I’m installing one of those hard plastic three piece pre-fab showers. I know it’s not fine-homebuilding material but hey its for a 3rd bathroom and I dont need to spend a lot of money on it. Trouble is I can’t find a lot of info on these things. Even the installation sheet is limited. It’s a neo-angle so it only attaches to 2 walls which are both exterior. Here are my questions:
1) It can be installed onto the framing or existing drywall according to the installation sheet. One inspector said I can’t put a vapor barrier on the inside of an exterior wall, another suggested a waterproof board. I was thinking 6 mil plastic over the framing. It’s 2×6 with unfaced R19 insulation. Being in the damp NW what should I do?
2) Once it is installed how do you finish it? There is an inch/inch and a half flange on the shower for nailing that the drywall will cover. How do you finish this ‘joint’ between the drywall and the shower wall? I’ve heard of some plastic J channel that hooks over the edge of drywall. How well does that work and do you just caulk between it and the shower or what? Or is there a better way?
Any other pointers or tips you have would be helpful.
And this was suppose to be the easy route…
Thanks,
Steve
Replies
It's probably the lousy software for this forum or maybe everyone is in the Tavern. But anyone have anything for my shower issues?
Thanks,
Steve
Hi Steve- you might want to use the search feature and type in prefab shower. This subject comes around from time to time and those old threads might have some useful info.Character? I never had any problem with character. Why, people've been telling me I was one every since I was a kid.
Steve,
This is from a DIY'er, so take it with a grain of salt. I installed an acrylic shower stall last year that had a 3 piece surround that installed over the drywall and the base. Once the acrylic sides of the shower were in and overlapped the base, I caulked all around the intersection of the base and walls. Tried to think like a drop of water. It seemed to work just fine, no leaks.
Install it directly onto the framing with nothing behind it. Assuming it is not one of those flimsy glue on surrounds. Run the drywall over the flange and as close to the edge as reasonably possible. Fill the remaining gap with drywall mud. I also like to set the base in mortar to prevent flexing and cracking.
I guess I am being too paranoid, just the thought of doing it wrong and having to take it back off. Be nice if all inspectors were created equal. That's exactly what I was thinking before they all spoke and confused me.
Thanks,Steve