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| Megasealed bathroom |
| There are a number of makeshift solutions for sealing a leaking shower or bath.... but this one is a stayer! |
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Many only last for limited periods, depending on the quality of the product and the amount of leakage. Today, Rebecca checks out the 'Megasealed Solution' to leaking showers, baths and vanities which stops leaking showers without removing tiles. It is a strong sealant which replaces existing grout and fills the gap between the floor and the wall of the shower recess. We also take a look at the telltale signs to identify a waterproof problem.
Generally the cause of leaky showers is settlement movement in a house. Some people may not even be aware that water is leaking as the water may be draining under the house or in an area not frequently used. There are a number of causes such as poor quality grouting between both the floor and wall tiles, or faulty washers, but one of the main causes is the gap between the floor and the wall of the shower recess.
Most custom made shower trays that are installed under the shower floor (building regulation requirement) are only designed to cope with small quantities of water and are not equipped with a self-drainage system. Once the trays are full, they overflow and the excess water begins to leak into the floor and walls or be absorbed by the woodwork and carpets in the bathroom and adjoining rooms. These damps areas are not only unsightly and smelly, they can onset rot and attract white ants.
Most showers built onto a stud wall will eventually leak because of a gap (expansion joint) occurring between the tiled wall and the floor of the shower recess. This gap is caused by the vibration of the wall, arising from the opening and closing of doors and normal slight movements of the house structure. The grouting between the tiles is not strong enough to resist the expansion, or seal the gap between the floor and the wall. The result is leakage.
The only solution is to totally prevent water from penetrating the gaps and joints in the shower recess. There are many temporary makeshift solutions to help remedy the problem such as silicone sealants or shower plugging products. They are temporary, untidy and difficult to keep clean. Constant efforts to remove the dirt/mould build up only add to the problem as few sealants are resistant to abrasive powder cleansers and scouring brushes. The curved smooth finish of Megasealed in the corners of the shower recess prevents dirt build-up.
Megasealed is a chemical apoxy derivative, two part compound (no silicon used) that substitutes the grout. It is a strong sealant which fills the gaps between the floor and the wall even if further expansion should occur. It makes cleaning easier as the viscosity of the seal prevents dirt/mould build-up and is highly resistant to water, grease, scouring or use of abrasive cleaners. Megasealed Bathrooms provides a 12 year guarantee.
The Megasealed process fixes the shower, rejuvenates the shower recess and tap service for $450. This is reasonably priced compared to the alternative of completely removing tiles, waterproofing and replacing tiles.
Step 1: Assess the shower & explain the process to owner. (nb: if tiles are drummy or broken then this is a separate procedure and additional to the cost.)
Step 2: Preparation: owners are advised to clean shower and keep water free for 24 hours before service. Taps and handles are removed and all surfaces prepared, cleaned and primed. The existing grout and sealant is removed from the angles of the shower walls, shower step and screen.
Step 3: Megasealed Application: Megasealed can be tinted as close as possible to match the tiles or grout. Megasealed is applied to the angles of the shower wall, base, hob and around the edges of the floor waste. Megasealed is applied instead of grout between the first row of tiles around the shower base and hob. Cracks in the tiles may be Megasealed at the discretion of the technician and the owner.
Step 4: Wall Grouting: the Megasealed surface normally involves regrouting the shower wall, however if the existing wall grouting is in excellent condition, this is omitted. If the walls are not regrouted, the technician will apply a sealer.
Step 5: Tap Service: a complete tap service is carried out replacing the washers, seals and "O" rings on the spindles. The flanges are sealed to prevent water from entering the wall cavity. NB: It is not possible to undertake this step if a gravity-fed hot water system is installed or ceramic disc ware is fitted.
Step 6: Shower Floor Treatment: The shower floor is either re-grouted or sealed, depending on the condition of the grouting. |
More Info
Megsealed Bathrooms
Sales & Service in each state:
Phone: 1300 658 007
Web: www.megasealed.com.au
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Disclaimer
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