QA

Quick Answer: How To Install A Fiberglass Shower

Do you put drywall behind a shower surround?

Fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures come with a flanged edge that attaches directly to the wall studs, and the proper way to hide this flange is to install drywall over it. Consequently, enclosures are typically installed on the bare studs.

What do you put under shower base?

Mortar is recommended to use under all shower pans. Mortar reduces the risk of your pan slipping or cracking from an uneven surface.

What screws to use on fiberglass shower?

Predrill 3/16-inch-diameter screw holes through the tub’s flange, then fasten the tub to the wall studs with 1¼-inch-long decking screws. Use a drill and hole saw to cut holes through the fiberglass tub surround for the shower valve and tub spout.

What type of drywall goes behind a shower?

Look into cement board if you need waterproof drywall. This type of waterproof drywall is designed for wet areas such as showers and bathtub surrounds. Be cognizant that cement board requires a moisture barrier behind it, which makes the installation process longer than moisture-resistant drywall.

Do you put drywall behind cement board?

Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

What is behind a shower wall?

The insulation behind the tub or shower should be equivalent to the insulation in the rest of the exterior walls and should be covered with an air barrier of cement backer board, rigid foam insulation, or non-paper-faced drywall that is sealed at the edges and seams to provide a continuous air seal.

Do you need mortar under shower base?

If the shower base installation floor is not level, there are two options. The second is to add mortar to the floor to even it out. If sliding shims under the base does not work, opt to install the mortar bed. This is usually a good idea when floors are badly sloped or the use of shims is simply not practical.

Do you waterproof under shower base?

DON’T ignore the importance of waterproofing when installing an acrylic shower base. The walls and the area around the top of the acrylic base along the wall are very important for proper waterproofing and it is essential that it be done correctly. In a bathroom, proper waterproofing is non-negotiable.

Can you use foam under shower base?

It is typically used as an insulation to reduce drafts but can also be used to fill voids between shower bases and subfloors. Only non-expanding foam can be used for this application, as expanding foam can damage the shower base as it dries.

Can you screw into fiberglass shower?

If you strike plywood behind the fiberglass, you can drive in stainless steel screws instead of using toggle bolts. If you don’t hit plywood, drill 3/8-in. holes. When you’re drilling through the side of the surround where the shower valve is mounted, apply only light pressure as you drill.

What screws to use in shower?

Stainless steel screws will be the best bet.

Can I drill into fiberglass shower?

Drill straight into the fiberglass to create a hole. Don’t push the drill into the fiberglass; let the drill do the work and carve out the hole. Fiberglass isn’t thick, so you don’t need to drill far. Repeat with the other screw-hole marks.

What do you put under a bathtub for support?

Both regular thinset mortar and floor leveling compound are suitable. A series of strategically placed piles is easier to control than a full bed, and it provides comparable support for the tub. Level the subfloor in the alcove where you intend to install the bathtub, and cut the hole for the drain.

Does a fiberglass tub need to be set in mortar?

While the base may be strong enough to support the weight of the tub, we usually put mortar around where the legs sit, to prevent the tub from shifting horizontally after installation. If it’s your tub, and you want mortar under it, he should do it.

How do you fill a large gap between tile and wall?

Answer: A single bead of caulk can fill a gap of ¼ inch. If the gap is greater than that, then simply apply to the deeper areas. Then, wait for your caulk to dry. Next, apply another layer of caulk.

Can Greenboard be used in a shower?

It means “Greenboard” can still be used in bathrooms (and other areas), it just cannot be used as a backer for tile in a shower or tub surround. It can be used in areas not subject to direct water exposure (tub/shower surround), and areas of noncontinuous high humidity (bathrooms).

Do you need green board behind shower surround?

In a shower area, unless it is covered by an approved waterproof membrane, you don’t want to use drywall or greenboard. And, if you were going to use a waterproof membrane (or waterproof surround), then drywall would still work.

What type of drywall is used for bathroom walls?

Green. Green drywall is a type of drywall that’s mold resistant and is used in applications where moisture can be an issue—so most commonly, bathrooms. To maximize the mold resistance, use mold-resistant drywall mud, aka joint compound. Green drywall generally costs about 20% more than regular drywall.

Do you need backer board for drywall?

Waterproof tile backing board is only necessary for walls and floors that will be directly exposed to running water, such as in a shower. A backer board is not required for all wall tile. For instance, a tile backsplash in your kitchen can be installed over standard drywall.

Can you just screw down cement board?

Screw and Joints Do not use drywall screws as they are not recommended to be used to hold the backer board in place. All of your backer board pieces should be cut before they are placed on​ the floor. It is important to highlight that screws shall not be installed all the way down to the floor joists.