6 Common Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Shower Panels

Shower panels are a great addition to every modern bathroom. They’re versatile and more economical compared to traditional tiles for upgrading the look and functionality of your bathroom.

These panels are designed not only for a flawless look but also to make maintenance a walk in the park. However, poorly installed panels can ruin not only the appearance but also the functionality of your bathroom. As such, it’s crucial to ensure proper installation.

Here are six common shower panel installation mistakes you must be aware of for that flawless installation process.

1. Skipping Accurate Measurements

This is probably one of the most costly mistakes that you could commit while installing a shower panel. After all, the cornerstone of any successful shower panel installation has to be an exact measurement.

Ensure that you accurately measure the dimensions of your shower space and panels from the very beginning. This way, you will avoid pieces that don’t fit, those odd-looking spaces, and, above all, wasted materials.

When your panels are measured and fitted in the wrong way, they mess up not only the space’s aesthetic appeal but its functionality as well. How? Well, gaps may lead to water leakage/logging. In turn, it might damage your floor and walls.

To prevent this issue, consider getting yourself a high-quality tape measure to determine the dimensions of your space.

Pro tip: Don’t forget to take into account irregular shapes and existing fixtures, including soap holders and faucets.

2. Poor Surface Preparation

As simple as it may seem, poor preparation of your surfaces is very common. It’s very overlooked, but decent preparation of your surfaces is the foundation for a safe and long-lasting installation.

Professionals opine that dirt, unidirectional, or damp walls take from the adhesive its effectiveness and may lead to the failure of bonding, furthered through detached panels later on. Prepare a clean and smooth surface that helps your adhesive bond ideally in any direction for maximum longevity and resistance to detachment.

Failure to painstakingly prepare your surfaces might cause water to seep behind the panels. This could be catastrophic as it could encourage mold growth and damage the surface.

To avoid such a possibility, ensure you clean all your surfaces appropriately by removing grease, dirt, and old adhesive. To that end, you might want to consider using a degreaser or mild soap for better results.

3. Using Incorrect Tools or Adhesives

Not all adhesives and tools are created equal, and using the wrong type may be a recipe for poorly installed shower panels. Most of these kinds of mistakes occur due to attempting to cut corners or make use of whatever is available on hand.

The shower panels are made of glass, acrylic, or PVC and, therefore, require different types of adhesives and tools for a perfect and long-lasting installation. Without the proper tools and adhesive, one can expect poor bonding, peeling, and cracking of panels.

To avoid such consequences, ensure you properly read the manufacturer’s instructions on installation. This includes which type of adhesive to use. Currently, silicon-based adhesives are popular thanks to their waterproof characteristics and strong bonding.

As for the tools, experts suggest equipping oneself with a fine-tooth saw in the case of an acrylic panel installation and a diamond-tipped cutter in the case of glass panels. Other necessary tools include a spirit level for precision, clamps, and an applicator for sealants to achieve professional-looking work.

4. Poor or Neglected Sealing

Proper sealing of your shower panels is undoubtedly one of the most crucial steps of any installation. It ensures your walls are protected from any water damage. Failure to seal or poorly doing it could lead to devastating consequences, including the growth of mold, water leaks, or even structural damage.

As the familiar adage goes, even the tiniest hole can sink a great ship. A small gap in the sealant can lead to water sipping behind the panels, which might cause great harm later on. Not only does proper sealing guarantee the longevity of a panel, but it also leads to easy maintenance.

Pro tip: In every wet area, install high-quality silicone sealant. Since it’s waterproof, it doesn’t easily provide mold and mildew access for healthy living. When using a sealant, ensure all the edges, joints, or corners where the panels will touch the walls are completely sealed.

5. Lack of Ventilation and Time of Cure

Installing shower panels is not only a matter of attaching them to the wall but also of properly bonding them. Therefore, ventilation and curing times must be adequate. Poor ventilation may cause the accumulation of moisture, which will affect bonding and create mold.

To counter this, use a bathroom exhaust fan. Alternatively, open the doors and windows after an installation to enhance airflow and reduce humidity. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended curing time and avoid any water getting onto the panels during this time.

6. Rushing the Installation Process

In eagerness to complete a project, you may be tempted to rush the installation process, leading to avoidable mistakes. Skipping crucial steps or, worse—cutting corners often results in shoddy craftsmanship.

Rushing to get a job done will give you unsightly work; it might even shorten the life expectancy of the shower panels. So, take your time for each and every step, from measurement to ventilation and curing.

Pro tip: If one is running out of time, divide the whole project into bits.

Conclusion

When well-executed, the installation of shower panels can go smoothly. This can prolong the life of your shower panel and give you value for money.

By avoiding these few mistakes, you will be assured of reaping the benefits of the shower panels for several years. Remember, patience and attention to detail are the best tools for success.