All brick wall. That goes for shower floor and wall tile but also stone shelves and ledges. 9 Reasons You Shouldn't Build a Tile Shower 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. If youve not yet committed to a shower niche, check out my Complete Shower Niche Guide. This installation is often a BIG shower niche install mistake because moisture can easily condense behind your niche if you dont do this install correctly. shower niche moisture problem | DIY Home Improvement Forum 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. 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. Here is a link to my shower waterproofing post if you would like to read more on the topic. We will be using Laticrete Hydroban board to waterproof the shower including the niche cavity. layer of mortar in the bot-tom of the niche, and use a level to make sure it has a slight pitch. You should always consult a licensed local contractor before undertaking any remodelling work in your home. After vacuuming out all the dust, you should let the wall dry for a couple of days (a heater blower unit would be great to speed things up) to make sure any moisture trapped behind the tiles dries out. A Complete Guide on Rain Shower Head Pros and Cons. However, even the smallest cracks allow moisture to seep in and penetrate through the seams of the backer board, reaching the underlying framing and damaging the entire shower wall. Additionally, there are commercial mold and mildew cleaners available that are specifically designed for this purpose. The most important part of this project will be your undertile waterproofing. You can get a piece of galvanized steel cut at any sheet steel supplier or fabricator in your area. Will that look ugly? No matter how tight the joints may look in a newly constructed niche, they will not keep water from penetrating and running into the stud cavity if it is not properly waterproofed. With a shower niche taking up most of the space in a 3 1/2 stud cavity, moisture condensation in the wall cavity is virtually guaranteed if the temperature drops a few degrees outside compared to inside. 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. The general rule is to install the horizontal finished surfaces in the shower before the vertical. There were so many things done that we now realize were probably not done well/correctly. Make sure the new membrane overlaps the old one by at least 2 inches. Regardless, its difficult to predict what will happen if its installed over the membrane before the wall is tiled. Here is a primer that allows you to do this: https://www.custombuildingproducts.com/media/59976485/mbp_ss129_114.pdf. Best materials for shower niches: The best material for your shower niche will depend on a variety of factors, including your budget, the style and design of your bathroom, and your personal preferences. With so many different types of shower heads available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. 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. 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. If you have a steam shower that you love to spend time in then having a shower niche is a wonderful addition, for example. The 5 BIG Mistakes: Don't Skip the Waterproofing Don't Install a Retrofit Niche Make Sure It Integrates with the Waterproofing Membrane Don't Compromise the Wall Structure Don't Install in an Outside Wall Bonus Tip: Installing the Wrong Shower Niche Shelf Don't Skip the Waterproofing You can read about how I install tile into the niche here: Building a niche for your shower Part 4. A mild soap and water solution is typically all that is needed for cleaning, although more specialized cleaners may be necessary for removing tough stains or buildup. Does that sound sensible to you? First time dealing with contractors, we really need . Additionally, it is important to choose materials that are resistant to water and wear, such as acrylic or fiberglass. The SN-1212 square shower niche available in polished stainless steel brushed stainless steel and matte black stainless steel is made from premium 304-grade stainless steel, the ultimate material for enduring rust, stains, scratches, and corrosion. you guessed right.at this point the niche is useless unless we re-do everything. Do Shower Filters Work? 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. Let me know if you need more clarification or if youd like to give me more details for further assessment. One thing to keep in mind, however is that it will be right in the splash zone from the shower head. If foam is best what kind of foam? Congrats! Steam showers have been praised for their many benefits, including relaxation, stress relief, improved circulation, and respiratory health. Thoughts? In some cases, it may be possible to sand down and re-shape the niche. 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. To be frank, it sounds like this guy doesnt know what hes doing. 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? It seems like you also felt some pride and satisfaction from your accomplishment as you should. Understanding the most common problems, such as warping, poor installation, and mold and mildew buildup, is the first step in avoiding them. No tiler we asked will put in a niche into the shower. If I understand you correctly, you have furred out the wall to create a ledge upon which you will affix a marble shelf. Nothing is safer that the parallel wall design I mentioned above. This movement frequently leads to grout line cracking in the shower niche. For assistance with a shower wall panels installation or factory-direct DIY shower wall panel supply contact Innovate Building Solutions at 877-668-5888. The shower niche inserts generally come 16" wide so they fit directly between your wall studs, which are spaced out 16 on center. I have never seen any fire rating on any foam backer board. In addition to moisture buildup, improper ventilation, poor ventilation and drainage, and using non-waterproof materials can also contribute to the growth of mold and mildew in shower niches. When you already have a shower niche and want to avoid problems, you need to follow a plan to keep it in great shape. for pricing and availability. What a wealth of information! I would recommend at least 3 1/2 of space behind the niche if youre insulating the wall with fiberglass. A good grout sealer will help reduce this problem (Sealers Choice Gold by Custom Building Products). Because of the poor workmanship that you have noticed with the tiling and niche installation, there is a pretty good chance that your shower niche has been compromised and moisture has already been leaking into the stud wall. You should also make sure the shelf is sloped slightly outwards. With thinset beneath the tile inside the niche it should line up perfectly. Installing a Kerdi-board niche 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. Can You Let It Sit? This sheet will only provide a condensation surface for moisture. 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. 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. Just to be clear its the type of niche that you have chosen to install thats likely the problem, not your contractors installation strategy. So now Im contemplating what to do. A square or rectangular niche design has corners and crevices that can make it difficult to remove. However, many people complain that glass shelves are hard to keep clean and soap slips off too easily. It seems like youre being quite forgiving of the mistake that they made (I agree with your evaluation, btw). Marble can discolor quite easily if not sealed, but you should always keep it clean because sealers are not perfect (nor permanent). If you can get foam behind it, professionally installed spray foam would be best. Thank you for your comment and Congrats on your new home! Hi Steve, 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. Shower wall panel installation problems solved with custom trim Well yes the shower shelves should be slightly sloped to let soapy water drain away. 7 Common Shower Problems (And How to Fix Them) - Home Repair Ninja 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. We are worried someone might decide to drill through it to hang something on the wall behind. If there is a membrane, you will likely destroy it and this would be worse than leaving as is. 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. 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. And if the niche is mounted in an outside wall, this is a whole other ball game. 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. The work doesnt seem to compromise the structural integrity of the wall (the work all remained on our side of the shared wall), and it seems appropriately fireproofed and waterproofed. They didnt fully grout so there was a few missed tile that they just caulked instead of re grouted should I be concerned? You should also check your local tile store. Acrylic is also super soft. If your wife is absolutely against the idea of a shower niche on one of the inside walls, have you considered installing surface mounted shower shelves instead? Im assuming from your description that your contractor did not do this, but if he installed the back framing I described above, the niche could still be attached, the gap sealed, and a strip of waterproofing membrane applied. My suggestion would simply be to install a tall vertical niche (with shelves) on the wall opposite the valve wall. If its not possible, have you considered installing wall mounted shelves? In other words, you should definitely ask a trusted local contractor before you decide to build a shower niche into an outside wall to avoid this potential shower niche install mistake. The shower is tiled in plain white subway tiles and this is what is bordering the niche. The last step is to seal grout lines. Required fields are marked *. The safest solution would be a sheet of plate steel behind the entire niche. How To Increase Your Toilet Flush Performance And Power. SIMPLE INSTALLATION - Pre-fabricated shower niche that is fully sealed, hassle-free, quick and easy installation; makes traditional tedious shower niche installation effortless! How much water vapor will move into the stud wall is entirely dependent on whether or not a waterproofing membrane has been installed on the shower wall and how well your shower niche resists moisture penetration. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Repair options: If the grout line cracking is already leaking, there are several repair options available. I would also suggest installing an extremely good sheet waterproofing membrane. Maximizing Your Space: Where to Place a Shower Niche Maintenance schedule: The frequency of cleaning and maintenance required for your shower niche will depend on several factors, including the size and location of the niche, the type of materials used in the shower, and the level of use of the shower itself. If horizontal tiles are installed first, the water would have to move upslope under the wall tile in order to make it to the wall, which is much less likely. Even if it is not, I would still suggest the same solution (below). Yes, it is possible to add a shower niche to an existing shower. These shelves are so popular because theyre subtle, modern looking, and considered attractive by most. Install shower niche. Causes of warping: Warping in shower niches can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper shower niche installation, backer board exposure to moisture and water, and fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels. Tile Redi Redi Niche 16 in. W x 20 in. H x 4 in. D Shampoo - Soap 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. And some moisture will pretty much always make it behind your niche. Depth of a Shower Niche. Can you tile right on the concrete wall, use the waterproofing membrane all around and have good results? The problem is that the hole is there ready for the niche but all the tiles have been put down already around it. Im doing a shower at the moment. Best to get rid of it. We wish we would have gone with an Onyx shower surround. Sorry I couldnt come up with an easier solution. Just make sure you seal the grout well so you can more easily clean off any mold and soap scum that may collect. Using construction adhesive in the joints around the header and installing blocking between the remaining stud bays, will also significantly increase the walls rigidity. You should also take into account the overall style and design of your bathroom when choosing the size and style of your shower niche. Thanks so much for the helpful article. As such its very convenient to install the niche in this area because its in easy reach. I have installed this niche a few times and it seems like a solid product. Model # US3000007. Not the other way around. ALFI brand 8 x 36 Brushed Stainless Steel Vertical Triple Shelf Bath Shower Niche. No Doors, No Problem: The Doorless Shower Pros and Cons, Shower Curtain vs Door Showdown: A Complete Guide. Is there a protector you can buy to install on the back of the niche? Hi Steve I cant find anything online about it being necessary but the man at the tile store that sold me the niche suggested it. Without these options, youre probably better off installing a regular tiled niche using something like Schluter Kerdi SN. I am currently working with a contractor on my shower remodel. A retrofit niche is a product that is installed in the process of a new shower remodel project after the shower wall tile has already been installed and grouted. what about a niche the full length of a 5 foot shower. I would suggest that you not use the foil wrap. All of our cavities we use 3 inches of foamular rigid foam board giving an r value of r15 before tiling. The Great Debate: Dual Shower Heads vs Single. For shower design advice and wholesale direct wall panel or shower base pricing call 877-668-5888. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. Then, the sealant can be applied using a caulking gun or another appropriate application tool. If you have a 2x6 stud wall there will be some room behind the niche. It would also be important for you to remove the vapor retarder plastic sheet in this wall. wedi. No thinset on Durock cement board for shower wall? Framed vs Frameless: The Great Shower Door Debate. I am assuming that at least one of your shower walls is a brick wall, and this is the wall where your want your shower niche to be installed. After the boards perimeter is patched, taped and sealed, they will need to apply a new piece of waterproofing membrane to cover the patch. If you plan to install a custom shower niche into your shower wall, and you want to avoid making one of the biggest shower niche install mistakes, you must make sure that you or your contractor doesnt forget the waterproofing step. Bonus tips: Make sure you seal this shelf with a good grout/stone sealer. You can absolutely do this as the writer mentions if done correctly. During a complete shower wall reconstruction, the retrofit niche hole is cut out of the the tile backer board after its attached to the shower wall framing. This will improve the R-value behind the niche and reduce the chance of moisture reaching the niche. 3) he recommend us a 1/32 grout size for a 12*24 rectified tile for easy to clean it although the manufacturer recommends 1/8. Its always great to hear from a fellow contractor. 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. Niches ought to not be against exterior walls if possible in cold climates. I am an engineer and have never heard such a thing. Assuming this is correct, I would suggest that you install the shelf before the tile. My wife had an idea of keeping the longer side wall niche-free for aesthetics. Im not really sure what to say about this one. What do you think about ez niche? You need a membrane with a very low perm rating like the Durock sheet membrane or Wedi Subliner Dry. This can cause mold to grow here which is not disastrous but it doesnt look very nice. In wall directly under the shower head. I am remodeling my master bath down to the studs. Some materials, such as stone and metal, are naturally more resistant to water than others. Or keep the background of the shelf super neutral. I just did a 52 linear niche in an exterior 24 stud wall cavity. Use a grout removal tool to help with this and to remove any loose bits of grout. I know its frustrating to see but I think youre stuck with it unfortunately. Follow the directions to make sure it dries thoroughly. 1) You mention that its NOT recommended to install it on an outside wall. Most electrical & plumbing codes accept 16 gauge steel (1/16) for protection plates, so thats what I would suggest. How do I choose the right size and style for my shower niche? 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. You could still use the wall tile or an accent tile for the back wall of the niche. Yes, but also no, Shower Water Pressure Low? This includes ensuring proper ventilation in the bathroom, using waterproof materials, and cleaning the shower niche tile regularly. This post is for information purposes only and should NOT be interpreted as professional advice. These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. To be sure, you really should consult a local contractor familiar with the insulation and vapour control requirements in your area. Thank you for the advice! Will it help with moisture behind the niche? Each of these materials has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, including durability, resistance to water, ease of maintenance, and cost. 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. Unfortunately, attempting to remove tiles in the niche or anywhere on the shower wall is a difficult and risky procedure. The long shower wall backs a walk in closet. Hi, Steve! The rest you can imagine; moisture in the walls, which leads to mold, dry rot, etc.. 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