Shower enclosures from time to time are susceptible to leaking. With pipes running in and out of the unit and a shower tray used to catch the falling water it is likely that the seals around the surfaces and fitments will become exposed to wear and tear.

The bathroom is considered the wettest room in the house with moisture from showers and water from sinks and toilets making its way on to the floor and walls. To help prevent moisture damage from shower enclosures the seams need to be waterproofed to help keep the water out.

This article will provide a list of tools and instructions on how to seal shower enclosure making it waterproof. The tools that you need to have are:

• Hammer

• Nails

• Caulking Gun

• Waterproof Silicone

• Stanley Knife

• Shower Curtain

• Cement Backer Board

Before installing a shower enclosure in your bathroom the back board needs to be attached to the walls which are holding up the shower enclosure, using a hammer and nails. Cement backer boards keep out the water and inhibit the growth of mould. If you attach the enclosure to a dry wall it is likely that the wall will suffer water damage. Other boards such as a green board can be used, however only in certain circumstances as they are only waterproof. The shower enclosure needs to be of a fiberglass or porcelain variety to allow the implementation of a green board. A cement backer board is perfect in preventing water damage if cracks appear in the shower or if leaks start to appear around the fittings.

The next step involves applying the waterproof silicone around the fixtures and fittings inside the enclosure and the outside where the enclosure fits up against the floor and wall. To do this correctly you need to insert the silicone waterproof cartridge in the caulking gun and screw on the nozzle. Using your Stanley knife you need to remove the tip of the nozzle (about 1-2cm) at a slight angle. Once this has been completed the triggered on the caulking gun can now be pressed to release the waterproof silicone for application around the seals and joints.

To help make the seal more smooth and compact wetting your finger and running it along the seam will help do this. This also helps seal the waterproof silicone to the wall and floor to stop water penetrating through. Also applying a cover to the floor to protect it from water when stepping out will also help give it that added protection.