subject: How To Repair A Damaged Shower Tray [print this page] Damaged shower trays have the tendency of flooding you out. The first probable concern would be to waterproof. Shower trays are predominantly fiberglass based, which is largely due to the fact that this material has a relatively high longevity value and is light; thats assuming you dont smack it against the wall. Shower trays dont often break, but, what they are not especially fond of is any assortment of cleaning agents used on the surface. These chemicals tend to cause cracks after a while, causing them to leak. This, in turn, has the trickle down effect of damaging bathroom flooring-with the damage being even more severe if the leakage spills over to other parts of your home.
How can I fix it?
There are a couple of options here.
1) You can always go for a professional-this is the most advisable approach.
2) If getting it fixed seems laborious, then you can simply replace the shower tray and get it over with.
3) As a last resort, if you are not too keen on spending money on hiring someone, then with the right blend of tools, materials and procedure, then you can just as easily do it yourself.
Get it done in 5 easy steps
1.The first step is to dry out the tray. Theres not a lot you can do with a flooded bathroom. This wont be easy, because you have to wait it out, and let the tray stay unused for a day, maybe more, just until you are sure that the tray surface is dry, not just by looking at it; youll have to feel it, just to be sure.
2.Step two assumes that you already have a repair kit at the table. If you dont, well, youll have to go out and get one. You will need a hardening agent, which is then to be blended to the epoxy in that repair kit. Thoroughly mix the two ingredients. The best part of it all is, the kit will probably come with instructions, so you will be ok.
3.This step involves sealing the leaking area. What you need to do here is cut the fabric into pieces that fit onto the area being repaired in such a way that they cover the entire area. It is probably advisable to add a little extra fabric when cutting the fabric, maybe an extra few centimetres beyond the repair border line.
4.Pick up your mixture and layer it onto the surface, do not leave any gaps. It would have especially well if you can find a small paintbrush with small thistles; this will ensure you even out the application.
5.The last step simply involves layering the fabric onto the mixture, pressing it onto the surface in order to make sure there is no air trapped in between. Youll need three fabrics strategically placed on either side of the epoxy mixture. Then all you have to do is wait for it to dry out and firm up.
