Tiling around a bath: why doesn't this happen

[benwhite]

Hi,

Am currently re-tiling around a bath/shower. Am curious to know how to prevent the problem shown in my rather cruddy pic.

Basically, where the tiles meet the bath, how come any water that has been absobed by the grout not seep down the grout lines and then behind the silicon seal, behind the bath and on to the floor?

Should I stick a bead of sealant right at the bottom of all the tiles in between the wall and the bath? In this case, how does any water ever escape? Evaporation?

Is this even a problem, or am I worrying too much?

Cheers,
Ben

Untitled

• benwhite
• 13 Jan 2009
• 1

 

[Diyisfun]

You should be using water proof grout

 

[benwhite]

Thanks ofr the response - I should have been more clear.

I am using waterproof grout, but reading through the forums everybody says "waterproof grout isn't really waterproof - waterproof only means it won't break down, not form a barrier to water".

So, I assumed that if this is correct then water will also be able to be transmitted through the grout, behind the silicon and onto the floor.

Or not?

Cheers,
Ben

 

[Diyisfun]

I have used water proof grout on showers & bath surrounds, without problem.
But if you have one bad piece of grout where water can get in, it will & it will by capillary action get everywhere.

 

[shenks]

To add to what has already been said...

Before you start tiling, run a good bead of silicon between the bath edge and the wall. Then after the tiling and grouting is complete, fill the bath and silicon the edge of the tiles-to-bath, let the silicon cure then empty the bath water - this ensures that you have a good seal.

 

[benwhite]

Thanks for the advice chaps. Was gonna do that anyway, but some of the stuff on here can make you really paranoid.

 

[bridge9]

dont use cheap silicon, it never stays in place. use tech-7

 

[r896neo]

I spent this morning fixing this very problem for a customer and I have seen many shower trays and a few baths fail because people treat tiles and grout as a completly waterproof surface which is not realistic over their life.

Your diagram perfectly describes the most common cause for leaking tray/bath/wall joints.

What shenks said is fine but for an even better job do yourself a favour and use classi-seal or a similar sealing product

 

[ajrobb]

I have just repaired rotten joists from a bad bath seal, be cautious.