How to fix moisture and swollen architrave next to shower?

Question

Hi Everyone,

Both showers are 8-year-old and had worn out grout/silicone and even some areas grout missed and silicone lifting off. So, I had regrouted and re-siliconed last year.

We have been using since last year with no obvious leaks.

Yesterday we identified high moisture readings in both shower bottom row tiles and a swollen architrave in one of the shower corners, as part of termite inspection. I have attached his photos and comments.

I'm not sure whether that moisture was already penetrated before I did reseal last year or after my work - no idea.

First thought for me was engaging leak detector but that is like artificially stressing the shower beyond normal conditions (by filling with water and eventually opening the leak points which would not happen in general use).

Also, my resealing work may not be 100% perfect, which may worsen the showers.

Can someone guide me what should I do in this case please?

MitchellMc · Answer

Hi @ppp,

Thanks for providing the photos and background information.

Based on what you've shared, I think the next step, if you'd like certainty, would be to engage a leak detection specialist. They can carry out further testing to determine whether there is an active leak or whether you're simply seeing the effects of previous moisture damage.

Looking at the moisture readings, one thing worth noting is that the reading on the exterior side of the shower is in the green range, which suggests that area is currently dry. If there was significant moisture migrating through to the architrave, I'd generally expect to see elevated readings there as well. It's possible the swollen architrave is the result of damage that occurred before you regrouted and re-siliconed the shower.

I'd also be a little cautious about interpreting the readings taken from inside the shower. A shower recess is naturally a damp environment, and moisture meters can produce elevated readings simply because the surface has been exposed to moisture. Their recommendation is that further investigation is necessary.

If you haven't noticed any ongoing signs of leaking over the past year since resealing the shower, that's certainly encouraging. A leak detection specialist should be able to determine whether there's an active issue before you consider any more invasive repairs.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

R4addZ · Answer

Hi @ppp

Hate to say this but basically you will have to rip it all out and start again after replacing the water damaged areas, you can't fix the waterproofing, it is a continuous membrane and has to be applied professionally.