Choosing and applying a sealant for shower cabins. Shower cabin sealing: step by step description of work Silicone sealant for a shower cabin

IN modern apartments An extremely popular plumbing solution has become the installation of shower enclosures.

High-quality sealing of the pallet and cabin walls is an important measure, which, along with other measures, ensures reliable protection premises from excess moisture, dampness, the formation of mold and other fungi.

In the vast majority of cases, shower sealant will help to cope with this task.

Why is a sealant needed?

A shower cabin is usually a structure of separate elements made of plastic and glass, and a tray.

The walls of the cabin are adjacent to the pallet. The whole cabin is adjacent to the walls, which are usually covered with ceramic tiles. Between the walls of the booth and the pallet, as well as between the panels of the booth and the walls of the room, gaps are formed at the joints, which accumulate moisture and let water through.

To prevent the accumulation of dampness, after assembling the plumbing equipment, the joints are sealed. Due to the paste-like consistency, the sealant fills the gaps. When hardened, it adheres firmly to adjacent surfaces and becomes like elastic rubber, providing a reliable barrier to the penetration of water, moisture, and steam.

Types of sealants

Sealants are substances based on polymers such as silicones, acrylics, polyurethanes, etc. In addition to the base, they contain fillers, special additives and some impurities. According to the type of polymer used, sealants, respectively, are classified as silicone, acrylic, polyurethane.

By solidifying, these compounds acquire properties that allow them to be used for one purpose or another.

For example, acrylic sealants have a neutral curing type. They are affordable and form very strong seams, but they are not moisture resistant enough and are characterized by low elasticity. Thus, acrylic sealing materials can only be used in rigid joints that are not subject to vibrations and deformations.

Silicone sealants There are both neutral and acid curing types.

Neutral - can be used on any surface. Materials of this type are characterized by high moisture resistance, good elasticity, it can withstand high temperature changes.

Polyurethane sealants have low adhesion to plastic and ceramic tiles, so it is not used for shower cabin seals.

What is important when choosing?

When choosing the right composition for a shower cabin, it is important to evaluate the complex of various properties that will make the process comfortable, provide a reliable and durable seal.

Release form

So, for example, you should pay attention to the form of release of sealants. Packings in the form of tubes (about 100 g or less) are intended for small-volume work and are unlikely to be suitable for sealing the joints of shower cabins. Packages that are too large will not work either.

The optimal form of packaging for self-sealing plumbing is tubes designed to work in conjunction with a special construction gun. Tubes are available in volumes from 300 to 600 ml. The gun allows you to quickly, accurately and evenly fill large enough seams and joints.

Composition and construction materials

Another point that you should pay attention to when choosing is the materials that make up the sealant and the structural materials of the cabin that you have to work with. For example, an acrylic sealant is best for sealing an acrylic pallet. For metal surfaces, the best solution would be a composition based on silicones.

Company manufacturer

The name of the manufacturer to a certain extent can also be useful arguments in favor of choosing a particular product. So, it would be a risky move to take a cheap sealant from an unknown manufacturer - the result of working with it can be unpredictable. materials famous brands tested by numerous applications, have a lot of positive feedback and, when used correctly, guarantee a good result.

Color

For the bathroom, the aesthetic component is important, so when choosing a sealant, it is necessary to take into account the color of the plumbing. In most cases, white or transparent compositions are used for shower cabins.

Sanitary Additives

Sanitary additives in the composition of the product help to resist the formation of mold and fungi. For bathrooms, such sealants are preferable, as they provide a longer service life in damp and humid environments.

Water resistance

Water resistance is one of the main factors when choosing a product. For bathrooms, you should choose the most waterproof compositions.

Popular brands of sealants

Dow Corning- a manufacturer with a worldwide reputation. One of the few giants that actually produce silicones.

Dow Corning sealants have excellent water resistance and adhesion to all surfaces. Dow Corning recently changed its brand name to Dowsil following a company reorganization.

Among the materials of this manufacturer there are products in different packaging, with special fungicidal additives.

Moment- a well-known company that has been specializing in the production of sealing and adhesive materials for many decades.

The manufacturer offers a wide range of high-quality silicone sealants in various packages.

soudal is the largest Belgian manufacturer of a wide range of special quality materials

Somafix– a well-known Turkish manufacturer of construction chemicals

Ottoseal- sealant produced by OttoChemie, which occupies a leading position in Europe in providing market consumers with this type of product

Ravak- very high quality sealants from a Czech manufacturer, but their cost is much higher than other analogues

Tytan (Titan)- Polish-made acrylic and silicone sealants (Selena company), which have proven themselves in sealing shower cubicles.

Ciki Fix- Turkish manufacturer, characterized by low cost and excellent quality. It can be used for gluing small decorative elements.

Ceresit- a subsidiary of a well-known German manufacturer household chemicals. It can be used to seal bathrooms, but cannot be used on aquariums and surfaces that will come into contact with food.

Which sealant is best?

To determine which sealant is best for a shower cabin, you should analyze the recommended area of ​​\u200b\u200btheir application, properties, consistency, performance in conditions of high temperatures, moisture, vibrations and micro-movements, as well as the type of structural materials that will have to be sealed.

Seams formed by acrylic compositions after drying, under the influence of moisture and vibrations are quickly destroyed. For this reason, the choice of most specialists in the vast majority of cases falls on silicone sealant.

At the same time, silicone sealants also have a number of restrictions on their use with certain types of materials. In these cases, it makes sense to use combined formulations that combine the best properties of silicone and acrylic materials. Such combined compositions are not yet widely used, and their cost is quite high.

Thus, a high-quality silicone-based shower sealant is in most cases the best solution for sealing joints.

Advantages and disadvantages of silicone sealants

Even though the best shower sealant is a silicone-based compound, this type of material has its pros and cons, which should be considered both when choosing a compound and at the stage of working with it.

The main advantages of silicone compounds are unsurpassed moisture resistance and durability of sealed joints. Elasticity and resistance to temperature differences in a wide range make them indispensable seals for shower cabins that are frequently exposed to both hot and cold water.

The disadvantages of most silicone sealants include, first of all, their incompatibility with paints. After sealing, it is almost impossible to produce high-quality coloring of the seams. Therefore, transparent sealants, or neutral-colored compounds, are selected for shower stalls.

It is necessary to work with silicone compounds carefully, since removing excess cured sealant is a very difficult task.

Silicone compounds are worse than acrylic rubbed between joints. They are incompatible with polycarbonate and polyacryl, because getting into the microcracks of these structural materials, they cause their expansion.

The subtleties of sealing the shower

For high-quality sealing of the shower cabin, it is necessary to prepare a sealing cord, silicone sealant, rags, spatula, blade, metal brush, solvent, means for removing old sealant.

As mentioned earlier, it is convenient to do the work with a construction gun.

Before starting to create a new seal, prepare the surfaces - clean them from dust, dirt, and degrease them.

You can remove the old sealant using special compounds or mechanically - with a metal brush or blade.

Then the surface must be dried.

To prevent the sealant from getting on adjacent surfaces, it is convenient to use masking tape or special adhesive tape to seal the shower stall. After completion of the work, these tapes can be easily removed and ensure the perfect cleanliness of the walls and cabin elements.

It is desirable to carry out works at a temperature from +5 to +40 °C.

To obtain a beautiful, neat seam shape, you can use a spatula dipped in water.

At each stage of assembly, sealant for shower cabins is applied to all joints and joints of parts and leveled with a spatula.

Excess is removed with a rag before the composition dries. To seal the joint between the pallet and the cabin walls, a sealing cord is used, which is additionally treated with a sealant.

After drying, you need to check the structure for leaks, and if the tightness is broken somewhere, re-treat with a sealing compound.

The bathroom is characterized high rates humidity, therefore, competent sealing of the shower cabin is a prerequisite for comfortable and safe operation of the plumbing device.

What to use for sealing?

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 it is necessary to 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.

In addition to hardening polymeric types and compositions, the action of which is based on the evaporation of a solvent, putties of a non-drying type are produced.

What elements should be sealed?

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.

Cabin insulation

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 those with a floor drain installed in the floor. When installing such shower cabins, the floor processing in the sanitary room is especially carefully performed.

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.

In the process of assembling the structure, especially careful processing with silicone compounds will require the connection area of ​​​​the pallet with the lower part of the cabin.

Sequence of work

Before proceeding with sealing measures, it is necessary to carry out whole line 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 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 of a sealing cord from the outside of the structure and the application of sealant.

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.

To get the maximum effect from the independent work for sealing the shower stall and waterproofing the plumbing unit, it is very important not only to carry out all the activities in the complex, but also to follow their sequence.

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 20-22 o C 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.

No room in your home needs sealants like a bathroom. It is here that the largest number of places and structures that need to be sealed due to the constant exposure to water are concentrated. These are the adjunctions of a sink, bathtub or shower cabin to the walls, joints of pipes for various purposes, places where pipes pass through walls, gaps at the joints of walls between themselves, as well as with the floor and ceiling.

During repairs, laying pipelines, installing plumbing fixtures and devices, you have to constantly use a sealant. But, since the microclimate of the bathroom is significantly different from the situation in other rooms, the choice of sealant must be approached deliberately.

What sealants can be used in the bathroom

Having visited a building supermarket, you will not have to look for sealants suitable for work in high humidity environments for a long time - the scope of the composition is almost always indicated on the packaging.

The form of release of sealing compounds can be different:

• Small tubes weighing 60-100 g, equipped with a cap equipped with a cone-shaped spout. This is the best option when the amount of work is small. The difficulty lies in the fact that it is very difficult to squeeze the sealant evenly out of such a cap, so most often it has to be leveled, which reduces the quality of the seams (especially if they are located in plain sight).
• Tubes with a volume of 280 to 600 ml, designed for a construction gun. It is much easier to work with them, since it is possible to control the extrusion force of the composition. The seams are much neater, although sometimes you still have to correct them.
• An aluminum tube (looking like a sausage), buckets of various sizes and even barrels.

The chemical composition of sealants for bathrooms can also be different.

But the most popular are the following:

• acrylic;
• polyurethane;
• silicone;
• blends with MS polymers.

Each species has its own purpose and features.

Acrylic based formulations

Sealants of this type are the cheapest, but they have quite good quality. These two circumstances explain the rather wide demand for them.

Properties inherent in compositions based on acrylic:

• The absence of toxic and hazardous components in the composition and chemical neutrality, allowing not to use protective equipment when working with sealant.
• Quite a wide range of operating temperatures (from -20 to +80 degrees).
• Good adhesion to the surfaces of various building materials.
• It resists small vibrations well, therefore it can be used in mechanical engineering and mechanics.
• Short drying time.
• The dried surface can be painted.

The disadvantages that limit their use include:

• The inelasticity of the seam formed by the sealant - even with a slight stretch in the range of 10-12%, it begins to collapse.
• When drying, the sealant shrinks, so in the future, when exposed to water, the seam may leak (therefore, the sealant is best used where there is no direct contact with water).
• Before applying the composition, it will be necessary to prime the surfaces in order to improve adhesion. Moreover, the primer must be appropriate.
• Acrylic cannot resist the growth of fungus and mold, so for the bathroom you need to choose a sealant with bactericidal additives.
• Over time, the white seam may turn yellow, so it is better to use a colored or transparent sealant.

Given the relative severity of the resulting seam, compositions of this type should not be used to seal steel and acrylic bathtubs and shower trays.

They give a fairly large linear expansion when exposed to high temperatures, and under load can change their size.

But acrylic perfectly fills cracks and voids in building materials and between inactive structures (gaps between walls, cracks in brick or concrete). This composition can handle the edges of the furniture installed in the bathroom that are not protected from moisture.

On sale you can find both waterproof and non-waterproof acrylic sealant, so be sure to check the appropriate marking on the label before buying.

Compositions based on polyurethane

These sealants are not afraid of changes in humidity and temperature, therefore they are intended for both wet rooms and outdoor use. They can work at temperatures up to -10 degrees. They perfectly tolerate UV radiation, so they can be used to seal loggias and balconies.

Polyurethane has a high adhesive power, so these compounds are often called "adhesive-sealant".

They also have other positive qualities:

• High elasticity of a seam after drying.
• Almost complete absence of shrinkage during drying, due to which the tightness of the seam is not violated.
• The material has good adhesion to most building materials.
• Most compounds form seams suitable for subsequent painting.

Disadvantages:

• Cannot be used in areas where heating above +120 degrees is possible.
• Application is possible only on dry surfaces (humidity not more than 10%). If it is necessary to seal wet materials, the surface will have to be primed first.
• Compositions on this basis have very weak adhesion to plastic, so in this situation the seam will be unreliable.

Thus, polyurethane sealants are best suited for leak-proofing cast iron or steel baths, as well as porcelain or glass sinks with walls. When choosing an acrylic bath or shower tray this material should not be used.

In any case, polyurethane sealant is better than acrylic.

Silicone-based mixtures

These sealants are currently at the peak of popularity. When buying, you need to pay attention to the composition, since depending on it there are two types of sealants: acidic and neutral.

Acid ones are cheaper because they are easier to manufacture. But when using them, you will have to protect your respiratory organs - before drying, the seams will exude a strong bad smell. It should be borne in mind that acidic compounds contribute to the rapid oxidation of metal surfaces, so they cannot be used to protect the adjunctions of cast-iron and steel bathtubs to walls.

Neutral ones are more difficult to manufacture, which is why they cost more, but they are harmless to all materials.

Those and other compounds are waterproof and not waterproof, so when buying, pay attention to this property.

On sale there are one- and two-component silicone sealants. For personal use, the former are more suitable.

In general, these compositions have the following characteristics:

• They tolerate high temperatures well and can even be used to seal joints around a chimney.
• They are highly resistant to water, so they can be used where exposure to water is constant - at the junction of bathtubs, showers and sinks.
• Good adhesive ability allows you to seal with their help the adjunction of plastic and stone window sills, seams in countertops where a sink or sink is installed.
• They work well with non-porous materials such as glass, plastic, metal, ceramics.
• After polymerization, the elasticity of the seam is preserved.

The disadvantage is the susceptibility of silicone joints to the formation of colonies of fungus and mold. Therefore, it is necessary to use material with antiseptic additives. For particularly damp areas, it is better to purchase a compound designed for aquariums or sanitary silicone sealant.

The high elasticity of the seam allows the use of sealants of this type, including for processing adjoining steel and acrylic bathtubs.

Formulations with MS polymers (MSP)

Sealing mixtures of this type have appeared relatively recently, but have already gained recognition due to the combination of the properties of compositions based on polyurethane and silicone. They form strong elastic joints and reliably protect the seams from leakage. They are also called "adhesive sealants".

They have the following characteristics:

• They do not contain toxic substances, almost do not smell and are safe for health.
• They have excellent adhesion to all building materials. Their use does not require preliminary priming of surfaces.
• They dry quickly and can harden even in sub-zero temperatures.
• Do not promote the growth of mold and fungus.
• The elasticity of the seam remains high (about 25%).
• Not afraid of exposure to sunlight - do not change color and do not crack.
• After the surface of the seam dries, it can be painted.
• They do not flow even when processing vertical surfaces, they form even, neat seams.
• Can be used not only in fresh, but also in salt water.
• Sealants with MSP have a paste-like consistency, so they lay down very evenly, without bubbles. Before the film has formed, they can be easily leveled, giving the seam the desired shape.

But even such a sealant has disadvantages:

• High initial cost, which is fully justified by the strength of the seam and its long service life.
• After curing, the sealant can only be cleaned mechanically, solvents are powerless here.

So, sealants of this type are very good for sealing the joints of bathtubs (of any material) and especially shower cabins - as they do not slip even when applied vertically.

Which sealant is best

There is no single answer to this question.

Since the choice depends on many factors:

• the task to be solved with its help;
• material of surfaces subjected to sealing;
• budget possibilities.

• For the treatment of shower or bath junctions to the walls, MSP sealant is the best option, although a silicone (preferably neutral) or polyurethane composition may be a good option.
• If you need to glue in the surface, for example, a mirror, then the best option would be a neutral composition based on silicone.
• Any silicone-based sealants are suitable for processing cuts and edges of furniture installed in the bathroom or in the kitchen.
• If it is necessary to seal the connection of pipes, then in order to choose the right sealant, you need to know what they are made of. Any silicone sealant is suitable for sealing polymer pipes (plastic and metal-plastic), polyurethane is not suitable here. If the pipes are cast iron or steel, MSP sealant is suitable, as well as polyurethane or neutral silicone.
• Use a polyurethane adhesive sealant or MSP if necessary to bond loose tiles. They do not shrink, so the tile will not burst.
• If necessary, seal the seams between the ceiling and the floor in the bathroom, located in wooden house, you need to remember that such buildings are always mobile. Therefore, it is better to use sealing compounds with high elasticity - silicone or MS polymers.

As you can see, the latest generation sealant - MSP - is an almost universal material for processing almost all seams in the bathroom. But in order not to overpay, you need to divide the scope of work into separate sections, and, where possible, use suitable materials with a lower cost.

Shower cabins are a very popular solution for the bathroom nowadays. Someone wants to save space in the bathroom, someone just finds the presence of a shower cabin convenient, and someone wants to save water in the context of rising prices for hot water. In any case, shower boxes and cabins are quite popular, although they are not without certain drawbacks. We are talking about the issue of sealing the cabin.

Peculiarities

After installing the cabin in a small bathroom, there is still space for some furniture, washing machine etc. And sealing the shower stall is essential element protection of the room from moisture and its excess and, as a result, dampness in the room. The severity of the problem in this case is due to the fact that the booth is a prefabricated structure. Namely, through the cracks between its parts, moisture with steam gets out and increases humidity.

Moreover, this causes the formation and extremely rapid spread of fungi, mold, and other harmful microorganisms in the bathroom, and then in the apartment. Their spores, which are released into the air, cause allergies, diseases of the respiratory tract, lungs, and so on. In addition, dampness can attract various creatures: cockroaches, rats, insects, wood lice, and the like, which are carriers of dangerous infectious diseases. That is why it is strongly recommended that after installation it is imperative to seal and waterproof the shower cabin.

If we talk about the most frequent places of leaks, then most often these are butt joints. This is the weakest point in any shower stall. Another reason may be the cabin design itself. In a large number of models, small thresholds are installed through which water simply spills. Another reason for a water spill may be the poor quality of the drain mechanism or the connection of its elements. In this case, water simply accumulates under the shower. As a rule, it is enough to either tighten the fasteners, or replace the system itself. Another fairly common cause of shower stall leaks is a crack in the shower tray.

Types of sealants

The sealing process is carried out by using special tools called sealants. They are produced as a high density paste, which is applied to the seams at the joints. various surfaces. The specified substance consists of polymers having an adhesive base. When they dry, they simply fill the space and glue the surfaces together.

Today, two types of sealant can be used:

• based on silicone;
• acrylic.

The latter are almost impossible to use in bathrooms and showers due to the fact that high humidity is observed in these places. And acrylic under its action simply begins to decompose, in the process of drying it simply cracks and slowly collapses. It is for this reason that various substances are added to acrylic pastes that are resistant to water. But even so, acrylic is not as durable as silicone.

Silicone is considered best solution, which is currently on the market for two reasons: it calmly reacts to the effects of water, and also reliably covers all holes and openings. Therefore, most craftsmen believe that it is better to use silicone sealant in the described case. But it also needs to be able to choose. The main purpose of this composition is to create a reliable barrier to prevent moisture penetration. Considering that the consequences of its penetration can then result in serious expenses, it is better not to save on sealant from the very beginning. The fact is that some low-quality compositions of this type can quickly lose their waterproofing properties, and after a while the work will have to be done again.

To determine whether the sealant is of high quality before the moment of its purchase and subsequent use, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the composition indicated on the label. The best option for a shower cabin will be an option that contains at least 45 percent of a hydrophobic type filler, 45 percent of silicone-based rubber, a plasticizer, as well as various additives: thixotropic agents, catalyzate and fungicides. It is best to choose sealants from well-known manufacturers whose products have already shown their high quality when creating seams and sealing such areas.

The most popular today are special sealants from brands such as Somafix, Stern or Antia. Also, a fairly versatile solution would be to use transparent aquarium silicone, which can be used not only for joints with walls or tiles, but also for sealing plumbing joints.

How to seal?

In order for the do-it-yourself sealing process to be carried out correctly, you should use special equipment, which is most often supplied with a sealant. We are talking about the so-called gun, into which a capsule with a sealant is inserted, and the force is transmitted from the trigger through a special design to the piston. This allows the application of the sealed mass in an even layer without breaks along the entire butt length. But before doing this, you need to degrease the surface, completely and very carefully clean it of dirt and dust particles to ensure reliable connection silicone with degreased edges. It will not be superfluous to apply an antifungal composition in order to exclude any formation of fungus or mold at all.

The following factors influence the speed of hardening:

• thickness of the applied sealant;
• temperature;
• moisture level in the room where the work is carried out.

Given the last two factors, you should not use the bathroom for some time so as not to increase the humidity and temperature in it before work. When it was possible to seal the necessary area, experts do not recommend using the shower for some time. As stated, a silicone based sealant is the ideal solution for protecting joints during installation of a shower enclosure. It is easier to manage than with acrylic sealant, and its properties will be better. And the affordable price indicates that it is better to choose just this type of sealant.

If you go directly to the sealing process, then silicone shower enclosures should be either during assembly (each connection), or after installation is completed (all joints that have formed). It is necessary to carefully apply sealant to places that have already been sealed with cords or rubberized gaskets. It is necessary to process the joints in such a way that the places where the parts are attached to the structure with screws or bolts are on the outside of the sealant strip.

Sealing should be carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions., which clearly and step by step describes the whole process. And at each stage, silicone must be applied to all joints and joints.

Seam processing should be carried out as carefully and very carefully as possible. The substance must not come into contact with the inside of the shower box, bathtub or drip tray. For any corner, a small amount of sealant will be enough. If you are unsure that you can carefully silicone, then some places, and especially those that are next to the sealing line, can be pasted over with masking tape. This will protect them from accidental contact with sealant.

When all work is completed, the adhesive tape can be easily removed. If suddenly you accidentally stained some unprotected place, then the fresh composition can be removed with a piece of cloth. Once the sealant dries, it will be nearly impossible to remove without damaging the surface.

When all joints inside the shower cabin are treated with silicone or other sealant, and the structure is fully assembled and fixed with all fasteners, it is imperative to conduct a general inspection of the shower cabin from the outside. You should very carefully inspect it for the presence of excess sealant from the outside. If such excesses are found, they should be carefully wiped off with a rag or piece of cloth.

Next, you need to give the sealant time to dry. As a rule, the drying time is indicated on the tube. When it is completely dry, then you need to check the structure for leaks. To do this, simply close the drain and draw water into the pan or onto the floor to a certain level, and then drain it. During the collection of water, it will be possible to understand whether the shower stall is flowing in the most important places. If such a leak is found, then in order to eliminate it, it will be necessary to replace all the already applied sealant with a new one. It would be pointless to use sealant precisely in places of leakage, since it will not be a single tenacious mass. This solution is temporary. But sooner or later, a leak will appear in this place again.

Shower cabins are becoming more popular every year. This equipment is convenient to use and easy to install. Almost anyone with even a little knowledge in the field of plumbing can assemble a shower cabin. The main thing is to know how to properly silicone shower. Only fully sealed seams guarantee no leakage. To seal the seams, silicone for shower cabins is used.

How to start the process of sealing the shower cabin

Before sealing the shower cabin, it is necessary to assemble it. First of all, a pallet is installed. Then, the side walls of the shower cabin and the guides are attached to the tray with screws. The last step is to install the top of the shower box, as well as a flexible hose.

How to silicone shower

1. Silicone sealant must be carefully lubricated with absolutely all the connections made during the assembly of the shower cabin.

2. It is best to start applying the sealant while assembling the cab, one at a time for each joint.

It is extremely important to treat with silicone sealant those joints where there are sealing pads.

3. Apply silicone sealant to the seams in such a way that all holes for bolts and screws are on the outside of the sealant strip.

Apply silicone sealant to the seams as carefully as possible. The substance must not come into contact with the side walls of the shower cabin or on the drip tray. If this happens, then you will have to work hard to ensure that the walls of the cabin and the pallet acquire their original appearance.

4. After the shower box is fully assembled and fastened with bolts and screws, you need to carefully inspect the entire structure with front side. Excess sealant on the seams is removed with a piece of rag.

Re-sealing shower stalls

It is not always possible to seal the seams of the shower cabin with high quality the first time. If a leak is found during the operation of the shower cabin, it must be resealed with silicone sealant. Before applying it to the place of leakage, the shower cabin must be dried well. All seams to be sealed must be absolutely dry.

Silicone sealants

1. When choosing a silicone sealant for a shower cabin, you should not save money. The sealant must be of high quality.

2. High-quality silicone sealant is made of silicone rubber (more than 45%), hydrophobic pigment filler (more than 45%), related plasticizer, as well as fungicides, catalyzate, thixotropic agent.

3. On sale you can find the following sealants designed specifically for showers: STERN, ANTIA, Somafix.

4. In addition to special silicone sealants designed specifically for sealing shower enclosures, transparent aquarium silicone can also be used for these purposes. For example, such as OLIMP aquarium silicone sealant. The cost of this sealant is 126 rubles for 290 milliliters.

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 strong connection seams in various fields. Often used in construction, in 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 for a 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

The best quality options for this tool are made from:

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

Reliable brands

The most common manufacturers that 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 of various types of fungus and mold.

Kinds

The modern market offers every customer acid 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. Do not use a large amount 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 is supplied 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.

We told you about which sealant is best for a shower cabin and how to use it. However, do not forget about safety measures - work with gloves and make sure that the silicone does not get on the skin or in the eyes.

In the shower or in the bathroom, the air humidity is high, which negatively affects the condition of not only the cabin, but also other plumbing fixtures. Therefore, when repairing a bathroom, much attention is paid to waterproofing and sealing.

Types of sealant

The purpose of the work is to prevent moisture from getting on concrete floor, as it can be destroyed under prolonged exposure to water. This is handled by a sealant for a shower cabin, which can be: acrylic and silicone.

The first type is not effective for use in the bathroom, as it is used only in a dry environment, that is, where there is no pipeline.

And for sealing plumbing fixtures, they use the second type of this material, since they can reliably cover gaps and joints, and it also prevents the formation of mold and bacteria that multiply in a humid and warm environment.

If a leak appears after the first treatment, then after drying, a second layer of insulation is applied. Plumbing silicone sealant for showers, experts recommend using when installing acrylic trays and glass partitions. Note that its cost is low compared to other similar materials.

Before use, it is necessary to conduct a test to help determine which type of sealant is best used for work. Therefore, a small amount is applied to a plastic bag, which must not be deformed or blistered. If this happens, then the selected sealant cannot be used to install the acrylic tray and glass elements. In this case, they acquire another material.

Do-it-yourself sealing

For effective waterproofing, surfaces are conditionally divided into wet and dry zones. The first includes the walls, the floor near the booth, the toilet bowl and the sink. This area is treated with care.

Consider how the shower cabin is sealed with your own hands, but first you should level the floor, make a screed, and after it dries, get to work.

At the installation site of the device, polystyrene foam plates are glued, which will prevent the formation of liquid droplets and condensate on the outside of the pallet, which appear due to temperature changes. At the same time, a drain is installed and attention is paid to the joints and their insulation. Therefore, these places are treated with sealant.

Go to the next step and create a base on which the pallet is mounted. A mounting grid is laid on the plates and poured with a screed. Material is selected to isolate the cracks; liquid rubber is suitable for these purposes, which will make it possible to seal seams, edges, corners and other irregularities. Several layers of sealant are applied to the screed. This completes this process. Smear the material with a rubber spatula, and remove the excess with soapy water. Conduct a test: pour water and look, if it does not drain from the pillow, then the sealing is carried out correctly. Next, proceed to the installation of a plumbing fixture.

If silicone sealant is used, then all joints and crevices of the shower stall should be greased, and a strip of insulation should be visible on each bolt and screw. After assembling and testing the plumbing fixture, the excess sealant is removed with a piece of rag.

For this work, the following tools and material are required:

• Keys, drill, level;
• Hoses, screwdriver, sealant;
• Pallet, cabin.

Instructions for installing the device

• A shower tray is mounted on the treated place, the height is adjusted with the help of legs;
• The drain hole is connected to the valve using a plastic pipe;
• Collect the booth and mount it on a pallet;
• Produce fixing of the walls;
• Water is supplied to the plumbing fixture and connected;
• Attach the shutters.

In order for moisture not to accumulate in the room, and air to escape, you need to properly organize ventilation.

For complete waterproofing of the bathroom, one of the convenient methods is chosen, although they can also be used in combination. Consider the existing types: painting, penetrating, bituminous, polymer-cement.

The second method is considered convenient, since in this case the sealant is applied in several layers and a waterproof layer is created. If we talk about bituminous insulation, then its application is a complex process, and it can also get mechanical damage. Therefore, such a sealant is applied between the layers of the screed.

Sealing the floor around the cabin

• Clean the surface from contamination;
• An insulating material is applied, and if the surface is leveled, then the sealant will go less;
• Act according to the instructions that are placed on the package;
• Please note that some materials are applied to a dry surface, while others are wetted. Sometimes the next layer is smeared only after the bottom one dries;
• Next, using a sealant to assemble the shower cabin, they process the exit points of the pipes, the joints of the floor and walls, etc.

Conclusion

Precautions are required when working with insulating material. If the sealant gets into the eyes, on the skin or in the respiratory system, then they are, if possible, washed. And store it in a place inaccessible to children at a temperature of 0 to +35 ° C.

In the event that you cannot independently carry out work on sealing the cabin, then seek help from specialists who will make a high-quality installation of a plumbing fixture in a short time.

In small bathrooms, it is important to make the most of every square meter. And this must be done so that the located plumbing does not interfere with anyone from the residents.

Shower cabin for proper functioning requires high-quality sealing

A shower cabin is just what you need for such conditions. Its dimensions are modest compared to a conventional bathroom. That is why they are so popular. But it is important that the shower enclosure is properly installed. After all, its service life depends on it. The main thing is high-quality sealing of the shower cabin. After all, this is the only way to protect yourself from flooding and the formation of mold.

The need for sealing showers

The versatility of some models of shower cabins allows not only to use it for its 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.

Such consequences, in addition to inconvenience, carry great harm to the integrity of the installed coatings in the room. And with frequent and voluminous leakage, there is a risk that the liquid will penetrate lower to the floor and create problems for neighbors. Yes, and the cabin itself can suffer. In the most inaccessible places for processing, it can form:

• fungus;
• zail;
• water stagnation.

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.

Types of sealants for baths and showers

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 refers to budgetary and affordable means

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 types. 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.

Acidic

Wait and cheap option, which has a large number of disadvantages, which include gluing only non-metal surfaces and the ability to oxidize metal, etc.

Neutral

Contains no vinegar. Therefore, it is suitable for all surfaces.

Silicone-acrylic

Sealing the shower cabin with this material is of the highest quality. Such a product is elastic (which acrylic sealant lacked), temperature resistant and has good bonding properties.

polyurethane

Such a sealant can be used both for installing a shower enclosure and for repairing a worn silicone layer. Such material interacts with all coatings, economical, durable.

Each sealant is good and bad in its own way. The main thing is the understanding that it is not necessary to save. Having missed the joints once, you can forget about the possible risk for several years. And if the sealant is not of high quality, it will begin to leak after a few months. Such excuses that for the cost of one, you can buy two or three cheaper ones - irrelevant in modern construction.

Indeed, in the event of cracking, mold or peeling of the surface, you will have to completely clean off the old layer.

Applying a new one on top of an old one will not give good adhesion. And cleaning the pallet and the wall manually is a laborious process that requires a lot of time and patience.

What to focus on when choosing a sealant?

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

Transparent sealant is universal

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.

Bacteriological resistance

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.

By focusing on a sealant with the right composition, color, resistance to mold development and a minimum amount of additives, you can be sure that this is exactly what you need to seal the shower enclosure.

Popular sealant manufacturers

A modern range of sealants allows you to independently choose the best option for sealing your own shower cabin. Such goods find their consumer in different price categories. Cheap sealants are often produced by little-known manufacturers. Buying such products is risky. Often the quality matches the cost. It is better to stop at one of the popular companies that, over the years of their activity, have shown their positive sides. These include:

Titanium

The manufacturer "Selena" (Poland) produces both acrylic and silicone sealants.

Moment

Domestic manufacturer of quality building materials. Sealants of this company are available in packages of different volumes, which is a significant advantage.

Ciki Fix

One of the few manufacturers that offer good material for small price. Produced in Turkey.

Ceresit

German company with a worldwide reputation. Their sealants can even be used to bond aquariums.

Dow Corning

Manufacturer of sealants for a wide range of applications. They have good moisture resistance.

Having opted for the purchase of goods from a specific manufacturer You also need to take care of security. Some sealants are toxic, so buying a respirator or face shield won't be out of place. And also in the process of applying the substance, it is necessary to protect the surfaces of the bathroom and tiles from its excess particles. To do this, purchase masking tape.

An alternative to this can be a special solvent for silicone. But its purchase will be more expensive than regular masking tape.