The integrity of a tiled assembly requires significant rigidity in this wall to reduce the chance of grout cracking, tile delamination, and failure of the waterproofing membrane. Grouting this margin seems like a better idea to the average homeowner (and the novice pro) but this is always a bad idea because the tub and the shower wall assembly expand and contract at different rates so the grout will always crack and break away over time. 6 Tile Shower Niche Questions Answered by Experts - Tile Club The problem is that the shower environment is a very moist one, and some of this moisture will always make it into the stud cavity through the wall tile, your tile backer board, and often through your tiled shower niche. As such its very convenient to install the niche in this area because its in easy reach. Additionally, there are commercial mold and mildew cleaners available that are specifically designed for this purpose. Most decent contractors will say that applying the correct structural framing around the niche will adequately fortify the structure. Im doing a shower at the moment. We are currently in a remodel and was thinking of this horizontal niche with a light in the top corner. Causes of leaking: Leaking shower niches or ledges are a common problem in bathroom design. Generally speaking, its not good to install the vertical tile (or stone) first because water that runs off the vertical tile surfaces could settle at the gap between the floor and wall tile. I would be more concerned with the use of Kerdi Board to replace the 5/8 drywall of your shower wall. Depending on the cause of the leak, the repair may involve replacing the niche, applying a new coat of waterproofing sealant for a waterproof shower niche, or re-tiling the niche. This is an assumption made far too often when shower niches are framed into the shower wall. And please let me know if you need more help, and good luck with your project! It seems like youre being quite forgiving of the mistake that they made (I agree with your evaluation, btw). A mild soap and water solution is typically all that is needed for cleaning, although more specialized cleaners may be necessary for removing tough stains or buildup. I have a niche install on an outside wall and now is bad condensation, I have the builders coming back to rectify. If you cant do spray foam, a 2 thick insulating foam sheet can be placed behind it. If installing a shower niche on in interior wall, what do you suggest putting behind it to prevent someone from puncturing it from the other side? It becomes a much bigger problem when the wall studs are 24. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you. And please let me know if you have anymore questions. You can then insulate this wall and install your shower niche into it. I am not surprised about the $1,200 quote. Both walk-in shower vs tub have their unique benefits and drawbacks, but which one is right for you? I would guess that using Kerdi Board in this situation compromises the firewall. Shower head and three niches. Here is a primer that allows you to do this: https://www.custombuildingproducts.com/media/59976485/mbp_ss129_114.pdf. 1/2 thick) acrylic solid surfacing materials? Then, the sealant can be applied using a caulking gun or another appropriate application tool. Obviously, you are going to cut out where the shelf and niche go in the wall tile (unless you are using these new metal shelves from Schluter ). 4. A standard 8 wood header would do the job as long as its assembled and installed properly. The bathroom wall is 5 long, and once you get past that, you are in an unfinished space next door. It is an exterior wall to a garage that is insulated. 2023 Bathroomaholic - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. How do I choose the right size and style for my shower niche? The outcropping will be cantilevered from the studs so I will take extra care supporting it. Your bar soap will probably slip off the shelf, but you dont want water pooling at the base of the wall tiles regardless of how well youve sealed this margin. I think we will eventually be replacing all the tile because of this, but right now my biggest concern is the tile niche in our guest bathroom. Learn how your comment data is processed. I know its frustrating to see but I think youre stuck with it unfortunately. Make sure the new membrane overlaps the old one by at least 2 inches. Thoughts? Really appreciate the info on the structural issues with long niches. I am not a big fan of most PVC (plastic) tilable shower niches. nothing. Therefore they hold water. 3 Major shower niche problems 1. Shower niche - not waterproof bc of gap | Terry Love Plumbing Advice These environmental factors result in slight movement of the shower niche tile, primarily due to expansion and contraction. For this reason, the wall opposite the shower head is the most popular place for shower niches. A fair bit of water deflects onto the shower walls in this area, so a bar of soap can become a sloppy mess and dissolve down the drain, if stored within this zone. Without these options, youre probably better off installing a regular tiled niche using something like Schluter Kerdi SN. If so, youre likely considering a steam shower. Fill the entire wall if possible (or at least the stud cavity) and place the niche into the wet foam). No Doors, No Problem: The Doorless Shower Pros and Cons, Shower Curtain vs Door Showdown: A Complete Guide. In addition, the quality of the material and its ability to resist wear and tear over time should also be taken into account. This would be relatively safe but not ideal. Do you have any advice or suggestions please? I saved and reglazed the tub and it looks (performs) wonderful. In conclusion..it would really be best if you installed your niche in an interior wall instead. . That may be your best evidence for your HOA in case they have any questions. Regardless of the results, I would install another stud wall adjacent to your existing wall and insulate this wall. Our contractor installed a shower niche and tiled the wall and niche however my husband doesnt like the finished product as there is. Its was a perfect job except when the frameless glass was installed, the installers drilled the glass for the towel bar and handle at a whopping 56 above the ground. Hey there slope over 3 in. I spent 3 months doing the project, three different kinds of marble two fans (to exhaust better as she like it hot and uses lots of product). If the mortar contains enough polymer adhesive, I guess it could stick reliably to the plastic surface, but as an installer I would never take this risk. Straight, flush screws are needed to keep the hinge from torquing the tile and screws.