The subtleties of sealing the shower

Nowadays, shower cabins are a very popular solution for the bathroom. Someone wants to save space in the bathroom, someone simply considers the presence of a shower cabin convenient, and someone wants to save water in the context of rising prices for hot water. In any case, shower boxes and cabins are quite popular, although they are not without certain disadvantages. It is about the issue of sealing the booth.

After installing the cabin in a small bathroom, there is still space for some furniture, a washing machine, and so on. And the sealing of the shower stall is the most important element in protecting the room from moisture and its excess and, as a result, dampness in the room. The severity of the problem in this case is due to the fact that the booth is a prefabricated structure. Namely, through the cracks between its parts, moisture with steam gets outside and increases the humidity.

Moreover, this becomes the reason for the formation and extremely rapid spread of fungi, mold, and other harmful microorganisms in the bathroom, and then in the apartment. Their spores, which are thrown into the air, cause allergies, diseases of the respiratory tract, lungs, and so on. In addition, dampness can attract various creatures: cockroaches, rats, insects, wood lice and the like, which are carriers of dangerous infectious diseases. That is why it is strongly recommended that after installation, it is imperative to seal and waterproof the shower stall.

If we talk about the most frequent places of leaks, then most often these are butt seams. This is the weakest point in any shower stall. Another reason could be the cab design itself. In a large number of models, thresholds are small in height, through which water is simply poured. Another reason for water spills can be poor quality of the drain mechanism or the connection of its elements. In this case, the water simply accumulates under the shower stall. As a rule, it is enough to either tighten the fasteners, or replace the system itself. Another fairly common cause of shower stall leaks is a crack in the shower tray.

The sealing process is carried out by using special agents called sealants. They are produced as a high-density paste, which is applied to the seams at the joints of various surfaces. The specified substance consists of polymers having an adhesive base. When they dry, they simply fill the space and glue the surfaces together.

Today, you can use two types of sealant:

• based on silicone;
• acrylic.

The latter are almost impossible to use in bathrooms and showers due to the high humidity in these places. And acrylic under its action simply begins to decompose, in the process of drying it simply cracks and slowly collapses. It is for this reason that various substances are added to acrylic pastes that are resistant to water. Even so, acrylic is not as durable as silicone.

Silicone is considered the best solution on the market at the moment for two reasons: it reacts calmly to the effects of water, and also reliably closes all holes and holes. Therefore, most craftsmen believe that it is better to use silicone sealant in the described case. But you also need to be able to choose it.The main purpose of such a composition is to create a reliable barrier to prevent moisture penetration. Considering that the consequences of its penetration can then result in serious costs, it is better not to save on sealant from the very beginning. The fact is that some low-quality compounds of this type can quickly lose their waterproofing properties, and after a while the work will have to be done again.

To determine whether the sealant is of high quality before its purchase and subsequent use, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the composition indicated on the label. The best option for a shower cabin would be an option that contains at least 45 percent of a hydrophobic filler, 45 percent of silicone-based rubber, a plasticizer, as well as various additives: thixotropic substances, catalyzate and fungicides. It is best to choose sealants from well-known manufacturers, whose products have already shown their high quality when creating seams and sealing such areas.

In order for the do-it-yourself sealing process to be carried out correctly, special equipment should be used, which is most often supplied with a sealant. This is a so-called pistol, into which a capsule with a sealant is inserted, and the force is transmitted from the trigger through a special design to the piston. This allows the application of a sealed compound in an even layer without breaks along the entire butt length. But before doing this, you need to degrease the surface, completely and very thoroughly clean it from particles of dirt and dust in order to ensure a reliable connection of the silicone with the edges of the degreased surface. It will not be superfluous to apply an antifungal composition in order to exclude any formation of fungus or mold at all.

The following factors affect the speed of solidification:

• the thickness of the applied sealant;
• temperature;
• the level of moisture in the room where the work is carried out.

Considering the last two factors, you should not use the bathroom for a while, so as not to increase the humidity and temperature in it before carrying out work. When it was possible to seal the required area, experts do not recommend using the shower for some time. As stated, a silicone based sealant is the ideal solution for protecting joints during shower installation. It is easier to handle than acrylic sealant, and its properties will be better. And the affordable price indicates that it is better to choose this type of sealant.

If we go directly to the sealing process, then silicone shower cabins should be either during assembly (each connection), or after the end of installation (all joints that have formed). Carefully apply sealant to areas that have already been sealed with cords or rubberized gaskets. It is necessary to process the joints in such a way that the places where the parts are attached to the structure with screws or bolts are on the outside of the sealant strip.

Sealing should be carried out according to the plan-instructions from the manufacturer., which clearly and step by step describes the entire process. And at each stage, silicone must be applied to all joints and joints.

The processing of the seams should be carried out as carefully and very carefully as possible. The substance must not come into contact with the interior of the shower cubicle, bathtub or tray. A small amount of sealant will suffice for any corner.If you are not sure that you can gently silicone it, then some places, and especially those that are next to the seal strip line, can be pasted over with masking tape. This will protect them from accidental ingress of sealant.

When all the work is completely completed, the tape is easily removed. If suddenly you accidentally stain some unprotected place, then the fresh composition can be removed with a piece of cloth. When the sealant dries, it will be nearly impossible to remove without damaging the surface.

When all joints inside the shower stall are treated with silicone or other sealant, and the structure is fully assembled and fixed with all fasteners, it is imperative to conduct a general inspection of the shower stall from the outside. It should be very carefully inspected for the presence of excess sealant from the outside. If such surpluses are found, they should be carefully wiped off with a rag or piece of cloth.

Next, you need to give the sealant time to dry. As a rule, the drying time is indicated on the tube. When it is completely dry, then you need to check the structure for leaks. To do this, just shut off the drain and collect water in the sump or on the floor to a certain level, and then drain it. During the collection of water, it will be possible to understand or the shower stall flows in the most important places. If such a leak is found, then in order to eliminate it, it will be necessary to replace the entire applied sealant with a new one. It will be pointless to use a sealant precisely in places of leakage, since it will not represent a single tenacious mass. This solution is temporary. But sooner or later, a leak will reappear in this place.

It should be said that if the shower stall does not have a pallet, then in order for it to be called airtight, it is necessary to use a high-quality grout for the joints located between the tiles. The point is that they absorb all the water. The tiles are water-repellent, but the seams are not. For this reason, they are treated with grout so that they can withstand the effects of water, as well as the impacts that it carries when falling. And the treatment with this mixture will eliminate the appearance of fungus.

The whole range of measures described above must be carried out precisely in a complex. This is the best way to achieve the desired result. If we allow time gaps in this process, then the success of the result will significantly decrease. Therefore, you should not jeopardize the safety of your neighbors who live on the floor below.

You should not save on sealants and buy substances of dubious quality. As a rule, the service life of such sealants is significantly lower, and their protective properties are weaker. If a poor-quality sealant was previously applied, then it is best to replace it with a new one. You should not try to save a small amount, since the number of problems will only increase with the course, and you will have to pay significantly more.

It is quite simple to seal the shower stall. But for this you need to know the procedure well. Moreover, it is necessary to clearly understand the features of each stage. It is necessary to strictly adhere to the technology, to know all the features of your shower cabin.

For the intricacies of sealing a shower stall, see the next video.