Replies

1. 
   NickNukeEm | Jul 11, 2003 10:32pm | #1

   When you say modular, do you mean the three/five piece kits?  Or a single U-shaped surround made of fiberglass?

   I've installed all three on different BR renos, let me know which one, and I can probably help.

   I assume you're going to rip out the tile and strip the alcove to the studs, correct?

   BTW El, you sure have a lot going on these days.  Lots of questions that involve interesting work. 

   I never met a tool I didn't like!
1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jul 12, 2003 07:50am | #2

   Yeah, lots of questions...I do small jobs between the big ones, and sometimes I get over comitted.  (Wife says I should have been comitted years ago....)

   Talking about a 3 or 5 piece fiberglas/acrylic/plastic/whatever surround.  Part of the existing sheetrock has crumbled, so at a minimum I will cut away the bad stuff and replace it.  There is supposed to be sheetrock over the studs, right?  Does the fiberglas glue directly to the SR?  How do you treat the space below the tub where the strip of tiles run down to the floor?  The fibeglas units I have seen stop at the top of the tub.

   Do it right, or do it twice.

1. 
   NickNukeEm | Jul 13, 2003 01:20am | #7

   If given a choice with ideal conditions, and they want a prefabricated surround, the one piece is the best bet and easiest to install.  I installed one (with a new tub) for a client a few weeks ago, but needed to cut through the tub alcove to get it into the bathroom from an adjacent room.  Not a big deal, as it was an interior wall sheathed with drywall.

   If a one-piece is not an option, and the client insists on a kit, prep work is absolutely key to a good fit.  See thread 27694.1.  When I install the kits, I create 3 barriers to prevent water from reaching the framing, should the unit leak (which I've never had happen.  Yet. ) To ensure a good bond from the surround adhesive, I install the end panels first and use an extensive prop system to force the two panels into the end walls.  It takes a lot of lumber, but I have them on hand from other jobs.  Use carpet remnants to protect the surround surface, and let the adhesive cure for about 24 hrs before removing the props.

   I did a 5-piece for a lady last Dec.  Her neighbor across the street had a company come in and line her tub and surround with a plastic overlay that was caulked at the seams.  It was leaking within 3 months, so be careful if your client wants to go that route.

   Good luck.

   I never met a tool I didn't like!

2. 
   steve | Jul 12, 2003 03:44pm | #3

   id stay away from the 3 or 5 piece plastic things they are hard to adhere to the walls properly and look like sxxt in 5 years and the seams never stay stuck

   better alternative are the one piece fiberglass units but only if the walls are straight and plumb and the tub has to be level in both directions

   best solution is new tile backer and a top quality ceramic tile job, afterall the last one lasted probably 20 years

   caulking is not a piece of trim

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jul 12, 2003 04:03pm | #4

   A 1-piece unit won't work (well, I won't try) because of access to the room.  The old tile surround was built in 82 or 83 so you're right, it lasted 20 yrs.  Normally I would do tile on durock, but she asked about modular, so I need to be able to answer intelligently.

   Do it right, or do it twice.

1. 
   rasconc | Jul 12, 2003 04:18pm | #5

   I believe that Sterling makes one that has snap together seams that do not get sealed. I have not put one in but I agree with Steve the glue up / caulk ones do not give me a warm fuzzy feeling.  There is a Sterling website with lots of info.  Lowes had a good selection last time I looked for one. 

   I have put in more than I want to remember of the 3 and 5 piece ones.  If everything is not jamb up square they are a real pain to get right and even then I just wait for the customer to call saying that it is not right.  Fortunately (or unfortunately) most have been in rental trailers and the expectations were not too high.

2. 
   Texfan | Jul 13, 2003 12:02am | #6

   El, look at a cultured marble surround. 3 pieces and a soapdish and your done. Of course, after repairing the drywall. Have a marble co. do the installation for the guarantee.I'm sure SA has as many shops as Big H that have  competitive prices.

3. 
   alhimprov | Jul 13, 2003 07:39am | #8

   Sterling makes a nice unit.  It snaps together - no caulk. 

   Also check out American Shower and Bath Company.  They have a pretty good selection of tub enclosures including some interlocking ones.

   They have an online catalog at http://www.asbcorp.com