Sugru for grouting and/or as a sealant around shower tray

ablelocks

I have a recurring problem with the grout and sealant between tiles and a low profile shower tray. Before I go at it again, could sugru be used as a grout and/or as a sealant around the tray?

antiskeptic

ablelocks wrote: »

I have a recurring problem with the grout and sealant between tiles and a low profile shower tray. Before I go at it again, could sugru be used as a grout and/or as a sealant around the tray?

Whats the nature of the recurring problem?

I wouldn"t have grout between tray and tiles, just sealant - it flexes and can accomodate slight movement through deflection or thermal expansion.

If there's a lot of movement ( the shower tray not supported and flexing a lot) then sealant will let go. Sugru isn't going to be able to hold against these kind of forces. There's nothing for it to grab onto much. And it would probably go mouldy tòo.

Maybe describe the problem though

ablelocks

antiskeptic wrote: »

Whats the nature of the recurring problem?

I wouldn"t have grout between tray and tiles, just sealant - it flexes and can accomodate slight movement through deflection or thermal expansion.

If there's a lot of movement ( the shower tray not supported and flexing a lot) then sealant will let go. Sugru isn't going to be able to hold against these kind of forces. There's nothing for it to grab onto much. And it would probably go mouldy tòo.

Maybe describe the problem though

it was grout between shower and tray - it was crumbly and gaps were appearing again. It was a tiler that did the previous repair on it - he used grout again with a very thin layer of sealant.

I had bought sealant but thought that the sugru could be used because it is a glue so would stick to the tray, wall and tile edge and does allow for flex (apparently). There isn't any visible movement of the tray, but there must be some as it's only a couple of years since it was last done.

the_pen_turner

ablelocks wrote: »

it was grout between shower and tray - it was crumbly and gaps were appearing again. It was a tiler that did the previous repair on it - he used grout again with a very thin layer of sealant.

I had bought sealant but thought that the sugru could be used because it is a glue so would stick to the tray, wall and tile edge and does allow for flex (apparently). There isn't any visible movement of the tray, but there must be some as it's only a couple of years since it was last done.

Grout should never be used between tiles and a tray. It will crack and leak.
Use proper silicon and it will last

ablelocks

just read the tech specs of sugru - they say it's waterproof but not impermeable, and they only rate it good for moisture resistance. It also doesn't contain an anti mould agent so I'll just go ahead and use the silicone

Do I fill the gap in one go or apply one layer, let it cure, then apply another?

the_pen_turner

ablelocks wrote: »

just read the tech specs of sugru - they say it's waterproof but not impermeable, and they only rate it good for moisture resistance. It also doesn't contain an anti mould agent so I'll just go ahead and use the silicone

Do I fill the gap in one go or apply one layer, let it cure, then apply another?

One layer

antiskeptic

ablelocks wrote: »

just read the tech specs of sugru - they say it's waterproof but not impermeable, and they only rate it good for moisture resistance. It also doesn't contain an anti mould agent so I'll just go ahead and use the silicone

Do I fill the gap in one go or apply one layer, let it cure, then apply another?

One layer as above.

Rake out all the grout - right back to the wall. Give the surface a good clean and rinse well. Ensure everything is dry - toilet paper run down the joint to remove bulk water and a hairdryer to get everything bone dry.

Masking tape along the tiles (say 3mm of tile showing) and shower tray ( say 3mm out from the surface of the tiles). Good quality sealant (not Woodies brand).

Fill the joint so that the sealant is proud. Leave cure for 10 mins. Spit in your palm, dab finger in same and run finger along joint in smooth, long action so that the sealant is wafer thin where it meets the masking tape. Leave cure for another hour. Remove tape always pulling it out and away from the sealant - going slow when you come to the corner.

Leave a day before using shower.

lgk

If the problem is recurring, there is movement in the tray, so it likely wasn't fixed in place properly. If removing and fitting properly isn't an option, then weigh the tray down (80+kg if you can) before applying sealant and only remove the weight after it has cured. This will prolong the working life of the seal.

Don't use spit, the bacteria present in saliva will hasten mould growth. Use water and a sealant tool to get a consistent bead.