Using expanding foam/tape to seal large gap before silicone

[tryingbutfailing]

Hi All

I'm having issues with the silicone at the tap end of the bath/shower in that it has cracked twice now likely due to being 10-12mm gap between bath and tile, the first time was about a year after the house was built and the second after i removed and re-applied it both times leading to water damaging the ceiling and lights on the floor below with an expensive repair job, this problem is being made worse as the tiles end at the height of the bath so in reality the gap is wider

I have been reading the forums and there seems to be mixed opinions on using expanding foam with some saying silicone wont stick to it and one user saying that the foam may actually damage the bath, so i'm asking what the concensus is or if there is something better to use.

also is expandable tape an option like used for weathersealing as i have some Soudal but a tape option or suitable strip would quicker and easier

 

[Madrab]

My question would be why there is such a large gap. It may be more prudent to refit the bath properly rather than bodge a fix, which will invariably be temporary.

 

[Baths'N'Gas]

Sounds like bodging a bodge job, it’s more hassle but take the bath out and start again

 

[tryingbutfailing]

Part of the reason for the gap is because the bath is just about the length of the bathroom but it's compounded by the tiles just stopping at the height of the bath leaving very little for the silicone to stick too and essentially falling through the gap, i did think about removing the bath or trying to put some tiles in to improve things but there would still be a bit of a gap and i would struggle by myself and i can't really bring anyone in as i have someone really vulnerable at home and essentially in a bubble until things improve

 

[oilhead]

Make a feature of some decorative tiles over the existing tiles which would make a step out but could be tiled down to the bath top. This can be easily siliconed. Another possibility could be https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3-2Mx-38...dge-White-Sealant-Tape-UK-STOCK/363278695899?. 38mm would give you enough width to take up your 12mm.

 

[Madrab]

You should be able to raise the height of the bath, if the rim is below the level of the tiles and raise the bath back up tight against the bottom of the tiles.
If the gap is because the bath is sitting that far away from the wall then it really needs refitted.

Take a pic and upload if you can.

 

[KenGMac]

This sort of thing any good?

https://www.tilegiant.co.uk/ceramic-bathtrim-set.html

 

[tryingbutfailing]

Thanks for your responses so far, i have attached a pic and the FYI the source of the leaks is a bar shower above that i'm replacing this weekend, without the silicone the water has a straight shot to the ground floor ceiling as the hot and cold feeds come up from the floor below but small pipes threaded through BIG holes that i'll be filling with some foam

I'm going to have to raise the bath slightly as it's not level on one side, or the tiles aren't straight only the bubble will know.

Quick question about doing a larger fix is if i reseat the bath a few mm closer to the wall is it not just going to create a problem at the other end and also what about the pipes as both are copper coming off a TMV, I was planning on installing isolating valves but currently don't have plans to go with flexible hoses largely due to the height of the TMV above the floor would likely create too much bend on the hoses.

Also thanks for the ideas of adding a some kind of feature i was considering buying some trim but with it being quite rigid would there not be any issues as the bath flexes from empty to full?

 

[Madrab]

Just to be clear though, is it leaking through the bar shower where the pipes come through the wall as well as that large gap? Sealing the shower where the feeds come through the wall is pretty straightforward. How large re the holes, a pic of that would help, with the shrouds removed. Also a pic underneath would help too. We need as much visual information as possible to provide the best help.

The bath looks like it has dropped and needs raised back up and pushed closer to the wall, fill that gap to the brim with silicone, wind the feet up and move the bath tight to the wall then clean any silicone that's squeezed out, fill the bath with water and leave it overnight. Then seal again with a 6mm fillet.

I assume the bath is enclosed on three side then and they didn't have the dimensions of the stud walls set properly to fit the bath properly?

 

[tryingbutfailing]

Thanks Rob, the shower leaked from the bar end of the shower hose and then again with the replacement, i managed to get a bettter shower from the manufacturer with the same size and placement of inputs so i didn't have to remove the tiles and put in new fittings but equally i'm trying to prevent all leaks or even splashes as i have a dog and he makes it known he's not enjoying his baths

you are correct about it being enclosed on three sides which is my concern of moving the bath horizontally to close the gap as it would simply move the problem to the other end albeit safer as there are no taps/showers on the other side