Sealux shower tray and bath seal

Sealux explain how problems that arise with waterproofing walls over shower trays and baths can be overcome.

Waterproofing walls over shower trays and baths?.

Today's hi-performance hi-use showers makes tanking water sensitive walls over trays and baths an absolute necessity.

Sealux explain some of the technical problems that arise, how they can be overcome and how the task of waterproofing can be simplified.

1) Gaps between the shower wall and adjacent ledge can prevent waterproofing.

Gap widths may extend up to 12mm and are most often caused by (a) the rolled edge of a bath (b) the splayed sides of a shower tray (c) enclosure walls not built square or parallel (d) poorly installed shower trays and baths.

Problem: In such circumstances the waterproofing membrane bonded to the ledge may extend out beyond the outer face of the bottom tile.

A ledge/wall gap of 8mm presents a problem if the adhesive bed is 3mm and tile 5mm because the membrane is then exposed on the ledge and that eyesore prevents waterproofing! Solution: Sealux Reg strips can span wall/ledge gaps up to 15mm making waterproofing possible over all shower tray and bath installations.

2) Less installation time means more installation completions!.

Ease'n'speed of installation influences what products tilers recommend and what they install.

Problem: Bonding a waterproofing membrane accurately onto the ledge so that it does not extend out beyond the exposed face of the bottom tile can be an awkward precision task made all the more difficult in the confined space of a shower enclosure.

This task absorbs time and that discourages installers.

Solution: This task is made easier and quicker by first installing a Sealux expansion seal over the joint, masking the strip and simply dressing the membrane down over the strip upstand.

3) Releasing built-up moisture retained between the back of the tile and waterproofing membrane is critical.

Problem: Water penetration between the tile and wall membrane can result in built moisture drifting down to accumulate along the joint between the bottom tile and the adjacent ledge.

Applying sealant across this joint blocks the passage of moisture back into the drainage system and forces it out through low level grout lines or elswhere.

Solution: Install Sealux Reg movement joint seal, dress the membrane down over the upstand and grout the tile/strip joint.

The grout remains bonded to the tile while the joint between the grout and strip acts as a contingency exit line that prevents the build-up of moisture between the back of the tile and adjacent waterproofing membrane.

Waterproofing shower walls over trays and baths is an absolute necessity to protect water sensitive substrates like plaster board.

Installing Sealux not only removes the obstacles, but raises performance level of the waterproofing, eases installation, improves aesthetics, reduces maintenance, all of which are tangible benefits for the retailer, installer and end user.

Back to top