Waterproofing and Leak Prevention in Shower Bases
A shower offers an incredibly relaxing and soothing experience. Taking a shower is more than just a matter of hygiene. It helps reduce stress after a long day at work and leave all your worries behind. A beautiful and sophisticated shower base can become a focal point of your bathroom adding a touch of excellence and style. An elegant shower will create the most romantic atmosphere turning your bathroom into a truly amazing space.
You can enjoy your shower enclosure only if it is clean and shiny. Shower enclosures usually consist of several elements. A shower base is one of them. When it comes to choosing a shower enclosure, a shower base is one of the first things you should think of. The functionality of the enclosure largely depends on the type of base you prefer. Plus, you should have your base waterproofed to avoid any unpleasant situation in the future. But the fact that your shower base is waterproof does not always mean that it is leak proof as well. Let’s see why waterproofing and leak prevention in shower bases is such a big deal and what steps you should take to prevent leaks.
Need Of Leak Prevention in Shower Bases
Leak prevention in shower bases is crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of bathrooms and avoiding costly repairs. Shower bases are prone to leaks due to frequent water exposure and the potential for improper installation. Effective leak prevention involves using high-quality waterproofing materials, proper sealing, and regular maintenance.
Installing a reliable shower pan liner and ensuring all seams and joints are properly sealed can help prevent water from seeping into subfloors and walls. Timely detection of leaks and addressing any issues promptly further safeguards against mold growth and water damage, ensuring a long-lasting, functional, and safe bathroom environment.
Why You Need to Waterproof Your Shower Base
If your shower base has not been properly waterproofed, it can cause a lot of serious problems including mold and mildew growth, damage to the flooring and walls. It may lead to the electrical damage and even structural damage of your home. No doubt, that is the least thing you need.
Mold and dampness in your bathroom can lead to different health problems such as allergic respiratory diseases. Mold and mildew exposure can also irritate your skin, eyes, nose and throat. Moreover, it can significantly weaken your immune system. Whether you want to remodel your bathroom or just plan to upgrade your shower enclosure, waterproofing the shower base should be your number one priority.
Using Waterproof Membrane When Installing Your Shower Base
Waterproofing is an essential thing that has to be done correctly. Using waterproof membrane is an effective way to prevent water from getting on the floor. If it is not done professionally, you will have to deal with the consequences of the disaster that might take place.
Waterproofing membrane is usually made from polyethylene fiber. The material prevents water from seeping through. When it comes to waterproofing your shower base, this membrane proves to be very effective. It is watertight, stretchy and resistant to aging. It can also withstand temperature fluctuations. The installation of the waterproofing membrane does not require too much time and effort. A professional can do it within a short period of time.
Applying Silicone Sealant to Waterproof Your Shower Base
Applying waterproof silicone sealant is another way to prevent water from getting through. The material will help you protect your bathroom from water damage. As a result, you will be able to avoid serious problems.
The silicone sealant around your shower base should be replaced periodically. Black spots you may notice on the sealant can ruin the immaculate appearance and functionality of your shower enclosure. As time goes by, the sealant starts losing its adhesion. As a result, leaks occur. The best way to deal with the problem is to replace the sealant to ensure the shower base is waterproof. To seal a shower base, you should use a high quality silicone sealant only. Make sure that the sealant you prefer is made for bathroom use. It should also contain fungicides for mold and mildew resistance.
Why Your Shower Base is Leaking
A leaking shower base can be very annoying. It can cause a lot of problems you are not always ready to deal with. There may be different reasons why your shower base starts leaking – a problem with the drain or a deep crack in the shower base itself.
High quality shower bases are durable enough. They can withstand the average weight of a human body. But shower bases still have weight limits. If you exceed those limits, a shower base may crack leading to water leak and structural damage. Improper cleaning can become another reason why the base cracks. You should avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the surface of the base. Your shower base may also crack if it has been installed incorrectly. That’s why you should always hire a professional to do the job.
Even if you notice a small crack on the surface of your shower base, you should fix it immediately. Otherwise, it will cause water leakage sooner or later.
Fixing Your Leaking Shower Base
Finding the leak is the first and most important step you should take to fix your shower base. Make sure that the pipes are in good condition and cannot be the reason for the leakage. Once you spot the problem, it will be much easier to solve it. Small cracks can be easily repaired by patching. Refinishing superficial cracks would be enough to make your shower base beautiful, shiny and safe again. But if you notice deep cracks, it’s probably the right time to replace your shower base.
Preventing Leaks in Shower Bases
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So, you should better protect your base against leaks rather than fix them. Get you shower base installed by a highly trained specialist. Some homeowners hire plumbers or builders to do the job. But in fact, you need a shower technician who knows how to install the base right.
You should also inspect your shower base on a regular basis. If you notice any signs of damage, react immediately. If the surface of your shower base is severely damaged, don’t hesitate and replace the base. To ensure the longevity of the shower base, prefer a high-quality non-porous material for your base. The material has to be strong, durable, scratch and crack resistant. It should also prevent mold and mildew buildup.
A leaking shower base can cause too much trouble. But if you know how to waterproof it properly, you will be able to prevent a lot of problems. Make your shower a soothing escape and enjoy it to the fullest.
