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A fiberglass pan is simply too flexible to support the mortar bed you need for tiling. The mortar will crack, and the tiles will also crack and separate. If you really want to replace a fiberglass or plastic shower floor with tile, you have to remove the existing floor and construct a solid backing for the mortar base.
Should I tile the floor under the shower tray?
We always advise fitting the shower tray before tiling the walls or installing wall panels as this ensures a more watertight seal around the sides of the tray. Initially, it may be easier to get the tray level by adjusting the key corner legs first.
Can you install tile on a fiberglass shower pan?
You cannot tile over standard polymer or fiberglass shower pans because they flex too much and will eventually crack the tile grout and possibly even the tile itself.
Do tiles go under the shower?
Putting tile or concrete board under the shower base will do nothing to enhance the water proofing without a waterproofing layer. The way I always do this is shower base straight to plywood subfloor. Caulk the joint. You could go with an epoxy grout for the tile to enhance the waterproofing without a membrane.
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.
Can a shower tray be laid on tiles?
You should fit the shower tray first and seal it with silicon,and then tile leaving a cap of 3 to 5mm between tray and tile,use a good quality mould resistant silicon to seal the gap.
Can you lay shower tray on floorboards?
If you’re installing your shower tray onto timber flooring, you need to make sure the floorboards are securely fixed and in good condition. If they’re not securely fastened, be sure to source thick grade chipboard, and cut it to fit the size of the shower tray.
Do you tile a bathroom floor before installing a bath?
The bathroom fitters are unanimous—if you’re looking for a high quality finish, with a better seal against water damage, then always tile the floor first. The floor will be sealed a lot better with the tiles being laid under the toilet.
Does tile stick to fiberglass?
Fiberglass is a difficult surface to work with. The trouble is it’s nonporous surface which is so smooth that regular adhesives have trouble sticking to it. To successfully stick tile to fiberglass, you need an adhesive strong enough to cling to a smooth surface.
How do you tile over a fiberglass shower?
Instructions Strip the Walls to the Studs. Remove everything in the shower alcove down to the studs. Install a Moisture Barrier. Install Cement Board Backer Panels. Mark Layout Lines. Install the First Row of Tiles. Continue Tiling Upward. Grout the Tile. Clean the Tile Surface.
Do you tile the floor or walls first in a shower?
The tile installation principle is that the tiled wall ‘hangs’ over the tiled floor. The best way to achieve this outcome is by first tiling the floor so that the wall tile will then seem to be ‘sitting’ on the bathroom floor.
What is under tile floor in shower?
The shower pan is a waterproof barrier made of either lead or vinyl that is formed into the shape of a pan. It’s placed under the tile floor of a shower. The purpose of the pan is to catch any water that may seep through the tile and grout and direct it to the drain.
Should tile be at the top or bottom of a shower wall?
The goal is to maximize the size of tiles at the bottom and top, avoiding narrow pieces. I avoid using a full piece at the top because the ceiling is usually not perfectly level. By cutting the top course of tile on all three walls, I can keep the joint width consistent all the way around.
How do you fix a flexing shower base?
In severe cases—especially if the flexing has caused the shower pan itself to crack—the only solution is to remove the base to make the necessary repairs. This can involve better shimming for the support ribs beneath the pan or laying a mortar bed to support the pan over its entire surface.
Can I use expanding foam under a shower tray?
Only a minimal-expanding foam should be used under a shower pan. The reason for this is that when foam expands it exerts pressure against opposing forces. And so, you could end up with bowing or even cracking of your shower pan.
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.
Do you put cement board under a shower pan?
ALL CEMENT BOARDS MUST be installed in a fresh bed of thinset. Unmodified thinset is preferable. If you want the cement board under the shower tray then do so – doesn’t matter. If that creates plumbing issues you can’t deal with then leave it out.
How should a shower tray be fitted?
How To Fit A Shower Tray Mark out the tray position. Choose the waste position. Line up side panels. Check the tray is level. Attach the waste. Apply sealant. Complete the surrounding walls. Install the side panels.
Do you install tile under the bathtub?
In your installation process, you should put the backer board down and tile the floor and the backsplash around the tub first, but leave off the row of tiles that directly surround the tub. All you need to do is tile the edge since you wouldn’t see tile underneath the tub anyway.
Does flooring go under bathtub?
Bathroom floors are notorious for suffering water damage and the area under the bathtub is no exception. Flooring repairs can be intimidating, but the subfloor under the tub generally consists of plywood secured over floor joists and is fairly simple to replace — once you get access to it.
