Silicone Shower Tray Magic: Can You Bed It and Forget It?

Shower trays are essential components of any bathroom, providing a watertight surface for showering. To ensure a leak-free installation, proper sealing is crucial. One common question that arises is whether it’s acceptable to bed a shower tray on silicone sealant. This blog post will delve into this topic, exploring the advantages and disadvantages of using silicone for shower tray installation.

Advantages of Using Silicone for Shower Trays

1. Flexibility: Silicone is a highly flexible material that can accommodate movement and expansion of the shower tray without cracking or breaking. This is important as shower trays can shift slightly due to temperature changes or structural movement.

2. Watertight Seal: When applied correctly, silicone creates a watertight seal between the shower tray and the surrounding surfaces, preventing water from leaking out.

3. Mildew Resistance: Silicone is naturally resistant to mold and mildew, making it an ideal choice for use in bathrooms where moisture is prevalent.

Disadvantages of Using Silicone for Shower Trays

1. Adhesion Issues: Silicone can sometimes have adhesion issues on certain surfaces, such as acrylic shower trays. It’s important to ensure compatibility before using silicone.

2. Difficult to Remove: Once cured, silicone can be difficult to remove, making it challenging to repair or replace the shower tray in the future.

3. Not Suitable for All Installations: Silicone is not suitable for all shower tray installations. For example, it’s not recommended for use with shower trays that are installed directly onto wooden subfloors.

Alternative Shower Tray Sealants

While silicone is a common choice for shower tray sealant, there are other options available:

1. MS Polymer: MS polymer is a hybrid sealant that offers similar flexibility and waterproofing properties to silicone, but with improved adhesion and easier removal.

2. Acrylic Sealant: Acrylic sealant is a less flexible option than silicone, but it’s easy to apply and remove. It’s suitable for showers with minimal movement.

3. Butyl Tape: Butyl tape is a self-adhesive tape that can be used to create a watertight seal between the shower tray and the surrounding surfaces.

How to Bed a Shower Tray on Silicone

If you decide to use silicone for your shower tray installation, follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Surfaces: Clean and dry the surfaces where the shower tray will be placed.

2. Apply Silicone: Apply a continuous bead of silicone sealant around the perimeter of the shower tray.

3. Position the Shower Tray: Carefully lift the shower tray and position it on the silicone bead.

4. Press Down: Press down firmly on the shower tray to ensure good contact with the silicone.

5. Remove Excess Silicone: Use a damp cloth to remove any excess silicone that may have squeezed out.

6. Allow to Cure: Allow the silicone to cure completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

When Not to Bed a Shower Tray on Silicone

There are certain situations where it’s not advisable to bed a shower tray on silicone:

1. Wooden Subfloors: Silicone can react with the moisture in wooden subfloors, causing adhesion issues.

2. Large Shower Trays: Large shower trays may require additional support, which silicone alone cannot provide.

3. Shower Trays with Uneven Surfaces: Silicone may not be able to fill gaps or voids on uneven surfaces, leading to potential leaks.

Wrap-Up: Making an Informed Decision

Whether or not to bed a shower tray on silicone depends on several factors, including the type of shower tray, the condition of the surfaces, and the expected level of movement. By considering the advantages and disadvantages of silicone, as well as alternative sealants, you can make an informed decision that will ensure a leak-free and long-lasting shower tray installation.

What People Want to Know

Q: Can I use silicone to seal a shower tray directly onto a wooden subfloor?
A: No, silicone is not suitable for use on wooden subfloors as it can react with the moisture and cause adhesion issues.

Q: How long does it take for silicone to cure completely?
A: The curing time for silicone varies depending on the product, but typically ranges from 24 to 48 hours.

Q: How can I remove excess silicone from a shower tray?
A: Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess silicone while it’s still wet. If the silicone has already cured, you can use a silicone remover or razor blade to carefully scrape it off.