Installing a ventilation fan or opening a window during and after showers can help to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth. The problem is that there is still only one layer of adhesive that keeps water from getting behind the niche regardless when its mounted. 6 Tile Shower Niche Questions Answered by Experts - Tile Club The problem is that most trims have a flange or anchoring leg thats designed to be placed into the mortar beneath the edge tile. 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. I would recommend at least 3 1/2 of space behind the niche if youre insulating the wall with fiberglass. 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. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. The sealant should be applied in a continuous, even bead, and allowed to cure for the recommended time before using the shower. Recently my bathroom was remodeled with a niche installed. Just to be clear its the type of niche that you have chosen to install thats likely the problem, not your contractors installation strategy. Other than that, it has been a fun project? Vinegar is a natural, tile shower niche friendly cleaner that removes grime, dirt, and soap scum from tiles. The cracks often start as fine lines at the corners, which may not be immediately noticeable. Whether you or your contractor uses a liquid or sheet style waterproofing membrane, it does not matter, as long as you dont skip this important step during your next shower remodel! 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. 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. Received 672 Upvotes on 595 Posts. Installing porcelain tile on the shower wall instead of ceramic with a sealed grout like Mapei Flexcolor CQ, will also greatly reduce vapor transmission into the wall. The miscalculated using measurement for a walk in shower I believe, rather than glass on tub. One thing to keep in mind, however is that it will be right in the splash zone from the shower head. Dont leave any air spaces around the niche or in that particular stud cavity (to eliminate air circulation). They left it open meaning I can see through from the outside/inside of the shower and when getting down and looking at the quartz/tile junction. And again, your tile installer would probably be happy to cut & polish the edges for your niche. Shower Shelving | Shower Storage Solutions | KOHLER LuxStone Showers If you have a 2x6 stud wall there will be some room behind the niche. Congrats! It will be a single 30 square niche. 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. 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. 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). This is Steve from SKG Renovations with another Redblock budget bathroom remodel post. Just a thought. A Complete Guide on Rain Shower Head Pros and Cons. Good luck with your shower project! Just make sure there are no voids at all. I am happy to help! The Durock Shower Niche is the only plastic niche that I would ever recommend because it has a coating applied to its surface to facilitate mortar bonding. It is an exterior wall to a garage that is insulated. Built with the exact same tile as the rest of the shower surround, so it almost disappears when empty. This niche is made from sheet stainless steel with a brushed finish so it does not require tiling. It becomes a much bigger problem when the wall studs are 24. You should also check your local tile store. Lastly, I also have to warn you about the risks of installing a long horizontal niche. Your email address will not be published. This will help us get appropriate repairs. The best type of sealant to use will depend on the specific needs and conditions of your bathroom and shower niche, as well as the materials used in the niche itself. These shelves are so popular because theyre subtle, modern looking, and considered attractive by most. 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. Im a tile contractor. This will improve the R-value behind the niche and reduce the chance of moisture reaching the niche. In other words, there is a good chance that it may be possible. I have never seen any fire rating on any foam backer board. Acrylic tiles are a popular material for walk-in showers due to their durability and ease of cleaning. Is it okay (or preferable) to install the shelf itself last, or should we install the shelf prior to tiling the surrounding walls? There are more cuts and outside edges on a shower niche. 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. 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. In fact I thought it was so great that I decided to design one to meet my clients needs. Hello again. 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. Schluter makes some very nice ones! I have a niche install on an outside wall and now is bad condensation, I have the builders coming back to rectify. Another BIG one among shower niche install mistakes, is the construction of a custom horizontal tiled niche that compromises the structural integrity of the shower wall. With a shower niche taking up most of the space in a 3 1/2 stud cavity, moisture condensation in the wall cavity is virtually guaranteed if the temperature drops a few degrees outside compared to inside. 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. 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. In our new shower, we built a knee wall in front of an exterior wall to put a shelf on. Does that sound sensible to you? 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. Here is a link to my shower waterproofing post if you would like to read more on the topic. 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. Obviously, you are going to cut out where the shelf and niche go in the wall tile (unless you are using these new metal shelves from Schluter ). In this article, well take a look at the various types of shower heads and discuss the, Your email address will not be published. Theres nothing like the satisfaction of doing a job correctly! Thanks for your comment! You can refer to our mounting directions to get more details if you like, or you can email me at [emailprotected]. Thank you! Color: Brushed Stainless Steel. The only thing you can do to fix it is to try to gently pry off the base tiles and re-attach them with a proper slope. Wedi has a niche with the inside measurement of 13 X . However, I just realized that is an exterior wall in our bay front home in Florida. Shower head and three niches. Planning Shower Niches- Eight Essentials to Keep in Mind All these foam and plastic niches can distort if not fully supported. No gaps, no cracks. The Great Debate: Dual Shower Heads vs Single. 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. That goes for shower floor and wall tile but also stone shelves and ledges. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. But when shower niche problems arise, it can be frustrating and even damaging to your bathroom. Will that look ugly? After vacuuming out all the dust, you should let the wall dry for a couple of days (a heater blower unit would be great to speed things up) to make sure any moisture trapped behind the tiles dries out. Sorry I couldnt come up with an easier solution. Behind the niche you waterproof the exterior wall board with red gard, then a thin later of insulation. Can you tile right on the concrete wall, use the waterproofing membrane all around and have good results? Required fields are marked *. 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. 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? The shower niche inserts generally come 16" wide so they fit directly between your wall studs, which are spaced out 16 on center. 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. Thank you for commenting! Bonus tips: Make sure you seal this shelf with a good grout/stone sealer. As such its very convenient to install the niche in this area because its in easy reach. Steve, great article! The use of a bleach solution can be effective in removing mildew and mold, while vinegar can be used as a more natural and less harsh alternative. Causes of leaking: Leaking shower niches or ledges are a common problem in bathroom design. We made this blog to help others like ourselves get all the useful information needed to build a better bathroom all in one place! Generally speaking, its not good to install the vertical tile (or stone) first because water that runs off the vertical tile surfaces could settle at the gap between the floor and wall tile. Im considering building a 24 x 24 niche, 6 deep (by pushing into the closet. How To Increase Your Toilet Flush Performance And Power. An outside facing shower wall no matter how its constructed, needs to be insulated adequately. Some of the most popular and highly recommended materials for shower niches include ceramic tile, porcelain tile, acrylic, and stone. nothing. My question is about the installation of that shelf. My wife had an idea of keeping the longer side wall niche-free for aesthetics. Thank you for your comment, and Im sorry to hear about your troubles with your niche install. 2) for the niche, he will set up later after he start installing the tile from the bottom, so he can know where the niche goes and make it looks better with the tile. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. Good luck with your new shower remodel project, AND enjoy your new shower niche! Its time to take control of the situation and restore your shower to its former glory. We will be using Laticrete Hydroban board to waterproof the shower including the niche cavity. Durability and resistance to water: When choosing materials for your shower niche, it is important to consider their durability and resistance to water. Hi Steve If you can get foam behind it, professionally installed spray foam would be best. Do you have any suggestions? Shower niche - not waterproof bc of gap | Terry Love Plumbing Advice Does this design sound OK? Because this niche is designed to be installed after tiling, the silicon bead become the only thing keeping moisture out of the stud wall. Required fields are marked *. 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. That would make things a lot easier. 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. They also left some of the spacers in and grouted over them. If the mortar contains enough polymer adhesive, I guess it could stick reliably to the plastic surface, but as an installer I would never take this risk. 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. wedi. 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. 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. This would allow you to add a bit more insulation behind the niche, but either way you should use spray foam because it has a greater R-value per inch of thickness. Both walk-in shower vs tub have their unique benefits and drawbacks, but which one is right for you? 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). If this gap is any smaller, you should surround the niche body with spray foam. Make sure the new membrane overlaps the old one by at least 2 inches. This just introduces a condensation surface into the wall and you dont want that. Hey there Either way, cutting a horizontal swath out the structural members of this wall to make room for a niche is a problem. Hi Steve, Great advice to everyone. Some alternatives to a shower niche include shower caddies, shower shelves, and shower baskets. No matter how well sealed, every foundation wall will be relatively moist. 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. The most practical and coolest shower niche shelf in my opinion is the stainless steel shower niche shelf. Are you tired of constantly replacing your old shower curtain or cleaning your shower door? I trim around it Is it too late to add some type of trim now ? Install shower niche. The box he bought is usually made to tile over (based on research I just did) afterwards. Shower Ledges vs Niches: Which Option is Right for You? But I would be grateful if you could let me know what would be the best way to do this? The Secret to a Spa-Like Experience. 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 . 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. For more shower niche ideas, click here. Acrylic tiles are lightweight and easy to install, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. Model # US3000007. While curtains and doors have advantages and disadvantages, each option may be better suited for different bathroom types and lifestyles. 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. The temperature variation between inside and outside is large enough to cause condensation behind your niche if any moisture makes it behind your niche. We live in Missouri so we have hot summers and fairly cold winters. 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. 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? 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. They had framed one out but not structurally so after reading this and showing this to my contractor we are re-doing a small niche within existing framing to be safe. I have consulted experts (Underwriters Laboratories Architectural Division) who say that thinset mortar and porcelain tile is naturally fireproof anyways, so that should meet or exceed the walls fire rating. This movement frequently leads to grout line cracking in the shower niche. I would also suggest installing an extremely good sheet waterproofing membrane. If you have yet to install your shower niche, make sure that there is a slight slope toward the shower so the water doesnt collect on the bottom. 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. This is an assumption made far too often when shower niches are framed into the shower wall. The first niche shown is a finished shower niche. Our contractor installed a shower niche and tiled the wall and niche however my husband doesnt like the finished product as there is. This is Steve from SKG Renovations with another RedblockRead More How to Build a Custom Shower Niche Step by Step. Stucco exterior. Am I right? This bathroom serves a bunk room that sleeps 8, hence wanting more storage. The only thing I would suggest is that you keep them out of the splash zone just because its more convenient to access when you are showering. If anything they are more tilted to back which is even worse. If there is no membrane, it could already be a problem. Should I be concerned of this as well? 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. If there is no exposed framing that you can see to attach the niche on 3 sides, it will be impossible to install this niche correctly at this stage. The problem with one niche is that when we examined it it wasn't properly built. It is difficult to install a waterproof membrane after the fact. Wish we would have known some of this 5 years ago when we had our bathrooms professionally remodeled. An expansion/ contraction joint is required here and silicon serves this purpose well. The Guide To Your Bidet Shower, Reviewed: 6 Best Electric Portable Bidets For Travel, The Best 5 Bidet Sprayers aka Bum Guns For Your Butt, Top 4 Toilet Bidet Combos for a Spa-Like Bathroom Oasis, What to Do When Toilet Flushes but Poop Stays. Yes, I agree that the structure required for a horizontal shower niche is the same as whats required for a window in an exterior wall. 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. How do I choose the right size and style for my shower niche? Just a thought. I recently remodelled my wifes retreat bath using a Schluter pre-fabricated niche and it saved so much time and hassle. Shower Niche Alfie | Wayfair 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. 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. 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. This includes ensuring proper ventilation in the bathroom, using waterproof materials, and cleaning the shower niche tile regularly. I was wondering two things: We are doing an accessible shower for my son but the bathroom will also be used by guests who come to visit. Ideally, extending the stud greater than 4 would have been best, but it is a really small powder room with a closet being converted to a shower and every inch counts. Its accomplished with framing protocols to comply with your local codes. If Im misunderstanding you, please provide some more info so I can make a better assessment. 7 Common Shower Problems (And How to Fix Them) - Home Repair Ninja Can I add a shower niche after my shower has been installed? Slow Flushing Toilet? Modern construction at its best. 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. Ive attached photos. A modern, practical, versatile, and easy-to-install recessed shower storage shelf or niche for your bathroom or wetroom. I am currently working with a contractor on my shower remodel. The shower environment is harsh due to its constant exposure to water and fluctuating temperatures. The safest solution would be a sheet of plate steel behind the entire niche. x 22 in., Includes Adjustable Shelf. My builders have just installed a Schluter prefabricated niche but have forgotten to slope the tile so water is pooling. 9 Reasons You Shouldn't Build a Tile Shower By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a beautiful and worry-free shower niche for years to come. We had a niche installed (3-1/4 inches, 4 with the listello) in an outside wall of a shower. Its a rock solid installation with hydroban vapor and waterproofing barriers. Maximizing Your Space: Where to Place a Shower Niche You can read about how I install tile into the niche here: Building a niche for your shower Part 4. One of the biggest decisions youll face is choosing between a tub or shower. Beautiful bathrooms begin here! Wow! There are gaps in the corner that would clearly lead to water leaking into the walls or at the least have moisture exposure. As long as the water spray doesn't go directly at it, it doesn't really matter where it is if the tile job was properly done. And if we wanted to block it up, what materials ways should this been done to ensure the integrity is restored? Installing a Kerdi-board niche If Im understanding you correctly, it is a very typical alcove style shower with a 6 back wall (outside wall) and two 46 side walls, one of which is the valve wall. I find it looks really cheap and asked him if we can find another solution. Thanks so much for the helpful article. By understanding the, Are you looking for a luxurious way to unwind after a long day? 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. You say that youre hesitant to do this, but it is the most common place to install a standard shower niche (other than horizontal). It usually starts out as very fine cracks at the corners that cant easily be seen. last year. Learn how your comment data is processed. Can you shower when the power is out? A modern, practical, versatile, and easy-to-install recessed shower storage shelf or niche for your bathroom or wetroom. Is Drano Ok? That may be your best evidence for your HOA in case they have any questions. Simply use a paint brush and dip it in the grout sealant, then apply it to the lines. We are having a shower head with diverted valve for a separate shower wand installed which is limiting the location of the niche on the wall with the shower head and I am not a fan of placing the niche along the back wall in direct line of the shower spray. 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. We will be using a prefab EZ-niche, thank you for the suggestion above of coating it with red guard for substrate adhesion, we wouldnt have thought about using that since the niche is water proof by design. The work was done by a licensed tile company who does impeccable work. The beginning of your comment is a bit cryptic but I think I understand what you are asking. We were initially looking at doing a horizontal niche but it is an exterior wall. Without a waterproofing membrane, this movement almost always causes grout line cracking in your shower niche. For assistance with a shower wall panels installation or factory-direct DIY shower wall panel supply contact Innovate Building Solutions at 877-668-5888. 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. Call Us: (205) 640-2848 About; Services. 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. 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. Great article and through responses to questions. If you said no, you would be correct. This process should be performed by a professional contractor or plumber.Be aware that there are potential problems that can come up when you retrofit a shower niche. They said its too difficult to do . The problem is that the hole is there ready for the niche but all the tiles have been put down already around it. 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. Shower Not Working: 4 Common Reasons and How to Fix Them - Plumb One This can cause mold to grow here which is not disastrous but it doesnt look very nice. Preventive measures: To avoid leaking, it is important to take preventive measures during the shower niche installation process. A Complete Guide to Smart Shower Pros and Cons, Essential Oils in the Shower: 5 Simple Hacks to Revitalize Your Shower Routine, Goodbye Boring Shower: How to Use Shower Steamers. A walk-in shower can be a great addition to your bathroom, offering a stylish, spacious and low maintenance alternative to traditional shower enclosures. When you compare this price with the other alternative of this tool . These horizontal niches are the epitome of opulence, sometimes spanning the entire shower wall and offering a huge area for storage. Types of sealants: There are several different types of sealants available for use in shower niches, including silicone, epoxy, and polyurethane. Niches ought to not be against exterior walls if possible in cold climates. There is a lot more I could say on this, but I think you get the picture . Additionally, cleaning the niche with a mildew-resistant cleaner can help to keep it free of mold and mildew. Concerns? Understanding the most common problems, such as warping, poor installation, and mold and mildew buildup, is the first step in avoiding them. This would be relatively safe but not ideal. As for the tile/ tub margin the best way is always to silicon this margin. Im not really sure what to say about this one. 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.
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