Best shower sealant. Sealant for a shower cabin: which one is better to choose

Since the vast majority of commercially available plumbing sealants are silicone-based, let's talk about them first. In composition, they are of two types: acetate And neutral.

Acetate sealants you can immediately recognize by the characteristic smell of vinegar. This is due to the fact that the polymerization reaction, which begins upon contact with atmospheric moisture, leads to the release of acetic acid, albeit in a small volume, but pure, and not diluted table vinegar. Because of this, such sealants have a pronounced corrosivity, and it is impossible to apply not only on the surface of galvanized iron, copper and aluminum-based alloys, but even next to it, they cannot be unequivocally. This also applies to mirrors - do not even try. But such sealants are cheap - this cannot be taken away from them.

Neutral silicone sealants practically do not smell and do not have an acid reaction. We recommend them in the first place - they are the most versatile and safe.

In any case, the silicone sealant should be extruded from a freshly opened tube in a homogeneous mass, with no signs of delamination during storage. Stratification clearly indicates the low quality of the sealant - it is literally "diluted" during production, and often the liquid fraction of such sealants is also frankly oily. Immediately send such a sealant to the trash can: it will not have normal adhesion or elasticity for sure.

Polyurethane and combined sealants on sale are less common, but this does not mean that they are bad. They are durable and adhere well. different surfaces, and, unlike silicone, can be painted if necessary. So, if you found a sealant on such a basis in a store, you should pay attention to it.

In any case, a sealant working at high humidity, we need expressed fungicidal properties. With it, alas, there are problems and at eminent firms. But in fact, primarily characteristic dark spots on the surface of the sealant indicate problems with ventilation - during its normal operation, it is difficult to force the fungus to multiply even on a “tasty” sealant for it.

Good luck with your repair!

Shower cubicles in bathroom equipment are becoming increasingly popular. When installing, special attention should be paid to sealing the shower cabin, to ensure its better operation. The cabin is made up of components, between them there are gaps and technological holes that contribute to the ingress of moisture into the bathroom. To choose the best sealant for a shower cabin, you should figure out what it is and what varieties of it exist.

A sealant is a paste-like substance used to seal various joints. It is used when laying cladding, to reinforce seams in building materials, finishing door and window openings, pipes.

The sealant consists of a polymer, a filler and a small amount of impurities. All existing sealants differ from each other in the type of polymer.

May be acidic or neutral. Acid is used for processing metal surfaces, neutral is suitable for almost all kinds of materials. This sealant withstands large temperature changes, has increased water-repellent properties.

Acrylic is moisture resistant and neutral. His negative quality is reduced elasticity. As a result, it is used in places that are not subject to deformation during operation.

Silicone-acrylic combined all the positive qualities of previous sealants. It is characterized by increased elasticity and strength. Its undoubted advantage is a very dense upper layer. Minus - a very impressive price.

Polyurethane not suitable for acrylic bathtubs And plastic trim, due to low adhesion with these materials. It is most often used for working with concrete and plaster.

Tip: to process the joints between the pallet and the wall, you can use a special sealant tape. It is a strip of protective material with an adhesive side. To seal the pallet, peel off the protective film from the adhesive side and lay the tape around the perimeter of the joint. The disadvantage of the tape is the fragility of the adhesive base, after a while it begins to peel off.

Sealant for showers

Cabins open type also called shower enclosures, as they do not have a roof and consist of a tray and doors, which are usually attached directly to the walls of the bathroom.

In shower enclosures, two walls are usually lined. Sealant close up the seams between the tiles, the joints between the cladding and the pallet.

In this case, both silicone and acrylic sealants can be used for walls, because the walls are not subject to bending and deformation during operation. However, acrylic sealant decomposes when exposed to moisture. Even those brands that add various components to increase moisture resistance are significantly inferior to silicone.

Particular attention should be paid to the moisture resistance of the sealant and the presence of antibacterial impurities in its composition. The bathroom, and in particular the shower stall, is a source of high humidity. This favors the appearance of fungal and mold colonies, which primarily affect the areas treated with sealant.

For processing parts shower enclosure and a closed shower, it is advisable to use silicone sealant. Therefore, it is worth familiarizing yourself with its characteristics in more detail.

Silicone sealant

Due to its qualities, it is suitable for sealing almost any surface:

• metal;
• ceramic;
• glass.

Silicone destroys polyacryl and polycarbonate, so it is not used in the processing of products from these materials. It is worth paying attention to the fact that it cannot be painted and cannot be rubbed into the joints, such as acrylic.

The advantages of silicone sealant are its resistance to ultraviolet radiation, durability, high water-repellent properties, and the ability to withstand temperature extremes. Particular attention should be paid to the good elasticity of the silicone sealant, because the booth and its tray can move under the weight of a person.

Silicone sealant good quality consists of filler-pigment, silicone, plasticizer, catalyst. When choosing it, attention should be paid to the content of organic solvent and mechanical filler. Their content should be kept to a minimum.

Tip: for sealing pipe joints, locations drain hole, mixer inlet, you can use automotive sealant. After hardening, it creates a soft gasket, which, under the pressure of the parts during assembly, seals the joints and threads.

Application of sealant in showers

To seal the shower cabin with your own hands, you need to know some features.

Preparatory work

Work surfaces must be cleaned and degreased before applying the sealant. Perform this procedure immediately before sealing to avoid getting dust and other debris on them.

To remove the previous layer of sealant, use special solvents and hard brushes. Degrease surfaces with alcohol, white spirit. Then the cleaned surface is thoroughly wiped. To protect the areas adjacent to the sealed seam, use masking tape or tape.

The surface to be treated should be between 5 and 40°C, the silicone itself should be room temperature.

The sealant hardens quite quickly, so you need to do the work quickly and accurately, forming beautiful seam with a small spatula.

Wall sealing in open showers

With a sharp knife, remove the old sealant from the seams. It is cut from below and above, the tip is picked up and the strip is pulled out of the seam. Using a stiff brush and solvent, remove silicone residue, wash thoroughly, disinfect to prevent mold, allow to dry well. Glue the surface adjacent to the seam protective film and fill it with sanitary sealant.

Equipment sealing algorithm

Before sealing the shower cabin, it is assembled using the instructions. Walls are installed, with the help of fasteners, guides are baited, fastened top part and hose.

All joints and joints are coated with sealant, bypassing the mounting holes. If excess silicone has formed, then they are immediately removed with a spatula and cloth lint-free napkins. The processed seams are fixed with fasteners and the silicone is allowed to harden.

To seal the outside of the shower cabin, a special sealing cord is used. It is placed in the grooves of the cabin frame, which hold the glass and are coated with sealant.

After the sealant has dried and hardened, the booth is checked for leaks by directing a jet of water at the joints and joints. If leaks are found, they are re-treated, after thoroughly drying the entire booth.

Work on sealing the shower stall is not very difficult and can be done independently. However, certain skills in the work of plumbing work and accuracy are required. Also, increased attention should be paid to the choice of improvised means and materials.

The corner cannot reliably isolate the pallet from leakage. By virtue of objective reasons the design is such that the fence is simply placed on top and is not attached to anything. Some corners do consist of two walls and are unable to protect the floor from moisture from all sides. In all these and many other cases, sealants are used.

The shower enclosure is sealed to ensure that the floor is always dry. In addition to the obvious troubles, getting wet causes the growth of mold, fungus, and rotting of materials. This is especially true in the case of a steel pallet. The slightest scratch from the bottom, and the process of rust formation will begin.

List of issues

Those who try to use the sealant with their own hands testify that the task is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Many complain about the poor adhesion of silicone adhesive. Even the best composition lags behind in a few years if applied incorrectly. The mistake of people is that the elementary rules of installation are not observed. The surface is not cleaned, does not dry, does not get rid of dirt or grease deposits.

Whatever sealant is supposed to be used, you should carefully study the instructions. The trouble is that the problem only affects over time. Adhesion looks great initially, but the coating peels off after a while. MC-sealant in damp and polluted areas is quickly covered with mold. In this case, acrylic or silicone should be used instead. But MS-sealant perfectly adheres to acrylic paint.

It is impossible to determine the best composition. However, the most common sanitary material is a silicone sealant. That is what should be used in the most general case.

How?

It is allowed to use any high-quality, waterproof sealant. For example, antibacterial or aquarium. The composition of most of the mixtures is quite homogeneous:

• Silicone-silicon (synthetic) rubber.
• Hydrophobic filler (repels water).
• plasticizer.
• Fungicide (against mold and bacteria).
• Catalysts.
• thixotropic agent.

In all components, people usually do not have questions, with the exception of the last one. Additives of this kind are often made on the basis of the same silicon, for example, oxide II (ordinary sand). The composition of the sealant may include:

1. organic solvents.
2. Fillers.
3. Extenders.

Thixotropy indicates the ability of a sealant to take seams different angles. This is achieved by achieving the desired consistency, density. So that the glue is equally well taken on a plane at any angle in space. The fungicide is good at killing mold. It is better to choose a neutral silicone adhesive with a maximum content of synthetic rubber. Organic solvents have a strong unpleasant odor. Silicone sealants are sold in tubes, squeezed out manually or with a gun, leveled with a spatula and cost from 150 to 200 rubles per unit.

Butyl, acrylic and polysulfide sealants are widely found on sale. The optimum temperature range for application ranges from 5 to 40 degrees Celsius. The tube with glue should also be kept at room conditions for some time. Alignment of the seam is carried out with a spatula moistened with water. The drying time of the joints depends on the thickness of the application. The speed is from 2 to 4 millimeters daily and depends on the manufacturer and composition.

Acrylic sealant is widely used to seal cracks in wood. Here are some properties of this class of materials:

• high degree of adhesion to wood, concrete, polymers (PVC, acrylic);
• high resistance to solar radiation;
• is an insulator not only of moisture, but also of heat;
• high thixotropy;
• good plasticity even after drying;
• of all other compositions it is characterized by the maximum plasticity.

Shrinkage of acrylic sealants (to ensure competitiveness) is reduced by a special filler. Ideal for wooden structures, whose dimensions vary according to weather conditions especially the ambient temperature. Since acrylic is highly soluble in water, it is it that serves as the basis for the glue.

What areas need to be sealed?

Depending on the design, the number of problem areas may vary. The quality of sealing is checked with a shower head with a strong pressure of water.

Pallet perimeter

Regardless of the material of the pallet and its shape, it is necessary to seal the perimeter with a sealant. Silicone glue works great for this. The pallet should be mounted close to the wall. Typical variant when the shower is in the corner. The silicone sealant needs to go through two sides of the perimeter. The subtlety here is that the technique is largely determined by the design of the fence.

If the perimeter of the pallet is visible, then it is considered ugly to leave the seams visible. Used to disguise them plastic profile G or T-shaped. The first is mounted in several ways:

• With the institution of one edge between the wall and the pallet. Only the second is visible from the outside. Silicone sealant is also an adhesive. It should be applied between decorative corner and the wall, as well as between it and the pallet. A decorative strip is formed that hides traces of glue.
• The corner of the decorative profile is placed at the intersection of the wall plane and the pallet surface. Both sides are visible. Glue is applied under the decorative profile.

In the case when the fence consists of four walls, there is no need to mask the seams. For too wide gaps and gaps, it is recommended to use a sealing cord.

shower corner

A shower enclosure is a glass or plastic enclosure around the shower tray. Depending on the design, the areas to be sealed vary. A typical case is when the corner consists of two outer walls. In this case, each of them is attached to the wall with anchors or dowel-nails. A tiled apron, by definition, cannot have a flat surface. At least due to the presence of seams between the tiles. Therefore, even in the absence of a relief pattern, the corner section will not fit snugly against the wall. As a rule, when the fitting has already been completed, and the final installation method has been chosen, two seams are applied (on both sides of the aluminum profile that makes up the corner frame).

The adhesive-sealant should be applied after the dowel-nails (anchors) are put in place. Or directly during installation, directly under the bar. You can combine these methods in any combination. The installation procedure must be completed before the adhesive cures when applied between surfaces. It does not hurt to isolate the screw heads (covered with decorative caps).

To connect the sections of the shower enclosure to each other, it is customary to use screws screwed into aluminum profile. If leaks are observed, silicone sealant should be used. In addition, technological or other purpose holes are often left in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe guides. For the most part, none of these are required by real users. If you see that water will flow into the wrong places through the holes in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe guides, use silicone sealant.

Between pallet and corner

Under the corner, standing on the pallet, water flows very rarely. As a rule, these places are not treated with adhesive-sealant. As well as the places where the glass is attached to the aluminum frame.

Mounting with sealant

Silicone plumbing sealant is actively used during installation, but only sewerage. To connect the water pipes to the water supply, the following are used as a sealant:

1. Fum tape.
2. Tow with sealing grease.

The first one is very easy to use. Before joining the threaded connection, several turns of tape are wound around the thread. Depending on where the pipe is located. It should be clear that nothing can be wound on the nut. Fum tape is sold in every store and is widely used for sealing threaded connections. In some cases, you can replace it with tow with sealant.

Silicone grease is used to enter the siphon into the sewer. If the gap is too large, a sealing cord is used. Each segment sewer pipe has a rubber seal, which greatly simplifies the task of the master.

Removing excess sealant

Excess silicone sealant is removed with a solvent containing white spirit. They rip off the walls with a metal brush, knife, scissors, pumice (any tool that has a lower hardness on the Mohs scale than tile). Removal methods are chosen so as not to harm the underlying surface. After removing the sealant layer, the seams are dried for the possibility of their further use. For example, when repairing and replacing some spare parts. During removal, do not use soapy water so as not to impair the adhesion of new sealants to the surface.

The easiest way to remove silicone is with alcohol-containing solutions, but they are not safe in all cases. After applying the solvent, wait 30 seconds, during which time the seam turns into a jelly that can be easily removed from the surface.

Output

It is a necessary operation measure. This The best way avoid any confrontations and the cost of renovating the apartment below.

The bathroom is the part of the house where the humidity is always high. Virtually everyone loves to take a hot bath or shower. In connection with the release of steam, condensation occurs, moisture and dampness appear. That is why when repairing this part of the house, it is worth paying the most attention to sealing the seams around showers and bathing devices. And here the question arises, which sealant is better for a shower cabin? We will deal with it in this article.

Why is sealing necessary?

Sealing the joints will protect you from moisture on the concrete base, foundation and walls. If this procedure is not carried out, then with the constant influence of moisture, even on such a hard and durable material as concrete, it will eventually become unusable. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to protect the walls and floor. For this purpose, special sealants for the shower cabin are used.

Important! Sealant is a paste-like material that is used to firmly connect seams in various fields. Often used in construction plumbing work, when installing boilers and heating systems, for rooms with high humidity.

As you have already seen, this material is a widely used material, so it is very important to use the paste for exactly the purpose for which it is intended. Given the variety of similar products on the building materials market, the question arises of which sealant is best for a shower cabin.

best bathroom sealant

When choosing a sealant for a shower cabin, you should pay attention to the fact that silicone products are the most popular. This is due to the fact that they are used for bathrooms and kitchens, and on long time protect walls and floors from unnecessary excess moisture.

The benefits of silicone

The main properties of silicone sealant:

• moisture resistance;
• long service life;
• protection and resistance to various kinds of ultraviolet rays;
• flexibility;
• strength;
• resistance to fungal formations and other microorganisms harmful to health, for which the environment of high humidity and heat in the bathroom is very favorable for reproduction.

Important! When buying a grout, please note that the paste-like antibacterial mass is used to install showers, bathtubs, washbasins and toilets. All tubes have images of these items, which means for what purposes it is suitable.

Composition of a quality solution

Most quality options This product is made from:

• silicone rubber;
• special unique pigment;
• plasticizer;
• troxotroping agent;
• fungicide and catalysis.

Reliable brands

The most common manufacturers who have gained stable trust and consumers - both private craftsmen and professional builders, plumbers:

• Somafix;
• ANTIA;
• STERN;
• Tytan;
• Ceresit.

Important! All silicone joint protectors containing fungicide are excellent for use in the bathroom. This is due to the fact that this tool additionally protects against the appearance various kinds fungus and mold.

Kinds

The modern market offers each buyer an acidic and neutral sealant. We advise you to opt for the second option, as it has a large scope and does not have a sharp specific smell. And the method of using such compounds is much simpler, that is, if you do not have special skills in working with such materials, you will not have to experience these or those difficulties.

Important! In some cases, I use aquarium silicone to seal the seams.

Have you already chosen and purchased a sealant for your shower enclosure? Now you can start the work itself. However, at this very moment, many questions arise about how to do this, what to look for and what other funds will be needed. So, let's deal with all these questions.

Instruments

To seal seams in rooms with high humidity, you will need:

Training:

1. Before you start doing this procedure, you need to prepare the work surfaces, namely, clean them from dust and dirt.
2. Shouldn't be used a large number of water so that it does not get into the seams.
3. Cleaning should be carried out immediately before grouting.
4. Regardless of the type of sealant, all seams must be dry.

Removing the old sealant:

1. If you need to remove old moisture repellents, then you should use sandpaper or a small piece of wire. In some cases, a brush with metal bristles is used.
2. Glass and plastic surfaces, as well as metal plates, are wiped with various liquids containing alcohol in the composition.
3. After cleaning, it is recommended to wipe all surfaces with a lint-free cotton cloth.

How to remove the sealant from the shower tray?

Often there are cases when it is necessary to remove the old substance, which is already inadequately protecting the surfaces from moisture ingress into the joints. The sealant for the shower cabin is removed from the pallet using any building solvent:

1. One of best means to remove the old, expired sealant, is white spirit. To carry out the procedure, you need to dip a rag in the solvent and apply it to the junction with the remnants of the old product. Removal occurs by rubbing in the solvent and cleaning with a blade.

Important! The removal of old moisture barriers from glass and ceramics also occurs with the help of solvents.

1. From improvised means to remove a pasty viscous mass, brush blades, salt and sand are used. However, you should pay attention to the fact that in this way, you can damage, scratch the surface.
2. To speed up the process, you can use special modern silicone sealant washes. It is desirable if this agent is produced by the same manufacturer as the previous sealing mixture. Then a 100% result of quick cleaning of the desired surface is guaranteed. But all this is possible provided that you are willing to invest additional funds, since such washes are not always cheap.

Important! All means for protecting seams, regardless of composition, are used at temperatures from 5 to 40 degrees Celsius. The substance itself should be at room temperature.

Self-sealing seams

You have already determined which sealant is best for the shower cabin, purchased it and now let's get to work. In this part, we will tell you about the sequence of actions when sealing all the seams.

Shower sealant comes out of a tube with a sharp, thin tip with slight pressure or when the can is turned upside down if the sealant comes in a metal can.

Important! The procedure for sealing seams should be carried out rather quickly, since the sealant hardens in a short time.

Instructions for sealing seams with various sealants:

1. Clean and dry all surfaces you will be working on.
2. According to certain instructions and technology, assemble a shower cabin. All actions to collect this item should be accompanied by smearing the joints with sealant. So, when installing and fixing the side walls and the concrete structure, use a moisture barrier.
3. If excess silicone mass occurs, it is recommended to remove it with a cotton rag.
4. Next, we close the seams on the front side of the cabin for taking a vertical shower. For this action, we need a special sealing cord. It is necessary for insertion into the junction of the frame.
5. Again we apply a paste-like mass from the tube.
6. Wait for the shower sealant to dry.
7. After a day, check all the seams. To do this, direct a strong jet of water at all surfaces that have been treated. Most likely the seams are not fully sealed.
8. Repeat the procedure and check again.

Important! The sealing of the seams takes place in two stages. This is due to the fact that during the first procedure it is impossible to see all the joints and seal them properly.

The versatility of some models of shower cabins allows not only to use it according to intended purpose. These may include: audio players, massage systems, dryers and other functions.

But, one thing remains the same - this is the design of shower cabins. Those have a tray for draining water and a body that is made of glass or plastic. Expensive models can be installed permanently, separately from the bathroom walls. Their body is closed. But often the price of such cabins is expensive. Therefore, coal cases that are attached to the walls are popular.

The installation of shower boxes is not difficult. The main thing is to take the necessary measures to protect the building materials on the floor and on the walls in the bathroom. There may be gaps between the pallet and the adjacent tile. Flowing down the wall, the water will spill under the pallet itself, spreading into puddles.

All this gives rise to the formation of putrefactive processes, which are not only dangerous to the health of the inhabitants of the house, but can also significantly reduce the life of the device.

Protect yourself from possible problems can. And it will be easy to do if you know how to seal. The main thing is to get a high-quality sealant for shower cabins, and grease all the joints of the device with the bathroom with it. This building material has several important properties, which are necessary for the harmless use of this box.

These include: moisture resistance, elasticity, the possibility of gluing surfaces, as well as an antifungal effect. A whole range of positive aspects can be obtained with the right choice of sealant. But, it remains only to figure out what factors you need to be guided by when buying.

Most often, the sealant is a pasty substance that, when solidified, forms a viscous waterproof film. This building material adheres well to glass, ceramics and metal. But such a wide range of positive aspects, not every sealant for a shower cabin has. It's all about the composition of the substance itself, because the main "working" element there can be acrylic or silicone. So the sealants themselves are separated.

Acrylic sealant

Belongs to the category of affordable funds. They are of high quality, but have a narrower scope. So, they are designed to waterproof the gaps between the acrylic tray and the wall. Acrylic sealants perfectly tolerate sudden changes in temperature and can maintain their properties in the range from -25 to 80C. But there is one drawback, this is the impossibility of using this material in places subject to deformation.

Silicone sealant

Refers to more expensive species. The waterproofing of the shower tray can also be made with such material. It does not lose its properties even at temperatures as high as 180C. A quality product can bond surfaces well: plastic, acrylic, glass, stone and other materials. But not all types of silicone sealant have such capabilities.

Silicone sealants have their own varieties.

There is a lot of information and information about how to seal a shower cabin. Often, everything happens according to the same scheme, partially modified. The question of which sealant is suitable for sealing a shower cabin is more significant and significant. After all, the durability of the entire structure depends on the right choice.

The first thing to focus on is the composition of the substance. The product container contains a list of all components contained in it. If the pallet material is acrylic, then acrylic sealant will be the best. For metal baths, a silicone product is suitable. And the more of this component in the composition, the faster it will dry and bind the surfaces stronger.

Manufacturer's company

It is better not to use products with unknown names, as you can stumble upon a low-quality product.

Sealant color

It is selected for the materials to be glued. Transparent sealant is more versatile.

Water resistance

It is this factor that determines the possibility of using sealant in the bathroom, where it is constantly maintained high level humidity.

Due to the constant exposure to moisture, mold can form in the cracks. A product with such a mark prevents its occurrence.

Presence of additives

The fewer foreign elements in the composition of the product, the better.

It is rare to find quality sealant cheaply. The price always matches the quality. Inexpensive material will not be able to effectively perform its basic functions, especially over time.

Focusing on the sealant with suitable composition, color, resistance to mold growth and a minimum amount of additives - you can be sure that this is exactly what you need to seal the shower enclosure.

Sealants are pasty or viscous compositions based on polymers or oligomers:

• Acrylic sealants, which are the cheapest and simple option, easy to apply and can be coated with paint or varnish. Waterproof and non-waterproof acrylics do not have a strong odor, but they tolerate temperature changes ranging from minus 25 ° C to plus 80 ° C. The disadvantages of this product are low elasticity, therefore any acrylics are not recommended for application to deformable surfaces.
• Silicone sealants are the best choice if necessary, carry out processing in rooms with high levels of humidity. Such compositions are able to perfectly close the gaps, have excellent water resistance, and are also reliable and tolerate significant temperature changes well. However, silicone is not recommended for use on polyacrylic and polycarbonate surfaces, and the technique of coating with such sealants will require certain skills and accuracy.

When choosing a sealant for a shower or hydrobox, it is advisable to pay attention to the following recommendations:

• Acid or acetic compounds belong to the category of the most affordable options, but their use often causes oxidation of metal surfaces, and the appearance of rust. Therefore, such sealants are applicable only on stainless steel and non-metallic type surfaces.
• Neutral sealants are more expensive, but such compositions are great for working on surfaces of almost any type, including metal shower trays.
• Silicone-acrylic sealant characterized by strength and durability, very elastic, often used instead of glue and well suited for use on surfaces of various typical features.
• Modern polyurethane compounds are efficient, cost effective and easy to apply. Such sealants easily withstand mechanical loads and interact well with almost any material.

Such compounds are applied to pre-prepared joints and gaps for the purpose of sealing and waterproofing. The reliability of the compositions is determined by the natural curing of the product. It is also necessary to prepare a set of screwdrivers, adjustable and open-end wrenches, a special “gun” for applying the composition, a sharp knife, soft rags and solvents for work.

The complete set of the purchased shower cabin includes Wall panels and doors, neatly fitted and without gaps, which prevents water from leaking from the structure.

Self-waterproofing a shower stall will require lubrication of joints and joints with silicone sealant. Among other things, the bolted joints of the joined parts are lubricated with a sealing compound, after which they are screwed.

All excess sealant is removed with a rubber spatula or foam rubber sponge. The connection of the drain part and sewer pipes also needs to be sealed. For this purpose, rubber seals or gaskets are used, and the docking area itself is treated with a silicone waterproof sealant.

No less popular are designs without a pallet, with a drain ladder installed in the floor. When installing such shower cabins, the floor is especially carefully treated in sanitary room.

As a rule, as the main material for carrying out these works is considered bituminous mastic applied to the surface of the concrete base for the arrangement of the screed.

A layer of roofing material can serve as an addition to the mastic, and at the final stage, before arranging the screed, all areas of the junction of the pipe system and the floor slab will need to be filled with a moisture-resistant sealant.

Sealant is a paste-like material widely used for sealing various joints. The sealant has found its application in strengthening the connecting seams in building materials, gaps around windows or doors, heating and water pipes, during the installation of ceramic tiles and plumbing.

Silicone sealants are used to close gaps and glue parts together. This material, thanks to water resistance, well will be suitable for kitchen and a bathroom. Silicone sealants are UV resistant.

Natural antibacterial silicone is used as a sealant, for the installation of washbasins, installation of shower cabins, gluing ceramic surfaces, aluminum, glass, metal.

High-quality silicone sealant is made from a hydrophobic pigment filler (more than 45%), silicone rubber (more than 45%), a related plasticizer, catalyzate, fungicides, a thixotropic agent. This type of sealant is produced by ANTIA, STERN, Somafix. The best sealant for a shower tray is one that consists only of silicone without the addition of other impurities. Such material has the smallest shrinkage (up to 2%). In small quantities, the following impurities may be present:

• organic solvents;
• organic extenders;
• mechanical fillers (quartz flour, chalk).

Advantages and disadvantages of silicone sealants

Having opted for this type of substance, the masters proceed from the generally accepted opinion. However, in addition to the above qualities, silicone seals have others.

The disadvantages that silicone has include the destructive effect on polycarbonate and polyacryl. The structure of these materials has microcracks, once in which the substance bursts them, causing the expansion of cracks. Therefore, when choosing equipment for washing, you need to pay attention to the composition of the materials from which it is made.

And silicone seals are not compatible with paints. Therefore, for colored showers, it is necessary to select compositions that are invisible from the outside.

In addition, the silicone composition, due to its specificity, cannot be rubbed into the joints, like acrylic, and removing excess is also very problematic. Therefore, you need to work with it carefully, having a special tool and observing the application technology.

As for the pluses, in addition to durability and high tightness, silicone has high elasticity. Therefore, changes in the physical volume of the cabin elements associated with sudden temperature changes will not affect it.

In addition, silicone has water-repellent properties, so even leaked moisture will not affect it destructively. Temperature fluctuations do not affect it either.

Such substances are excellent for gluing several parts together, used to clog gaps. Sealant is just a godsend for the bathroom and kitchen, rooms with high humidity. Distinctive feature silicone sealant - neutral reaction to ultraviolet.

Without the use of natural antibacterial silicone as a sealant, the installation of sinks, the installation and sealing of shower cabins, and the bonding of ceramic, aluminum, glass, and metal surfaces are indispensable.

The composition of the silicone sealant includes: hydrophobic pigment filler - 45%, silicone rubber - 45%, related plasticizers, catalysts, fungicides, thixotropic agents. Some of the highest quality silicone sealants on the market are ANTIA, STERN, Sofamix.

For sealing a shower cabin, a product consisting only of silicone is best suited, without the inclusion of additional impurities. Such material is characterized by a low shrinkage rate - up to 2%. If it was not possible to find such a sealant, then you can use a product with a small amount of organic solvents and extenders, mechanical fillers (quartz flour, chalk) in its composition.

It is good when the sealant contains fungicides. This option is also suitable for sealing the shower cabin, since the substance prevents the development of fungus and mold in rooms with high humidity.

When choosing between neutral and acid silicone, the first option is preferable. It is not characterized by a pronounced pungent odor, and indeed, it can be classified as a universal building sealant.

Working with sealants

In order for the process of applying the composition to be comfortable and effective, special equipment is used. Masters call it a pistol. A capsule with a sealant is attached to it, the force is transmitted from the trigger through the mechanism to the piston. This makes it possible to apply the mass in an even layer along the entire length of the joint, without gaps.

The working surface must be free from dust and dirt particles, free from grease and dry. This will ensure that the silicone rubber adheres securely to the edges of the surfaces to be treated. Upon contact with air, the vulcanizer that is part of the mixture hardens. This takes some time, its average is usually indicated by the manufacturer on the package.

The curing speed is influenced, among other things, by the thickness of the layer, as well as the level of humidity in the room and temperature. That's why experienced craftsmen it is not advised to use the shower immediately after sealing work is completed.

As practice shows, today silicone is the best choice for protection of joints at installation of a shower cabin. It is easy to work with, and the price range makes it affordable for everyone.

What to use for sealing?

Before proceeding with sealing measures, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory work:

• all old coatings, dirty spots and dust are removed;
• all elements to be treated with a sealant are degreased;
• softened with a special solvent and all layers of the old sealant are removed;
• metal, plastic and glass surfaces are treated with any permitted alcohol-containing composition and wiped with a dry cloth.

The use of polysulfide, silicone and acrylic or butyl sealants involves not only cleaning the surfaces with water and detergents, but also their complete drying.

The main stages of sealing the shower stall:

• seam processing with sealant, joining of parts and screw connection;
• removal of excess sealant;
• installation with outer side sealing cord construction and sealant application.

At the final stage, the quality of the work performed is checked. After the waterproofing composition has completely hardened, it is necessary to verify the level of tightness of all joints by directing a sufficiently strong stream of water at them.

Cabins are sealed not only with widely used special silicone sealants designed specifically for sealing shower cabins, but also with transparent aquarium silicone.

• sealing cord;
• rags;
• silicone sealant.

When using polysulfide, silicone, acrylic, butyl sealants, cavities and seams are not only cleaned, but also dried. Experts do not recommend using soapy water for this purpose or detergents as they can impair adhesion.

Old sealants and other contaminants from concrete and stone surfaces are removed with a wire brush, if necessary, special cleaning and dissolving compounds are used. Metal, plastic and glass are wiped with a solvent or an alcohol-containing liquid, the remnants of which are wiped dry with a napkin. To protect the areas adjacent to the sealed seam from contamination, an adhesive tape is used, which is removed immediately after completion of work.

The surface to be treated must not be too cold or hot. The optimum temperature range is within 5-40°C. It is recommended to heat the tube with sealant to room temperature. The extrusion method is determined by the type of packaging. The sealant comes out of the tip after squeezing the tube. To form a beautiful seam and remove excess material, use a spatula dipped in water.

All work is carried out exclusively on a dry surface. Assemble the shower cabin according to the instructions: install the side walls and pre-fix all the guides with screws, fasten the top and the hose.

Each assembly stage is accompanied by a thorough coating of all joints and joints with sealant. At the same time, make sure that the holes for fasteners (screws, screws) remain “outside”. Thanks to this, the final assembly of the cab will take place without damaging the sealant layer.

Seams covered with sealant are fixed with screws and left to dry completely. If there is excess silicone, it must be carefully removed with a rag until it is completely cured.

Next, the shower cabin is sealed from the front side. For this, a sealing cord is used. It is inserted into the junction of the cabin frame and glass and is additionally treated with a sealant to improve the waterproofing properties of problem areas.

After drying, check the tightness of the structure, for this it is enough to direct a strong pressure of water from the shower to all connections. Usually traces of small leaks are found again, before re-sealing it is necessary to completely dry the cabin from moisture. Once again, carefully go through the sealant on all the "problem" places.

1. Install side walls.
2. Pre-fix all joints with screws.
3. Make fasteners for the top and the shower itself.

Side wall installation

At each stage of assembly, all joints and joints must be carefully lubricated with a sealant. At the same time, you need to ensure that all the screws remain on the outside of the cab. If you follow this sequence, you can assemble without damaging the sealant itself.

After all the seams that are covered with sealant are processed, everything is fixed with screws and left to dry completely. If there are areas where silicone remains, you need to remove it with a rag.

Then you need to seal the cabin from the outside (front). To do this, you can use a sealing cord. First you need to insert it into place where the cab frame is adjacent to the glass. Then seal with sealant. This will improve the waterproofing properties of the zones.

Then, as everything dries, check the level of tightness of the structure. To do this, a strong jet of water is directed to any connection. If leaks are found, re-sealing is necessary. Be sure to go through the tool again problem areas.

Sealing

There were cases when, for high-quality sealing of the shower cabin, it was necessary to carry out repair work and dismantle the old sealant. It is easy to remove silicone sealant from the bottom using white spirit.

You need a rag, blades and cleaning agent. Moisten a rag in the product and wipe the place with the old sealant, leave for 30 seconds. Take the blade and peel off the old layer from the surface (glass or tile). If a yellowish stain remains in this place, then it is necessary to wipe it again with the help of White spirit.

Remove silicone from pan mechanically It is possible only from surfaces that are not scratched. It is removed with a sharp knife or pumice stone. First, large silicone growths are removed. Everything must be done with extreme care so as not to damage the surface.

Additionally

After the sealant has been removed, you need to disconnect the cab from the pallet. In the case where the silicone was removed not in in full, it can be cut with a knife. To do this, the tool must be inserted into the opening between the pallet and the wall.

After the walls have been removed, the residual silicone must be removed using a hard pumice stone. If all the work was done carefully, then you can be sure that the acrylic surfaces will remain safe and sound. After all procedures, it is recommended to wipe the shower cabin completely with a dry and clean cloth.

Construction Silicone Case emergency can be replaced with aquarium silicone.

The area to be treated must not be overheated or undercooled. The optimum temperature is considered to be in the range from 5 to 40 degrees Celsius. Before starting work, the tube with sealant is heated to room temperature. The method of application depends on the type of product packaging. A mixture for sealing the joints of the shower cabin appears after squeezing the tube or the action of the pump.

To form a beautiful seam and carefully remove excess sealant, use a spatula moistened with water.

The procedure is carried out without delay, since the outer film coating of the sealant dries quite quickly: within 5-30 minutes from the moment of application. Drying time depends on the component composition of the product. The rejection of the material at a humidity of up to 50% and a temperature of about 20 degrees occurs at a rate of 2-4 mm per day.

At each stage of assembly, all joints and joints of parts are carefully coated with sealant. At the same time, do not forget to ensure that the holes for fasteners (screws and screws) are outside. This is how you reach maximum effect sealing the shower cabin with your own hands, without damaging individual sections during the assembly process.

The seams to which the sealant is applied are fixed with screws and allowed to dry completely. Excess product is removed with a rag before the sealant is completely cured.

After that, the sealing of the shower cabin with a tray on the front side is carried out. For such work, a sealing cord is used. It is mounted end-to-end between the glass adjacent to the frame and additionally treated with a sealant. This will help improve the waterproofing properties of problem areas.

Work rules

Sealing a shower cabin involves the use of materials such as:

• sealing cord;
• rags;
• silicone sealant.

In order to do all the work correctly, it is necessary to pre-prepare the surfaces to be treated: clean from old layers, dirt deposits, accumulations of dust and grease. It is desirable to carry out cleaning work on the day of installation of the cabin and pallet.

To effectively remove the remnants of the old sealant, use special solvents for silicone.

Using polysulfide, silicone, acrylic and butyl sealants, seams and surfaces are not only cleaned, but also dried.

Do not use soapy water or dishwashing detergent for cleaning. Such tools only worsen adhesion.

Metal brushes are used to remove old sealant residues and other contaminants from concrete and stone surfaces; if necessary, special solvent and cleaning liquids are used.

Plastic, metal and glass surfaces are wiped with a solvent or an alcohol-containing liquid, the remnants of which are soaked dry with moisture-absorbing wipes. To prevent the sealant from getting on the adjacent sections of the walls with the seams, a special adhesive tape is used to seal the shower cabin, which can be easily removed upon completion of all work.

Installation of side walls in the shower

Varieties

• TYTAN Sanitary is an acid silicone that can be used in repair and construction work, as it has excellent adhesion to all rigid building materials- brick, plaster, glass, metal, wood and so on. It is mainly used for sealing seams and joints - these can be bathrooms, or any building joints where there is no dust and moisture on the treated surface. It can be noted that such material is used when sealing joints where vibration changes are possible, as well as shifts of ± 20 relative to the base.

• TYTAN glass is an acid silicone that can be used in repair and construction work, as it has excellent adhesion to all hard smooth materials - that is, not only glass, but also tile or ceramic tile as well as plastic. It is mainly used for sealing seams and joints - these can be bathrooms, glazing of houses and balconies, or any building joints where there is no dust and moisture on the treated surface. It is noteworthy that such a material is used when sealing joints where vibration changes are possible, as well as shifts of ± 20 relative to the base.

Only an antibacterial composition can help you, but only if you wipe these seams so that water does not linger in them.

Installation work

Sealing

Additionally

Conclusion

When installing a shower stall with your own hands, in any case, you will use a sealant to seal the joints. But at the same time, try to immediately remove the excess so that its thin layer does not remain on the tile, which is very similar to lime or soap deposits (see also the article “Shower switch with a spout - device types and features of choice”).

Surface refinishing

If leaks or insufficiently treated areas are found during the test of the level of tightness of the shower cabin, then it will be necessary to re-apply a layer of waterproof sealant.

First you need to thoroughly dry the surface in all problem areas.

It should be remembered that the outer film coating of any sealing composition is characterized by rapid drying, so all work must be carried out as accurately and quickly as possible.

The standard sealing layer hardens at humidity levels of no more than 48-50% and temperature regime at the level of 20-22оС at a rate of 0.2-0.4 mm/day.

When choosing a sealant, experts recommend paying attention not only to its composition, but also to its color, water resistance level, the presence of antibacterial and antifungal properties, as well as the presence of additives that positively affect the durability of the treatment. Sealants "Tytan", "Moment", "Ciki Fix", "Ceresit" and "Dow Corning" have proven themselves very well.

After the sealant dries, check the structure for leaks. To do this, it will be enough to direct the flow of water to the joints. In 80% of cases, traces of leaks are found, so re-treatment will be required, before which the cabin must be dried again.

As you can see, preparing a shower cabin for installation is not difficult, and processing the pallet with a sealant is easy to do at home without the need to call the masters. It is easy to carry out with your own hands.