Shower Enclosures Installation Tips

Having read our shower enclosures buying guide, you should have an idea of the kind of shower enclosure you want now.

Hinged, bi-fold, or quadrants – you now have the know-how to help you decide on which one suits your space, taste and budget.

But before you carry out the installation of your latest shower enclosure, there is some preparation you need to ensure is done to ensure the best possible fitting.

Prevent Leaks

The first item that must be installed correctly is the shower tray, as it acts as the base upon which the shower enclosure will rest.

If you have ever incurred a soggy downstairs ceiling and were confused as to the cause of this, there is a good chance the leak originated from your bath or shower tray.

In terms of materials, most modern stone trays feature a core stone layer which is then topped off by a layer of white acrylic. These shower trays are significantly stronger than previous incarnations which featured a fibreglass resin core.

Wear and tear is often the reason that the once pristine seals break down or split. The easiest way to replace the sealant is to purchase a silicone sealant remover, which would be available from most DIY stores. This will take away the bulk of the old sealant and you can then replace it preferably using a single, unbroken bead of sealant.

If you want further details, take a look at our shower tray installation guide.

Ensure the Shower Tray is Levelled Out Equally

Overtime, the shower tray can subside and sit at an angle, so take a spirit level and check the shower tray. It is better to get a level tray now to ensure that the shower enclosure will stand straight.

Also double-check that all the waste fittings are correctly screwed in and fully watertight. Also check that a slight angle remains in the shower waste so the water will flow away without any problems.

Shower Enclosures Installation – Check the Tiling

Once the shower tray is secure, you can tile the remaining walls.

It is always advisable to tile after the shower tray has been installed. If you are planning on keeping the existing tiles, check for holes in the grout.

Water and steam can penetrate these areas and cause problems on the plaster wall behind. Not only would such damage warrant large amounts of money to fix, but your health could also be affected when breathing in the mould spores caused by the humid conditions.

Do not hesitate to re-grout your tiles if this occurs. We have the perfect blog post on how to re-grout your tiles to help you with this.