To tile around a shower base, you will need to create a framework first. If you have existing tiling, you may need to remove some tiles in order to fit the new ones. Once the framework is in place, you will need to apply mortar to the back of the tiles as well as to the wall.
Place the tiles carefully and press them into place, making sure that the edges are lined up correctly. Once the tiles are in place, you will want to clean up any excess mortar and grout in the gaps between the tiles.
Allow the mortar to set and cure before grouting. Once the grout is spread between the tiles with a grout float, use a damp sponge to wipe off the excess as you go. Allow the grout to dry before removing any protective tape, applying sealant to the grout lines, and applying a layer of sealant to the tiles.
What do you put between shower trays and tiles?
When installing a shower tray, the area should be prepared by cleaning and filling the area with a suitable waterproof adhesive, such as a polymer modified mortar. Once the adhesive is spread over, the tray should be carefully positioned, levelled and all joints should be filled with a suitable waterproof sealant.
Once all the joints are sealed, you should then allow the adhesive to dry and cure especially if the product states that this is necessary as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the adhesive has set and the shower tray is secure, you must then install a water proofing membrane or tanking system over the tray before applying the tiling system. This must be done prior to tiling to ensure the tray is completely waterproofed and the tiling is protected.
The tanking system should be applied to the underside of the shower tray, up the sides and around the edges, forming a waterproof coverage membrane or tanking system. There a few different methods and products to do this, such as shower tray bonding systems, where a waterproof liner is formed over the tray.
This will act as a moisture barrier and provide additional protection to the shower tray against water ingress. Finally, once the tanking system has fully cured, the wall tiling can be applied directly to the waterproof membrane or tanking system in accordance with the relevant British standards and manufacturer’s instructions.
How close should tile be to the shower pan?
The minimum suggested distance between the shower pan and the tile is 1/4 inch. It’s best to install a backer board prior to tiling to ensure that the shower pan and walls are level and that there is adequate support for the tile.
Depending on the type of tile you are using, you may need to use a flexible mortar or thinset when applying it to the walls and floor in order to ensure a watertight seal. The tile should be pressed against the shower pan or the flexible mortar or thinset so that there is a good bond between the tile and the pan.
It is important to remember to use waterproof caulk around the edges of the tile to ensure there are no gaps or voids that can allow water to seep in.
Where do you stop tile in a shower?
The exact location where to end the tiling in a shower will depend on the style of shower, the design preferences of the homeowner, and the type of tile being used. Generally, full wall tiling is preferred to ensure the walls provide maximum protection from water damage.
However, some people may choose to tile only part of the wall for a unique look. If this is the case, it is important to be aware of how far up the wall the tile should go in order to provide proper protection against water intrusion.
For example, if the walls are being entirely tiled, the tile should usually undercut the lip of the shower pan by an inch, and should extend up the wall to create a lip of tile that extends above the showerhead by 1/2″ to 1″.
Depending on the size and shape of the shower, the tile may need to go up higher.
The best way to determine the ideal location to stop the tile in a shower is to plan out the shower before purchasing any materials. This will help ensure the correct amount of tile is purchased, while also allowing you to better visualize the end result.
Finally, it’s important to plan for any changes or modifications that may be necessary after the tile is installed.
Do you tile shower pan or walls first?
When it comes to tiling a shower, both the walls and the pan should be installed before any tiling can take place. The walls should be installed and leveled off first to ensure a level tiling surface.
Once the walls are installed, the shower pan should be installed following the manufacturer’s instructions. After the pan and walls are installed, start with the shower floor tiling, working up the walls and then around the shower fixtures.
Leave a small gap between tiles on walls and floors for future grouting and tile edging. Finally, seal the tiles with grout and apply silicone as needed for edges and corners. When completed, allow the grout to dry for at least 24 hours before using the shower.
How much space should be between floor and wall tiles?
Typically, there should be a gap of 1/8” (3mm) between the wall tiles and the floor tiles. This provides enough space to effectively put down the caulk or grout needed to prevent water seepage and to properly adhere the tile to the floor.
Depending on how wide or thick the tiles are, this gap may need to be increased or decreased. For example, when tile is very thick, like heavy porcelain tile, the gap may need to be as much as ¼” (6mm).
Additionally, when the tile being installed has a beveled edge, the gap between the wall and the floor may need to be larger, such as a ½”, in order to ensure all the tile is properly aligned.
How big a gap can silicone fill?
Silicone is a highly versatile material which can be used to fill voids of all sizes, from very small gaps to large cavities. It is a non-porous, waterproof material with excellent flexibility and adhesion properties, making it ideal for a host of applications.
Silicone is also resistant to temperature extremes, aging, and UV radiation, making it an ideal choice for filling gaps in many types of construction and repairs.
When used in a gap-filling capacity, silicone can range from thin caulk lines to much larger filler applications. It can be used to fill small gaps around kitchen and bathroom items, fill small cracks in stone or brickwork, or larger voids in walls and other substrates.
Depending on the size of the gap and the required seal quality, different types of silicone can be used. This includes specialist, fire-rated silicone, which can provide an even greater level of protection in more hazardous environments.
In addition to filling gaps, silicone can also be used for insulation, waterproofing, sealing, bonding, and more. Its versatility is what makes it such a popular material in construction, renovation, and maintenance work.
Its superior flexibility, durability, and adhesion mean that it can fill a gap of any size, making it the perfect choice for any job.
How do I stop my shower tray from flexing?
The best way to stop your shower tray from flexing is to strengthen the floor beneath it. You can do this by installing a wooden subfloor (plywood sheets) which will provide the support the shower tray needs.
Make sure the subfloor installation lays level and is secured into joists for extra stability. If the shower tray is positioned on concrete, you may need to add extra support underneath it with polystyrene sheeting or battens.
If your shower tray is fitted with a silicone sealant, it’s important to make sure that it’s correctly applied, as this will help to prevent any flexing. Additionally, you may want to consider replacing the shower tray with one that has a more robust construction, such as a cast-iron or stone tray.
Can you use spray foam under a shower pan?
Yes, you can use spray foam under a shower pan. Doing so can be beneficial as it offers a strong, secure base for the shower pan and offers stability. When first applying the spray foam, it is important to fill the entire area under the shower pan sufficiently.
It is also beneficial to layer the spray foam two or three times, as this can create a stronger bond and provide even more stability. Once the last layer of spray foam is dry, it will be necessary to cover it with a waterproof membrane to protect the shower pan from any moisture that may find its way into the spray foam.
If the spray foam is applied correctly, it can provide a strong, secure base that can help protect the shower pan and any other objects in the area from shifting or sliding.
Does shower pan go in before tile?
Whether the shower pan goes in before the tile or vice versa will depend on the type of installation you are doing. If you are installing a prefabricated shower pan such as an acrylic or fiberglass kit, the pan should go in first.
With these prefabricated pans, the tile will be installed directly on top of the pan.
On the other hand, if you are creating a custom shower pan out of mortar and waterproof liner, the tile should go in first. This is because the shower liner will be placed on top of the tile to create the waterproofing layer, and it is important that the mortar does not dry before the liner is installed.
No matter which route you choose, it is important that the waterproofing is done properly and that the tile is securely fastened. If done correctly, the whole installation should last for many years.
