Remove shower screen sealant - hard and

[lumepo]

The original seal of the shower screen has become brittle and calcified. I do not know how to remove it without chipping the screen. Do you know how this is done? I tried pushing a sharp knife through the gap between the seal and the screen and push the seal down. It does not move.

 

[endecotp]

photo please

 

[lumepo]

Here is the requested photograph. Please give me all the information you have to help me remove the old seal.

 

[foxhole]

Spray with a descaler and leave an hour , then a sharp blow downwards with a wood chisel should dislodge.If it's had glue applied carburettor cleaner is a strong solvent which destroys many adhesives.

 

[endecotp]

Maybe it was glued? It looks like the seal has gone hard and brittle.

I'd probably take the screen off and put it on the floor, then attack it with a chisel.

 

[lumepo]

Thank you all for your replies. I presume that the descaler could be bought in a supermarket. Where can one buy carburettor, if that is required?

 

[foxhole]

Carb cleaner any motor spares shop/ Halfords etc , though cheapest at car boot sales.

 

[flameport]

Before the OP goes and buys any, note that carburettor cleaner will also damage & destroy many plastics such as the bath.

Another thing to consider is that you won't 'chip' the screen - if any part of the glass is damaged, the whole thing will instantly disintegrate into a pile of tiny pieces.

 

[rules&rulers]

If it was my shower screen I would simply replace it.

Changed 2 shower enclosure's last week and the finished result is very smart.

edit, old shower glass is very very brittle and the slightest knock it will be broken into many small pieces of glass,as flameport mentioned.

 

[lumepo]

Thank you for your help. I have managed to removed the the seal by pushing a sharp blade in the gap between the glass and the seal and breaking the seal at various places. The glass was not damaged. There was some glue that was removed with a spirit liquid. With undiluted bleach and a brush I manage the clean the screen and fittings completely and the screen looks like new. The forum is invaluable. Thank you.