sealing round a bath

[aeu99217]

Hi,

I'm having problems sealing a bath/shower. The shower is above the non-tap end of the bath (this was all done before i moved in). There is also a glass 'shield' that runs from the wall along the side of the bath. I have never been able to successfully seal it. I am starting to think it is because the shower has been put at the wrong end i.e. movement caused by standing. I've tried loads of different sealers etc. Does anyone have any ideas how i could seal it? Has anyone been through the same 'ordeal'?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[jobloggs]

Have you tried filling the bath with water before sealing it to the tiles/wall and leaving water in until the sealant cures?

 

[BingoBongo]

cut out all the old silicone (i takes patience)

make sure it is clean,dust free and 10000% dry

as said fill the bath with water

run a neat bead along one edge dont go mad , smooth with your finger (give it a lick first ) again just lightly with the finger

repeat for the other edges

if its a shell type bath where water sits at the screen forget it

leave the water in and let it cure for 24hr

 

[Milo19]

cut out all the old silicone (it takes patience)

make sure it is clean,dust free and 10000% dry

I removed the old stuff and covered it all up using heavy duty plastic bags and left it for a week to dry out.

fill the bath with water

VERY VERY important if you want the seal to take. Obviously when stood in the shower you weight is pushing the bath down which may cause the sealant to fail.

LEAVE WATER IN BATH WHILST SEALANT IS GOING OFF!

 

[wilson121]

i agree mostly with what bongo said except ( lick your finger )
dont do it saliva will eventually create mould growth
to stop sealent sticking to finger try a weak soapy water mix (very weak) and stick your finger in that instead of licking it

 

[gasgirl1]

also a good quality sealant, as the cheapos shrink

 

[TicklyT]

Cleaning and degreasing the surfaces with methylated spirits can help the sealant adhere, but you're on a loser if there's any visible movement when you use the bath.

If there's any movement when you stand in the bath, it may be worth paying some attention to the bath feet and any other fixings securing the tub.

Make sure all the feet all taking their fair share of the load, adjusting them as necessary.

If the floor moves under the feet, consider two or three long pieces of 4X2 under the feet to spread the load over as many joists as possible.

I prefer to fit a heavy batten to the wall(s) for the lip of the tub to sit on when everything is positioned and levelled, screwing through the batten or using cleats to fix the bath in place.

Sometimes some extra support behind the bath panel can help.