So you’ve just found out your shower is leaking and you want to reseal it. Fantastic! Poorly sealed shower trays are one of the most common causes of leaking showers.
In this handy guide, you’ll learn 10 tips about shower sealing to achieve a professional watertight seal.
1. Look for Signs of Water Damage
If you’ve discovered your shower is leaking, it’s a good idea to inspect the property to find any signs of damage. Common signs of damage include gaps in floor and wall joints, watermark stains on the ceiling, paint bubbling on the walls, discoloured shower tiles and mouldy silicone.
All of these warning signs are a good indication that your shower is leaking.
2. Watch Out for Damp Carpet and Unpleasant Odours
If water has entered the substructure of the home, the lack of insulation means the water won’t evaporate and will cause the wood to rot or decay.
This will eventually affect the carpet and leave behind damp spots, along with an unpleasant odour and the growth of mould.
3. Replace Broken or Cracked Tiles
Cracked, loose or exposed tiles can direct water to unwanted places in the home. Inspect each tile in your shower and replace them yourself or find a professional installer who can match the style of your current décor.
Keep in mind this may not solve the underlying issue with your leaking shower. Therefore, it’s recommended you have the premise inspected by a licensed professional.
4. Make Sure the Area is Clean and Dry
Now that you’ve inspected the premise, you’ll probably want to re-grout or reseal the shower.
If you choose to do either of these jobs yourself, make sure the area is clean and dry. This will ensure any product you apply adheres correctly and will save you from the hassle of fixing a poorly done job.
5. Get a Free Pressure and Moisture Test
Most professional waterproofing companies offer a free moisture and pressure test.
A moisture test will identify areas in the home that contain unusually high levels of moisture, while a pressure test will search for defects in your home plumbing. By having these tests done, you’ll get professional tips on the right shower sealing solution for you.
6. Replace the Tile Grout
Grout is a silicone-based product used to seal joints between shower tiles. Over time, tile grout will degrade and need to be replaced.
You can choose to remove and reseal the grout yourself. But if you want to save time and have it done right the first time, hire a licensed professional. They’ll know how to correctly perform the procedure and form a 100% seal to extend the life of your shower.
7. Remove Old Grout Before Applying the New
You can apply new grout over an existing layer, but the results are usually not good. That’s because the old grout won’t adhere properly to the new layer and will struggle to maintain a 100% seal.
8. Replace Wall and Floor Joint Strips
Building movement places a lot of stress on your home. When it comes to your wall and floor joints, the silicone strip that keeps them connected may fail and expose the substructure to water breach.
Be sure to replace these strips regularly and check other areas of the bathroom such as tiled surfaces, bench tops, splashbacks, and movement joints.
9. Reseal the Shower Tray
Need a new application of silicone sealant on the shower tray?
Use a high-quality sealant designed for bathrooms and has anti-fungal additives. Make sure you choose a sealant that’s non-abrasive to your kind of shower tile.
If you’re resealing the shower tray yourself, be sure to follow the instructions and prepare the surface, apply the silicone evenly along the tray, and wipe the excess silicone away with a paper towel.
Should the shower continue to leak then you should seek advice from a professional?
10. Hire a Professional Leaking Shower Expert
If you don’t have the time, tools or resources to properly fix your leaking shower, a licensed professional can offer you professional tips about shower sealing and a cost-effective solution.
Whether you need grout stripped from the wall and replaced, cracked tiles need repairing or you need sealant applied to the entire floor area – a licensed professional will ensure your shower is 100% seal in every aspect.
