How to silicone a shower cabin

Living in a household often requires sacrificing many luxuries and being content with the basics, including simple meals. However, one thing that no one can do without is staying clean and hygienic. In rural areas, people have always built bathhouses, while in urban apartments, bathtubs have been the norm. Nevertheless, the trend is shifting towards using shower cabins instead. Manufacturers are constantly coming up with a wide variety of models to satisfy the diverse tastes and preferences of customers.

There is a wide range of shapes and sizes, as well as variations in design and functionality when it comes to bathtubs. The more expensive options even come with hydromassage features, and there are models available that have built-in telephones and radios. Different people have different reasons for choosing a shower cabin over a bathtub. Some prefer the extra space it provides, while others are conscious of water conservation. Regardless, cabins and boxes are becoming increasingly popular. However, it’s worth noting that they also come with some downsides – they need to be properly sealed.

Why do you need to siliconize a shower cubicle

Even in a moderately-sized space, once you have installed the shower enclosure, there will still be enough room for furniture and a washing machine. However, it is essential to seal the unit properly to prevent moisture and dampness from causing damage to the room. This is particularly important because shower cabins are pre-made structures that may have gaps between their elements, through which moisture can penetrate.

The presence of dampness in the bathroom creates a favorable environment for the growth of mold, fungi, and other microorganisms. These organisms can take root in the room and then spread to other areas of the apartment. Additionally, when these organisms release their spores into the air, they can trigger various allergic reactions and illnesses.

Not only is moisture a magnet for rodents, insects, and other unwanted guests who can carry various diseases, but it also poses a risk of leaks. That is why it is crucial to properly seal your shower stall.

Attention! Sealing should be done during the installation stage, not after the entire structure is assembled.

One problematic area of any shower stall is the joint area. Even a well-designed shower cabin can experience leaks. Many models on the market come with low thresholds that allow water to overflow.

Poor-quality drainage mechanisms or faulty connections can also contribute to moisture. This can lead to water pooling under the base of the shower cubicle. Tightening the fasteners or installing a new drainage system can help address this issue. Cracks in the drain pan can also lead to leaks.

Types of sealants

The treatment of joints is carried out with special compositions known as sealants.

Sealant, a thick, pasty substance, consisting of a polymer with an adhesive base, is used to fill voids and securely bond surfaces as it dries.

There are two types of sealants available:

• silicone-based;
• acrylic-based.

Acrylic-based sealants are not suitable for areas with high moisture content. This is because acrylic decomposes under the influence of water and tends to crack and deteriorate as it dries. Manufacturers attempt to include moisture-resistant substances in the composition, but this does not solve the problem.

Silicone sealants are highly recommended for use in high humidity conditions. They have excellent water resistance and effectively fill in gaps and holes. These properties make sealants a top choice among professionals. However, it is necessary to know how to select a high-quality product.

The primary goal of a sealant is to provide reliable leak protection. Therefore, it is not advisable to skimp on your purchase – while you may be able to find a cheap sealant, it may lack the necessary quality. Such a sealant will quickly lose its effectiveness, and you will have to start the project from scratch.

How to seal the shower cabin

If you want to seal the cabin on your own and get a high-quality result, it is recommended to utilize a dedicated tool designed specifically for this task. The tool resembles a gun, with the sealant being inserted into it. Using the gun makes it significantly easier to dispense the sealant, ensuring a smooth and continuous application.

Prior to applying silicone, it is important to prepare the surface by using a degreasing compound to eliminate any oils or residue, as well as to remove any dust or dirt that may hinder adhesion. Additionally, it is recommended to treat the surface with an anti-mold compound to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

The drying time of the sealant is typically around 24 hours, although this can vary depending on several factors:

• The thickness of the applied silicone compound
• The room temperature
• The humidity level in the room

Based on the previous two points, it would be wise to refrain from using the bathroom for a short period of time in order to avoid inadvertently increasing its moisture content and temperature. It is also recommended to avoid using the shower stall for a certain amount of time after treatment. As mentioned before, silicone sealant is the best option for this type of work, and its affordability makes it a popular choice.

When starting the process of sealing the joints, it is important to apply the sealant directly at the connection point or immediately after installation. Carefully apply the sealant to areas with sealing cords and gaskets. Ensure that the areas with fasteners are not covered by the sealant strip.

Extra attention needs to be given to the handling of joints. It’s important to prevent any contact of the compound with the inner surfaces. A small amount of the substance is sufficient for application. If there are concerns about carrying out the treatment carefully, painter’s tape can be used on certain areas.

Once the work is done, the tape can be peeled off. Any excess sealant should be wiped off with a cloth. It is crucial not to wait for it to dry.

After treating all joints and completing the cabin’s final assembly, a thorough external inspection should be conducted. Any excess sealing compound must be removed.

If a leak is detected, it is important to completely replace the sealant in that particular area. Applying a new layer of sealant on top of the existing one will not provide a strong bond and, ultimately, the leak will reoccur.

In cases where there is no tray in the cabin, it is necessary to use a special grout to effectively seal the joints between the tiles. This grout will help repel water from the joints, just like the tiles themselves.