Shower panels

[bathtub tom]

The tiles in my shower (installed 4 years ago) have 'blown'. A plumber's suggested removing the tiles and installing panels, in particular a product from perform panel.
Any comments on panels over tiles and in particular this company?

 

[Baths'N'Gas]

I use the panels from perform and multi panel all the time, never had a problem with them, I prefer the panels in the shower/bath areas as it moves the job on quicker and they are easier to clean

 

[Madrab]

Wet wall or tiles is really a personal preference IMO, though it is easier and quicker to install.

I hate the stuff though, it just doesn't feel right, feels and looks cheap to me and the finish is so 'manufactured' if that makes sense - fitted it a few times and always go back to tiles.

To me is like the difference between analogue and digital for any of the audiophiles out there lol Analogue all day long for me.

 

[aveatry]

I like the idea of them (panels) after all, grout is not waterproof and mould loves it.

 

[Madrab]

grout is not waterproof and mould loves it

Have to disagree - It is if a waterproof anti mould grout is used, properly applied and then sealed correctly for anything unglazed/porcelain. Trouble is some tilers don't have a clue or don't care and customers don't ensure that it's done properly.

 

[aveatry]

Have to disagree - It is if a waterproof anti mould grout is used, properly applied and then sealed correctly for anything unglazed/porcelain. Trouble is some tilers don't have a clue or don't care and customers don't ensure that it's done properly.

Must admit I dont have any mould and I did use waterproof anti mould grout and then I sealed it. But the panels can be fitted without all the faff tanking prep ( can't they ? )

 

[Madrab]

Must admit I dont have any mould and I did use waterproof anti mould grout and then I sealed it. But the panels can be fitted without all the faff tanking prep ( can't they ? )

They absolutely can - but tanking - I always do it as a default now, especially if it's in an upstairs bathroom where plasterboard or P5 chipboard is concerned. Invariably it's not the tiles or grout (or wetboard) that is leaking when the bath/shower is dropping water down into the kitchen. That's usually down to the poor fitting and sealing of the unit itself. Wetboard isn't the fault free coving it's made out to be though it can be DIY fitted so may not need another pricey specialist trade to fit it, with a modicum of success, and it does go up a lot faster.

I'm actually in the middle of tearing down a cubicle that was badly put together by a joiner, he fitted the tray and then used wetboard. You should see the dining room ceiling/wall downstairs. The cubicle leaked badly down the back corners and sides and it was left for years. Countless bodges of sealants and waterproof paints had failed to fix it long term. I've had to strip the whole thing out and the (proper) joiner is in at the moment removing all the rotten wood and rebuilding it properly.