Spacegazr
New Member
I need some expert advice! We recently tore out our 1970's bathroom down to the studs and redid everything... plumbing, cement board, new ceramic tile, walls, vanity, sink, tub, surround, etc.
The original tub that we took out was a steel tub and the surround was ceramic tile. We chose to replace it with a pre-fabricated plastic tub and surround. The tub is one piece, and the surround is three separate pieces (the back wall, and the two side walls). They 'clipped' together at the seams and the edges all nailed to studs with roofing nails. This all went well. We added studs in the wall where they were needed and everything was very square to everything else. I followed the directions diligently. We finished the bathroom, got the walls in, taped, textured, painted, etc... and then as I was going to seal the tub with caulk, the seam between the back wall and the right side wall (opposite the shower head) popped apart, leaving an opening up to a half in wide (at the widest spot) and about 18 inches long. Additionally, the back wall piece now has some flex to it, since it was somewhat dependent upon the side wall for stability.
This is where I need help. First, I need to know how I can repair this seam and seal it from moisture. Second to that, I would welcome advice on some type of molding strip or something that I can put over the seam to make it look somewhat decent again.
I know that at least one of you is thinking, "This guy is screwed.... just take the tub out, buy a new one, and start over". If the bathroom wasn't completed, I might consider that, but we've spent over $3,000 on this thing and I REALLY REALLY don't want to do that. I realize it may be the best option, but I'm looking for alternatives to that idea.
I've tried filling it with caulking, but it's just too wide. I put nearly an entire tube of caulking in it, but since the wall is hollow, it all just goes back into the wall. I've considered the idea of attempting to fill the wall with expanding foam, but that's pretty 'un-doable' so I wanted to get some good advice first.
If absolutely necessary, I could open up the wall from the other side. (It's my hallway wall) and then replace/repair the hallway drywall, as I think that would be less destructive than tearing out the bathroom walls again.
So... help. Please. I've attached a photo below for you.
THANK YOU!!
The original tub that we took out was a steel tub and the surround was ceramic tile. We chose to replace it with a pre-fabricated plastic tub and surround. The tub is one piece, and the surround is three separate pieces (the back wall, and the two side walls). They 'clipped' together at the seams and the edges all nailed to studs with roofing nails. This all went well. We added studs in the wall where they were needed and everything was very square to everything else. I followed the directions diligently. We finished the bathroom, got the walls in, taped, textured, painted, etc... and then as I was going to seal the tub with caulk, the seam between the back wall and the right side wall (opposite the shower head) popped apart, leaving an opening up to a half in wide (at the widest spot) and about 18 inches long. Additionally, the back wall piece now has some flex to it, since it was somewhat dependent upon the side wall for stability.
This is where I need help. First, I need to know how I can repair this seam and seal it from moisture. Second to that, I would welcome advice on some type of molding strip or something that I can put over the seam to make it look somewhat decent again.
I know that at least one of you is thinking, "This guy is screwed.... just take the tub out, buy a new one, and start over". If the bathroom wasn't completed, I might consider that, but we've spent over $3,000 on this thing and I REALLY REALLY don't want to do that. I realize it may be the best option, but I'm looking for alternatives to that idea.
I've tried filling it with caulking, but it's just too wide. I put nearly an entire tube of caulking in it, but since the wall is hollow, it all just goes back into the wall. I've considered the idea of attempting to fill the wall with expanding foam, but that's pretty 'un-doable' so I wanted to get some good advice first.
If absolutely necessary, I could open up the wall from the other side. (It's my hallway wall) and then replace/repair the hallway drywall, as I think that would be less destructive than tearing out the bathroom walls again.
So... help. Please. I've attached a photo below for you.
THANK YOU!!
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