How To Properly Apply Silicone Sealant In Your Bathroom
When remodeling your bathroom, there are some things you can leave to the professionals, while others you can do yourself. Applying silicone sealant is one of those projects that’s safe to handle on your own with the right tools and tips to get the job done right the first time.
Silicone sealants are made from two liquids mixed immediately before use. The main benefit of using silicone sealants over other types of sealants or adhesives is that they create an airtight, waterproof barrier on the surface they’re applied to without altering the surface itself.
It’s also easy to use silicone sealant, but to ensure it will last, you need to know where to apply it and how much to use. If you don’t apply enough, you’ll get leaks and cracks over time as the sealant degrades in its new environment. If you apply too much, you could end up with silicone all over your bathroom, which can be difficult to clean up. Here is a simple guide to help you apply silicone sealant properly in your bathroom.
Which Parts Of The System Do I Need To Seal To Avoid Leaks?
Use silicone sealant on all joints and fittings that have a reasonable chance of being exposed to water or moisture, like your shower, bathtub, sink, and toilet.
Everywhere That The Bath’s Edge Butts Up Against Another Surface
Most silicone sealants come in tubes, but they’re often difficult to use on textured surfaces such as a bath’s edge. Using your fingertips, spread a thin layer of silicone onto your bath’s edge and allow it to dry for around half an hour before applying a second layer. This will give you enough time to smooth it out before it dries. Use a paint roller or brush for larger surfaces.
The Outside Edges Of A Shower Screen
If you are putting a shower screen into an existing shower enclosure, you need to seal all of its edges. If water can get behind a screen and then leak into your bathroom, your walls will be damaged in no time. A lot of people don’t know that it’s a good idea to seal both sides of your shower screen before you even fit it into place, making sure it doesn’t leak.
The Fixed Surface Of A Basin
It’s important to make sure that all of your bathroom basin and bath is properly sealed. If you seal up any holes, cracks or gaps in these surfaces with some silicone sealant, you will be preventing any leaks from forming in them. Make sure that you’ve inspected these areas for tiny cracks or holes before you get started. Once you’ve found any problem areas, fill them up with a little bit of silicone sealant so that no water can escape from there.
Boxing And Flooring Edges
Boxes and flooring edges are notorious for creating leaks. Waterproof sealant is designed to create a weatherproof seal around such items, which can make a big difference in bathroom wetness.
In Wet Areas, Between Cladding Joints
The joints that join cladding need to be sealed to ensure waterproofing, and so no rain or water can penetrate into them. This is achieved by sealing with GE Sanitary 1700 10.1oz Tube: Mildew Mold Resistant or Pecora 898 NST 10.1oz Tube: Sanitary Silicone that have been designed for use in damp conditions.
Basin Waste Grates
Grates usually have notches to allow for water to drain into them and then down into your trap. When you apply silicone sealant in your bathroom, you must be sure to fill these grates and make sure that silicone has been applied on all sides of your grates. If a leak occurs to avoid leaks.
