Sturdy Shower Backing
Low-expanding foam at the contact points keep shower-surround panels from flexing under pressure.
I install a lot of three-piece shower and tub surround panels. The problem with all of the brands I’ve tried is that the panels are made in such a way that their support cleats or contours don’t all seat tightly against the studs. Those voids result in a springy panel that will flex to some degree when you put pressure on it.
My solution is to reinforce the panel with low-expanding foam. If I won’t have access to the back of the panel after it’s installed, I spray foam on the entire length of the studs before setting the panel. If I can reach the back of the panel after it’s in place, I just spray a glob of foam at each of the contact points. The foam quickly expands to take up the space between the panels and the studs.
— Grant Litts; Norway, Mich.
From Fine Homebuilding #309
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