Can I Screw Shower Panels to Sheet Metal?

Shower Basics

• Regardless of which type of installation protocol you use in a shower -- be it plastic panels, metal sheets, tile or natural stone -- the primary concern is water. Since the shower area will see continual moisture over its lifespan, it must be keep water from going beyond the surface where it can cause damage to the wall studs of the home, which are generally wood. The more solid the installation, the longer it will last because the water cannot penetrate.

Panel Installation

• The primary installation method used for panels of any kind is to glue them in place. This is true for plastic panels, metal panels and even cultured marble, which is a marble-like sheet of plastic and stone dust. The type of glue used depends on the manufacturer of the panel, as different manufacturers recommend different types of glue, ranging from silicone adhesives to polyurethane varieties. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines for installation methods and glue types.

Problems with Screws

• One of the main issues with screws is that they penetrate both the panel itself, as well as the metal sheet below. This creates a drainage point where water can eventually leak through and damage the wood behind the shower. Even if you apply silicone to the holes around the screws to keep surface water from penetrating, any subsequent condensation between the panel and the sheet metal will eventually leak through the hole where the screw penetrated into the wooden studs.

Adhesive for Metal

• When it comes to installing panels on top of metal, you must use the right type of adhesive for the job. Most normal caulking adhesives will not work with metal, which doesn't offer good long-term adhesion. Silicone-based products are usually the best, but you may need to use an epoxy-based adhesive. If in doubt, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or recommendations, but as a general rule you can use silicone and epoxy adhesives when attaching plastic to metal.