How to Seal a Shower Screen | A Plumbworld Guide
Over time shower screen seals can wear out and become mouldy. If you’ve noticed your shower screen has seen better days and started to leak, it might be time to replace your shower screen seals. Whether you go all out and fit a completely new screen, or simply re-seal your current screen, we’ve got you covered with our step-by-step guide.
What is Shower Screen Sealing?
If your shower screen has started to leak this is likely due to broken or degraded seals. Now, there are two types of shower screen seals: sealant, used where the screen meets the wall and a plastic removable seal fitted at the bottom of the screen, which can need replacing over time.
What Tools Will I Need?
No matter whether you’re replacing old shower sealant or sealing in a brand-new screen we’ve listed the tools you will need below:
- Stanley knife/stripping knife
- Sealant gun
- Silicone smoothing/finishing profile tool
- New removable plastic shower seal
- Sealant remover (for old stubborn sealant)
The Steps to Sealing a Shower Screen
Sealing a shower screen can be a pretty straightforward task to carry out when you know what you’re doing but can be daunting for a DIY novice. That’s why we’ve created this handy step-by-step guide, designed to help anyone needing support.
Re-sealing an Existing Shower Screen
- Your first task when re-sealing an existing shower screen is to remove all existing sealant and clean the area where the sealant once was.
- To remove your existing sealant, you’ll need a Stanley knife or sealant stripping knife to carefully remove any existing sealant. Depending on the condition of the sealant, this could be a quick job, one that requires a little more time, or even some sealant remover for more stubborn cases.
- Once all the old sealant has been removed, make sure you give the area a good clean down with a clean, damp cloth before attempting to apply any new sealant. Please also ensure the surface is completely dry and free of any debris before starting to apply any new sealant.
- Depending on the type of shower screen you have; you may also have a removable plastic seal fitted at the bottom of the screen. It’s also a good idea to remove this and give it a thorough clean if you're not replacing it. Over time this removable seal can also collect a build-up of damp and bacteria, especially when not removed and cleaned regularly.
- If you intend to replace this removable seal, then now’s the time to remove this and give your shower screen a good old clean before fitting a new seal.
- You can start resealing your shower screen once you’ve cleaned and dried it. Start with the sealant around the edge of the shower screen, where it meets the wall (in the same place as the sealant you have removed). It’s a good idea to start from the top, applying a thin and even bead of sealant from the top to bottom.
- Next, it’s time to smooth the sealant using a silicone smoothing or profiling tool. Please don’t use your fingers as this can introduce bacteria into the sealant, increasing the chances of mould. The last thing you want is to be replacing your sealant again in a few months.
- Using your profiling tool, carefully smooth the sealant, from top to bottom. Once this is neatly sealed leave it to dry out for roughly 24-48hrs.
- While waiting for your sealant to dry this is the perfect time to fit your new plastic shower seal. You can get seals made specifically for your shower screen or ones that will need cutting to size. If you have purchased one that needs cutting down, it’s a good idea to use your old seal as a template, helping you cut your new seal to the correct size.
- Once you have fitted your new seal and the fresh sealant is completely dry, now’s the time to test for leaks. Even if you don’t see any leaks now, keep an eye out the next time you use the shower.
Sealing a New Shower Screen
If you’re fitting a brand-new shower screen you only need to follow a few of the steps above. Simply miss out any mention of removing any old sealants and go straight to making sure the area is clean, dry, and free of debris. Once this is complete, you’re now free to start sealing in your brand-new shower screen. Follow the instructions above but for your new shower screen instead.
Top Tips for Sealing a Shower Screen
Once you’ve sealed in your shower screen you can’t stop there. If you want to keep your shower screen looking as good as new there are a few maintenance tasks to be carried out. Take a look at some of our hints and tips below:
- Always seal around the outside and not the inside of a shower screen. This is because water can get trapped in the wall profile and leak out of the front of the screen if sealed from the inside.
- Test for leaks after sealing to ensure your shower screen is thoroughly sealed.
- Regular cleaning and maintenance of seals. This will help to keep your sealant stronger for longer and reduce the chance of mould developing.
- If you are unsure about the process of sealing in a shower screen, make sure to get help or advice from a professional.
Discover Our Range of Shower Screens Today
At Plumbworld, we sell a huge range of shower screens, including wet room and bath shower screens, catering to all your showering needs. From classic clear glass options to grid glass and even fluted designs, we have styles to suit all.
What’s more, we cater for all budgets so whether you’re looking for something cheap and cheerful or a standout feature for your bathroom, we’ve got you covered. Visit our website today to view our full range of shower screens.
If you found this post useful, you might also like - How to Clean a Shower Enclosure - The Key to Clean Shower Glass - How to Seal a Bath Properly.
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