Leaky Shower Door

I responded to many calls to look at leaking showers during the last 13 years. Almost all the showers I have inspected fled to the door or the metal track that holds the glass. The leak itself is not always noticeable, but the damage it causes over the years is evident. The result is rotten baseboards, water damaged Sheetrock and mold where the shower meets the floor in front of the door glass. The good news is that when confronted with signs of water damage to isolated outside the shower door, almost all leaks have been the result of an error in the original installation. The error is in how the shower trim has been sealed with silicon caulking. The error is compounded over the years by the crafters and DIY'ers adding more caulk to the inside of the shower as a repair or a part of housekeeping. Do not worry, this is a common impulse to keep adding caulk the shower hoping the leak will eventually stop. Not only is this common installation error, I've seen a 100% chance of showers with the kind of damage even water.

The most important lesson during sealing with caulking is "less is more". Since it is very important to caulk the outside of the shower of metal finishing, it is equally important not caulk over the "weep holes" inside the shower. These are small holes in the bottom drain of the metal track to the inside of the shower and the pre-made acrylic shower pans. These holes allow water and condensation inside the metal track to flow inside the shower instead of being trapped and possibly find an alternative escape route. For the system to drain properly, I suggest not to caulk the inside of the track in the corners. The faster the water can flow on the track and out of the shower drain, shower dry faster. This reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth enormously.

The type of putty that you use is also essential for long-term sealed shower trim. 100% silicone caulking is the only one that has stood the test of time for me. He is not afraid to crack or if it is in full sun, and it remains soft for long. acrylic sealant hardens, cracks, and is less able to keep the mold. Generally, it is easier to match the clear silicone to the metal trim and plumbing while white or matched silicone grout is easier to match the corners of walls, shelves and benches inside shower.

Last but not least, check all rubber seals are still in place and in good condition through the glass sides of the shower door, and sweep down the shower door. They are there to help them better understand the water inside the shower and help keep wading through the gaps in the door to a minimum. These elements can be replaced inexpensively supply store glass.