Mix the grout with Grout Boost and use a small grout float to push the grout into the spaces around the tile. Here is a link to my shower waterproofing post if you would like to read more on the topic. With the right cleaning supplies and a simple 7-step, Are you tired of your outdated bathroom and ready for a bathroom remodel? Is there a protector you can buy to install on the back of the niche? At least with this type of install, you can waterproof the wall recess properly. A single porcelain/ ceramic soap dish may not have been considered a significant breach in the original shower wall but a shower niche may be a different story. Because this niche is designed to be installed after tiling, the silicon bead become the only thing keeping moisture out of the stud wall. Only a small temperature differential can cause the moisture in this shower wall to condense on the inside of the wall. Make sure the new membrane overlaps the old one by at least 2 inches. And please let me know if you have anymore questions. If this happens, it could eventually cause mold growth or tile delamination even if water doesnt get into the wall cavity. Wipe off any excess sealant. Can You Let It Sit? The box he bought is usually made to tile over (based on research I just did) afterwards. I know its frustrating to see but I think youre stuck with it unfortunately. Chances are that you will destroy the niche in the process. All these foam and plastic niches can distort if not fully supported. Am I right? You can find more details in my Shower Niche Install Mistakes post. If you said no, you would be correct. The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. Without a waterproofing membrane, this movement almost always causes grout line cracking in your shower niche. Wow! We live in Missouri so we have hot summers and fairly cold winters. I am currently working with a contractor on my shower remodel. 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. Repair options: If your shower niche has already become warped, there are several repair options available. If anything they are more tilted to back which is even worse. The sealant should be applied in a continuous, even bead, and allowed to cure for the recommended time before using the shower. It will be a single 30 square niche. Model # US3000007. When tiling a shower niche, you will have a ninety-degree outside corner where your shower wall meets the niche. 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. A mild soap and water solution is typically all that is needed for cleaning, although more specialized cleaners may be necessary for removing tough stains or buildup. The shower will be 4 6 x 6, with the 6 wall being the exterior wall. Hence 42-60 inches (elbow to the eye) is the preferred shower niche height for homeowners. Also, in the other bathroom, there was no caulk placed between the tub and the tile wall it was only grouted. We are new homeowners and the bathroom is our favorite room. That goes for shower floor and wall tile but also stone shelves and ledges. The fact that you live in Florida does make the outside wall problem a little less of a problem than if you were living in an area that experiences more extreme temperature fluctuations seasonally. They also left some of the spacers in and grouted over them. Its was a perfect job except when the frameless glass was installed, the installers drilled the glass for the towel bar and handle at a whopping 56 above the ground. Importance of sealing: Sealing the shower niche is an important step in preventing water damage, warping, and other problems associated with shower niches. You definitely need to do something about these problems areas to reduce the chance of moisture getting behind the tile. In some cases, the shower niche may not be compatible with the materials used in the shower, leading to water infiltration and leaks. I am an engineer and have never heard such a thing. In other words, you should definitely ask a trusted local contractor before you decide to build a shower niche into an outside wall to avoid this potential shower niche install mistake. Hi Steve Unfortunately, Im not really qualified to say what your HOA may do in this situation. The long shower wall backs a walk in closet. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Maybe you should read over my Shower waterproofing post to find out more about waterproofing a shower niche. 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. 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. 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. Good luck with your niche install, and let me know if you need anymore info! Worth It? During a complete shower wall reconstruction, the retrofit niche hole is cut out of the the tile backer board after its attached to the shower wall framing. The beginning of your comment is a bit cryptic but I think I understand what you are asking. There is a lot more I could say on this, but I think you get the picture . I would suggest that you not use the foil wrap. It's hard to look away, for better or for worse. You know that this box should also be waterproofed correctly to prevent water from getting into your wall. Additionally, there are commercial mold and mildew cleaners available that are specifically designed for this purpose. 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. Other than that, it has been a fun project? If your new horizontal niche will span more than a couple of wall studs, the safest way to build your shower niche into this wall is to construct a new wall adjacent to it, to contain the niche. That means that between the brick wall and the tiled shower wall, there needs to be an adequate amount of space filled with insulation, to prevent moisture from condensing in the wall. Its accomplished with framing protocols to comply with your local codes. The back of the niche tile is what we would like to remove, the sides and border tiles are fine. One possibility is that the grout or caulking around the niche isn't properly sealed. 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. The work doesnt seem to compromise the structural integrity of the wall (the work all remained on our side of the shared wall), and it seems appropriately fireproofed and waterproofed. The integrity of a tiled assembly requires significant rigidity in this wall to reduce the chance of grout cracking, tile delamination, and failure of the waterproofing membrane. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. Even if the wall cavity that contains the niche is completely waterproofed, water may still get behind it with a single retrofit flange. Received 672 Upvotes on 595 Posts. It is important to address warping in shower niches as soon as possible, as it can not only be unsightly but also pose a risk to the overall structural integrity of the shower walls. You can then insulate this wall and install your shower niche into 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? Although not a great solution, your only other choice might be to install a retrofit niche with and overlap flange (as long as the whole is exactly the right size, that is). 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)? See my waterproofing membrane post for more info. The SN-2412 rectangular 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. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "aa73259bdde6e6e1cf75feb3586d0df2" );document.getElementById("dc5b5fc75d").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Join our Mailing list for blog and product updates, Click the Ad link below to leave the Redblock site and continue to Amazon.com, Schluter Kerdi Board 12"x20" Shower Niche, How to Install a Corner Shelf in an Already Tiled Shower, 7 Best Corner Shower Shelf Options for New AND Existing Showers, How to Build a Custom Shower Niche Step by Step. 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. Hello Steve, Use a niche that is longer to give you more height for your items. My wife had an idea of keeping the longer side wall niche-free for aesthetics. The company that we are considering for the repairs plans to just caulk over the grout, including the space where the grout has broken out. When you compare this price with the other alternative of this tool . This would be a VERY difficult procedure even for the most skilled tile installer, and it would really only be possible with ceramic tile. Shower niches are a great addition to any bathroom, offering a convenient place to store body wash and organize your shower essentials freeing up the floor space. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. I usually discourage the layering of waterproofing products but in this case you need to do all you can to limit moisture transmission. One thing to keep in mind, however is that it will be right in the splash zone from the shower head. Learn 9 reasons you shouldn't build a tile shower, and better alternatives to cut your costs and eliminate worries about mold or leaking. Is it absolutely necessary to put a cross beam (blocking) where a pre-fab niche would go? However, even the smallest cracks allow moisture to seep in and penetrate through the seams of the backer board, reaching the underlying framing and damaging the entire shower wall. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. Your best bet it to remove some tile around the niche, open the wall, remove the niche, install some new bracing between the studs, insert insulation to re-fill the niche cavity, then patch the hole with a new piece of backer board (attached to the new bracing). 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. Do Shower Filters Work? Nothing is safer that the parallel wall design I mentioned above. Even in a mild climate like San Diego, you can get enough of a temperature differential for moisture to condense in the shower wall if you provide a surface upon which to condense. Dont leave any air spaces around the niche or in that particular stud cavity (to eliminate air circulation). This can allow water to seep in behind the tiles and cause damage. Thanks Steve for taking the time to reply ! Thoughts? 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. 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? We live in San Diego so very mild climate and the wall is a north facing wall that is in eternal shade and because its on the side of the house closest to the neighboring house it doesnt even ever get wet. They used hardie to build it out, but the corners arent aligned, and one part of the niche doesnt have hardie on it. Choosing the shower niche height in the freestanding shower unit depends on the people who will use the bathroom regularly. Complete Steam Shower Pros and Cons, Goodbye Grime: 7 Steps on How to Clean a Walk-In Shower, Walk-in Shower Pros and Cons: A Complete Guide, Walk-in Shower vs. Tub: The Ultimate Showdown, What Is a Walk-In Shower and Why You Should Have One, Everything you need to know about using a bidet for enema, How Do You Use A Bum Gun? When designing a niche; however, there are some important details to consider. A fair bit of water deflects onto the shower walls in this area, so a bar of soap can become a sloppy mess and dissolve down the drain, if stored within this zone. This bathroom serves a bunk room that sleeps 8, hence wanting more storage. This movement frequently leads to grout line cracking in the shower niche. In addition to moisture buildup, improper ventilation, poor ventilation and drainage, and using non-waterproof materials can also contribute to the growth of mold and mildew in shower niches. Yes, but also no, Shower Water Pressure Low? I think it would be reasonable for you to ask them to replace the frameless glass panel and door if it bothers you. 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. Now some of that grout has broken. If we leave 1/4 spacing (1/8 around) to thinset around the niche cavity to install over the waterproofing membrane, do you feel that will be sufficient? The trim is called Quadec by Schluter Systems. This new wall allows you to build / install your custom shower niche with only minimal support above the new niche opening because the entire wall is anchored to the stud wall behind it. Im considering building a 24 x 24 niche, 6 deep (by pushing into the closet. The cracks often start as fine lines at the corners, which may not be immediately noticeable. No tiler we asked will put in a niche into the shower. I would even buy a can of spray foam so you can spay around it and use it to set the niche into. One piece, leak proof, tileable, easy-to-install. Otherwise, you can place your shower niches wherever you want. The Great Debate: Dual Shower Heads vs Single. With the high volume of users in this particular shower, practicality should really be your highest priority in my opinion. 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 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). Well yes the shower shelves should be slightly sloped to let soapy water drain away. A modern, practical, versatile, and easy-to-install recessed shower storage shelf or niche for your bathroom or wetroom. The membrane bonding flange mounts on the backer board surface with screws, and the waterproofing membrane is attached to the top surface of this flange (as seen in the above image). To patch the drywall is pretty easy if you look it up online. The dazzling detail of our Herringbone Pearl White Thassos Shell Tile illuminates this shower wall and beautiful niche detail! Just a thought. 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) Shower niches are an essential component of any modern bathroom design, offering a convenient and functional storage solution. We dont mind these. Follow the directions to make sure it dries thoroughly. Have I got this right? Maybe I am not understanding your situation correctly, but if you wanted a finished niche and you want it to be completely waterproof, Im just wondering why you didnt purchase one thats designed to integrate with the waterproofing membrane. Some of the most popular and highly recommended materials for shower niches include ceramic tile, porcelain tile, acrylic, and stone. Causes of leaking: Leaking shower niches or ledges are a common problem in bathroom design. Some contractors do not even install the minimal surrounding structure required, which profoundly compromises the walls structural rigidity. Understanding the most common problems, such as warping, poor installation, and mold and mildew buildup, is the first step in avoiding them. When you already have a shower niche and want to avoid problems, you need to follow a plan to keep it in great shape. The Secret to a Spa-Like Experience. Each of these materials has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, including durability, resistance to water, ease of maintenance, and cost. Good luck with your shower project! We were wanting the most storage possible for our items we use for our son as well as for our guests to put their items in there as well. This will reduce the amount of water vapor entering the wall to the bare minimum. 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? We want to use a single-piece of marble for the shelf. I speak english and french so translating it directly I believe he said an L-angle edging trim ? We are in Chicago which of course gets very cold in winter. Regularly inspecting and resealing the niche as needed can help to ensure that it remains properly sealed and protected against water damage and other problems. Your email address will not be published. Hi, Steve! 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. If so, youre likely considering a steam shower. Most decent contractors will say that applying the correct structural framing around the niche will adequately fortify the structure. This is what I am assuming. 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. 3 Major shower niche problems 1. 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. But even the smallest cracks will allow moisture to penetrate, moving easily through the backer board seams, to the framing beneath. Congrats! 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. 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. We have a bathroom that is 64 wide, do you think that is too large to do a Horizontal Niche in the current wall? You can absolutely do this as the writer mentions if done correctly. Also a number of the hinge screws were not flush but angled and they claimed it was to give it strength. They didnt fully grout so there was a few missed tile that they just caulked instead of re grouted should I be concerned? The only difference is that if you install a thinner panel like the acrylic type, the perimeter flange will protrude a little from the finished acrylic wall surface. Im not sure I understand your situation exactly, but what matters most is the distance between the back of the niche and the outside wall sheeting. You can place them beside each other horizontally or vertically on the back wall. Consider the height and location of the niche within the shower, as well as the items you will be storing in the niche. Wipe away the excess grout with a clean, wet sponge. This just introduces a condensation surface into the wall and you dont want that. ANSWERED: What Is a High-Pressure Shower Head? Additionally, cleaning the niche with a mildew-resistant cleaner can help to keep it free of mold and mildew. But if it's too late, not a big deal. The only way I would install the EZ Niche or the Redi Niche is if a liquid waterproofing membrane (like RedGard) was first applied to its surface. I would have to agree with you. Not the other way around. Your email address will not be published. This would also assume that the wall tile could still be continued seamlessly around the niche and into its interior. The issue is really all about the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. This is usually done by cutting a recessed area into the existing shower wall and installing a niche insert or lining. Because the Schluter prefabricated shower niche is made of foam board, I would not recommend pulling the tile. Sounds like it was a fun project. Im nervous that an HOA Board member without the training nor expertise to judge these things will simply order us to tear it out and rebuild the firewall or something like that. An outside facing shower wall no matter how its constructed, needs to be insulated adequately. SIMPLE INSTALLATION - Pre-fabricated shower niche that is fully sealed, hassle-free, quick and easy installation; makes traditional tedious shower niche installation effortless! The removal of studs in a non bearing wall really just increases the flexibility of the wall. 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. 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. You can get a piece of galvanized steel cut at any sheet steel supplier or fabricator in your area. We wish we would have gone with an Onyx shower surround. 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. The amount of moisture in this wall will determine your best move so you should really get a local expert to advise you. The tile company that did the work used Kerdi-board backing and appropriately waterproofed everything prior to tile-setting. Its really not worth the risk. There are many commercial tile cleaners available on the market that are specifically designed to clean different types of tiles, such as ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. Wedi has a niche with the inside measurement of 13 X . What are some alternatives to a shower niche? Concerns? You should also take into account the overall style and design of your bathroom when choosing the size and style of your shower niche. Usually the cheapest shelf option is a tiled shelf constructed with wood framing (if a custom niche) or 2 inch thick foam board (see below). 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. It could be quite disastrous if he does not do this correctly. Then tile and grout! In general its always the best idea to mount / build your tiled or finished shower niche in a wall that is not an outside facing wall. 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. It could certainly cause a problem in the long run even if you have a waterproofing membrane beneath the tile. Depending on the cause of the leak, the repair may involve replacing the niche, applying a new coat of waterproofing sealant for a waterproof shower niche, or re-tiling the niche. Following this advice could save you the nightmare and expense of moisture and mold growth in your walls, and tearing out your dream shower to do the job correctly a second time. Therefore they hold water. We were initially looking at doing a horizontal niche but it is an exterior wall. A bit more expensive for the material but its usually the go to shelf alternative for most tiled shower niches. They said its too difficult to do . Are you tired of constantly replacing your old shower curtain or cleaning your shower door? It would be great if you could fur out that wall to make it a bit thicker. Steam showers have been praised for their many benefits, including relaxation, stress relief, improved circulation, and respiratory health. So now Im contemplating what to do. 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. 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. The encouraging thing about prefab foam niches is that it should never leak even if water pools at the base (unless its been damaged). 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. Do you have any advice or suggestions please? Instead, I recommend going for a shower niche that is almost invisible to the eye. How do I choose the right size and style for my shower niche? Use a grout removal tool to help with this and to remove any loose bits of grout. The smooth surface of acrylic tiles makes them easy to clean, as they do not absorb moisture and are resistant to the buildup of soap scum and other types of dirt and debris an ideal material for a preformed niche. But when shower niche problems arise, it can be frustrating and even damaging to your bathroom. Sorry I didnt get back to you sooner. Just a thought. If I understood your guidelines correctly, the niche should be installed first, made 100% waterproof (using membrane) and the ceramic tiles should come after. 2023 Bathroomaholic - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. OUR GURANTEE - 100% waterproof and leak-proof guaranteed. I asked the clothes if they mind, they dont care). Shower Ledges vs Niches: Which Option is Right for You? 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. Thank you! There were so many things done that we now realize were probably not done well/correctly. Tenants will usually be hanging a picture or coat hanger; probably nothing below 4 feet in other words. Maintenance schedule: The frequency of cleaning and maintenance required for your shower niche will depend on several factors, including the size and location of the niche, the type of materials used in the shower, and the level of use of the shower itself. The shower is tiled in plain white subway tiles and this is what is bordering the niche. An expansion/ contraction joint is required here and silicon serves this purpose well. Thirdly, I would insulate with spray foam if possible. You didnt mention how much of your 64 wall will be occupied by the proposed horizontal niche, but as long as there is room for a narrow stud bay on each side of the header (around 6- 10 each side), you should be OK. 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 . In other wordswhen the people at UL gave you their opinion, they may have assumed that the tile substrate was fire rated drywall, not foam backer board. Should I be concerned of this as well? Your email address will not be published. TIA! Just make sure you seal the grout well so you can more easily clean off any mold and soap scum that may collect. I am not a big fan of most PVC (plastic) tilable shower niches. It usually starts out as very fine cracks at the corners that cant easily be seen. Color: Brushed Stainless Steel. One of the biggest decisions youll face is choosing between a tub or shower. Carefully! I believe industry standard height is 44-48? The niche was on the outside wall but I built a second wall against it to give me the depth of the niche without disturbing the existing outer wall insulation, except for where I added another 24 for the rear wall of the niche for added support. We made this blog to help others like ourselves get all the useful information needed to build a better bathroom all in one place!
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