FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Swan shower surround

| Posted in General Discussion on February 17, 2003 01:52am

I installed a surround for a customer about 9 months ago.  It took alot of effort originally to get it flat to the wall for the adhesive to set. Well after a couple of months the double faced tape let go. I put some tub surround adhesive under the buckled portion and all was good. Now 3 months later it’s buckled again. So we removed the buckled section(backwall) and when trying to reattach there is no way to get it flat. Eveytime you push down the buckled , it buckles somewhere else. Has anyone else had this problem and are there any solutions.

The buckle is big enough to stick your fist behind.

 

If you were arrested for being a quality builder would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. don26299 | Feb 17, 2003 02:34am | #1

    We installed a "very inexpensive" shower enclosure with PL200 over a non-absorbing surface and in the course of a month the glue "ate" the enclosure (large ripples everywhere).  3M is quite a company we found out from the experience.  They said it was probably because the enclosure had too much recycled plastic in it.  Also the non-absorbing surface held the vapors.  Also they said we might have used too much glue in the situation.  But they really came through for us.  We replaced it with a much better surround.

    I don't know if any of this applies to your situation. 

  2. Ward | Feb 17, 2003 05:50am | #2

    Customers want no seam, so you make the corners very tight, right.  Chances are the panel is a little to tight a some point.  Try trimming and to leave a slight gap.  Some will shrug, but a wonderful job of silicone at the seams will finish it nicely. 

    That is unless they are like my last Swanstone shower.  We wound up trimming the vertical corners with rips of swanstone.  Very nice, could use it as an opportunity for accent color.

  3. hurnik | Feb 17, 2003 07:19am | #3

    Yup, same thing here.

    Mine was a swan tub surround though.  I ended up taking the "main" tub surround off, removing all the double-edged tape that Swan gives you.  (I LOVE how Swan says to use the tape, but then they require you cut the corner panels down which removes all the tape).

    Anyway.  bought many tubes of the Liquid nails extra adhesive stuff (I originally used the stuff intended for tub surrounds but that doesn't hold diddley squat).

    Used like 5 rolls of 3M double-stick heavy duty tape and put the sucker up.  Had to hold it in place for about 20 minutes in one spot though. 

    Ironically the downstairs bathroom has a smaller sized Swan tub surround and it held fine.  I think my main piece was "warped" (it never did quite lay flat), and of course Swan won't replace it (that's not covered under warranty).

    I guess I should've tiled.

    1. JMartindal1 | Feb 17, 2003 07:12pm | #4

      Never have had any luck w/ surrounds....now I refuse the job...

      1. MikeSmith | Feb 17, 2003 10:39pm | #5

        i've done about 4 surrounds.. boy do i hate fiberglass surrounds....never again...

        i'll do laminate, i'll do corian.. tile anytime.. but no more fiberglass surrounds

        Mike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

        1. hurnik | Feb 18, 2003 12:39am | #6

          Agreed.  I think that some of the "nice" laminates work very well (I kick myself for not using that).  Normally I hate tile (on the walls, in showers, etc.), but to each his own.

          Never tried the corian walls though.

          --Kevin

        2. JMartindal1 | Feb 18, 2003 01:26am | #8

          most plastic surrounds are too flexible. Dont mind tile, havent done corian, but that should be fine. Just refuse to do the thin ones.

          1. geob21 | Feb 18, 2003 02:56am | #9

            This is swans ww-6000 tubwall made of heavy gauge fiberglass.  Cost  around $500.00 and what a POS. The real stinker is the plumber got it and charged the customer for installing it  before  scooting from the job without installing.  Being the Saint I am, I put it in and now all the problems are mine.

            I knew that I should listen to those voices in my head.If you were arrested for being a quality builder would there be enough evidence to convict you?

          2. chiefclancy | Feb 18, 2003 07:05am | #11

            $500 for fiberglass? My materials cost on tiling a surround works out to about $150 for 4x4 tile, $50 for backerboard, $10 (or less, if I have scraps) for 15# paper or poly, $15 for a sack of premium thinset, $10 for a 5# box of premium grout, and another $50 for misc stuff... so, maybe $300, guessing liberally? Now, maybe the labor costs eat up the difference, but the way you all describe it, I wonder.

            Edit: I guess I'm thinking of tub surrounds... shower would be different, as you have to deal with the pan which is big $$ for tile.

            Edited 2/17/2003 11:06:43 PM ET by AndyL

          3. neilcontractor | Feb 19, 2003 04:57am | #12

            I have used Swan surrounds on about 10 different bathroom remodels in the past 2 years.  Never had a problem like you were discussing.  Yeah, you have to put up bracing until the adhesive dries, cutting it is a mess, the corner strips have to stick real good, sometime requiring taping a bracing,  but the end result look really nice.  The last one I did, included a shower pan and the walls, trim pieces, 2 soap dish holders.  Cost was about $1400.00,  Yup expensive but a quality job is always worth it.  The cheap ones are a waste of time and money.  I prefer tiling myself but the customer is the boss and if that is what they want, that's what they get.  I will try to talk them into the more expensive unit as it is much easier to work with, and the results are much better.  I also let them take a look at other customers jobs, when they balk.  Work for me.  Good luck

    2. don26299 | Feb 18, 2003 05:19am | #10

      One thing we have gone to on tub surrounds is latex glue.  One of the surrounds recommended it so we ordered it special.  We've used it ever since.  The advantage is you don't have to worry about how much glue you are using (no harmful vapors).  Also with the swan we clamped the thing with plywood springy strips overnight. 

  4. WorkshopJon | Feb 18, 2003 01:25am | #7

    I installed one in my bath three years ago using contact cement. I know that is not the recommended way to do it but it turned out great, is absolutely flat, and not lifting anywhere. One word of advice, DO NOT try this metod without a helper.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans

Hover's smartphone app offers an easier way to get precise 3D scans.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data