Waterproofing Shower Walls

Post Taged With Waterproofing Shower Walls Before Tiling with regard to dimensions 815 X 1087

Waterproofing Shower Walls – Choosing the best shower or bathtub wall surround can be tough. Should you install acrylic, a good surface material like Swanstone, or use decorative tiles? Will the standard of these items stand quality of your time? Which one is the best match to your budget and tastes? Learn 7 practical steps to determine which wall system is right for you.

Step 1 – Determine if you would like to look at your existing walls – To save money it’s nice to put a bathtub or shower wall surround over a pre-existing surface. It is possible to use specialized glue or butyl tape to adhere acrylic or Swanstone solid surface materials over existing tile as long as the existing walls are not spongy or bowed. If you have a plastic or fiberglass system it is not possible to put new walls over your existing materials. In these cases the existing system will have to removed, new backerboard installed then new walls set up.

Step 2 – Think through your budget- If you’re like the majority of you want to obtain the most value to your money – a high quality material which does not hurt your wallet. If you are considering a straightforward to completely clean cost-effective material acrylic is a wonderful choice. It is warm to the touch, installs quickly and features a lifetime warranty.

For an even more elegant appearance (that’s available in more decorative patterns and fashions) consider a Swanstone solid surface wall. Swanstone is easy to maintain, does not have any joints to grout or seal and comes in lots of choices. Usually the priciest method is tile (if you don’t manage to do the installation yourself and save the labor hours- tile is among the most time consuming to install vs. sheet products like acrylic & Swanstone). There are limitless choices and price ranges of tile plus it creates an elegant look also.

Step 3 – Select your material, designs, colors and accents you desire – After you’ve selected between acrylic, Swanstone and tile you need to choose your design and color(s). Acrylic wall surrounds come in numerous colors, patterns and finishes. There are solid, granite, metallic and also marble finishes. In addition the walls you choose can be smooth, 4″ x 4″ simulated tiles, 8″ x 10″ simulated tiles or possibly a stone look. Acrylic has stopped being simply a white smooth faced wall.

Swanstone, whilst it may be known for it’s strength, color and texture consistent, grout-free quality, along with the fact it will not crack or craze – has a very broad range of decorative options also. There are over 45 standard, high shine, and granite colors. In addition there are decorative panels to make unique architectural designs named Pebble, Geometric, Beadboard, Tangier and Barcelona. There are also designer trim pieces and rosettes to create a finished look. Tile offers the widest product options in terms of color, accents, borders, sizes and thicknesses. Make sure to choose a high density water resistant tile to your bath or shower.

Step 4 -Choose your backerboard. Select material to adhere the wall material plus the truth of tile finish the face area in the wall- What you do not see in a very bathtub or shower wall panel project will be as important as whatever you do see. Use the right material(s) behind the wall. Here are some recommendations: Acrylic – If the tile walls have been in good shape install over them by adhering the acrylic with butyl tape and color match sealant. This will save on landfill costs, lessen the project installation some time to save money. If the existing wall can’t be installed over set up moisture resistant green board or possibly a cement backer board. Swanstone – Like acrylic when the tile is in good structural shape install on the existing. If not, Swanstone can be installed over greenboard or possibly a cement board using special glue.

Tile – Poorly done tile installations have caused a great deal of wasted money historically (cheap backer board might have been used, poor grouting jobs, poor operate in the corners are simply a few in the problems). For tile installations never use green board – use the water resistant cement board or possibly a waterproof extruded polystyrene board like this made out of Wedi Corporation. These boards needs to be glued and screwed in your framing. In addition to using the right backer board consider investing in a very urethane grout. This type of grout does not should be resealed and it is waterproof. Although it will cost you more in advance it is going to save money in the future in the should regrout, or worse yet the should redo the shower for those who have any water damage.

Step 5 – Fix what’s behind the wall – The best time to repair a poor performing shower valve, a shower head that’s too low, or add backer material to strengthen installing your accessories is the place you’ve got the wall showed.

Step 6 – Identify the bathtub tub and shower accessories you want to add function and elegance in your project – Have you always wanted a leg ledge for shaving, most seat, a curved shower rod to keep the lake in, a hand held shower, most caddy, a frameless shower door, shampoo or soap niche or possibly a grab bar? When you’re installing new wall surrounds is the best time to accessorize your bath or shower to restore do the job you.

Step 7 – If the process sounds too difficult call a reputable contractor that’s not a “one size fits all” – Let’s face it, there are plenty of choices and installation details that should be done efficiently to make certain a successful project. Calling a professional could possibly be higher priced in the growing process but help you save lasting costs. Make sure to choose a contractor it doesn’t try and push you in the one kind of shower or bath wall surround system they offer (like a company selling acrylic systems pushes this place solution you). Look for a company skilled and competent in multiple systems which will aim to understand your needs, budgets and tastes and supply alternative ideas.

Know you’re designed with 7 steps that can be the good outline to plan your acrylic, Swanstone or tile bathtub or shower wall surround installation.