Many bathroom remodeling projects include a new shower or tub. Showers and tubs will get wet, obviously, so the most important thing to do after your new shower is to protect it from all that water. That’s right—you’ve got to seal it! We’ve compiled a helpful guide to teach you the ins and outs of sealing a shower.
Are you considering a minor renovation or a complete overhaul to create the perfect bathroom in your home? Complete remodels and smaller renovations can refresh your space, but it’s essential to consider your remodeled space’s functional aspects and aesthetics.
Waterproofing should be included in each step when you or your contractor installs the new tub or shower, including fixtures and a shower door.
Use the appropriate backboard for bathroom spaces and tile, and install it according to directions. Use a one-piece shower pan with a proper slope to the drain to prevent pooling. Be sure to install flashing at all the points where materials meet.
Assume water can and will splash all around your shower or tub! And if this all seems like a little too much to handle on your own, we recommend leaving things up to a reliable contractor.
Once everything has been installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you’ll need to seal everything properly. But what’s the best way to seal a shower?
Start by reading up on the material used in your new shower. You’ll need to treat natural stone like granite, slate, travertine, or marble differently than porcelain tile with grout. Follow the instructions and work in a ventilated room. Natural stone will need to be resealed about once a year to keep your beautiful stone shower or tub looking like the spa-like natural retreat you designed it to be.
You’ll need to use caulk designed for the shower anywhere water will settle, such as where the wall meets the lip of your new soaking tub, for example, or along the wall seams.
As we mentioned, different materials will require a different type of sealant. Let’s dive into the two materials most often used for showers.
As for the grout, you’ll need a sealant specifically made for grout. You generally have two options for sealing grout, including:
Once you’ve selected and purchased your materials, it’s time to move on to the application stage!
This stage takes dedication and time, so make sure you have a day where you can commit yourself to the process. Learning to seal a shower isn’t tricky, but it can be time-consuming! Remember that your hard work will be worth it once your beautiful new shower is fully sealed and functional.
We’ll give you a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process, but first, here’s a couple of tips:
Expert tip: Do not use a vinegar mixture on natural stone! Acid is the enemy of natural stone. Always use the appropriate cleaner for natural materials.
Now, let’s start by learning how to seal a shower made of natural stone:
Now let’s tackle porcelain tiles and grout!
Remember, if the tiles are glazed, you likely don’t need to seal them. However, if you choose to seal them, use a penetrating sealer and follow a similar method to the one we described above while adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Steps for sealing the grout:
Sealing a shower is essential for the aesthetics and functionality of your shower. Not only do you want to prevent unsightly and unhygienic issues like mold and mildew, but you also want the job to look as professional as possible.
Check out these pro tips to ensure the best chance at success:
Besides that lovely new shower or tub, the best gift you can give yourself is to keep it clean every time you use it. Dry surfaces with a towel or invest in a squeegee, and remember to repeat the sealing process annually.
If you’re thinking of creating the tub or shower of your spa dreams, or your bathroom needs some updates, Harkraft can help.
