If anything they are more tilted to back which is even worse. I think it would be reasonable for you to ask them to replace the frameless glass panel and door if it bothers you. If there is no membrane, it could already be a problem. 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. The other niche shown is a tilable foam shower niche that has a 1/2 thick foam perimeter flange that also serves as a mounting flange and a membrane bonding flange similar to the stainless steel niche. It could certainly cause a problem in the long run even if you have a waterproofing membrane beneath the tile. The old-school traditional hand-fabricated shower niches have high chance of leaking problems Although not a great solution, your only other choice might be to install a retrofit niche with and overlap flange (as long as the whole is exactly the right size, that is). Preventive measures: To avoid leaking, it is important to take preventive measures during the shower niche installation process. We are worried someone might decide to drill through it to hang something on the wall behind. Good Luck with your project! The most practical and coolest shower niche shelf in my opinion is the stainless steel shower niche shelf. Thank you for the advice! The company that we are considering for the repairs plans to just caulk over the grout, including the space where the grout has broken out. 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. It would work better to reduce moisture behind 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. The most important part of this project will be your undertile waterproofing. If this happens, you will make things a lot worse than they already are. This size is often sufficient for most bottles. Unfortunately, Im not really qualified to say what your HOA may do in this situation. When designing a niche; however, there are some important details to consider. Super helpful post! When a custom niche is built well, it can look very sturdy, solid and deceptively waterproof. Stucco exterior. I speak english and french so translating it directly I believe he said an L-angle edging trim ? Causes of mold and mildew: Mold and mildew are common problems in shower niches, especially in areas with high humidity levels. Corner shelves are easier to tile. We are doing a shower remodel where the niche will have to go on an external wall, no choice. 3 Major shower niche problems 1. Talk to your contractor about it, because its extremely important that you avoid this huge shower niche install mistake. All these foam and plastic niches can distort if not fully supported. 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. Congrats! Dont leave any air spaces around the niche or in that particular stud cavity (to eliminate air circulation). Install shower niche. Yes, our stainless steel recessed shower niches can be finished with any type of shower panel or shower board. Depending on the degree of moisture, I may not insulate the existing wall so air can circulate between the shower wall and foundation wall. I am in the midwest (St. Louis) and planning a shower niche in a basement bathroom on an outside wall that is completely underground as well as having a 6 deep front porch beyond that so there will be no outside air hitting that wall at all. Im considering building a 24 x 24 niche, 6 deep (by pushing into the closet. The eye level of an adult is 44 inches from the floor level. September 13, 2017 Raise your hand if your morning routine involves navigating around shampoo bottles perched precariously on the tub ledge, body wash and conditioner piled in a corner, or the sad. If I understood your guidelines correctly, the niche should be installed first, made 100% waterproof (using membrane) and the ceramic tiles should come after. After the boards perimeter is patched, taped and sealed, they will need to apply a new piece of waterproofing membrane to cover the patch. 1/2 thick) acrylic solid surfacing materials? Carefully! It would also be important for you to remove the vapor retarder plastic sheet in this wall. The removal of studs in a non bearing wall really just increases the flexibility of the wall. The problem is that most trims have a flange or anchoring leg thats designed to be placed into the mortar beneath the edge tile. It is the area one would usually step into to wash themselves, away from the water stream. This is what the shower shelf will look like with ceramic tile installed on the back wall and . And please let me know if you need more help, and good luck with your project! Not the other way around. For this reason, the wall opposite the shower head is the most popular place for shower niches. 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 you can get foam behind it, professionally installed spray foam would be best. This can cause mold to grow here which is not disastrous but it doesnt look very nice. Most horizontal niches are built into the back shower wall; usually the longest, and therefore, the most flexible wall in your shower surround. Hi, Steve! It will be a single 30 square niche. If there is no moisture issues behind the niche, you could consider applying new tile over the old tile at the back of the niche. Will Your Toilet Eventually Unclog Itself? That would be a lot worse than pooling water. If this happens, it could eventually cause mold growth or tile delamination even if water doesnt get into the wall cavity. Thanks for your comment! 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). But when shower niche problems arise, it can be frustrating and even damaging to your bathroom. He is now suggesting to just put tiles in the open space if I dont like the box I linked below.Is there anything to keep in mind? 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. I aim for a 18-in. The Guide To Your Bidet Shower, Reviewed: 6 Best Electric Portable Bidets For Travel, The Best 5 Bidet Sprayers aka Bum Guns For Your Butt, Top 4 Toilet Bidet Combos for a Spa-Like Bathroom Oasis, What to Do When Toilet Flushes but Poop Stays. Here is a link to my shower waterproofing post if you would like to read more on the topic. Regardless of the results, I would install another stud wall adjacent to your existing wall and insulate this wall. Schluter makes some very nice ones! I think its great that you use rigid foam to insulate behind the niche because of its high R value. Your email address will not be published. Do you tile directly on these? There are some great corner shelves available. With so many different types of shower heads available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. Framed vs Frameless: The Great Shower Door Debate. By understanding the, Are you looking for a luxurious way to unwind after a long day? Required fields are marked *. The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user. It seems like youre being quite forgiving of the mistake that they made (I agree with your evaluation, btw). These shelves are so popular because theyre subtle, modern looking, and considered attractive by most. Whether you or your contractor uses a liquid or sheet style waterproofing membrane, it does not matter, as long as you dont skip this important step during your next shower remodel! This makes it a much safer install. The shower will be 4 6 x 6, with the 6 wall being the exterior wall. There were so many things done that we now realize were probably not done well/correctly. Beautiful bathrooms begin here! Am I right? We will be using Laticrete Hydroban board to waterproof the shower including the niche cavity. Your bar soap will probably slip off the shelf, but you dont want water pooling at the base of the wall tiles regardless of how well youve sealed this margin. Wish we would have known some of this 5 years ago when we had our bathrooms professionally remodeled. I would even buy a can of spray foam so you can spay around it and use it to set the niche into. Hi we're Denise and Tony! The niches were not built with the proper tilt to drain forward. You should also make sure the shelf is sloped slightly outwards. TIA! They claim 56 height is industry standard. 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. Durability and resistance to water: When choosing materials for your shower niche, it is important to consider their durability and resistance to water. Its really not worth the risk. When you compare this price with the other alternative of this tool . This of course assumes that you will be adequately fortifying the structure in this wall. All brick wall. 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). Thank you for your comment! 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. This would be relatively safe but not ideal. Hi Steve, we are in the process of renovating our two bathrooms and are planning to install a shower niche in each. But even the smallest cracks will allow moisture to penetrate, moving easily through the backer board seams, to the framing beneath. It could be quite disastrous if he does not do this correctly. 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. 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. Additionally, it is important to choose materials that are resistant to water and wear, such as acrylic or fiberglass. Does that sound sensible to you? When you already have a shower niche and want to avoid problems, you need to follow a plan to keep it in great shape. If you said no, you would be correct. 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? We made this blog to help others like ourselves get all the useful information needed to build a better bathroom all in one place! We are new homeowners and the bathroom is our favorite room. Can I get away with installing a shluter niche? 2023 Bathroomaholic - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. For most shower niches, a regular cleaning every 1-2 months is recommended, with more frequent cleaning as needed. Call Us: (205) 640-2848 About; Services. The wall is framed with metal studs and reinforced with wood and there will probably be some air circulation at the tops of the walls above the drywall ceiling into the joist area because the metal studs are not very air tight. 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. Vinegar is a natural, tile shower niche friendly cleaner that removes grime, dirt, and soap scum from tiles. Is it okay (or preferable) to install the shelf itself last, or should we install the shelf prior to tiling the surrounding walls? Acrylic tiles are a popular material for walk-in showers due to their durability and ease of cleaning. Do you have any suggestions? We use hydro ban and laticrete sealant and water proofing. It's hard to look away, for better or for worse. In this comprehensive guide, well dive into the most common shower niche problems, and provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to overcome them. 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). You can read more about this in my waterproofing post. Fill the entire wall if possible (or at least the stud cavity) and place the niche into the wet foam). Hello Steve, This is often a the most regrettable shelf option because its difficult to clean (especially the corners), and the grout lines stain and get moldy. Wow! 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. Straight, flush screws are needed to keep the hinge from torquing the tile and screws. A good grout sealer will help reduce this problem (Sealers Choice Gold by Custom Building Products). Consider the height and location of the niche within the shower, as well as the items you will be storing in the niche. One of the biggest decisions youll face is choosing between a tub or shower. . Step 2. Prevention tips: To prevent mold growth in your shower niche, it is important to take a proactive approach. Concerns? Other than that, it has been a fun project? I am an engineer and have never heard such a thing. A bit more expensive for the material but its usually the go to shelf alternative for most tiled shower niches. Tile shower pan, tile shower base, tile ready shower pan. Built with the exact same tile as the rest of the shower surround, so it almost disappears when empty. Will it work?! It is difficult to install a waterproof membrane after the fact. Another alternative is the glass shelf. 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. 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. #1. Behind the niche you waterproof the exterior wall board with red gard, then a thin later of insulation. 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. 1-piece shower niche with recessed shelf Perfect for storing soaps, shampoos, razors, and other shower supplies Install either horizontally or vertically to best suit your shower Ready to tile: install tile directly on niche surface Customize shelf with the tile of your choice to fit the look and feel of your shower (tile not included) I would recommend at least 3 1/2 of space behind the niche if youre insulating the wall with fiberglass. nothing. It becomes a much bigger problem when the wall studs are 24. Can you shower when the power is out? We have a bathroom that is 64 wide, do you think that is too large to do a Horizontal Niche in the current wall? 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. Steps for cleaning: Regular cleaning is an important part of maintaining the appearance and functionality of your shower niche. 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. There is a way to install these shower niches correctly and safely, but unfortunately many contractors fail to accomplish this. Checking the grout lines regularly and addressing any issues promptly can also help to maintain the integrity and functionality of the shower niche over time. Hence 42-60 inches (elbow to the eye) is the preferred shower niche height for homeowners. Acrylic is a type of plastic material that is known for its resistance to water, mold, and mildew, making it an ideal choice for use in wet environments such as bathrooms. Do you see any problem doing this? Up Your Shower Game: 7 High-Pressure Shower Head Benefits, What Is a Rain Shower Head? 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. As far as I can tell, your part of Florida experiences temps from the 40s (F) to the 90s (F) so there is enough of a temp variation to create a condensation problem behind the niche (if it was mounted in an outside wall with inadequate insulation behind it). I cant find anything online about it being necessary but the man at the tile store that sold me the niche suggested it. I looked at the niche in the link you provided. 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. Check out ourPrivacy Policyfor more info. And if the niche is mounted in an outside wall, this is a whole other ball game. I am remodeling my master bath down to the studs. Should I be concerned of this as well? Thank you for the article. I would guess that using Kerdi Board in this situation compromises the firewall. You want to install the shower niche before you install your backer board for your shower if possible. felizlady. But if it's too late, not a big deal. The outcropping will be cantilevered from the studs so I will take extra care supporting it. This is what I am assuming. First time dealing with contractors, we really need . 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. Some of the most popular and highly recommended materials for shower niches include ceramic tile, porcelain tile, acrylic, and stone. My contractor is suggesting that we simply put the tiles in the hole that has already been made (with enough slant to make the water run down but also not too slanted so my bottles cant stay on it) and add a sort of aluminum transition trim (not sure that is the correct word but what we would see on the floor usually but a thicker one around the tiles). Sorry for all my rambling but this is important stuff. 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 problem is that the hole is there ready for the niche but all the tiles have been put down already around it. My suggestion would simply be to install a tall vertical niche (with shelves) on the wall opposite the valve wall. The shower niche inserts generally come 16" wide so they fit directly between your wall studs, which are spaced out 16 on center. An outside facing shower wall no matter how its constructed, needs to be insulated adequately. Most electrical & plumbing codes accept 16 gauge steel (1/16) for protection plates, so thats what I would suggest. Their angled screws into marble caused the front edge of the hinge to pull away (walk back from the tile face). 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. ALFI brand 8 x 36 Brushed Stainless Steel Vertical Triple Shelf Bath Shower Niche. It doesnt take a waterproofing expert to see that this tiny silicon bead is the only defence against water running into the wall cavity. Types of materials: When it comes to choosing materials for your shower niche, there are several options to consider. Built-in shower niches are a stylish and stable way to handle bathroom storage issues and create a relaxing environment all at once! The inside of the niche measurements are 12" x 20" (305 mm x 508 mm) and 12" x 28" (305 mm x 711 mm). 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. Using construction adhesive in the joints around the header and installing blocking between the remaining stud bays, will also significantly increase the walls rigidity. SIMPLE INSTALLATION - Pre-fabricated shower niche that is fully sealed, hassle-free, quick and easy installation; makes traditional tedious shower niche installation effortless! 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. 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. You still must allow enough wall thickness to be able to insulate behind the shower niche as well, especially if its a tiled shower niche. But, here, the con for the Wedi shower system is that it is a bit expensive. Therefore they hold water. 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. The temperature variation between inside and outside is large enough to cause condensation behind your niche if any moisture makes it behind your niche. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. I would have to agree with you. We are currently in a remodel and was thinking of this horizontal niche with a light in the top corner. If there is no exposed framing that you can see to attach the niche on 3 sides, it will be impossible to install this niche correctly at this stage. I just got a quote back for 2cm quartz pieces for a custom niche, and it was over $1,200! I was wondering two things: We will be using a prefab EZ-niche, thank you for the suggestion above of coating it with red guard for substrate adhesion, we wouldnt have thought about using that since the niche is water proof by design. Bonus tips: Make sure you seal this shelf with a good grout/stone sealer. See more info on shower waterproofing: Shower Membrane Waterproofing The Definitive Guide. Proper ventilation and climate control, such as using a dehumidifier or ensuring that the bathroom has adequate ventilation, can also help to reduce the risk of warping. Niches ought to not be against exterior walls if possible in cold climates. Without a waterproofing membrane, this movement almost always causes grout line cracking in your shower niche. 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 problem is that there is still only one layer of adhesive that keeps water from getting behind the niche regardless when its mounted. The chance of anybody screwing something into the wall below 3 feet are very low. It would be great if you could fur out that wall to make it a bit thicker. So you saved us potential issues down the road. In other words, there is a good chance that it may be possible. If foam is best what kind of foam? Otherwise, you can place your shower niches wherever you want. 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. The shower environment is harsh due to its constant exposure to water and fluctuating temperatures. The work was done by a licensed tile company who does impeccable work. You say that youre hesitant to do this, but it is the most common place to install a standard shower niche (other than horizontal). After a shower wall is tiled, its too risky to attempt to repair or re-build a shower niche at this point. Sometimes this is a bearing wall that the structural integrity of your home depends on, and sometimes its not. Types of sealants: There are several different types of sealants available for use in shower niches, including silicone, epoxy, and polyurethane. I have chosen to avoid the uncoated plastic niches in my installations simply because of the mortar bonding problems they seem to have. Most decent contractors will say that applying the correct structural framing around the niche will adequately fortify the structure. However, many people complain that glass shelves are hard to keep clean and soap slips off too easily. However, to get the most out of the steam shower experience, its important to select the, Are you tired of dealing with a dirty and dingy walk-in shower? A modern, practical, versatile, and easy-to-install recessed shower storage shelf or niche for your bathroom or wetroom. This may be problematic with porcelain but is rarely an issue with stone. I know its frustrating to see but I think youre stuck with it unfortunately. The rest you can imagine; moisture in the walls, which leads to mold, dry rot, etc.. 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? Let grout cure according to manufacturer's directions. In a normal installation, the tile backer board is installed with a hole just large enough to allow the entire niche to be screwed directly to the framing installed earlier. 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? I am hoping that there is at least a framed box in the stud cavity behind the wall so theres a solid surface to apply this tile. I find it looks really cheap and asked him if we can find another solution. The contractor brought up some of the issues with this in various projects. 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. You can then insulate this wall and install your shower niche into it. Complete Steam Shower Pros and Cons, Goodbye Grime: 7 Steps on How to Clean a Walk-In Shower, Walk-in Shower Pros and Cons: A Complete Guide, Walk-in Shower vs. Tub: The Ultimate Showdown, What Is a Walk-In Shower and Why You Should Have One, Everything you need to know about using a bidet for enema, How Do You Use A Bum Gun? A walk-in shower can be a great addition to your bathroom, offering a stylish, spacious and low maintenance alternative to traditional shower enclosures. 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. Thanks for your article. Many clients tell me that they like the asymmetrical look and its very convenient to access. This will reduce the amount of water vapor entering the wall to the bare minimum. Thanks for your help! I asked the clothes if they mind, they dont care). Windows go in exterior walls so you treat your niche framing as you would a window going in. Getting back to your question Yes, installing a Schluter foam niche will be better than installing the diy niche you described. Even if the wall cavity that contains the niche is completely waterproofed, water may still get behind it with a single retrofit flange. You should also take into account the overall style and design of your bathroom when choosing the size and style of your shower niche. A steel beam would be great, but its not really necessary. The extra 2 cantilever shouldnt be a problem as long as its supported fully underneath. Its time to take control of the situation and restore your shower to its former glory. Can I add a shower niche after my shower has been installed? With the right cleaning supplies and a simple 7-step, Are you tired of your outdated bathroom and ready for a bathroom remodel? 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. Two Heads Better Than One: Are His and Hers Showers Worth It? If the sealant is compromised here, water could recede into gaps with nowhere to drain. Mix the grout with Grout Boost and use a small grout float to push the grout into the spaces around the tile. Some materials, such as stone and metal, are naturally more resistant to water than others. The constant water exposure and regular temperature changes makes the shower environment quite unforgiving.
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