Thursday, May 23, 2019

DIY Tips to Repair Your Leaking Shower

Shower area in a home is a region that typically gets wet constantly and usually not exposed to direct sunlight. A leaky shower is a result of some tear or crack in the membrane. The leaky shower area is a serious concern as it can cause water ingress, which can create unhealthy mould and water damage. If left untreated, it can rot the structure and foundation of your home to where it is unsafe for occupation.

When people encounter a leaky shower area, the only option they think of is to replace the tiles. Perhaps, considering replacing or ripping off or redoing the shower area of the bathroom can be an expensive method which can cost you thousands of dollars. Even if, you have insurance, you cannot get same tiles as your previous one and might end up with a bathroom that looks like a shower patch. Apart from these expensive methods, there are other methods of repairing leaky shower in which a Clear Water Membrane is installed to repair the leaking shower. It is cost­effective and easy to install method. you can even DIY leaky shower repair by yourself or can call the professionals to repair your shower surface.

DIY leaking shower repair

The Clear Waterproofing Membrane is a flexible membrane that prevents the water from penetrating the surface of the shower area ensuring the problems doesn't come back. You can perform this DIY leaking shower repair method by yourself or can contact our professional installers to do the job for you. We have a Clear Waterproofing Membrane kit comprising of Clear Waterproofing Membrane part 1 and 2, paint brush, joint adhesive, slip resistant aggregate. You will also need a disposable knife, chlorine, PPE and scraper to waterproof the shower area.

Follow the following instruction to DIY leaking shower repair:

Step 1:
You need to cut out existing silicone from the surface using a knife. You can do this by rubbing the edge of the knife on the left and right of the silicone and remove it completely. Rubbing the knife on both sides of the silicone will make it come out easily out of the surface.


Step 2:
You can also use a scraper to remove the silicone sealant residue if any remain on the tile. You must remove the silicone sealant completely from the surface to do your best at preventing mould growth.

Step 3:
After removing the silicone sealant, now it's time to clean the surface using the Chlorine. Pro tip: Using chlorine as a cleaning agent as it helps in killing mold not just bleaching it. Mix 1 part of water with 1 part of chlorine and spray it over the surface.

Step 4:
Leave the chlorine water solution on the surface for a few minutes and then, scrub the surface and remove it completely so that the residue does not react with the membrane. Let the surface dry completely. You can use a heater to speed up the drying process just make sure the surface has cooled down before applying the membrane.

Step 5:
After the floor is completely dry and cool. Check if there are any cracks or missing grout on the surface. If found any, apply clear neutral cure joint adhesive or matching grout in its place. You don't have to take out the existing grout, just fill in the missing place. If you use the neutral cure joint adhesive then you can apply the membrane over without waiting for drying time but if you use matching grout you must wait the allotted cure time before applying the membrane.

Step 6:
Now, apply the joint adhesive in the junction between the walls and floors, walls and walls, and the waste grate area connecting the pipe.

Step 7:
In order to start waterproofing the tiles, mix the Clear Waterproofing Membrane part 1 and part
2. It is a pre­measure product. Start applying the mixture using a paintbrush from 100mm up the wall to the door of the shower. Make sure to avoid any runs by wiping over. Once complete with the first coat let it dry. Use a heater or fan to let it dry completely and go clear before starting to apply the second coat.

Step 8:
Mix the slip resistant aggregate in the remaining membrane mixture and start applying the second coat on the surface. Apply the same way as explained in step 7, but don't forget to stir the mixture after frequent intervals as the aggregate is heavy and it settles down at the bottom. Leave the surface to get dry for 24 hours before use. Your bathroom will be ready to use the very next day but wipe the surface dry after use for 7 days whilst the membrane is in its curing process.

Conclusion

Now that you are familiar with the whole process, all you need to do is purchase the Clear Waterproofing Membrane shower repair kit and DIY leaking shower repair by yourself.