Process for Addressing Leaking Shower Screens

1. Initial Evaluation of Leak Source

   • Check for overspray: Shower screens are designed as a barrier, not to be completely watertight. Some leakage may occur due to water overspray, especially from the forceful spray of the showerhead directed at the screen. This type of leakage is considered normal and fit for purpose.
   • Verify showering method: Ensure that the shower is used as intended, with the hand used to deflect water and occasional spraying of the panel, rather than forcefully spraying water directly at the corner or edge of the screen. Directionally spraying water at high force can overload the glazing and wall channels, causing water to overflow and lead to leaks.

2. Assessing Potential Causes of Leak

   • Silicone integrity: Check if the leak is occurring through the silicone seals. Our installation includes silicone sealing only on the outside perimeter of the shower. Small defects, such as pinpricks or bubbles in the silicone, can cause leaks.
   • Water escape between components: Ensure that there is no water trapped between the glazing channel, wall channel, or shower sill and floor. The silicone on the outside perimeter is designed to prevent water from escaping. If water has accumulated between these components, it may overflow.

3. Understanding Common Causes of Leaks

   • Incorrect shower usage: Excessive spraying or directing the water flow toward the corners of the screen may cause water to build up in areas where it cannot drain properly. This can lead to leaks if not addressed.
   • Silicone failures: As mentioned, the silicone seals are applied on the outside perimeter. Even a small failure in the silicone (such as a pinprick or bubble) can cause water to seep through and result in leaks.

4. Preventative Measures for Leakage

   • Movement and settlement of the building: The shower installation is designed to accommodate small movements in the building structure (e.g., settling floors or shifting walls). We apply additional silicone behind the U-channel and at the wall-to-floor junction as a preventive measure against these movements.
   • Caulking compound: It is recommended that the client’s caulker apply a flexible caulking compound before the installation. This compound provides extra flexibility, which is crucial for sealing and accommodating any movement in the wall and floor junction.
   • Pre-installation sealant application: Clients should arrange for the application of a caulking compound by a qualified caulker before installation. This step is outside the scope of our work but is an essential preventative measure.

5. Addressing Leaks Behind the Shower

   • Waterproofing check: If the leak appears to be occurring behind the shower (e.g., between the wall and shower screen), this may indicate a failure in the waterproofing behind the tiles, rather than an issue with the screen or seal.
   • Responsibility for waterproofing: Waterproofing issues are the responsibility of the tiler or waterproofing contractor, not the shower installation team. If the waterproofing has failed, it may allow water to seep through and cause damage over time.
   • Thermal imaging inspection: A thermal camera can be used to check for moisture behind the tiles and verify whether the waterproofing has failed. This method allows for assessment without the need to remove tiles or the shower screen, making it a non-invasive solution.

6. Action Steps for Clients

   • Verify the cause: If the leak persists, assess whether it is due to improper shower use, silicone failure, or waterproofing issues behind the tiles.
   • Contact the tiler or waterproofing contractor: If the leak is linked to waterproofing failures behind the tiles, contact the tiler or waterproofing specialist directly for rectification. This is not covered under our installation warranty.
   • Thermal inspection: For a more thorough diagnosis of possible waterproofing failure, a thermal camera inspection is recommended. This can help pinpoint the exact cause of the leak without removing tiles or the shower screen.

7. Warranty and Limitations

   • Installation warranty: Our 12-month installation warranty covers leaks directly caused by issues with the shower screen or installation. If the issue arises from other sources, such as waterproofing failure behind tiles or poor tiling practices, it will not be covered under our warranty.
   • Preventative sealing: While we apply silicone to the outside perimeter of the shower screen as a preventative measure, further sealing and caulking compound application should be handled by a qualified professional before installation.

By following these steps, clients can address minor leaks caused by typical shower usage and ensure that any more significant issues related to waterproofing or installation are addressed promptly and accurately.