shower niche problems

Types of materials: When it comes to choosing materials for your shower niche, there are several options to consider. Is It Worth It to Convert a Tub to a Shower? Hello again. In our new shower, we built a knee wall in front of an exterior wall to put a shelf on. Is it absolutely necessary to put a cross beam (blocking) where a pre-fab niche would go? Super helpful post! you guessed right.at this point the niche is useless unless we re-do everything. What do you think about ez niche? By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a beautiful and worry-free shower niche for years to come. Im sorry to say that it would be extremely difficult to add tile edge trim around the niche perimeter after the shower wall and niche are already tiled. We are doing an accessible shower for my son but the bathroom will also be used by guests who come to visit. Or, can I go my original route (diy niche with permabase) and install a longer (depth) niche shelf so my wifes bigger shampoo bottles will fit BUT also have a 2 cavity behind the niche to apply foam or insulation? 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. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. Or keep the background of the shelf super neutral. I cant find anything online about it being necessary but the man at the tile store that sold me the niche suggested it. When designing a niche; however, there are some important details to consider. Hi Steve layer of mortar in the bot-tom of the niche, and use a level to make sure it has a slight pitch. Here are some ideas on how to make sure that you get the most out of your shower niche so it doesnt become a source of frustration. My suggestion would simply be to install a tall vertical niche (with shelves) on the wall opposite the valve wall. Another alternative is the glass shelf. Will it help with moisture behind the niche? Hence 42-60 inches (elbow to the eye) is the preferred shower niche height for homeowners. And some moisture will pretty much always make it behind your niche. Is there anything that you can tell me that might ease my concerns about the HOA wanting to inspect our unit for any potential damage to shared walls which they said they have the right to do from time to time as written in the CC&R? 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. You definitely need to do something about these problems areas to reduce the chance of moisture getting behind the tile. I would be more concerned with the use of Kerdi Board to replace the 5/8 drywall of your shower wall. felizlady. 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). This post is for information purposes only and should NOT be interpreted as professional advice. It would work better to reduce moisture behind the niche. Wipe off any excess sealant. put up cement board and Regard to the ceiling. Wish we would have known some of this 5 years ago when we had our bathrooms professionally remodeled. They claim 56 height is industry standard. 6 Tips to Increase the Pressure, 4 Steam Shower Deep Cleaning and Maintenance Tips, A Clear Guide to Steam Shower Costs: What to Know, Choosing Steam Shower Accessories: A Complete Guide, Hot vs Steamy: Simple Guide to Steam Shower vs Sauna, Sweat it Out: The 7 Healthy Benefits of Steam Showers, The Ultimate Guide to Convert Shower to Steam Shower, Use This Easy Steam Shower Generator Sizing Calculator, Worth Buying? The chance of anybody screwing something into the wall below 3 feet are very low. 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 is usually done by cutting a recessed area into the existing shower wall and installing a niche insert or lining. This is what I am assuming. Its accomplished with framing protocols to comply with your local codes. 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. Usually the cheapest shelf option is a tiled shelf constructed with wood framing (if a custom niche) or 2 inch thick foam board (see below). A Complete Guide on Rain Shower Head Pros and Cons. Without a waterproofing membrane, this movement almost always causes grout line cracking in your shower niche. We recently bought our first home and most of the tiling appears to have not been done well. 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. What Liquids Can You Use To Unclog A Toilet? Follow the directions to make sure it dries thoroughly. They also left some of the spacers in and grouted over them. Then, the sealant can be applied using a caulking gun or another appropriate application tool. The safest way to get a good deal on scraps is to buy them as is, and get your tile installer to cut it. Steve, great article! In addition to cleaning, it is important to inspect the shower niche regularly for any signs of damage or other issues, and address them promptly to maintain the functionality and appearance of the niche over time. With this moisture penetration problem in mind you can probably see why its risky to install your shower niche into an outside wall. They had framed one out but not structurally so after reading this and showing this to my contractor we are re-doing a small niche within existing framing to be safe. Do Shower Filters Work? So the water they catch is from the back spray from shower use. In conclusion, shower niches are a great addition to any bathroom, providing a convenient and attractive place to store and organize your shower essentials. 1/2 thick) acrylic solid surfacing materials? In addition, regular cleaning can help to extend the lifespan of the niche, as it prevents water damage and other problems that can result from accumulated dirt and debris. Either way, cutting a horizontal swath out the structural members of this wall to make room for a niche is a problem. In some cases, it may be possible to sand down and re-shape the niche. That means that between the brick wall and the tiled shower wall, there needs to be an adequate amount of space filled with insulation, to prevent moisture from condensing in the wall. In fact, this is a common shower niche placement as it is easily accessible and provides ample storage space for items like shampoo, conditioner, and shower steamers. Its mounting flange would then be flush with the backer board surface with a slight gap around which would be sealed and waterproofing membrane installed. Hey there 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. 3 Major shower niche problems 1. In other words, there is a good chance that it may be possible. If your outside wall studs are 2x6 construction, I believe it may be possible, especially if the wall was sprayed with polyurethane foam insulation (best R-value per inch and awesome vapour control). Whether you are bathroom remodeling, building a new home, or simply upgrading your current shower, there are many reasons why it is a perfect solution. The problem is that there is still only one layer of adhesive that keeps water from getting behind the niche regardless when its mounted. Does this change things or is the condensation problem still an issue regardless? Should I be concerned of this as well? Sorry for all my rambling but this is important stuff. Just make sure there are no voids at all. The membrane bonding flange mounts on the backer board surface with screws, and the waterproofing membrane is attached to the top surface of this flange (as seen in the above image). 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. In some cases, the shower niche may not be compatible with the materials used in the shower, leading to water infiltration and leaks. No gaps, no cracks. If the mortar contains enough polymer adhesive, I guess it could stick reliably to the plastic surface, but as an installer I would never take this risk. We already completed a shower wall niche in our HOA-controlled townhouse in a shared wall. In my opinion, a typical structural header and jack stud assembly can still be acceptable in some circumstances if the wall is non-structural, but this assembly must be built flawlessly. You are correct to be concerned about installing your shower niche in an outside wall unless there is at least 3 of insulation space behind the niche. One question regarding niche box and shelf components: what about the use of thinner (e.g. You should also check your local tile store. I am not too concerned about cutting out 1 wall stud to accommodate your shower niche, as long as the appropriate structure was installed to reinforce the wall and support the niche. Then tile and grout! What about horizontal placement in the long wall?Vertical placement on the long wall? Fill the entire wall if possible (or at least the stud cavity) and place the niche into the wet foam). There are many commercial tile cleaners available on the market that are specifically designed to clean different types of tiles, such as ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. That would be a lot worse than pooling water. Call Us: (205) 640-2848 About; Services. Thank you for your comment. I would guess that using Kerdi Board in this situation compromises the firewall. 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. Hi! Regardless of the results, I would install another stud wall adjacent to your existing wall and insulate this wall. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Ideally, extending the stud greater than 4 would have been best, but it is a really small powder room with a closet being converted to a shower and every inch counts. If we leave 1/4 spacing (1/8 around) to thinset around the niche cavity to install over the waterproofing membrane, do you feel that will be sufficient? Cleaning and remediation options: If mold and mildew have already begun to grow in your shower niche, there are several cleaning and remediation options available. The beginning of your comment is a bit cryptic but I think I understand what you are asking. If you decide to install a pre-manufactured, or finished shower niche instead of a custom built one, you can avoid another shower niche install mistake by making sure that you never install a retrofit shower niche. I cant seem to find any information about removing and replacing tiles in a shower niche though, so Im just not sure how to go about this. 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. Im sorry that I couldnt provide you with more reassurance. While curtains and doors have advantages and disadvantages, each option may be better suited for different bathroom types and lifestyles. Why not just mount them directly adjacent to where you were planning to mount them (vertical mounting on the back wall, a few inches from the corner)? Am I right? How To Increase Your Toilet Flush Performance And Power. You know that this box should also be waterproofed correctly to prevent water from getting into your wall. In wall directly under the shower head. By understanding the, Are you looking for a luxurious way to unwind after a long day? Both walk-in shower vs tub have their unique benefits and drawbacks, but which one is right for you? Specify all sides and back of your niche. We made this blog to help others like ourselves get all the useful information needed to build a better bathroom all in one place! 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. 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. A modern, practical, versatile, and easy-to-install recessed shower storage shelf or niche for your bathroom or wetroom. This is the issue. I think you know what Im going to say.. You should not be installing your niche on a 3-1/2 outside stud wall not even in northern California. If this happens, it could eventually cause mold growth or tile delamination even if water doesnt get into the wall cavity. How to apply sealant: Applying sealant to the shower niche is a straightforward process that can be done by most homeowners. I trim around it Is it too late to add some type of trim now ? Baking soda is a gentle, abrasive cleaner that can be used to remove tough stains and soap scum buildup from shower niche tile. To be frank, it sounds like this guy doesnt know what hes doing. Using construction adhesive in the joints around the header and installing blocking between the remaining stud bays, will also significantly increase the walls rigidity. Unless there are large areas without any grout, silicon caulking would probably be your best option because its very difficult to get new grout to adhere to existing grout, First you should remove the remaining spacers and clean out these areas (and all other voids) as best as you can. If so, youre likely considering a steam shower. 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. 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. 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. Because the Schluter prefabricated shower niche is made of foam board, I would not recommend pulling the tile. Installing a waterproof membrane behind the niche and using high-quality grout and sealants can help to prevent water damage and reduce the risk of warping. As for the niche itself it sounds like your contractor is planning to install a retrofit niche. This would also assume that the wall tile could still be continued seamlessly around the niche and into its interior. Will Your Toilet Eventually Unclog Itself? Even in a relatively mild climate, the colder months can result in a vast difference in temperature from inside to outside. It will also be difficult to get these tiles off without breaking them so you need some spares that you can use as replacements. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. Bonus tips: Make sure you seal this shelf with a good grout/stone sealer. Ive attached photos. 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. Can I get away with installing a shluter niche? Im not really sure what to say about this one. Theres nothing like the satisfaction of doing a job correctly! You can absolutely do this as the writer mentions if done correctly. 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. The best type of sealant to use will depend on the specific needs and conditions of your bathroom and shower niche, as well as the materials used in the niche itself. After the boards perimeter is patched, taped and sealed, they will need to apply a new piece of waterproofing membrane to cover the patch. I suggest that you please re-read that section of my 5BSNIM post so you are aware of the risks, and the additional structure required for this type of installation. I was even thining if it was perhaps we could use small steel beams to support the weight. 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. The moisture permeability of your niche will vary greatly, depending on the type of shower niche you decide to build / install, and the waterproofing strategy, of course. A properly installed niche will be less prone to water damage, warping, and other problems, and will provide a long-lasting and functional addition to your bathroom. Thank you! It could certainly cause a problem in the long run even if you have a waterproofing membrane beneath the tile. With thinset beneath the tile inside the niche it should line up perfectly. 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 might also suggest that you get another contractor in for a second opinion about the work. I did a bit more research and I have seen some people do it this way (I guess the old fashion way??) 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. Just rememberFRAME it like a window and waterproof! I believe industry standard height is 44-48? 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 9 reasons you shouldn't build a tile shower, and better alternatives to cut your costs and eliminate worries about mold or leaking. Maybe I am not understanding your situation correctly, but if you wanted a finished niche and you want it to be completely waterproof, Im just wondering why you didnt purchase one thats designed to integrate with the waterproofing membrane. Thanks Steve for taking the time to reply ! I think its great that you use rigid foam to insulate behind the niche because of its high R value. 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. How do I choose the right size and style for my shower niche? What are some alternatives to a shower niche? 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. Thoughts? Also, being a full 5.5 away from the shower head, it is basically the driest part of your shower. Are you tired of constantly replacing your old shower curtain or cleaning your shower door? 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. The trim is called Quadec by Schluter Systems. TIA! Well yes the shower shelves should be slightly sloped to let soapy water drain away. Installing a shower niche can be a deceptively complicated and risky endeavour, but it is possible to avoid the 5 big shower niche install mistakes. This may not be considered a BIG shower niche install mistake but as a shower remodel contractor I hear a lot of people express regret about choosing the wrong shelf option for their tiled niche. There also needs to be an adequate waterproofing membrane beneath the tile layer to limit moisture transmission into this wall. I like the Redblock corner shelf design; especially the fact that it doesnt interfere with the waterproofing membrane and its a bit more transitional design than the Schluter option. Thank you for your comment! This would be relatively safe but not ideal. That would make things a lot easier. Its a rock solid installation with hydroban vapor and waterproofing barriers. Another huge benefit of this parallel wall design is that it basically gives you the green light to install your niche into an outside shower wall (see below for more details). Let me know if you need more clarification or if youd like to give me more details for further assessment. But, here, the con for the Wedi shower system is that it is a bit expensive. Yes, you can put a shower niche under the shower head. With 26 exterior wall framing, theres always a bit of room for some insulation behind a typical shower niche install. In this article, well take a look at the various types of shower heads and discuss the, Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 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. I am an engineer and have never heard such a thing. The niches were not built with the proper tilt to drain forward. As for the tile/ tub margin the best way is always to silicon this margin. Some materials, such as stone and metal, are naturally more resistant to water than others. Hello again. Depending on the degree of moisture, I may not insulate the existing wall so air can circulate between the shower wall and foundation wall. The bottom tiles of the niche slope back towards the wall resulting in a lot of water building up to almost 3mm in depth against the back of the niche. If there is a problem behind the niche (or the niche is mounted in an outside wall), I would only recommend that you fully remodel your shower so that a waterproofing membrane can be installed with a properly sealed niche box. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. The bathroom wall is 5 long, and once you get past that, you are in an unfinished space next door. Importance of regular cleaning: Regular cleaning helps to keep the shower niche looking its best, as well as prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and other potentially harmful substances. What do you suggest? Just a thought. 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. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Im super happy that I could provide you with some helpful advice! 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. The box he bought is usually made to tile over (based on research I just did) afterwards. Hi Steve, Great advice to everyone. Some alternatives to a shower niche include shower caddies, shower shelves, and shower baskets. Up Your Shower Game: 7 High-Pressure Shower Head Benefits, What Is a Rain Shower Head? When you compare this price with the other alternative of this tool . Firstly As you can see by the screw holes around its perimeter, this niche is designed to be screwed into framing members that your contractor should have installed prior to installing the tile backer board (the board that the tiles are attached to). Yes, it is possible to add a shower niche to an existing shower. Installing a ventilation fan or opening a window during and after showers can help to reduce humidity levels and prevent mold growth. But even the smallest cracks will allow moisture to penetrate, moving easily through the backer board seams, to the framing beneath. In our case, there would be a good 6 inches distance between the shower wall and the rest of the bathroom wall that is facing outside. Regularly inspecting and resealing the niche as needed can help to ensure that it remains properly sealed and protected against water damage and other problems. It is poorly installed, crooked, the tile is ugly, and the caulking/grouting is very messy. Some of the most popular and highly recommended materials for shower niches include ceramic tile, porcelain tile, acrylic, and stone. Your email address will not be published. 4. ALFI brand 8 x 36 Brushed Stainless Steel Vertical Triple Shelf Bath Shower Niche. 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. In fact I thought it was so great that I decided to design one to meet my clients needs. The shower will be 4 6 x 6, with the 6 wall being the exterior wall. It usually starts out as very fine cracks at the corners that cant easily be seen. The last step is to seal grout lines. We are in Chicago which of course gets very cold in winter. If you cant do spray foam, a 2 thick insulating foam sheet can be placed behind it. 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. But I would be grateful if you could let me know what would be the best way to do this? These options offer similar storage and organizational benefits to a shower niche but do not require cutting into the shower wall. I am currently working with a contractor on my shower remodel. Hi, I just did a 52 linear niche in an exterior 24 stud wall cavity. Plainly, it looks really bad and we would like to remove and retile the back of the niche. It would also be important for you to remove the vapor retarder plastic sheet in this wall. These horizontal niches are the epitome of opulence, sometimes spanning the entire shower wall and offering a huge area for storage. However, I just realized that is an exterior wall in our bay front home in Florida. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The wall behind is subway tile, and another accent tile to the left. Sounds like it was a fun project. Run a 28 or 210 header, king stud jack stud, ledger and cripples. 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 rest you can imagine; moisture in the walls, which leads to mold, dry rot, etc.. Beautiful bathrooms begin here! 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 . Foam board is not ideal because it is important to fill the entire cavity behind the niche with insulation (no voids). For more shower niche ideas, click here. As such its very convenient to install the niche in this area because its in easy reach. not a great look. The constant water exposure and regular temperature changes makes the shower environment quite unforgiving. In severe cases, it may be necessary to remove the affected materials and replace them with new, mold-resistant materials. The issue is really all about the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors. What is a Shower Filter and Should You Get One? Durability and resistance to water: When choosing materials for your shower niche, it is important to consider their durability and resistance to water. 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. Consider the height and location of the niche within the shower, as well as the items you will be storing in the niche. If youre considering building / installing a niche in your new shower remodel project, you have likely seen many examples of this type of niche.

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