The choice of quality bathroom accessories and sealing solutions impacts installation quality and long-term performance in wet and humid spaces. Bathroom and shower accessories require specific installation methods and high-grade sealants to ensure watertight results.
How Do I Determine the Appropriate Grade of Sealants for Bathrooms for Various Projects?
For residential jobs, a high-quality silicone sealant with mould resistance is typically suitable for most applications. Commercial spaces require industrial-grade bathroom sealant with enhanced chemical resistance and flexibility to handle higher traffic.
The location of the seal determines the grade needed. Areas with direct water exposure need quality bathroom silicone sealant. Less exposed areas can use standard-grade sealants for bathrooms, though they should still be water-resistant and mould-resistant.
What Are the Best Methods for Preparing Surfaces Before Applying Bathroom Silicone Sealant?
Proper surface preparation is key for achieving excellent adhesion and longevity of bathroom silicone sealant. The following 5 methods ensure top results in high-moisture environments.
- Removing old sealant: Old sealant must be completely removed from the surface. Use silicone removal tools and specialised solutions to strip away all traces. Any leftover residue will prevent the new sealant from bonding properly
- Moisture control: Surfaces must be completely dry before applying new sealant. Use forced air if needed and verify dryness thoroughly. Even minimal moisture content may compromise the seal and lead to future failures
- Applying tape: Apply high-quality painter's tape on both sides of the joint. Press firmly along the edges to prevent sealant bleeding underneath. This is important when working with textured surfaces or natural stone
- Surface-specific priming: For porous materials like natural stone or concrete, apply an appropriate primer. Choose products specifically designed for your surface type and allow full curing time before applying sealant
- Joint preparation: Install backer rod sized 25% larger than the joint width. This controls sealant depth and ensures proper joint movement. Maintain a consistent depth-to-width ratio of 1:2 for best performance
What is the Best Way to Install Wedi Board Washers?
When installing Wedi board washers, space them every 300mm across and down the board. Keep all washers at least 50mm away from any board edges to maintain strength. When securing the washers, screw them in until they sit flat against the board surface.
Don't over-tighten; you want a slight depression in the middle without crushing the rubber. The washer should be level with the board surface. Be sure to apply Wedi sealant over each washer after installation.
The sealant should cover the whole washer and spread slightly beyond its edges.
5 Top Pro Tips on How to Install Sliding Glass Doors for Showers
Below, we detail the advanced considerations for sliding shower door installations that ensure long-term performance.
- Load distribution: Create a continuous load path by installing further blocking between studs, extending 300mm beyond the door frame. Use moisture-resistant materials and ensure proper attachment to existing structures
- Header reinforcement: Design custom header supports that accommodate both vertical loads and lateral movement. Add proper flashing details above the header to prevent moisture infiltration
- Track alignment: Use laser levelling for track installation, adding shim systems that allow for future adjustments. Fit tracks with allowance for thermal expansion based on climate conditions
- Waterproofing integration: Create redundant waterproofing layers by integrating shower door systems with waterproofing membranes. Introduce proper overlaps and use compatible sealants that maintain flexibility
- Movement joint engineering: Calculate and accommodate building movement at critical junctions. Install expansion joints where necessary and use sealants that maintain integrity under regular movement cycles