shower niche problems
It will scratch and get foggy over time, and I would guess that harsh cleaners like bleach would accelerated this process. Chances are that you will damage the waterproofing membrane (if there is one) or damage the backer board (might even be gypsum wallboard). In wall directly under the shower head. However, you should pay attention to any cracks that may have occurred within the vertical grout lines above the H tub/tile margin. We are doing a shower remodel where the niche will have to go on an external wall, no choice. I asked the clothes if they mind, they dont care). Im nervous that an HOA Board member without the training nor expertise to judge these things will simply order us to tear it out and rebuild the firewall or something like that. The more accurately the new header, jack, king and cripple studs are cut and attached, the less flexible this wall will be. The size and style of your shower niche should be based on the size and design of your shower, as well as your storage needs. We are currently in a remodel and was thinking of this horizontal niche with a light in the top corner. felizlady. Unfortunately, Im not really qualified to say what your HOA may do in this situation. In conclusion..it would really be best if you installed your niche in an interior wall instead. These environmental stresses cause all parts of the shower assembly to move slightly, mostly through expansion and contraction. The beginning of your comment is a bit cryptic but I think I understand what you are asking. And if left for any length of time it might get moldy. In fact I thought it was so great that I decided to design one to meet my clients needs. There are more cuts and outside edges on a shower niche. My suggestion would simply be to install a tall vertical niche (with shelves) on the wall opposite the valve wall. Good Luck with your project! Regardless, its difficult to predict what will happen if its installed over the membrane before the wall is tiled. It will be on an inside wall. What Liquids Can You Use To Unclog A Toilet? This niche is made from sheet stainless steel with a brushed finish so it does not require tiling. If I understood your guidelines correctly, the niche should be installed first, made 100% waterproof (using membrane) and the ceramic tiles should come after. Of course, none of this will necessarily occur if the shower wall and niche are properly waterproofed, and there is enough space behind the shower niche for adequate insulation. Click here for my full Personal / Professional Disclosure. Should I be concerned of this as well? The box he bought is usually made to tile over (based on research I just did) afterwards. But even the smallest cracks will allow moisture to penetrate, moving easily through the backer board seams, to the framing beneath. Mix the grout with Grout Boost and use a small grout float to push the grout into the spaces around the tile. This is usually done by cutting a recessed area into the existing shower wall and installing a niche insert or lining. Then tile and grout! Can I add a shower niche after my shower has been installed? If this happens, you will make things a lot worse than they already are. The constant buildup of mildew and mold can not only be unsightly but also pose a health hazard. Because this niche is designed to be installed after tiling, the silicon bead become the only thing keeping moisture out of the stud wall. This would be a VERY difficult procedure even for the most skilled tile installer, and it would really only be possible with ceramic tile. Hi, It will also be difficult to get these tiles off without breaking them so you need some spares that you can use as replacements. Upvotes: 1,655. Tips for proper installation: To ensure proper installation of your shower niche, it is important to choose a qualified and experienced tile installer who is familiar with the tile shower niche materials and techniques required for a successful installation. We were wanting the most storage possible for our items we use for our son as well as for our guests to put their items in there as well. Im sorry that I couldnt provide you with more reassurance. With so many different types of shower heads available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. We live in the Seattle area and so now Im thinking this is not our best option. 1/2 thick) acrylic solid surfacing materials? The problem is that the hole is there ready for the niche but all the tiles have been put down already around it. There is a way to install these shower niches correctly and safely, but unfortunately many contractors fail to accomplish this. Just make sure you seal the grout well so you can more easily clean off any mold and soap scum that may collect. This sheet will only provide a condensation surface for moisture. 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. This movement frequently leads to grout line cracking in the shower niche. It would be great if you could fur out that wall to make it a bit thicker. How To Increase Your Toilet Flush Performance And Power. You can get a piece of galvanized steel cut at any sheet steel supplier or fabricator in your area. It could be quite disastrous if he does not do this correctly. 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. A bead of silicon around its perimeter completes the installation. It is possible to find a trim with no anchoring leg but that would mean that the tile would have to be cut away at the corner to make room for this trim piece. 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. 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. Now I have to sort of find a box that can be inserted inside and have a bit if a lip all round or do as mentioned before, cover in ceramic. 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 It could certainly cause a problem in the long run even if you have a waterproofing membrane beneath the tile. not a great look. It usually starts out as very fine cracks at the corners that cant easily be seen. All these foam and plastic niches can distort if not fully supported. Your email address will not be published. Is attempting to pull the tile and replace it the best idea? I believe industry standard height is 44-48? Yes, you can put a shower niche under the shower head. Depending on the degree of moisture, I may not insulate the existing wall so air can circulate between the shower wall and foundation wall. It depends a lot on how cold it gets in the garage but even if it doesnt reach freezing temperature, moisture could still easily condense in the stud cavity. There are some great corner shelves available. The shower niche inserts generally come 16" wide so they fit directly between your wall studs, which are spaced out 16 on center. Built with the exact same tile as the rest of the shower surround, so it almost disappears when empty. Model # US3000007. You can also check out my Shower Niche Guide if youd like to see an example of a tiled niche and the tile edge trim that your contractor was likely referring to. Hence 42-60 inches (elbow to the eye) is the preferred shower niche height for homeowners. This is what the shower shelf will look like with ceramic tile installed on the back wall and . Or keep the background of the shelf super neutral. You should be able to easily find a large format natural stone or quartz composite tile, 3/8 to 1/2 thick. Steve, I originally planned to put two of the N1014 stainless niches stacked vertically a few inches apart on the rear wall of a tub shower combo (opposite the shower head). I am not surprised about the $1,200 quote. When you know the issues with shower niches, you can make sure to avoid them when installing your shower. You definitely need to do something about these problems areas to reduce the chance of moisture getting behind the tile. Its accomplished with framing protocols to comply with your local codes. Should we still stay away from a large horizontal niche on the wall to the garage or will it be ok using foam board and spray foam behind niche? How do I choose the right size and style for my shower niche? The work was done by a licensed tile company who does impeccable work. 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. To test this, you can let the shower dry out for a few days and test that back of the niche with a good quality moisture meter. Tile Ready brand products by Tile Redi: shower pans and shower bases, recessed niches, shower benches, shaving ledges, and decorative shelf kits. I have never seen any fire rating on any foam backer board. Does this design sound OK? If installing a shower niche on in interior wall, what do you suggest putting behind it to prevent someone from puncturing it from the other side? It may seem like a slightly easier way of installing a shower niche, but its not really much easier than the membrane bonding finished shower niche products out there, and it violates the industries recommended best practices. Other than tearing everything out, this is fairly reliable way to find out whether theres condensation behind the niche. Just a thought. 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). The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. slope over 3 in. 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. I am not sure I understand exactly what you are describing, but it sounds like your contractor is creating a waterproof recess out of hydroban board to accommodate the niche. 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. Im doing a shower at the moment. No matter how well sealed, every foundation wall will be relatively moist. 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. All brick wall. These shelves are so popular because theyre subtle, modern looking, and considered attractive by most. Although this niche should be totally waterproof, I would also suggest that you apply a good quality waterproofing membrane to the interior of the niche when youre waterproofing the shower wall, just to be safe. Your best bet it to remove some tile around the niche, open the wall, remove the niche, install some new bracing between the studs, insert insulation to re-fill the niche cavity, then patch the hole with a new piece of backer board (attached to the new bracing). Please leave a comment below if youd like to ask any specific questions about shower niche installation. If you have a steam shower that you love to spend time in then having a shower niche is a wonderful addition, for example. It would also be important for you to remove the vapor retarder plastic sheet in this wall. Two Heads Better Than One: Are His and Hers Showers Worth It? Either way, cutting a horizontal swath out the structural members of this wall to make room for a niche is a problem. The amount of moisture in this wall will determine your best move so you should really get a local expert to advise you. Thank you for the advice! And please let me know if you need more help, and good luck with your project! The niche was on the outside wall but I built a second wall against it to give me the depth of the niche without disturbing the existing outer wall insulation, except for where I added another 24 for the rear wall of the niche for added support. Stucco exterior. If a smaller sheet (perhaps remnant) could be purchased of 1/2 thick solid surfacing material in a color very similar to the shower wall tile, wouldnt a good tile setter be able to cut that to create the niche box (sides, bottom, top, shelf)? 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. 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. In addition, the use of low-quality materials or insufficient ventilation can also contribute to warping in tile shower niche. Theres nothing like the satisfaction of doing a job correctly! Hi Steve! Thanks so much for the helpful article. 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. 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. However, many people complain that glass shelves are hard to keep clean and soap slips off too easily. This bathroom serves a bunk room that sleeps 8, hence wanting more storage. This can cause mold to grow here which is not disastrous but it doesnt look very nice. No tiler we asked will put in a niche into the shower. I usually discourage the layering of waterproofing products but in this case you need to do all you can to limit moisture transmission. We wish we would have gone with an Onyx shower surround. Cleaning Difficulties Deep and dark surface recesses can make it difficult to see when cleaning. 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. How to apply sealant: Applying sealant to the shower niche is a straightforward process that can be done by most homeowners. If this happens, it could eventually cause mold growth or tile delamination even if water doesnt get into the wall cavity. So the water they catch is from the back spray from shower use. Steam showers have been praised for their many benefits, including relaxation, stress relief, improved circulation, and respiratory health. The Secret to a Spa-Like Experience. This post is for information purposes only and should NOT be interpreted as professional advice. I would only try this if you DO NOT have a waterproofing membrane beneath your tile. Check out ourPrivacy Policyfor more info. The Top 4 Shower Niche Problems to Watch Out For. 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. We were initially looking at doing a horizontal niche but it is an exterior wall. Choosing the shower niche height in the freestanding shower unit depends on the people who will use the bathroom regularly. It is an exterior wall to a garage that is insulated. I recently remodelled my wifes retreat bath using a Schluter pre-fabricated niche and it saved so much time and hassle. 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. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Fill the entire wall if possible (or at least the stud cavity) and place the niche into the wet foam). Also, the door has a quartz lip where the quartz meets the tile and between the tile and quartz there is a hole and can see the water dripping off the bottom. Super helpful post! Thirdly, I would insulate with spray foam if possible. We live in Missouri so we have hot summers and fairly cold winters. 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). I have chosen to avoid the uncoated plastic niches in my installations simply because of the mortar bonding problems they seem to have. With thinset beneath the tile inside the niche it should line up perfectly. More info on shower waterproofing: Shower Membrane Waterproofing The Definitive Guide. We are new homeowners and the bathroom is our favorite room. Lastly, I also have to warn you about the risks of installing a long horizontal niche. Thanks Jay. Im considering building a 24 x 24 niche, 6 deep (by pushing into the closet. This would also assume that the wall tile could still be continued seamlessly around the niche and into its interior. You would have to check with your local building authority about this. This is an assumption made far too often when shower niches are framed into the shower wall. The niches were not built with the proper tilt to drain forward. If the sealant is compromised here, water could recede into gaps with nowhere to drain. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. The rest you can imagine; moisture in the walls, which leads to mold, dry rot, etc.. The shower will be 4 6 x 6, with the 6 wall being the exterior wall. If there is no membrane, it could already be a problem. Thanks for your comment! 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. A good grout sealer will help reduce this problem (Sealers Choice Gold by Custom Building Products). Steve, great article! my contractor just bought a shower niche (link below) and wanted to leave it as is. Shower Niche Maximum storage, minimal space Features: 3 moveable shelves Removable shelves for easy cleaning Designed to prevent water pooling 32"L x 17"W x 4"D Options: White Biscuit Dune Details The smaller Shower Niche maximizes your space within the shower through three moveable shelves and four placement options for customized storage. It is important to make sure that any cleaning products used in the shower niche are tile-friendly, as some cleaners can damage the surface of the tiles or cause discoloration. The standard depth of a shower niche is 3.5 inches, the width of a wood stud. Maybe you should read over my Shower waterproofing post to find out more about waterproofing a shower niche. I have installed this niche a few times and it seems like a solid product. That would make things a lot easier. A square or rectangular niche design has corners and crevices that can make it difficult to remove. One thing to keep in mind, however is that it will be right in the splash zone from the shower head. As such its very convenient to install the niche in this area because its in easy reach. 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. Great article and through responses to questions. I dont see any problem with this other than the fact that you must construct your own custom niche box to acheive the unique height and depth (rather than using a preformed niche). If Im misunderstanding you, please provide some more info so I can make a better assessment. We had a niche installed (3-1/4 inches, 4 with the listello) in an outside wall of a shower. With this moisture penetration problem in mind you can probably see why its risky to install your shower niche into an outside wall. This just introduces a condensation surface into the wall and you dont want that. Wow! 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. In addition, it is important to follow proper shower niche installation procedures, including preparing the shower wall cavity, using high-quality materials, and ensuring that the niche is properly sealed and using a waterproofing membrane. While curtains and doors have advantages and disadvantages, each option may be better suited for different bathroom types and lifestyles. Additionally, there are commercial mold and mildew cleaners available that are specifically designed for this purpose. This extra flexibility can be limited by installing a structural header over top of the niche opening. Residential and Commercial; Professional Sewage and Drain Cleaning Whether youre looking to increase accessibility, save space, or simply, Having the right shower head can make all the difference when it comes to taking a shower. 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. And again, your tile installer would probably be happy to cut & polish the edges for your niche. That goes for shower floor and wall tile but also stone shelves and ledges. 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. Installing a ventilation fan or opening a window during and after showers can help to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth. Even if water does end up in the niche, you shouldnt be concerned as long as you trust your contractor to construct and waterproof it correctly. A fair bit of water deflects onto the shower walls in this area, so a bar of soap can become a sloppy mess and dissolve down the drain, if stored within this zone. Use a grout removal tool to help with this and to remove any loose bits of grout. The overall cost would depend on the location you are living in, the time of purchase, and the seller you have picked to purchase from. Is there a protector you can buy to install on the back of the niche? last year. See more info on shower waterproofing: Shower Membrane Waterproofing The Definitive Guide. If youre interested in this shower niche shelf or all kinds of other shower shelves, you can check out my shower niche shelf post. We already completed a shower wall niche in our HOA-controlled townhouse in a shared wall. If foam is best what kind of foam? The causes of this issue can range from improper installation, poor waterproofing, or wear and tear over time. Shulter has two niches that are longer, both of which have an adjustable 2" dividing shelf to customize your required size. But if it's too late, not a big deal. . Any suggestions would help me! 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. Wow! Im not really sure what to say about this one. In some cases, it may be possible to sand down and re-shape the niche. for pricing and availability. This includes ensuring proper ventilation in the bathroom, using waterproof materials, and cleaning the shower niche tile regularly. 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. Because standard wood and metal framing materials are not great to use in niche construction, might I suggest that you instead construct it out of Kerdi Board or some other brand of foam board? The shower environment is harsh due to its constant exposure to water and fluctuating temperatures. If you cant do spray foam, a 2 thick insulating foam sheet can be placed behind it. It becomes a much bigger problem when the wall studs are 24. The shower is tiled in plain white subway tiles and this is what is bordering the niche. 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. 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. A modern, practical, versatile, and easy-to-install recessed shower storage shelf or niche for your bathroom or wetroom. I am happy to help! Also, being a full 5.5 away from the shower head, it is basically the driest part of your shower. Steps for cleaning: Regular cleaning is an important part of maintaining the appearance and functionality of your shower niche. Thanks for your article. I am currently working with a contractor on my shower remodel. Hi, Steve! We use hydro ban and laticrete sealant and water proofing. layer of mortar in the bot-tom of the niche, and use a level to make sure it has a slight pitch. Some of the most common materials used in shower niches include tile, stone, glass, and metal. 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 ). The difference is that this niche must be mounted on the framing instead of the backer board surface, so that its 1/2 flange can be flush with the 1/2 thick tile backer board that surrounds it. The problem is that most trims have a flange or anchoring leg thats designed to be placed into the mortar beneath the edge tile. 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. Seal the grout (and the voids) thoroughly with a grout sealer like Sealers Choice Gold. 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. Bonus tips: Make sure you seal this shelf with a good grout/stone sealer. 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. Does this change things or is the condensation problem still an issue regardless? In more severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the damaged material and replace it with new, warp-resistant materials and a waterproofing membrane. For a shower remodeling project in Northeast Ohio call Cleveland Design and Remodeling at 216-658-1270 or The Bath Doctor in Columbus at 614-252-3242. I saved and reglazed the tub and it looks (performs) wonderful. The outcropping will be cantilevered from the studs so I will take extra care supporting it. 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. 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.
