Got a Sterling #72120100 48″ shower surround and receptor to install, and have a question of anyone that has experience with one of these.
The surround walls set on a flange in the receptor. The directions say “Wall surrounds must rest within 1/32″ (the thickness of a credit card) from the receptor to ensure proper water management and to prevent leakage.” This unit is going in a mobile home, so I’m worndering if it would’t be a good idea to run a bead of silicone all around the bottom, and set it directly on the flange so if the floor moves, it will continue to have a good seal. The directions say to put a 1/4″ bead 4″ long near the front to compensate for out-of-plumb walls.
Silicone, or follow directions?
Thanks
Replies
For what it's worth, I'm with you. Not sure whether I would use silicone or Lexel, but something, IMO, would be better than nothing for the reasons you mentioned.
Thanks for the reply. I'm gonna holler at Sterling/Kohler tomorrow and see what they say. For what it's worth, I'll post what they reccomend for other people that may need the same solution.
I have installed a couple of the Sterling units - been very happy with the results.
I would not put silicone all the way around, but just in the last foour inches as indicated. That flange area acts as a "gutter" to allow any water that gets into the vertical seams to drain out. The directions say it needs to be 1/32 or less, but if you look at the flange, it goes up about a 1/2 inch. I would think if the floor flexed, it would have go a long way to cause trouble.
You could consider putting a piece of plywood down where the shower is going to go to stabilize the floor. You would then need to trim out the front of the plywood.
I've changed my mind--what ttfweb and DanH posted makes since--don't want to block the exit for the water from the vertical seams. They are right.
Yeah, never used this brand, but other surround systems I've seen are designed to shed water mechanically (like flashing). Caulk in the wrong place could actually dam in water and cause a leak.
I'd at least think twice about this.
what is a surround system?
the walls of a one piece shower stall, installed on a "base" to allow you to get the new shower into room without tearing out the door to the room???
Yeah, a "surround system" is any sort of knocked-down shower surround. Sometimes in two pieces, usually in four.
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
" or follow directions?"
Uhhh ...... ?
remember back in school when they said there's no such thing as a dumb question ...
they lied.
Jeff
Buck Construction
Artistry In Carpentry
Pittsburgh Pa