The old-school traditional hand-fabricated shower niches have high chance of leaking problems The sealer is super important to ensure you get a good bond between the old grout and the new caulking. You can read more about this in my waterproofing post. You should also make sure the shelf is sloped slightly outwards. Sorry I couldnt come up with an easier solution. With this moisture penetration problem in mind you can probably see why its risky to install your shower niche into an outside wall. An expansion/ contraction joint is required here and silicon serves this purpose well. OUR GURANTEE - 100% waterproof and leak-proof guaranteed. For shower design advice and wholesale direct wall panel or shower base pricing call 877-668-5888. Thanks Steve for taking the time to reply ! The causes of this issue can range from improper installation, poor waterproofing, or wear and tear over time. We are upgrading a bathroom on a bungalow we both. This installation is often a BIG shower niche install mistake because moisture can easily condense behind your niche if you dont do this install correctly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The SN-1212 square shower niche available in polished stainless steel brushed stainless steel and matte black stainless steel is made from premium 304-grade stainless steel, the ultimate material for enduring rust, stains, scratches, and corrosion. Modern construction at its best. The problem is that the hole is there ready for the niche but all the tiles have been put down already around it. 6 Tips to Increase the Pressure, 4 Steam Shower Deep Cleaning and Maintenance Tips, A Clear Guide to Steam Shower Costs: What to Know, Choosing Steam Shower Accessories: A Complete Guide, Hot vs Steamy: Simple Guide to Steam Shower vs Sauna, Sweat it Out: The 7 Healthy Benefits of Steam Showers, The Ultimate Guide to Convert Shower to Steam Shower, Use This Easy Steam Shower Generator Sizing Calculator, Worth Buying? Then apply silicon caulking (only 100% silicon) to fill the voids. Some materials, such as stone and metal, are naturally more resistant to water than others. I recently remodelled my wifes retreat bath using a Schluter pre-fabricated niche and it saved so much time and hassle. Instead, I recommend going for a shower niche that is almost invisible to the eye. Will that look ugly? Do you have any advice or suggestions please? This would be a VERY difficult procedure even for the most skilled tile installer, and it would really only be possible with ceramic tile. To be sure, you really should consult a local contractor familiar with the insulation and vapour control requirements in your area. I am not sure I understand exactly what you are describing, but it sounds like your contractor is creating a waterproof recess out of hydroban board to accommodate the niche. I usually discourage the layering of waterproofing products but in this case you need to do all you can to limit moisture transmission. shower niche moisture problem | DIY Home Improvement Forum I am not a big fan of most PVC (plastic) tilable shower niches. Instead, I would check to see if there is any signs of water infiltration by cutting a hole in the drywall on the other side of the wall that the niche is mounted into. And some moisture will pretty much always make it behind your niche. It isnt going to be quite as stain and scratch-resistant as quartz, but I think it would be safe, waterproof, durable, and easy to clean (potentially even bleach-cleanable). My contractor is suggesting that we simply put the tiles in the hole that has already been made (with enough slant to make the water run down but also not too slanted so my bottles cant stay on it) and add a sort of aluminum transition trim (not sure that is the correct word but what we would see on the floor usually but a thicker one around the tiles). It is important to make sure that any cleaning products used in the shower niche are tile-friendly, as some cleaners can damage the surface of the tiles or cause discoloration. If I understood your guidelines correctly, the niche should be installed first, made 100% waterproof (using membrane) and the ceramic tiles should come after. This is Steve from SKG Renovations with another RedblockRead More How to Build a Custom Shower Niche Step by Step. Not the other way around. When it comes to tiling substrates, it is always better to take this approach because you do not want this assembly to flex or your grout lines will eventually crack. My builders have just installed a Schluter prefabricated niche but have forgotten to slope the tile so water is pooling. Slant the bottom of the niche just enough so that water flows out of it, but not so much that bars of soap and bottles of shampoo slide out. The contractor brought up some of the issues with this in various projects. It is difficult to install a waterproof membrane after the fact. what about a niche the full length of a 5 foot shower. Im sorry to say that it would be extremely difficult to add tile edge trim around the niche perimeter after the shower wall and niche are already tiled. Your acrylic idea is interesting and it may work, but it would be a bit risky to ask your tile installer to cut and install this material since he/she has probably never handled this kind of material. Yes, but also no, Shower Water Pressure Low? Assuming this is correct, I would suggest that you install the shelf before the tile. We have a bathroom that is 64 wide, do you think that is too large to do a Horizontal Niche in the current wall? If there is a problem behind the niche (or the niche is mounted in an outside wall), I would only recommend that you fully remodel your shower so that a waterproofing membrane can be installed with a properly sealed niche box. Although it is a growing trend, there, Read More The Top 4 Shower Niche Problems to Watch Out ForContinue, Are you renovating your bathroom and wondering whether to install a shower curtain or a shower door? It depends a lot on how cold it gets in the garage but even if it doesnt reach freezing temperature, moisture could still easily condense in the stud cavity. Chances are that you will damage the waterproofing membrane (if there is one) or damage the backer board (might even be gypsum wallboard). If you plan to install a custom shower niche into your shower wall, and you want to avoid making one of the biggest shower niche install mistakes, you must make sure that you or your contractor doesnt forget the waterproofing step. I am an engineer and have never heard such a thing. When you know the issues with shower niches, you can make sure to avoid them when installing your shower. In addition, the use of low-quality materials or insufficient ventilation can also contribute to warping in tile shower niche. What do you suggest? You should also take into account the overall style and design of your bathroom when choosing the size and style of your shower niche. If the only barrier to water getting behind the tiles is a strip of caulking, then eventually, you could have problems. To avoid this BIG shower niche install mistake, you must choose a shower niche with an integrated waterproofing membrane bonding flange as seen in the two examples above. And if left for any length of time it might get moldy. You are correct to be concerned about installing your shower niche in an outside wall unless there is at least 3 of insulation space behind the niche. The work was done by a licensed tile company who does impeccable work. The 5 Signs of a Bad Toilet: How Long Do They Last? My suggestion would simply be to install a tall vertical niche (with shelves) on the wall opposite the valve wall. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. What about horizontal placement in the long wall?Vertical placement on the long wall? Also, the door has a quartz lip where the quartz meets the tile and between the tile and quartz there is a hole and can see the water dripping off the bottom. If you have a 2x6 stud wall there will be some room behind the niche. Are you tired of constantly replacing your old shower curtain or cleaning your shower door? . The shower environment is harsh due to its constant exposure to water and fluctuating temperatures. Just make sure you seal the grout well so you can more easily clean off any mold and soap scum that may collect. . Unfortunately, Im not really qualified to say what your HOA may do in this situation. I did a bit more research and I have seen some people do it this way (I guess the old fashion way??) Remember your niche may require bullnose tile, particularly when using ceramic tile that don't have color through the clay body. Does this change things or is the condensation problem still an issue regardless? Chances are that you will destroy the niche in the process. You should always consult a licensed local contractor before undertaking any remodelling work in your home. The constant buildup of mildew and mold can not only be unsightly but also pose a health hazard. Although this niche should be totally waterproof, I would also suggest that you apply a good quality waterproofing membrane to the interior of the niche when youre waterproofing the shower wall, just to be safe. Acrylic tiles are a popular material for walk-in showers due to their durability and ease of cleaning. It could be quite disastrous if he does not do this correctly. Corner shelves are easier to tile. With the right cleaning supplies and a simple 7-step, Are you tired of your outdated bathroom and ready for a bathroom remodel? In addition, regular cleaning can help to extend the lifespan of the niche, as it prevents water damage and other problems that can result from accumulated dirt and debris. Good luck with your new shower remodel project, AND enjoy your new shower niche! Model # US3000007. https://www.rona.ca/en/double-shower-niche-16-x-20-white-65595330?viewStore=41450&cm_mmc=-_-1697454409-_-65797565026-_-pla-789828216667&gclid=CjwKCAjw4NrpBRBsEiwAUcLcDAruYjqrXkjrAeHtFSlvPDKOxDTXp7kFtnt49WGO_GIerPjBFBflfxoCYe0QAvD_BwE. Just rememberFRAME it like a window and waterproof! With so many different types of shower heads available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. Marble can discolor quite easily if not sealed, but you should always keep it clean because sealers are not perfect (nor permanent). A bead of silicon around its perimeter completes the installation. DIY Renovation Project: How To Build a Recessed Shower Shelf Installing a Kerdi-board niche One of the vertical 24 studs was cut and framed into a horizontal rectangle to the two adjacent studs, and it did not seem to be load bearing wall, and the framing was properly reinforced. Vinegar is a natural, tile shower niche friendly cleaner that removes grime, dirt, and soap scum from tiles. If everything looks good behind the niche (no moisture or mold), then I would leave the niche alone until you do a full shower remodel. 6 Shower Niche Problems And Solutions - bestplumbersclub.com However, problems can arise if not properly installed, maintained, and protected. How much water vapor will move into the stud wall is entirely dependent on whether or not a waterproofing membrane has been installed on the shower wall and how well your shower niche resists moisture penetration. But even if you are planning to go the much safer route and install a pre-manufactured tiling niche or finished niche, you still must adhere to a few rules and procedures. Both if we wanted to keep the niche? You need a membrane with a very low perm rating like the Durock sheet membrane or Wedi Subliner Dry. Thoughts? The trim is called Quadec by Schluter Systems. Causes of poor installation: Poor installation of a custom shower niche is a common problem that can lead to a range of issues, including leakage, water damage, and warping. 1/2 thick) acrylic solid surfacing materials? I would guess that using Kerdi Board in this situation compromises the firewall. You should be able to easily find a large format natural stone or quartz composite tile, 3/8 to 1/2 thick. Yes, it is possible to add a shower niche to an existing shower. SIMPLE INSTALLATION - Pre-fabricated shower niche that is fully sealed, hassle-free, quick and easy installation; makes traditional tedious shower niche installation effortless!