How to Replace Your Shower Screen Seal
A shower screen seal is essential for keeping your screen clean and free of water leaks. Over time, the seal around your shower screen can degrade and crack, leaving your shower vulnerable to leaks.
When this occurs, you must replace the seal as soon as possible. This will prevent further damage to your home. This guide will give a little insight into what shower screen seals are and why it is essential to replace them, as well as show you how to replace a shower screen seal in just a few simple steps.
What Does a Shower Screen Seal Do?
Shower screen seals are made of silicone, vinyl, rubber, or plastic. They control the water flow in your shower by allowing it to flow freely or stop it. The seal is responsible for keeping your shower dry and preventing leaks.
Without this barrier, water would leak out into other parts of the room, potentially causing injury or damage to the building itself.
Why Is It Important to Replace Shower Screen Seals?
Shower screen seals can become damaged over time. They are put under a lot of pressure due to the constant flow of water through the seal, causing them to degrade and eventually crack or dry out.
This damage is usually repairable, but in some cases, it may need to be replaced entirely. A damaged seal is more susceptible to leaks than one in good condition. It may also stain or absorb moisture from water-damaged walls, which could then cause mould growth.
If you put off replacing your shower screen seal, you risk damaging other areas of your house.
Why Do Shower Screen Seals Degrade Over Time?
Continuous exposure to water causes the seal to lose elasticity and flatten out, resulting in leaks. Water damage can further damage the seal, causing multiple leaks.
In addition, the wrong type of seal for your shower can also cause it to wear down. A shower screen seal will only last for so long; however, it is still possible to repair it after much damage. Follow the steps below to repair your shower screen seal.
How to Replace the Seal on Your Shower Screen
Below is a list of tools and materials that we recommend for this job:
The Tools and Materials Required:
- A putty knife or scraper—for scraping off the existing sealant around the shower and for applying the new sealant around the edges of the glass.
- Sponge or cloth—for cleaning the soap residue off the glass and around the edge of the glass once the seal is fitted.
- Masking tape—taping up the wet areas when replacing the seals.
- Paper towels or old rags—to wipe up any excess adhesive that gets onto the walls and floor when removing the old sealants.
- You will need a caulking gun to apply the silicone sealant around the edges of the shower screen glass.
- Silicone sealant (clear or white)—which you will need for the sealing of the new frame around the screen and at the edges of the screen.
- Disposable gloves—for handling the silicon and your hands during the installation.
- Once the silicone sealing rod has been applied around the bathroom window, use an assisted cutting tool (optional), such as a box cutter, nippers, or razor, to cut it to the required length.
Steps for Replacing the Seal on Your Shower:
- Determine the Type and Size of the Current Seal: Take a good look at your current shower and measure the size of the current frame surrounding the glass’s bottom. Additionally, examine the silicone or plastic frame trim’s type and colour.
- How to Remove the Old Seal: Using a putty knife or scraper, remove all the old sealants from the corners and the area around the bottom of the glass.
- Cleaning the Glass: Use a sponge or towel to scrub the glass well to eliminate any soap scum that can interfere with the silicon’s ability to adhere.
- Measure and Cut the Seal: Using the measurements listed on the packaging, measure and cut the seal with scissors or a nipper to the proper size for the tile edge. Apply the silicone rod around the bathroom window and then use an assisted cutting tool to trim it. Important: The silicone may be set up too rapidly if your substance has additives. If this is the situation, just blot out the extra liquid with a paper towel and reapply an hour later.
- Cleanly Cut the End of the Seal: Using a utility knife or a razor blade, cut the end of the new sealing rod at a diagonal angle so that it points away from the wall.
- Apply the Seal to the Shower Door: Hold the seal against the glass with masking tape, remove the silicon’s backing, and then apply the seal to the tiles around the shower door.
- Close the Shower Door to Check the Fit: With the shower door closed, carefully wiggle the silicone seal over the edge of the glass to ensure that it is firmly connected to the surface and does not leak.
If all goes well, your job is complete! Step back and admire your work. It should look like you installed a new shower door! Now you’ve learned how to replace a shower screen seal, and you can protect your bathroom from water damage and keep your home looking great for years!
Conclusion
In conclusion, replacing your shower screen seals is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in just a few simple steps using readily available materials. By removing all traces of old sealant and properly preparing the surface before applying new silicone, you can ensure that your newly sealed shower screen will last for years!
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with us, please don’t hesitate to do so, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!