There also needs to be an adequate waterproofing membrane beneath the tile layer to limit moisture transmission into this wall. 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. My suggestion would simply be to install a tall vertical niche (with shelves) on the wall opposite the valve wall. Color: Brushed Stainless Steel. 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. We live in Missouri so we have hot summers and fairly cold winters. You could still use the wall tile or an accent tile for the back wall of the niche. Corner shelves are easier to tile. Really appreciate the info on the structural issues with long niches. Thank you for the article. If you have a 2x6 stud wall there will be some room behind the niche. 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. Even if the wall cavity that contains the niche is completely waterproofed, water may still get behind it with a single retrofit flange. 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 Do you tile directly on these? 1) You mention that its NOT recommended to install it on an outside wall. 2023 Bathroomaholic - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. 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. One piece, leak proof, tileable, easy-to-install. Needless to say, there is a complex series of factors to consider like stud wall thickness, local climate, waterproof integrity of your shower, and the quality and thickness of the wall insulation. 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. 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. . A modern, practical, versatile, and easy-to-install recessed shower storage shelf or niche for your bathroom or wetroom. 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. Upvotes: 1,655. I would suggest that you apply a VERY GOOD sheet waterproofing membrane, not a liquid membrane. But it really has to do with the thickness of your outside wall. The easiest option would be simply to install your shower niche below 3 feet. Its great to hear that people like yourself are getting some useful info from my posts. 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. 1/2 thick) acrylic solid surfacing materials? Yes, it is possible to add a shower niche to an existing shower. To patch the drywall is pretty easy if you look it up online. 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). 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. Am I right? This would be a VERY difficult procedure even for the most skilled tile installer, and it would really only be possible with ceramic tile. Repair options: If the grout line cracking is already leaking, there are several repair options available. wedi. By understanding the, Are you looking for a luxurious way to unwind after a long day? Thank you for the advice! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The niche that my contractor purchased is a retrofit model. OUR GURANTEE - 100% waterproof and leak-proof guaranteed. 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 always great to hear from a fellow contractor. However, problems can arise if not properly installed, maintained, and protected. I would even buy a can of spray foam so you can spay around it and use it to set the niche into. Shulter has two niches that are longer, both of which have an adjustable 2" dividing shelf to customize your required size. 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. Steps for cleaning include removing any soap scum, dirt, or other debris from the surface of the niche, as well as wiping down the tiles and grout. And if we wanted to block it up, what materials ways should this been done to ensure the integrity is restored? From warping and poor installation to mold and mildew, these issues can quickly turn your once beautiful and functional shower niche into a source of frustration. It could be quite disastrous if he does not do this correctly. Im sorry that I couldnt provide you with more reassurance. This will help us get appropriate repairs. Please leave a comment below if youd like to ask any specific questions about shower niche installation. 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. You should always consult a licensed local contractor before undertaking any remodelling work in your home. Some materials, such as stone and metal, are naturally more resistant to water than others. The shower environment is harsh due to its constant exposure to water and fluctuating temperatures. I have installed this niche a few times and it seems like a solid product. The first niche shown is a finished shower niche. I saved and reglazed the tub and it looks (performs) wonderful. This just introduces a condensation surface into the wall and you dont want that. The contractor brought up some of the issues with this in various projects. I cant find anything online about it being necessary but the man at the tile store that sold me the niche suggested it. 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. 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. It would work better to reduce moisture behind the niche. Hi, The constant water exposure and regular temperature changes makes the shower environment quite unforgiving. You need a membrane with a very low perm rating like the Durock sheet membrane or Wedi Subliner Dry. It isnt going to be quite as stain and scratch-resistant as quartz, but I think it would be safe, waterproof, durable, and easy to clean (potentially even bleach-cleanable). As such its very convenient to install the niche in this area because its in easy reach. 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. The 5 BIG Mistakes: Don't Skip the Waterproofing Don't Install a Retrofit Niche Make Sure It Integrates with the Waterproofing Membrane Don't Compromise the Wall Structure Don't Install in an Outside Wall Bonus Tip: Installing the Wrong Shower Niche Shelf Don't Skip the Waterproofing You can read more about this in my waterproofing post. ANSWERED: What Is a High-Pressure Shower Head? Thoughts? 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. Do you see any problem doing this? Hence 42-60 inches (elbow to the eye) is the preferred shower niche height for homeowners. This is usually done by cutting a recessed area into the existing shower wall and installing a niche insert or lining. Beyond that, you must do everything you can to limit water vapor transmission through the shower wall. You still must allow enough wall thickness to be able to insulate behind the shower niche as well, especially if its a tiled shower niche. Worth It? Your email address will not be published. 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. In other words, there is a good chance that it may be possible. Yes, but also no, Shower Water Pressure Low? If I understand you correctly, you have furred out the wall to create a ledge upon which you will affix a marble shelf. 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 . One thing to keep in mind, however is that it will be right in the splash zone from the shower head. To be sure, you really should consult a local contractor familiar with the insulation and vapour control requirements in your area. 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. No tiler we asked will put in a niche into the shower. last year. The problem is that these measures mostly address structural stresses applied from above, but do not often address the increased flexibility (reduction in rigidity) caused by cutting out the vertical framing. Also a number of the hinge screws were not flush but angled and they claimed it was to give it strength. Steam showers have been praised for their many benefits, including relaxation, stress relief, improved circulation, and respiratory health. In this comprehensive guide, well dive into the most common shower niche problems, and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to overcome them. Each of these materials has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, including durability, resistance to water, ease of maintenance, and cost. Framed vs Frameless: The Great Shower Door Debate. This is what I am assuming. If foam is best what kind of foam? Fill the entire wall if possible (or at least the stud cavity) and place the niche into the wet foam). This is usually done by cutting a recessed area into the existing shower wall and installing a niche insert or lining. Besides this problem, the angle is terrible and things often slide off the shelf. Sorry for all my rambling but this is important stuff. Both if we wanted to keep the niche? I find it looks really cheap and asked him if we can find another solution. Just make sure you seal the grout well so you can more easily clean off any mold and soap scum that may collect. The issue is really all about the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. 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. They used hardie to build it out, but the corners arent aligned, and one part of the niche doesnt have hardie on it. When you compare this price with the other alternative of this tool . 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 sealer is super important to ensure you get a good bond between the old grout and the new caulking. 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. I would have to agree with you. Can you tile right on the concrete wall, use the waterproofing membrane all around and have good results? A walk-in shower can be a great addition to your bathroom, offering a stylish, spacious and low maintenance alternative to traditional shower enclosures. We are new homeowners and the bathroom is our favorite room. This includes ensuring proper ventilation in the bathroom, using waterproof materials, and cleaning the shower niche tile regularly. 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. Is it okay (or preferable) to install the shelf itself last, or should we install the shelf prior to tiling the surrounding walls? 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. Does this design sound OK? 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? In other words, its very difficult to say for certain if it will work out well in the end, but there are ways to dramatically reduce the risk if you really want to build this niche. If the shower wall is brick, it is likely an outside wall. Thanks Jay. Vinegar is a natural, tile shower niche friendly cleaner that removes grime, dirt, and soap scum from tiles. Residential and Commercial; Professional Sewage and Drain Cleaning It will be on an inside wall. If there is a membrane, you will likely destroy it and this would be worse than leaving as is. If this gap is any smaller, you should surround the niche body with spray foam. That may be your best evidence for your HOA in case they have any questions. The encouraging thing about prefab foam niches is that it should never leak even if water pools at the base (unless its been damaged). Thanks for your comment! Any ideas on how this might work best? Hello Steve, In conclusion, shower niches are a great addition to any bathroom, providing a convenient and attractive place to store and organize your shower essentials. Just make sure that you use 1/2 foam board for the perimeter mounting flange since it needs to be mounted flush with your 1/2 shower tile backer board. 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 should keep in mind that the factors that create moisture and mold growth in the shower wall are water vapor, a temperature differential between the outside and inside walls, the amount of insulation, AND a condensation surface (like a plastic vapor barrier, or foil wrap). When you already have a shower niche and want to avoid problems, you need to follow a plan to keep it in great shape. Good Luck with your project! Some of the most common materials used in shower niches include tile, stone, glass, and metal. You can read about how I install tile into the niche here: Building a niche for your shower Part 4. Built with the exact same tile as the rest of the shower surround, so it almost disappears when empty. 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. Its great to hear that you were not deterred by the sometimes intimidating prospect of tackling your own bathroom remodel project. But even the smallest cracks will allow moisture to penetrate, moving easily through the backer board seams, to the framing beneath. Will it work?! You are correct that it is designed to be a tile ready niche, not a finished niche. Hello again. Click here for my full Personal / Professional Disclosure. The price of the Wedi shower system ranges between $800-$1300. The beginning of your comment is a bit cryptic but I think I understand what you are asking. Its really not worth the risk. In some cases, it may be possible to sand down and re-shape the niche. One possibility is that the grout or caulking around the niche isn't properly sealed. Thanks for your help! Most ceramic and porcelain tiles have glazing that gives the face of the tile a different sheen and sometimes a different color than the rest of the tile. 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. Using construction adhesive in the joints around the header and installing blocking between the remaining stud bays, will also significantly increase the walls rigidity. Behind the niche you waterproof the exterior wall board with red gard, then a thin later of insulation. With the high volume of users in this particular shower, practicality should really be your highest priority in my opinion. If there is no membrane, it could already be a problem. With the right cleaning supplies and a simple 7-step, Are you tired of your outdated bathroom and ready for a bathroom remodel? You can then insulate this wall and install your shower niche into it. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. 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. What do you think about ez niche? We already completed a shower wall niche in our HOA-controlled townhouse in a shared wall. 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. Is it absolutely necessary to put a cross beam (blocking) where a pre-fab niche would go? It sounds like you put a lot of time and effort into your shower remodel project, especially your niche. Check out our Privacy Policy for more info. Also, being a full 5.5 away from the shower head, it is basically the driest part of your shower. 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. 4. Learn 9 reasons you shouldn't build a tile shower, and better alternatives to cut your costs and eliminate worries about mold or leaking. Install shower niche. We cut into the firewall, which were nervous that the HOA will make us tear out and redo, but every unit has a cheap soapdish insert that penetrates their firewalls anyways. Learn how your comment data is processed. This niche is made from sheet stainless steel with a brushed finish so it does not require tiling. However, I just realized that is an exterior wall in our bay front home in Florida. 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. This makes it a much safer install. The problem is that the shower environment is a very moist one, and some of this moisture will always make it into the stud cavity through the wall tile, your tile backer board, and often through your tiled shower niche. Hi Steve Up Your Shower Game: 7 High-Pressure Shower Head Benefits, What Is a Rain Shower Head? There is a lot more I could say on this, but I think you get the picture . He is now suggesting to just put tiles in the open space if I dont like the box I linked below.Is there anything to keep in mind? The shower niche may be a bit off-center, but it's purpose is simply to hold shampoo, soap or other bath needs. This would be relatively safe but not ideal. 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. 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. Although they are less durable than some other materials such as ceramic or stone, they can provide a long-lasting and attractive option for your shower niche if properly maintained and cared for. Other than tearing everything out, this is fairly reliable way to find out whether theres condensation behind the niche. Most decent contractors will say that applying the correct structural framing around the niche will adequately fortify the structure. 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.

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