The shower cabin was treated with acrylic sealant, what will happen. How to choose a sealant for a shower stall. Composition and construction materials

Creating a beautiful bathroom is a dream for any owner. But during the work, you need not only to put a beautiful tile or a shower stall. It is necessary to take care of good insulation of seams and joints between materials.

After all, the bath is stronger than all other rooms is subject to the negative effects of steam, moisture and is in constant contact with water. Use a bathroom sealant to seal the joints.

Material Features

Bathroom sealants differ from other similar compounds in some properties. First of all, developers have to pay attention to the enhanced protection of the sealant.

Moisture in the bathroom is far from the only problem.

The constant appearance of steam provokes the growth of fungi and mold. It is necessary to add protective substances to the compositions and significantly improve their structure.

Most often, a fungicide is added to the composition. But after such actions, you can be calm. Mold on the sealant in the bathroom will not appear.

Fungus on bathroom caulk is a much more serious problem, as fungus spores are constantly growing and are not so easy to remove. However, modern sealants are protected from this problem.

As a rule, developers separately produce lines of bathroom sealants. Their still sanitary. The most popular now sanitary silicone sealant for the bathroom.

The best and most successful option is a silicone sealant for a shower or bath. The special properties of silicone play a huge role here.

Sealants are mainly used for sealing joints between structures. The most popular method is sealing the seams between the bathroom and the wall. It is through these cracks that water flows under the plumbing, which will then be very difficult to remove.

Also, the joints of the shower cabin, the seams between the tiles and baseboards are subjected to sealing.

It is very important to always use a joint sealer in the bathroom. Without seam treatment, after a few months you run the risk of serious problems with fungi and mold. Their appearance will be provoked by stagnant water in hard-to-reach places.

Sealants are also used for work in the kitchen. It should be understood that the same sealant is used for the kitchen and bathroom. In the kitchen, the joints between the sinks and the walls are sealed in the same way.

Sometimes other elements are also sealed. Well, in general, sanitary sealants are convenient to use wherever there is plumbing.

Main advantages and requirements for sealants

Many are interested in the question of which bathroom sealant is best suited. The requirements for such materials are extremely simple and clear.

The sealant must first of all seal the seams and joints being processed. This means that after formation, the composition must be sufficiently strong.

At the same time, the elasticity of the sealant is also important. After all, plumbing is not bolted to the walls tightly. It can move under the weight of a person.

Be sure to protect against the appearance of fungi and other harmful formations. The sealant must be vapor-tight and not exposed to high temperatures.

The second point is especially important, since some bathtubs tend to heat up.

The sealant for the shower cabin should cling well to plastic and PVC panels. After all, it is from these materials that the cabin body is created.

Ecological cleanliness and safety of the composition are also important. Still, we will use it in the bathroom, and this is the main room for hygiene.

Advantages of sanitary sealants:

  • Sealants are not exposed to steam and moisture.
  • The composition of sealants prevents the appearance of harmful fungi, mold, etc.
  • Sanitary sealants are relatively cheap and easy to work with.
  • If desired, the sealing seam can be removed with a sharp spatula or utility knife.
  • Even a person with no experience can handle the application of sealant.
  • Most products of this type practically do not react to an excess amount of steam, high temperatures and their differences.
  • Modern sealants perfectly cling to any surface. Moreover, there is a special adhesive sealant for the bathroom. This material is capable of bonding surfaces together.

Cons of sealants:

  • Cheaper designs get dirty over time, spoiling their appearance.
  • Without master skills, it is difficult to create a perfectly even and beautiful seam.
  • Sealants dry quickly enough, and after drying they are difficult to remove. It is necessary to tear off the remains with the help of tools and solvent.

Material types

Sealants consist of a polymer, a filler and several by-products. As a rule, they are distinguished by the type of polymer. All other particles are optional and may be present in sealants of any kind and purpose.

The varieties are as follows:

  • Silicone sealants can rightfully be called the most popular sealing compounds for the bathroom. Silicone has all the properties that materials of this type need so much. It is elastic, clings well to any surface, does not allow moisture to pass through and does not react at all to temperatures. It is worth noting the durability of silicone seams, which can be used for 40-50 years.
  • Acrylic sealants form a stronger seam. But this is also their shortcoming. After drying, the sealant forms a substance that is more like plastic. Acrylic sealants are cheaper than silicone sealants and are easier to apply. Solvents and acids are not found in their composition, so you can work with them without additional protection.
  • Silicone-acrylic compounds is a combination of the above two substances. Products of this type combines all their positive qualities. Of the shortcomings, only an impressive price can be noted. Sealants with adhesive properties are created from silicone-acrylic.
  • Polyurethane sealants in the bathroom they are used less often than silicone ones. They are more suitable for working with concrete, tiles and plaster. The polyurethane composition forms a strong and moderately elastic seam. Adhesion of polyurethane sealants is considered the best in its class.

Separately, I would like to note such phenomena as bathroom sealant tape. This is a separate building material for sealing the joints between the bathroom and the walls.

It is a tape of protective insulating material, which only needs to be glued around the perimeter of the structure. Ribbon is easier to work with and looks good.

But she has a property to peel off after a certain time.

Preparation for work

In work, sealant for a shower or bathroom is very convenient to use. The application process is extremely simplified. Attention should rather be paid to the preparatory processes.

First you need to prepare the work surface itself. It should be cleaned of dirt, dust and excess elements. If you are sealing a joint on old surfaces, it is best to rub them lightly with sandpaper or something similar.

In this way, you can remove excess particles from the base. For example, powder from the wall or the remains of old paint.

It is advisable to degrease the surface with acetone or gasoline. After degreasing, the room must be ventilated and left for 30-40 minutes. During this time, everything will dry out, and the smells will disappear.

It is recommended to glue the place of the future seam with mounting tape or masking tape. It will protect the nearest parts of objects from getting excess sealant. Beginners need to use masking tape without fail.

It is also important to remember about personal preparation. The sealant, after drying, can emit pungent odors, and after hardening, it will be difficult to remove it. It is advisable to have gloves, a respirator and goggles with you.

The preparation is completed by installing the cartridge in the gun and cutting a hole of the desired diameter in the plastic cone.

It is difficult to name the best sealant for the bathroom. Each composition is better suited for a particular case.

Polyurethane sealants are preferably used on concrete or plaster. With these materials, such compounds have better adhesion. Polyurethane can successfully isolate skirting boards and seams between tiles.

Knauf acrylic compositions can be used if you do not want to deal with unnecessary trouble. Acrylic is easier to apply, it costs less, and it practically does not differ in operation.

It is advisable not to use acrylic on wide joints. There, the seam can give a microcrack.

Silicone is suitable for any situation. If you are interested in which shower sealant is best, then choose silicone sealants. It is difficult to name a more versatile and reliable material.

Silicone-acrylic sanitary sealants are needed for more specialized jobs. They are used by professional builders during mixed work and decorating with special materials.

Sealant tape is the simplest option and worth buying if you want to quickly and cheaply seal the seams between structures. It is also useful to use it before a major overhaul.

Of the specific manufacturers, I would like to note the company for a moment. Moment bathroom sealant is a fairly well-known building material with a nice price and excellent performance.

Material application (video)

Material prices

You can buy silicone bathroom sealant at a price of $ 2-5 per 1 pc. It implies the purchase of sealant in a container with a volume of 310 ml.

Acrylic sealants are sold at a price of 1-3 dollars per 1 piece. Silicone-acrylic samples are more expensive. Their price starts from 3 dollars for 1 piece. The average cost of production is 4-6 dollars per cartridge.

The price of a bathroom sealant based on polyurethane is 4-5 dollars per 1 piece. Sealant tape sells for $3-5 per roll. The length of the tape starts from 6 meters.

A shower cubicle (not a box) is a glass or plastic enclosure adjacent to a wall, usually lined with ceramic tiles, and it is quite reasonable that the question may arise as to which shower sealant is better? The fact is that when installing such a device, a lot of junctions with the wall are created, where water seeps very easily, and no installation can save you from this problem - this is simply inevitable.

Below we will look at the installation methods and rules for using the sealant, and also show you the video in this article.

Sealant in installation

Varieties

  • is an acid silicone that can be used in repair and construction work, as it has excellent adhesion to all rigid building materials - brick, plaster, glass, metal, wood, and so on. It is mainly used for sealing seams and joints - these can be bathrooms, or any building joints where there is no dust and moisture on the treated surface. It can be noted that such material is used when sealing joints where vibration changes are possible, as well as shifts of ± 20 relative to the base.

  • is an acid silicone that can be used in repair and construction work, as it has excellent adhesion to all hard smooth materials - that is, not only glass, but also tiles or ceramic tiles, as well as plastic. It is mainly used for sealing seams and joints - these can be bathrooms, glazing of houses and balconies, or any building joints where there is no dust and moisture on the treated surface. It is noteworthy that such material is used when sealing joints where vibration changes are possible, as well as shifts of ± 20 relative to the base.

Attention! I would like to note that some are looking for an antifungal sealant for the shower cabin and such a tube, in fact, can be sold in stores and even with the appropriate inscription - do not believe it! Fungus and mold in this case start from standing water, which starts in hollows (usually, this is the junction of a pallet and a wall lined with ceramic tiles).

Only an antibacterial composition can help you, but only if you wipe these seams so that water does not linger in them.

Installation work

Let's start with the pallet, which in any case is installed in the first place - it is from it that the installation of the entire structure begins, that is, the guides rise relative to the corners of the pallet, and then the door frame is assembled, and fixed and movable panels are hung ().

It can be noted that it is possible to assemble a shower cabin without sealant, but in any case, you will have leaks, since there is an adjunction of structural elements to the wall. Whatever it was, but we will just need to put the pallet in a corner and set its legs in level - the slope is not needed here, since the design of the container itself implies it in its configuration.

Further, after you have placed the pallet without fixing it with silicone to the wall, you need to mark and drill holes for the guide profiles - this is best done with a drill, as the puncher can break the ceramic tiles.

In order not to be mistaken, it is better for you to put an arc from the door frame on the pallet and navigate along it in order to mark the risers - this way the whole structure will assemble more accurately, without any distortions. This, of course, is not an instruction, but advice from the author of this article, who has carried out such installations more than once.

So, during the installation of the guide strips, and this can be either the side of the door frame made of metal profiles, or individual strips (where this box is inserted), silicone is applied to the rack and applied to the ceramic tile along the previously drilled holes.

The profile is pressed with self-tapping screws. The sealant underneath will serve as an excellent barrier to waterproofing. Please note that even perfectly even ceramic tiles will not provide the required density when adjoining a metal rack - in any case, there will be gaps.

In the future, silicone sealant for the shower cabin is not needed until you move on to fixing the pallet, that is, this is the assembly of the door frame and hanging the movable and fixed (straight or semicircular) panels.

But, again, it can be used to overlay the lower arcuate profile of the door frame on the pallet - this way you can create another hydro-barrier, because in any case, water splashes will get under the doors, which will seep under the profile, although this is not necessary.

After installing all the parts, you will need a sealant to assemble the shower cabin for the tray, and here the craftsmen can do it differently, some glue the acrylic tray directly onto the tile, applying a layer of silicone on the side, and some consider it unnecessary.

The author of this article adheres to the first option, that is, when the pallet is glued to the wall with silicone - this is how the monumentality of the installation is created, because there are no other fasteners to the base at the bottom.

But, in addition to this, the sealant is pumped on the upper line of the joint, as shown in the photo above - first a strip of silicone is squeezed out, and then a finger gun is run along the joint to ennoble it - the excess from the finger is simply collected on toilet paper.

Please note that when sealing the pallet, a small hollow is obtained there - this is quite normal and aesthetically pleasing - and this is where mold occurs (silicone blackens over time).

No compounds (antibacterial and antifungal) can resist this process - if they try to sell such a product to you in a store, then they are simply deceiving you, since mold is formed from dried soapy water and an antimer for this - only constant wiping of the joint.

In view of this situation, the question may arise: “How to remove the old sealant from the shower cabin?”, Because on it (at the junction of the pallet with the tiles) in any case, mold will accumulate over time - the seam will turn black.

For such dismantling, you will need an ordinary kitchen knife with a sharp (not rounded) end - by swiping it along the joint, you can get the old contents, but in no case do not use a solvent or white spirit - this can ruin plastic and acrylic.

Note. Silicone sealant can be different, and the price of this product does not always determine the quality of the composition. We can only say that it is best to choose white, not transparent silicone.

Conclusion

When installing a shower stall with your own hands, in any case, you will use a sealant to seal the joints. But at the same time, try to immediately remove the excess so that its thin layer does not remain on the tile, which is very similar to lime or soap deposits ().

A lot of people are wondering which sealant is best for a shower stall. It can be said that the requirements for such material are not complex or incomprehensible.

Water procedures are an obligatory beginning of the day for almost every person who lives on our planet. Taking a shower is not only washing the body, but also relaxing, invigorating and refreshing. In the morning, a shower adds strength to the general mood, which is enough for the whole day.

And in the evenings, water reduces excess stress and helps to relax. But the pleasure provided by taking a shower can last a relatively short time if, after all the water procedures, water or even a whole puddle remains on the floor.

The sealing of various seams, joint or joints of various coatings plays the most important role in the assembly of shower enclosures. Only with the use of high quality materials and a professional approach to work, it is possible to design and assemble high quality shower equipment.

If glass-to-plastic, acrylic-to-plastic or ceramic-to-acrylic joints are present, special care must be taken when applying the sealant.

The main task of the sealant is to create high-strength joints that will not let water through. A good sealant can prevent possible moisture seepage and fungal growth in areas where there is constant contact with water.

And moisture in bathrooms isn't the only problem. The constant release of steam can contribute to the growth of fungus or mold. Therefore, the compositions that constitute a protective substance have to be constantly improved, either as a whole or some of its components.

Therefore, a fungicide is very often mixed into the sealant for shower cabins. If it contains such a substance, then you can remain calm. In places where the sealant was applied, mold will never appear again.

And with the fungus, there are much more problems, because its spores are constantly increasing in size and number, and their removal is not an easy task. But any modern sealant can protect against such problems.

Often, manufacturers develop a separate line of compounds intended for use in the bathroom. The most popular of these is silicone sealant. The question of sealing the shower cabin may arise before any owner during the installation or operation of the device.

general information

First you need to find out what a sealant is, what types it comes in and how it should be used. Sealant is a paste-like material that is widely used for sealing joints of various types and sizes.

It began to be used to strengthen joints in building materials, gaps around window and door openings, pipes, during the installation of ceramic tiles. The composition of the sealant includes a polymer, a filler and several additional elements. Their main difference is the type of polymer compound.

The most popular in the modern construction world is the use of silicone sealant. This is a material that can be suitable for both the kitchen and the bathroom. Silicone is a compound that is resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

The naturalness of the antibacterial material makes it possible to use it as a sealing agent when installing a washbasin, installing a shower cabin, gluing ceramic surfaces, metals and glass products.

A high quality silicone sealant includes a filler pigment, silicone, a related plasticizer, a catalyst, and a thixotropic agent. The best sealant is one that contains only silicone.

Impurities that should be in small amounts:

  1. organic solvent.
  2. mechanical filler.

If there is a fungicide in the composition of the material, it can be used for pallets, because this material prevents the development of fungus and mold in rooms with a high level of moisture. If you need to choose silicone, neutral or acidic, then it is better to choose the first material. It has no smell. And the composition itself is universal.

To seal the cabin, not only a common special silicone sealant is used, which is intended for direct sealing of the shower cabin, but also transparent aquarium silicone.

Working with sealant

For sealing, you need to use some materials:


To properly seal the tray and shower, you need to prepare all the necessary surfaces. Clean them from old coating layers, dirty spots, dust, and you also need to degrease the parts.

It is necessary to perform these procedures when sealing is to be carried out. In order to remove the old sealant, it is better to use a special solvent designed to work with silicone.

When polysulfide, silicone, acrylic or butyl sealants are used, cavities and joints must not only be cleaned but also dried. According to the recommendations of experts, it is better to use soap and water or detergent, because they have the ability to reduce adhesion.

From concrete and stone surfaces, the old sealant is best removed using a wire brush. If necessary, you can use special cleaning and dissolving compounds.

Metal, plastic and glass surfaces are treated with a solvent or alcohol-containing liquid, then wiped with a dry cloth. To protect the areas that touch the sealing seam from dirt, adhesive tapes can be used, which can be removed after all procedures have been completed.

The surface to be treated shortly should be of medium temperature. This range is from 5 to 40 °C. The sealing tube is heated to room temperature.

How to squeeze out the composition is described on the package. Silicone or other sealant appears at the end of the tube as soon as the tube is squeezed. In order to form a beautiful seam and remove unnecessary strokes, you can use a wet spatula (soak in water).

This work requires a quick reaction, otherwise the film on the sealant appears in 5 minutes (this factor depends on the constituents of the material). On average, a small layer of material (from 2 to 4 mm) hardens in a day if the temperature is 20 ° C and the humidity is 50%.

Installation of side walls in the shower

All work is done on a dry surface. The assembly of the shower cabin should be carried out according to the instructions:

  1. Install side walls.
  2. Pre-fix all joints with screws.
  3. Make fasteners for the top and the shower itself.

At each stage of assembly, all joints and joints must be carefully lubricated with a sealant. At the same time, you need to ensure that all the screws remain on the outside of the cab. If you follow this sequence, you can assemble without damaging the sealant itself.

After all the seams that are covered with sealant are processed, everything is fixed with screws and left to dry completely. If there are areas where silicone remains, you need to remove it with a rag.

Then you need to seal the cabin from the outside (front). To do this, you can use a sealing cord. First you need to insert it into place where the cab frame is adjacent to the glass. Then seal with sealant. This will improve the waterproofing properties of the zones.

Then, as everything dries, check the level of tightness of the structure. To do this, a strong jet of water is directed to any connection. If leaks are found, re-sealing is necessary. Be sure to go through the tool again in problem areas.

There were cases when, for high-quality sealing of the shower cabin, it was necessary to carry out repair work and dismantle the old sealant. It is easy to remove silicone sealant from the bottom using white spirit.

You need a rag, blades and cleaning agent. Moisten a rag in the product and wipe the place with the old sealant, leave for 30 seconds. Take the blade and peel off the old layer from the surface (glass or tile). If a yellowish stain remains in this place, then it is necessary to wipe it again with the help of White spirit.

It is possible to remove silicone from the pallet mechanically only from surfaces that are not scratched. It is removed with a sharp knife or pumice stone. First, large silicone growths are removed. Everything must be done with extreme care so as not to damage the surface.

The shower cabin can be cleaned with salt. You need to pour it into a piece of gauze (several layers are needed), then wipe the place where the silicone remains, in a circular motion, very carefully.

Additionally

After the sealant has been removed, you need to disconnect the cab from the pallet. In the case when the silicone was not completely removed, it can be cut off with a knife. To do this, the tool must be inserted into the opening between the pallet and the wall.

After the walls have been removed, the residual silicone must be removed using a hard pumice stone. If all the work was done carefully, then you can be sure that the acrylic surfaces will remain safe and sound. After all procedures, it is recommended to wipe the shower cabin completely with a dry and clean cloth.

Video instruction

The corner cannot reliably isolate the pallet from leakage. Due to objective reasons, the design is such that the fence is simply placed on top and is not attached to anything. Some corners do consist of two walls and are unable to protect the floor from moisture from all sides. In all these and many other cases, sealants are used.

The shower enclosure is sealed to ensure that the floor is always dry. In addition to the obvious troubles, getting wet causes the growth of mold, fungus, and rotting of materials. This is especially true in the case of a steel pallet. The slightest scratch from the bottom, and the process of rust formation will begin.

List of issues

Those who try to use the sealant with their own hands testify that the task is not as simple as it seems at first glance. Many complain about the poor adhesion of silicone adhesive. Even the best composition lags behind in a few years if applied incorrectly. The mistake of people is that the elementary rules of installation are not observed. The surface is not cleaned, does not dry, does not get rid of dirt or grease deposits.

Whatever sealant is supposed to be used, you should carefully study the instructions. The trouble is that the problem only affects over time. Adhesion looks great initially, but the coating peels off after a while. MC-sealant in damp and polluted areas is quickly covered with mold. In this case, acrylic or silicone should be used instead. But MS-sealant perfectly adheres to acrylic paint.

It is impossible to determine the best composition. However, the most common plumbing material is silicone sealant. That is what should be used in the most general case.

How?

It is allowed to use any high-quality, waterproof sealant. For example, antibacterial or aquarium. The composition of most of the mixtures is quite homogeneous:

  • Silicone-silicon (synthetic) rubber.
  • Hydrophobic filler (repels water).
  • plasticizer.
  • Fungicide (against mold and bacteria).
  • Catalysts.
  • thixotropic agent.

In all components, people usually do not have questions, with the exception of the last one. Additives of this kind are often made on the basis of the same silicon, for example, oxide II (ordinary sand). The composition of the sealant may include:

  1. organic solvents.
  2. Fillers.
  3. Extenders.

Thixotropy indicates the ability of a sealant to take seams at different angles. This is achieved by achieving the desired consistency, density. So that the glue is equally well taken on a plane at any angle in space. The fungicide is good at killing mold. It is better to choose a neutral silicone adhesive with a maximum content of synthetic rubber. Organic solvents have a strong unpleasant odor. Silicone sealants are sold in tubes, squeezed out manually or with a gun, leveled with a spatula and cost from 150 to 200 rubles per unit.

Butyl, acrylic and polysulfide sealants are widely found on sale. The optimum temperature range for application ranges from 5 to 40 degrees Celsius. The tube with glue should also be kept at room conditions for some time. Alignment of the seam is carried out with a spatula moistened with water. The drying time of the joints depends on the thickness of the application. The speed is from 2 to 4 millimeters daily and depends on the manufacturer and composition.

Acrylic sealant is widely used to seal cracks in wood. Here are some properties of this class of materials:

  • high degree of adhesion to wood, concrete, polymers (PVC, acrylic);
  • high resistance to solar radiation;
  • is an insulator not only of moisture, but also of heat;
  • high thixotropy;
  • good plasticity even after drying;
  • of all other compositions it is characterized by the maximum plasticity.

Shrinkage of acrylic sealants (to ensure competitiveness) is reduced by a special filler. Ideal for wooden structures whose dimensions change according to weather conditions, especially ambient temperature. Since acrylic is highly soluble in water, it is it that serves as the basis for the glue.

What areas need to be sealed?

Depending on the design, the number of problem areas may vary. The quality of sealing is checked with a shower head with a strong pressure of water.

Pallet perimeter

Regardless of the material of the pallet and its shape, it is necessary to seal the perimeter with a sealant. Silicone glue works great for this. The pallet should be mounted close to the wall. A typical option is when the shower is in the corner. The silicone sealant needs to go through two sides of the perimeter. The subtlety here is that the technique is largely determined by the design of the fence.

If the perimeter of the pallet is visible, then it is considered ugly to leave the seams visible. To mask them, a G or T-shaped plastic profile is used. The first is mounted in several ways:

  • With the institution of one edge between the wall and the pallet. Only the second is visible from the outside. Silicone sealant is also an adhesive. It should be applied between the decorative corner and the wall, as well as between it and the pallet. A decorative strip is formed that hides traces of glue.
  • The corner of the decorative profile is placed at the intersection of the wall plane and the pallet surface. Both sides are visible. Glue is applied under the decorative profile.

In the case when the fence consists of four walls, there is no need to mask the seams. For too wide gaps and gaps, it is recommended to use a sealing cord.

shower corner

A shower enclosure is called a glass or plastic fence around the pallet. Depending on the design, the areas to be sealed vary. A typical case is when the corner consists of two outer walls. In this case, each of them is attached to the wall with anchors or dowel-nails. A tiled apron, by definition, cannot have a flat surface. At least due to the presence of seams between the tiles. Therefore, even in the absence of a relief pattern, the corner section will not fit snugly against the wall. As a rule, when the fitting has already been completed, and the final installation method has been chosen, two seams are applied (on both sides of the aluminum profile that makes up the corner frame).

The adhesive-sealant should be applied after the dowel-nails (anchors) are put in place. Or directly during installation, directly under the bar. You can combine these methods in any combination. The installation procedure must be completed before the adhesive cures when applied between surfaces. It does not hurt to isolate the screw heads (covered with decorative caps).

To connect the sections of the shower enclosure to each other, it is customary to use screws screwed into the aluminum profile. If leaks are observed, silicone sealant should be used. In addition, technological or other purpose holes are often left in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe guides. For the most part, none of these are required by real users. If you see that water will flow into the wrong places through the holes in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe guides, use silicone sealant.

Between pallet and corner

Under the corner, standing on the pallet, water flows very rarely. As a rule, these places are not treated with adhesive-sealant. As well as the places where the glass is attached to the aluminum frame.

Mounting with sealant

Silicone plumbing sealant is actively used during installation, but only sewerage. To connect the water pipes to the water supply, the following are used as a sealant:

  1. Fum tape.
  2. Tow with sealing grease.

The first one is very easy to use. Before joining the threaded connection, several turns of tape are wound around the thread. Depending on where the pipe is located. It should be clear that nothing can be wound on the nut. Fum tape is sold in every store and is widely used for sealing threaded connections. In some cases, you can replace it with tow with sealant.

Silicone grease is used to enter the siphon into the sewer. If the gap is too large, a sealing cord is used. Each segment of the sewer pipe has a rubber seal, which greatly simplifies the task of the master.

Removing excess sealant

Excess silicone sealant is removed with a solvent containing white spirit. They rip off the walls with a metal brush, knife, scissors, pumice stone (any tool that has a lower hardness on the Mohs scale than tiles). Removal methods are chosen so as not to harm the underlying surface. After removing the sealant layer, the seams are dried for the possibility of their further use. For example, when repairing and replacing some spare parts. During the removal process, do not use soapy water, so as not to impair the adhesion of new sealants to the surface.

The easiest way to remove silicone is with alcohol-containing solutions, but they are not safe in all cases. After applying the solvent, wait 30 seconds, during which time the seam turns into a jelly that can be easily removed from the surface.

Conclusion

It is a necessary operation measure. This is the best way to avoid any confrontations and renovation costs of the apartment below.

Upon completion of the installation of the shower cabin, all cracks and gaps must be treated with a waterproof sealant. You can buy it at any hardware store. Many are interested in the question: which sealant for a shower cabin is better? Consider the types of sealants and choose the best option.

The stores sell sealants made on the basis of acrylic, silicone, polyurethane, MS polymers. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Acrylic

Many homeowners choose the acrylic option because it is cheaper and performs well:

  • The absence of harmful substances and toxins in the composition.
  • Neutral from a chemical point of view.
  • High level of adhesion to various materials (metal, glass, stone, concrete, plastic, wood surfaces).
  • Wide operating temperature range (from -20 to +80*С).
  • Resistance to mechanical vibration.
  • Fast drying after application.
  • The possibility of processing the dried composition with paint, varnish.

For a shower cabin, acrylic sealant is only suitable if the processing of seams with it will take place in places where water does not flow. To obtain the highest quality and non-leaking seam, it is required to prime the surface before processing.

The main disadvantage of acrylic sealant is its low elasticity (it will collapse under load). Therefore, it is well suited for processing fixed and slow-moving joints. Another disadvantage of the composition is the high probability of the appearance of fungal colonies on its surface. In this regard, additional antiseptic treatment will be required after its application.

It is recommended to immediately abandon the use of non-waterproof compounds, because. their service life in the bathroom will be minimal.

Silicone

A good silicone sealant for a shower stall is more expensive than an acrylic counterpart. It is customary to distinguish between the following types of silicone-based sealants:

  • Acidic (oxidized by contact with metal elements).
  • Neutral (inert, have an extensive area of ​​​​use).

Speaking about which silicone sealant is best for a metal shower cabin, neutral compositions should be highlighted. The benefits of these formulations include:

  • Maximum resistance to high temperatures (sealing of pipes with hot water is allowed).
  • Resistance to water (can be used to seal the gaps between the shower cabin and the wall without restrictions).
  • High elasticity of the joint after polymerization (will not crack under normal and vibration loads, unlike a joint made of acrylic sealant).

Silicone sealant is prone to fungal growth on it. Therefore, in the store you should choose a composition with antibacterial properties (for example, plumbing or aquarium sealant), or additionally treat it with antiseptic compounds. Silicone sealant does not have an unpleasant chemical odor.

On the video: Somafix silicone sealant for showers

Polyurethane sealants

A good option for outdoor use, although they are often used to close up the joints between the shower stall and the wall. Important advantages of such products:

  • High elasticity.
  • Resistant to continuous exposure to water.
  • Excellent adhesion to concrete, brick, glass, metal, wood surfaces.
  • Possibility of coloring after drying.

The disadvantages include weak adhesion to plastic surfaces and the inability to use in conditions of high positive temperatures. Also, when applying polyurethane sealant, it is necessary to pre-prime the surfaces to be treated. In terms of performance, it is better than acrylic, but inferior to silicone compounds.

Sealants based on MS polymer

Compositions of this type began to appear on the market relatively recently, but are already quite popular. They have high performance characteristics, reliably protect the seams from leakage.

The main advantages of compositions based on MS-polymer:

  • Absolutely resistant to fresh and salt water.
  • They do not contain harmful substances, they practically do not have a specific smell.
  • They provide good adhesion to any materials (there is no need for preliminary priming of the surface).
  • Instantly dry, harden (even in conditions of negative temperatures).
  • They have the highest rate of elasticity - about 25%.
  • Available for painting after complete curing.
  • Are applied to processing of horizontal and vertical seams.

The main disadvantages of the compositions include their high cost (in comparison with acrylic and silicone counterparts). Also, the minuses include their property to turn yellow over time (if the composition was originally white). The most famous brands: Bisin MS-Polymer, Bostik MS, Bostik SuperFix, TecFix MS, 1000 USOS, Soudaseal.

How to choose a sealant for sealing a shower cabin?

It is difficult to single out the best sealant for a shower cabin, but recommendations can be made on choosing the most suitable composition. At the time of purchase, it is recommended to clarify the following nuances:

  1. The presence of antiseptic protection. The best option is the choice of antibacterial compounds, because the substance will constantly be in contact with moisture, experiencing the negative effects of high humidity.
  2. Water resistance. Any sealant used for a shower enclosure must have waterproof properties. Otherwise, the composition will not be able to perform its protective functions for a long time.
  3. Colour. The best solution is to choose a composition that matches the color of the treated surface as closely as possible. A universal option is the choice of a transparent sealant.
  4. The presence of additives. Depending on the manufacturer and the characteristics of the sealant itself, it may contain all kinds of additives. This point must be clarified before purchase by reviewing the relevant information on the product packaging. Experts advise choosing mixtures in which the amount of additives does not exceed 10% of the total mass of the entire composition.

If we talk about which sealant for a shower cabin is better, then we can distinguish the following formula of the best option: waterproof, inexpensive, with a small amount of additives, with antifungal protection, matching the color of the treated surface (or transparent).

Well-known sealant manufacturers

Sealants based on acrylic and silicone are sold at any hardware store. The production of such products is carried out by foreign and domestic manufacturers. The most popular firms are:

  1. "Moment". Russian manufacturer producing high-quality silicone mixtures. Products are sold in packages of different sizes, which is convenient for the consumer.

2. Tytan ("Titan"). A brand from Poland that produces acrylic and silicone sealants that are designed just to work with showers and bathtubs. Quality European products at the right price. The disadvantages include the size of the tube (310 ml).

3. Ceresit. One of the most famous brands in the world market. Engaged in the production of high-quality inexpensive sealant, resistant to moisture and mold.

4. CikiFix. A Turkish company offering excellent quality shower and bath sealant at a low price.

5. Dow Corning. Sealants of this brand are used to seal showers, bathtubs, aquariums and other surfaces that are systematically in contact with moisture. These are specialized compounds that penetrate deep into the gaps and fill them 100%. They have additional antifungal protection.

The list of brands of acrylic compositions also includes: Bison, Bosny, Boxer, Penosil. To companies producing silicone formulations: Bau MasterUniversal, Somafix, KIM TEC Silicon 101E, Bison.

What is the best shower sealant?

Speaking about which sealant should be used for a shower cabin, it is difficult to single out the products of any one manufacturer or brand. To close the gaps between the shower cabin and the wall, it is the MS-polymer-based sealant that seems to be the best solution: Bisin MS-Polymer, Bostik SuperFix, Soudaseal.

But such products are expensive, so silicone (necessarily with the presence of antibacterial additives) or polyurethane waterproof compounds should be considered as an alternative. The following brands deserve attention: CikiFix, Belinka, Tytan, Krass, DowCorning. If possible, it is better to refuse acrylic sealants.

Sealing the shower cabin (2 videos)