shower niche problems shower niche problems

Causes of poor installation can include using substandard materials, insufficient preparation of the shower wall, and failure to follow proper waterproofing membrane installation procedures. I would recommend that the entire perimeter mounting flange of the niche be supported by backing, and that the niche be attached to the backing on all 4 sides. I am an engineer and have never heard such a thing. I would guess that using Kerdi Board in this situation compromises the firewall. I like the Redblock corner shelf design; especially the fact that it doesnt interfere with the waterproofing membrane and its a bit more transitional design than the Schluter option. It is the area one would usually step into to wash themselves, away from the water stream. Of course, none of this will necessarily occur if the shower wall and niche are properly waterproofed, and there is enough space behind the shower niche for adequate insulation. If there is no membrane, it could already be a problem. Any advice would be appreciated. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Bathroomaholic.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Thanks for your comment! Make Sure It Integrates with the Waterproofing Membrane, Shower Membrane Waterproofing The Definitive Guide, waterproofing membrane has been installed, a very low perm rating like the Durock sheet membrane or Wedi Subliner Dry, Installing porcelain tile on the shower wall instead of ceramic, https://www.custombuildingproducts.com/media/59976485/mbp_ss129_114.pdf. There are gaps in the corner that would clearly lead to water leaking into the walls or at the least have moisture exposure. The removal of studs in a non bearing wall really just increases the flexibility of the wall. Additionally, it is important to choose materials that are resistant to water and wear, such as acrylic or fiberglass. I would suggest that you pack loose insulation around the niche and behind it. I was even thining if it was perhaps we could use small steel beams to support the weight. 2) Our contractor told us he plans to prep the hole for the niche, install the ceramic tiles, then as a last step, apply the niche on top and finish with a bead of silicon to waterproof it. It will also be difficult to get these tiles off without breaking them so you need some spares that you can use as replacements. Run a 28 or 210 header, king stud jack stud, ledger and cripples. The difference is that this niche must be mounted on the framing instead of the backer board surface, so that its 1/2 flange can be flush with the 1/2 thick tile backer board that surrounds it. Id love if there are pictures to see the different options. I am assuming that at least one of your shower walls is a brick wall, and this is the wall where your want your shower niche to be installed. Pros and Cons of Frameless Shower Doors: Worth It? I cant seem to find any information about removing and replacing tiles in a shower niche though, so Im just not sure how to go about this. The Truth About Shower Water, Our Guide to the 14 Types of Shower Heads: How To Choose, Shower Tech Showdown: Smart Showers vs Digital Showers, The 8 Surprising Shower Filter Benefits for Skin Hair & Health. Do Shower Filters Work? 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. As for the niche itself it sounds like your contractor is planning to install a retrofit niche. 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. 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. Shower niches are an essential component of any modern bathroom design, offering a convenient and functional storage solution. I am happy to help! No matter how well sealed, every foundation wall will be relatively moist. Then apply silicon caulking (only 100% silicon) to fill the voids. Its mounting flange would then be flush with the backer board surface with a slight gap around which would be sealed and waterproofing membrane installed. Use a grout removal tool to help with this and to remove any loose bits of grout. Hi I have a new build ( 2 years old). This would also assume that the wall tile could still be continued seamlessly around the niche and into its interior. Color: Brushed Stainless Steel. The membrane would cover the niche mounting flange so no screws were visible. For example, ensuring that the niche is properly waterproofed with a high-quality waterproofing membrane, and that the niche backer board is compatible with the materials used in the shower. Because standard wood and metal framing materials are not great to use in niche construction, might I suggest that you instead construct it out of Kerdi Board or some other brand of foam board? Let grout cure according to manufacturer's directions. No gaps, no cracks. If your outside wall studs are 2x6 construction, I believe it may be possible, especially if the wall was sprayed with polyurethane foam insulation (best R-value per inch and awesome vapour control). 246 Posts . Some stone fabricators may help you out with a couple of easy cuts, but as soon as its perceived as a job, they will want to be paid well for it. Acrylic is a type of plastic material that is known for its resistance to water, mold, and mildew, making it an ideal choice for use in wet environments such as bathrooms. Do you have any suggestions? Whether you are bathroom remodeling, building a new home, or simply upgrading your current shower, there are many reasons why it is a perfect solution. If you have a steam shower that you love to spend time in then having a shower niche is a wonderful addition, for example. If you can get foam behind it, professionally installed spray foam would be best. The work was done by a licensed tile company who does impeccable work. Most horizontal niches are built into the back shower wall; usually the longest, and therefore, the most flexible wall in your shower surround. The Top 4 Shower Niche Problems to Watch Out For. ALFI brand 8 x 36 Brushed Stainless Steel Vertical Triple Shelf Bath Shower Niche. The encouraging thing about prefab foam niches is that it should never leak even if water pools at the base (unless its been damaged). Although your outside wall may not be subject to the same temperature changes as an exposed outside wall, foundation walls like this can be troublesome because of moisture. Either way, cutting a horizontal swath out the structural members of this wall to make room for a niche is a problem. OUR GURANTEE - 100% waterproof and leak-proof guaranteed. My builders have just installed a Schluter prefabricated niche but have forgotten to slope the tile so water is pooling. In fact I thought it was so great that I decided to design one to meet my clients needs. We have a bathroom that is 64 wide, do you think that is too large to do a Horizontal Niche in the current wall? I am not too concerned about cutting out 1 wall stud to accommodate your shower niche, as long as the appropriate structure was installed to reinforce the wall and support the niche. Other than tearing everything out, this is fairly reliable way to find out whether theres condensation behind the niche. Wipe off any excess sealant. something you can easily avoid. I have a niche install on an outside wall and now is bad condensation, I have the builders coming back to rectify. It sounds like you put a lot of time and effort into your shower remodel project, especially your niche. The seven most common shower problems are: Clogging and Inefficient Draining Low Water Pressure Noisy Shower Rattling Shower Pipes Leaky Shower Head or Faucet Bad Smells Inconsistent Temperature Let's discuss them in more detail along with how you can fix them 1 - Clogging and Inefficient Draining Its time to take control of the situation and restore your shower to its former glory. Importance of regular cleaning: Regular cleaning helps to keep the shower niche looking its best, as well as prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and other potentially harmful substances. Well yes the shower shelves should be slightly sloped to let soapy water drain away. In most older homes, the stud cavity is only 3 1/2 thick and the comfort of your home often depends on this space being filled with insulation. You may be thinking that a leak like this seems unlikely if the niche is properly tiled & grouted after construction, and you would be right for awhile. Just rememberFRAME it like a window and waterproof! For assistance with a shower wall panels installation or factory-direct DIY shower wall panel supply contact Innovate Building Solutions at 877-668-5888. Using construction adhesive in the joints around the header and installing blocking between the remaining stud bays, will also significantly increase the walls rigidity. Theres nothing like the satisfaction of doing a job correctly! Should I be concerned of this as well? If so, youre likely considering a steam shower. They claim 56 height is industry standard. Does this change things or is the condensation problem still an issue regardless? There also needs to be an adequate waterproofing membrane beneath the tile layer to limit moisture transmission into this wall. I might also suggest that you get another contractor in for a second opinion about the work. If installing a shower niche on in interior wall, what do you suggest putting behind it to prevent someone from puncturing it from the other side? The niche is placed into this hole, and the outer flange on the niche is pressed against the tile. However, I just realized that is an exterior wall in our bay front home in Florida. Step 2. Another alternative is the glass shelf. Click here for my full Personal / Professional Disclosure. When you know the issues with shower niches, you can make sure to avoid them when installing your shower. Yes, you can put a shower niche under the shower head. In addition, the use of low-quality materials or insufficient ventilation can also contribute to warping in tile shower niche. Types of materials: When it comes to choosing materials for your shower niche, there are several options to consider. Also, it is not necessary to insert a single niche divided into shelves; one may have more than one niche in the shower. Thanks for your article. Mix the grout with Grout Boost and use a small grout float to push the grout into the spaces around the tile. However, to get the most out of the steam shower experience, its important to select the, Are you tired of dealing with a dirty and dingy walk-in shower? The buildup of moisture in the niche can create an ideal perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew, leading to unsightly stains and unpleasant odors. Additionally, there are commercial mold and mildew cleaners available that are specifically designed for this purpose. You definitely need to do something about these problems areas to reduce the chance of moisture getting behind the tile. You can get a piece of galvanized steel cut at any sheet steel supplier or fabricator in your area. These options offer similar storage and organizational benefits to a shower niche but do not require cutting into the shower wall.Shower caddies and baskets can be hung from the showerhead or shower rod, while shower shelves can be installed on the wall using brackets or adhesive. Looking for opinions on whether y'all think this is a shower pan problem or possibly slow drip from the niche, which is what I'm thinking as it seems to be . Vinegar is a natural, tile shower niche friendly cleaner that removes grime, dirt, and soap scum from tiles. I think you know what Im going to say.. You should not be installing your niche on a 3-1/2 outside stud wall not even in northern California. The only safe way to do this is to build a new wall adjacent to the brick wall. To be sure, you really should consult a local contractor familiar with the insulation and vapour control requirements in your area. You should also take into account the overall style and design of your bathroom when choosing the size and style of your shower niche. When designing a niche; however, there are some important details to consider. Provided you placed and cut everything correctly the inside edges of your niche should be about 1/8 outside your grout lines. 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. The contractor brought up some of the issues with this in various projects. Built-in shower niches are a stylish and stable way to handle bathroom storage issues and create a relaxing environment all at once! These shelves are so popular because theyre subtle, modern looking, and considered attractive by most. Even without a shower niche, this can easily occur within a 3 1/2 stud wall in the colder months, especially if theres no waterproofing membrane on the shower wall. The niches were not built with the proper tilt to drain forward. Let me know if you need more clarification or if youd like to give me more details for further assessment. This is Steve from SKG Renovations with another Redblock budget bathroom remodel post. Lastly, I also have to warn you about the risks of installing a long horizontal niche. I think we will eventually be replacing all the tile because of this, but right now my biggest concern is the tile niche in our guest bathroom. They used hardie to build it out, but the corners arent aligned, and one part of the niche doesnt have hardie on it. I am in the midwest (St. Louis) and planning a shower niche in a basement bathroom on an outside wall that is completely underground as well as having a 6 deep front porch beyond that so there will be no outside air hitting that wall at all. It is possible to find a trim with no anchoring leg but that would mean that the tile would have to be cut away at the corner to make room for this trim piece. Just kind of soak of residue water and let it dry. Thank you for your comment. No Doors, No Problem: The Doorless Shower Pros and Cons, Shower Curtain vs Door Showdown: A Complete Guide. The other niche shown is a tilable foam shower niche that has a 1/2 thick foam perimeter flange that also serves as a mounting flange and a membrane bonding flange similar to the stainless steel niche. Its truly frightening how many shower niche install mistakes that can happen in a typical shower remodel, especially if your contractor is building you a custom shower niche. Installing a ventilation fan or opening a window during and after showers can help to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth. In a tall rise building, the steel studs maybe 2.5 inches deep and you should consider this. Causes of warping: Warping in shower niches can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper shower niche installation, backer board exposure to moisture and water, and fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels. This is an assumption made far too often when shower niches are framed into the shower wall. Is it absolutely necessary to put a cross beam (blocking) where a pre-fab niche would go? The long shower wall backs a walk in closet. Importance of proper installation: Proper installation is critical for ensuring that your shower niche functions properly and provides a safe and attractive space for bathing and showering. Is there anything that you can tell me that might ease my concerns about the HOA wanting to inspect our unit for any potential damage to shared walls which they said they have the right to do from time to time as written in the CC&R? Also a number of the hinge screws were not flush but angled and they claimed it was to give it strength. I would suggest that you not use the foil wrap. Just make sure you seal the grout well so you can more easily clean off any mold and soap scum that may collect. Both if we wanted to keep the niche? Seal the grout (and the voids) thoroughly with a grout sealer like Sealers Choice Gold. It is a rental property and we could just warn tenants not to hang anything there, but in our experience that usually never ends well. Hi, I cant find anything online about it being necessary but the man at the tile store that sold me the niche suggested it. 1) You mention that its NOT recommended to install it on an outside wall. The tiling flange that surrounds the niche, is designed to extend out from the mounting surface a full 1/2 so that you can surround the niche with tile as thick as 3/8, but you can also surround the niche with an acrylic, stone, or glass shower panel if you like. One thing to keep in mind, however is that it will be right in the splash zone from the shower head. You can read about how I install tile into the niche here: Building a niche for your shower Part 4. We are new homeowners and the bathroom is our favorite room. There is a lot more I could say on this, but I think you get the picture . The outcropping will be cantilevered from the studs so I will take extra care supporting it. The constant water exposure and regular temperature changes makes the shower environment quite unforgiving. A bead of silicon around its perimeter completes the installation. I just got a quote back for 2cm quartz pieces for a custom niche, and it was over $1,200! I would only try this if you DO NOT have a waterproofing membrane beneath your tile. As far as I am aware, the Redblock niche and the Easy Drain niche are the only stainless steel niches designed to bond with the shower wall waterproofing membrane. The EZ niche is PVC plastic so it has a relatively low permeability but the niche and rest of the wall assembly, will always transmit some moisture into the shower wall. Whether youre looking to increase accessibility, save space, or simply, Having the right shower head can make all the difference when it comes to taking a shower. You are correct that it is designed to be a tile ready niche, not a finished niche. Shower head and three niches. How to apply sealant: Applying sealant to the shower niche is a straightforward process that can be done by most homeowners. The easiest option would be simply to install your shower niche below 3 feet. The constant buildup of mildew and mold can not only be unsightly but also pose a health hazard. To begin, it is important to clean and prepare the surface of the niche thoroughly. Thank you for the article. Thanks Jay. There are more cuts and outside edges on a shower niche. Call Us: (205) 640-2848 About; Services. Without these options, youre probably better off installing a regular tiled niche using something like Schluter Kerdi SN. See my waterproofing membrane post for more info. Even if the wall cavity that contains the niche is completely waterproofed, water may still get behind it with a single retrofit flange. Understanding the most common problems, such as warping, poor installation, and mold and mildew buildup, is the first step in avoiding them. So you saved us potential issues down the road. Fill the entire wall if possible (or at least the stud cavity) and place the niche into the wet foam). For Freestanding/Overhead Showers. Repair options: If the grout line cracking is already leaking, there are several repair options available. Received 672 Upvotes on 595 Posts. This is what the shower shelf will look like with ceramic tile installed on the back wall and . It usually starts out as very fine cracks at the corners that cant easily be seen. A properly sealed niche will prevent water from penetrating the walls and causing damage to the bathroom structure, as well as reduce the risk of mold, rot, and other forms of damage. In fact, this is a common shower niche placement as it is easily accessible and provides ample storage space for items like shampoo, conditioner, and shower steamers. With the right cleaning supplies and a simple 7-step, Are you tired of your outdated bathroom and ready for a bathroom remodel? If Im misunderstanding you, please provide some more info so I can make a better assessment. The moisture permeability of your niche will vary greatly, depending on the type of shower niche you decide to build / install, and the waterproofing strategy, of course. We had a niche installed (3-1/4 inches, 4 with the listello) in an outside wall of a shower. The general rule is to install the horizontal finished surfaces in the shower before the vertical. wedi Shower Niche 16 in. Yes, but also no, Shower Water Pressure Low? You should be able to easily find a large format natural stone or quartz composite tile, 3/8 to 1/2 thick. That would make things a lot easier. I find it looks really cheap and asked him if we can find another solution. Also, being a full 5.5 away from the shower head, it is basically the driest part of your shower. You should always consult a licensed local contractor before undertaking any remodelling work in your home. In addition, the quality of the material and its ability to resist wear and tear over time should also be taken into account. The 5 Signs of a Bad Toilet: How Long Do They Last? Why not just mount them directly adjacent to where you were planning to mount them (vertical mounting on the back wall, a few inches from the corner)? The temperature variation between inside and outside is large enough to cause condensation behind your niche if any moisture makes it behind your niche. You can also check out my Shower Niche Guide if youd like to see an example of a tiled niche and the tile edge trim that your contractor was likely referring to. For a shower remodeling project in Northeast Ohio call Cleveland Design and Remodeling at 216-658-1270 or The Bath Doctor in Columbus at 614-252-3242. This is often a the most regrettable shelf option because its difficult to clean (especially the corners), and the grout lines stain and get moldy. If anything they are more tilted to back which is even worse. We are doing an accessible shower for my son but the bathroom will also be used by guests who come to visit. We are worried someone might decide to drill through it to hang something on the wall behind. Thanks for your help! Because of the poor workmanship that you have noticed with the tiling and niche installation, there is a pretty good chance that your shower niche has been compromised and moisture has already been leaking into the stud wall. This would be a VERY difficult procedure even for the most skilled tile installer, and it would really only be possible with ceramic tile. 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. We recently bought our first home and most of the tiling appears to have not been done well. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. The shower wall tiles would then be installed. So the water they catch is from the back spray from shower use. Have I got this right? If Im understanding your situation correctly, there are a few problems with this installation, needless to say. It would work better to reduce moisture behind the niche. The bathroom wall is 5 long, and once you get past that, you are in an unfinished space next door. My question is about the installation of that shelf. 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. However, these features can also experience various problems that can detract from the overall look and functionality of the shower whether it is a walk-in shower or traditional. #1. My suggestion would simply be to install a tall vertical niche (with shelves) on the wall opposite the valve wall. last year. Can You Let It Sit? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hello again. Grouting this margin seems like a better idea to the average homeowner (and the novice pro) but this is always a bad idea because the tub and the shower wall assembly expand and contract at different rates so the grout will always crack and break away over time. As far as I can tell, your part of Florida experiences temps from the 40s (F) to the 90s (F) so there is enough of a temp variation to create a condensation problem behind the niche (if it was mounted in an outside wall with inadequate insulation behind it). Then tile and grout! I would suggest that you apply a VERY GOOD sheet waterproofing membrane, not a liquid membrane. Baking soda is a gentle, abrasive cleaner that can be used to remove tough stains and soap scum buildup from shower niche tile. If there is a membrane, you will likely destroy it and this would be worse than leaving as is. This can cause mold to grow here which is not disastrous but it doesnt look very nice. A shower shampoo niche can be vertically or horizontally elongated and accordingly, the number of shelves can be arrived upon. Its a rock solid installation with hydroban vapor and waterproofing barriers. Thanks Steve for taking the time to reply ! Therefore they hold water. The first niche shown is a finished shower niche. We already completed a shower wall niche in our HOA-controlled townhouse in a shared wall. 1-piece shower niche with recessed shelf Perfect for storing soaps, shampoos, razors, and other shower supplies Install either horizontally or vertically to best suit your shower Ready to tile: install tile directly on niche surface Customize shelf with the tile of your choice to fit the look and feel of your shower (tile not included) A bit more expensive for the material but its usually the go to shelf alternative for most tiled shower niches. This is the issue. Remember your niche may require bullnose tile, particularly when using ceramic tile that don't have color through the clay body. The safest solution would be a sheet of plate steel behind the entire niche. Tile Ready brand products by Tile Redi: shower pans and shower bases, recessed niches, shower benches, shaving ledges, and decorative shelf kits. I spent 3 months doing the project, three different kinds of marble two fans (to exhaust better as she like it hot and uses lots of product). If there is no moisture issues behind the niche, you could consider applying new tile over the old tile at the back of the niche. If there are hairline cracks here (there often are after the grout has broken away beneath) moisture can infiltrate and pool over the silicon bead. I dont see any problem with this other than the fact that you must construct your own custom niche box to acheive the unique height and depth (rather than using a preformed niche). To test this, you can let the shower dry out for a few days and test that back of the niche with a good quality moisture meter. But it really has to do with the thickness of your outside wall. Causes of leaking: Leaking shower niches or ledges are a common problem in bathroom design. Good luck with your new shower remodel project, AND enjoy your new shower niche! They said its too difficult to do . Without a waterproofing membrane, this movement almost always causes grout line cracking in your shower niche. This movement frequently leads to grout line cracking in the shower niche. A steel beam would be great, but its not really necessary. Im a tile contractor. Im super happy that I could provide you with some helpful advice! If your wife is absolutely against the idea of a shower niche on one of the inside walls, have you considered installing surface mounted shower shelves instead? Checking the grout lines regularly and addressing any issues promptly can also help to maintain the integrity and functionality of the shower niche over time. And if left for any length of time it might get moldy. Here is a primer that allows you to do this: https://www.custombuildingproducts.com/media/59976485/mbp_ss129_114.pdf. Worth It? We are currently in a remodel and was thinking of this horizontal niche with a light in the top corner. Otherwise, you can place your shower niches wherever you want. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. September 13, 2017 Raise your hand if your morning routine involves navigating around shampoo bottles perched precariously on the tub ledge, body wash and conditioner piled in a corner, or the sad. First time dealing with contractors, we really need . For this reason, the wall opposite the shower head is the most popular place for shower niches. Thank you for your comment and Congrats on your new home! The miscalculated using measurement for a walk in shower I believe, rather than glass on tub. I know that this is probably not what you wanted to hear (sorry about that), but I wanted you to know what youre getting into when you mess with an old shower wall. Do you have any advice or suggestions please? Causes of mold and mildew: Mold and mildew are common problems in shower niches, especially in areas with high humidity levels. Install shower niche. Because the Schluter prefabricated shower niche is made of foam board, I would not recommend pulling the tile. Another huge benefit of this parallel wall design is that it basically gives you the green light to install your niche into an outside shower wall (see below for more details). you guessed right.at this point the niche is useless unless we re-do everything.