Traditional Shower Base Replacements:
Do you have a cracked, damaged or unsightly shower base that you would like to replace?
Would you like to replace the wall tiling or wall lining and waterproof it at the same time?
Do you have a tiled shower base which you would like to replace with a polymarble or an acrylic shower base?
Do you have water damage to timber floors beneath your current shower base that you would like replaced?
We can replace a damaged or cracked shower base using the traditional method where we completely remove the existing shower base and install a brand new acrylic, polymarble or SMC shower base.
We can also install a tiled shower base in place of your old polymarble or acrylic shower base.
In order to do this, the wall lining or shower recess wall tiles will need to be removed in order for us to remove the shower base as the wall lining is essentially locking the shower base into the wall cavity.
We complete the job with new waterproofing, tiling and shower screen installation so that your shower is ready for use without you needing to organise other trades.
Did you know?
You may not realise, but your existing polymarble, fibreglass or acrylic or “plastic” shower base is actually checked into your wall framing studs.
When originally installed, your polymarble shower base would have been installed before there was any plaster or tiles on the walls in your bathroom.
The polymarble shower base is installed hard against your timber wall stud frame, and then the plaster is installed, waterproofed and tiled, locking your shower base into position.
The only way to physically remove your existing polymarble shower base is to remove your wall tiles and plaster behind the wall tiles.
How do we replace polymarble shower base with tiled base?
To replace your existing acrylic, fibreglass or polymarble shower base with a tiled base, we must replace all plaster and wall tiles inside the shower recess after we have removed your existing shower base. This is a requirement as we must provide a compliant waterproof membrane barrier to ensure that your waterproofing is applied and compliant with AS-3740-2010 “Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas”.
These steps are also necessary so that we can provide you with a quality, compliant end result.
Never let any contractor tell you that they will remove only the bottom row or two to replace your shower base. If you do that, not only is your waterproofing noncompliant with current waterproofing standards, but your shower is guaranteed to leak in the future.
The Process:
Day 1:
To begin the process to replace your polymarble/acrylic or fibreglass shower base, we begin by removing your tap-ware and plumbing fittings.
We then remove your shower screen, shower recess wall tiles and the wall lining (plaster/sheeting behind your wall tiles in your shower).
Once the wall lining has been removed, we are then able to access and remove your existing polymarble/acrylic shower base.
Day 2:
We remove and replace any water damaged timber flooring from beneath your shower base if required, and also install new underlay to the shower base area.
The plumber will install any plumbing rough in items such as new tap-ware, shower heads and a new trap with puddle flange to the shower base.
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Your new acrylic or SMC shower base will be installed.
Days 2 and 3:
We install a new wall lining to your shower recess walls.
Once we have installed new water resistant plaster or sheeting to your shower recess walls, we apply polyurethane and a waterproof membrane barrier in accordance with AS-3740-2010 “Waterproofing of Domestic Wet Areas” regulations.
This is a 2 day process as we have to leave the membrane to cure between coats and prior to tiling.
Day 4:
Once the waterproofing has cured, we are able to lay the tiles to the shower recess walls.
Day 5:
The day following the installation of the tiles we can return to grout the newly laid tiles.
Day 6:
Caulking (silicone) application to shower recess
Day 7:
Your new shower screen is installed.
We also re-fit or fit off taps and shower heads during this visit, ready for you to recommence use of the shower 24 hours later.
How long does it take to replace polymarble shower base with tiled base?
For this service, you would need to allow 8-10 days from start to finish as its important that adequate curing times for waterproofing, adhesives, grouts and sealants are adhered to ensure your shower recess is completed to the highest possible quality standard.