How to Reseal a Shower Tray
While sealing or resealing a shower tray can seem like a daunting task, with a little preparation and understanding, it’s relatively simple and easy to achieve professional-looking results.
So, whether you’re a professional or a determined DIY-er, our handy guide will provide you with the tools, tips, and tricks you need to create a beautiful (and durable!) result.
The Importance of Resealing a Shower Tray Properly
Over time, the sealant around your shower tray can deteriorate, leading to aesthetic and structural issues.
One of the most common issues caused by poor or degraded sealant is water leakage. Unsurprisingly, leaks are a major problem – they can lead to water damage in your bathroom and can even impact other rooms in your house. Plus, water seeping into unsealed joints and edges can lead to mould growth and mildew, further compromising the integrity of your bathroom.
By properly sealing around your shower tray, you dramatically reduce the risk of such problems, ensuring a watertight seal that stands the test of time.
What You’ll Need
It’s important to prepare your tools and materials before setting to work. You will need:
- A high-quality silicone bathroom sealant
- Silicone sealant remover
- Caulking gun
- Utility knife or scraper
- Masking tape
- Cleaning supplies (sponge, detergent, and warm water)
- Solvent for cleaning tools
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
Removing the Old Sealant
Before removing the old silicone sealant, ensure that the area is dry, as this makes removing the silicone with sharp tools much safer.
While not essential, applying silicone sealant remover for a minimum of 20 minutes can make the sealant more malleable and easier to peel away. It’s important to follow the instructions provided with the remover, as application methods and timings may vary.
From there, removing the sealant is as simple as using a utility knife or scraper to cut into the sealant and pull it up and away from the wall. Doing this as gently as possible will ensure no damage is left behind, so work slowly and deliberately – attention to detail is vital, as you want a nice, smooth surface for the new sealant!
Cleaning the area with warm water and detergent should remove any leftover residue, but you may wish to go over the area with rubbing alcohol. There should be no oil, soap, or residue left behind. Additionally, allowing the shower tray to air dry for a few hours provides a perfect canvas for the new sealant.
Check or Replace the Shower Tray
With the sealant removed, it’s an excellent time to check the shower tray for any damage or movement. Checking for damage or movement is easy – simply press down and around on the tray, focusing on the corners and edges.
If you notice any movement, your shower tray might not be secure, and this must be addressed before moving forward. A loose shower tray can lead to leaks, broken sealant, or further damage to the tray.
Reseal the Shower Tray
Going straight in with sealant can get messy. Adding masking tape along the edges of the shower tray and any adjoining surfaces is an old trick that provides a guide, so the silicone produces neat, straight lines. It’s recommended that you leave a 3-5mm gap between the tape and where you’ll add the sealant.
Next, you need to prepare your caulking gun. Cut the tip of the sealant tube at a 45-degree angle, where you cut the tube influences the size of the silicone bead. The higher the cut, the bigger the bead, and vice versa. Then, add the tube to the calking gun and ensure it’s secure.
Once you’ve done this, you should be able to reseal your tray with ease!
Step-by-step Guide to Resealing
- Begin by placing the nozzle of the sealant at one end of your masking tape line.
- Gently press the caulking gun trigger while moving along the line at a slow and steady pace. Aim to keep an even pressure and avoid creating any gaps or bubbles.
- When the sealant is applied, smooth it out using a wet finger or sealing tool, pressing it tightly into the space provided. Create a sleek finish that’s free from gaps or peaks.
- Remove the masking tape before the sealant cures. Peel it off slowly and at an angle because this creates sharp, straight lines. Clean away any excess sealant with a clean, damp cloth.
- After the curing period, double check for any imperfections. If any issues are flagged, add additional sealant where needed.
Clean the Area Around the Shower Tray
Congratulations, you’ve correctly sealed your shower tray! All that’s left to do is cleaning the area and your tools. The easiest way to clean your tools is with a solvent, as it strips away any dried silicone, leaving your tools as good as new.
To clean your bathroom and shower tray, you need is an appropriate bathroom cleaner or soap. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaning products to prevent any issues or reactions with the new sealant.
Finally, appropriately dispose of any waste materials in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance.
More About How to Fit a Shower Tray
For more information about how to fit a shower tray, you can explore another of our blog posts, How to Fit a Shower Tray. This post provides all the information you need about proper shower tray installation, types of shower tray, and shower tray dimensions.
If you found this post useful, you may also like – How to Seal a Shower Screen | A Plumbworld Guide - How to Install a Thermostatic Mixer Shower: An Ultimate Guide - How to Measure A Shower Tray
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