What Could Happen if 2-Piece Shower Stall Walls Were Not Properly in the Joints?

Wall Failure

• When the joints are not properly formed, the shower walls lose a key part of their alignment and adherence support. Over time, this can cause the walls to lose even more adherence and eventually start cracking or slipping away from the wall. If the stall walls are not fully level at the joints, the gap between them can become more pronounced and require adjustment or replacement.

Expansion Issues

• Sealing the wall joints is important, but sealing them with the right materials is even more necessary. A common, fixed caulk cannot bond well with stall walls. Silicone or elastomeric caulks have enough waterproofing abilities and flexibility to deal with shower material expansion and contraction caused by changes in temperature. Plaster or wood caulks do not have the same abilities and could cause gaps and leaks.

Structural Problems

• The most obvious consequence of misaligned or leaked shower stall walls is moisture accumulating behind the shower walls. Not only can this ruin the bond the walls have, but the water can also seep down into the wood beams and backer materials around the shower, causing warping and rot. This damage can spread and require a full remodel to find and repair it if the leak is bad and moisture has been gathering for some time.

Long-Term Issues

• While the structural damage caused by long-term leaks may seem bad, the consequences of leaking shower walls can grow worse. With a frequent leak into the enclosed spaces beneath the shower, mold colonies can start to develop. Mold can easily damage porous materials, spread into other parts of the house and require a detailed, professional clean-up, which can be very expensive. Few insurance policies will cover mold damage, so it is better to make sure the shower walls are installed and sealed properly rather than risk serious problems developing.