottom seam these accessories provide safety and assurance by preventing water from escaping the shower open the package and check to see if you have received the following white collapsible dam one pair of finished end caps installation instruction manual heavy tape weighted shower curtain prior to installation stretch out the dam allowing it to acclimate to room temperature warming the material will allow it to return to normal shape relieving kinks or compressions caused by packaging and shipping rendering a smoother installation determine where you want the dam to go the surface area to be adhered to must be chemically cleaned and void of dust clean and prepare the entire surface of the threshold apply denatured alcohol liberally on a clean dry cloth and wipe threshold surface area thoroughly this step is paramount to a proper long-lasting adhesion for best results it is helpful to draw or snap a temporary line as a visual guide for this application the installer will apply to the flat surface of the threshold following the feature line where the interior slope begins as a guide apply 100 white or clear silicone adhesive caulk in both sides of the cap channel as shown peel back the adhesive cover strip approximately six to eight inches press the dam firmly in place make sure you have a consistent waterproof seal between the cap and the wall continue pulling the adhesive cover while gently stretching the dam and pressing into place along your visual guideline until you come to the end here you want to pull the dam until it touches the wall next cut the dam approximately one half inch from the vertical wall carefully use clean rag and alcohol to wipe away excessive caulk and be sure the adhesive on the caps have ample time to cure before they are flexed or disturbed now it is time to install the weighted shower curtain weighted curtains are a necessity for water control success in barrier-free showers to properly install a weighted curtain the bottom seam must make contact with the shower floor curtain and dam should look as shown when complete congratulations you have successfully installed the most effective water retaining combination for barrier-free showers available