Shower surrounds, installation help please .?
Question:I am going to attempt to install a new shower surround by myself ( it is the kind that has 3 separate panels ). I have never attempted this before and know it is a one shot deal. All knowledge of this type of installation will be appreciated.
Ed.S.
Answers:
Ed
Make sure the surface is stable. You should replace any "soft" or substandard material with at least green drywall [only if covered by waterproof panels], but you are really better off putting up concrete "backer board" instead of green board. Get the surface as flat as possible, any variations will show thru the panels...
keep panels level and plumb. work from the low point of tub and trim each panel to fit tub. at tub allow about 1/8" gap for movement and caulking...
Use a pencil scriber for fitting up to tub, General Tools makes a nice little scriber for about $2. http://www.amazon.com/general-tools-843-...
fitting to plumbing fixtures can be tough but you can always cut openings a little small for trial fit and then open them up as needed. a good idea if you find that the bottom of panel needs triming also.
layout all your cuts carefully and double check everything. you can always make a template out of cardboard and then transfer to your panels.
make sure you use right glue at proper rate. a full spread with a notched trowel makes for a quality installation.
Prep is the key to success here dry fit and tape all of your panels in place I always trace around the edges with a pencil so i know where to spreed the glue. I have always used the liquid nails bathroom and shower and then buy a cheep plastic trowel. After you apply the caulking to the wall one panel at a time starting with the back wall spread the caulk around with the trowel other wise you will see the caulk lines though the other side. do this with each of the panels and you will be all set. I also try and use a roller to press down on the panels after i set them in place but some very firm hand pressure will work as well just be sure to press down every where. if you go with the liquid nails get 4 tubes of it it takes a little more then one tube to get the whole wall after you have spread it out. hope this helps
Is this the type you are using?
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pr...
these are designed to be installed prior to the drywall, and are also desgned to fit into small grooves in the bathtub which is designed for these surrounds, if you are using an old tub you can trim down the botton of the surrounds to remove the little clips.
if you are using this,
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pr...
the instructions from the previous answerers are applicable
Email me if you have any other questions...
If your wall is solid and straight, it should not be hard. Make sure you do a good job of installing the first piece straight and glue it good. Once that is in place, the others should also be easy. The hardest part might be cutting the holes for the fixtures.
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