No matter how skilled and proficient the original installers were or what grade of silicone originally used to seal your shower enclosure, it will inevitably deteriorate over time. Due to hot and cold water, soaps, shampoo, conditioners the silicone around your shower door glass can come free and present leaks that can hinder your bathroom creating an issue for your home. Not to mention the ugly discoloring and mold that grows on the silicone adhesive, it may be time to re-do that unsightly sealant. We have provided the recommended step by step procedure to remedy such issues.
What you’ll need?
- Drywall knife
- Flat rectangular razor blades(used for scraping)
- Glass cleaner
- Bristle brush
- Ammonia cleaner
- Antibacterial silicone and caulking gun
- Gloves, safety glasses and mask
1. Start with the knife and carefully begin to cut away at silicone around shower enclosure, making sure not to scratch glass or tile.
2. Once you have removed all large pieces go back and check that you have adequately cut out all discolored sealant.
3. Next spray the glass cleaner of your choice on the area you cut away, then using rectangular razor blades begin to carefully scrape glass and tile(or stone) to remove most of silicone layer. This is the most tedious of the steps however the most important, make sure you apply the right pressure to get rid of as much silicone as possible. The glass cleaner acts as a lubricant to help prevent scratches.
4. When your happy with the cleaning process, use ammonia cleaner with mask and bristle brush to scrub out any remaining oil or debris that may have been introduced when working.
5. Let area dry before reapplying the silicone
6. Carefully shoot a bead of silicone in corner where old adhesive was, making sure to get accurate coverage.
7. Spray bead with glass cleaner, using finger afterwards to trowel silicone to preferred depth.
8. You can use the cleaning blades for any extra silicone that may have been left on glass or tile.
9. Be sure to let silicone dry for 24hrs before using your shower enclosure.
We hope you found these instructions to be helpful! Here in the Seattle area showers tend to not dry out as well as other place, the moisture in the air can speed up the process of green and black gunk growing around your glass enclosure. Following these simple steps you can revitalize your bathroom and extend the life of your shower door. If leaks continue after the re-sealing of your shower door glass and you are located in the greater Seattle area please don’t hesitate to call us at (206) 338-6080. We would love to help you any way we can.
