How to fix glass shower screen seal?

Cjay-Renos

I am renovating my main bathroom and I am needing some advice on what to do about my shower.

My initial plan was to regrout the original shower tiles, cover the original tiles with a peel and stick vinyl tile and then paint the shower screen frames black to match the shower head and taps.

As I was starting to clean the aluminium frames I noticed that the seals/gasket around the glass are gross and need replacing. I believe that the last owners did not regrout or reseal anything in the bathroom and it led to water leaking into the vanity also, 😑 so I will have to replace the vanity too.

I want to know if I can pull the glass screen seal out and replace it without the glass moving or falling out, should I just pull the whole shower out and fix it up and then re-install it, or do I buy a new shower completely, in the colour I want and get it installed?

I have already regrouted and sealed the shower tiles (with exception to the grout that connects to the shower frames), and installed the new shower head and replaced the spindles and taps. I feel confident in my fixing capabilities so I am up for the challenge either way. Any advice or instructions on how to fix this issue without having to spend too much money would be greatly appreciated!

I have uploaded photos of my shower for reference 😊

EricL

Hello @Cjay-Renos

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your shower screen.

My apologies for the late reply. Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles can be a great and affordable way to update the appearance of an existing tiled surface. However, I would not recommend using them inside a wet area such as a shower cubicle. The adhesive and vinyl tile themselves are generally not designed for the constant water and moisture exposure experienced inside a shower. Over time, there is a significant risk of the edges lifting, curling or peeling away from the existing tiles.

Your plan to paint the aluminium shower frame is certainly a more viable option and, with careful surface preparation and the correct products, can provide a relatively inexpensive cosmetic improvement.

I would be cautious about removing any of the existing rubber seals or gaskets that secure the glass within the shower frame. These components are generally specific to the shower screen system and shouldn't be removed or replaced with ordinary silicone. If the seals have deteriorated and need replacing, I recommend having a professional shower screen installer assess them and source the appropriate replacement seals. Removing them without having suitable replacements available could potentially create a much larger repair.

If you're trying to keep the renovation within a reasonable budget, refreshing the existing shower frame is certainly going to be more economical than replacing the complete shower screen. The advantage of replacing the screen, of course, is that you would have a completely new frame, glass and sealing system, so it may be worth comparing the cost of both options before deciding.

Please also keep in mind that replacing the vanity will involve regulated plumbing work. Any work involving the alteration or reconfiguration of the water supply or drainage should be carried out by an appropriately licensed plumber in accordance with your local requirements.

Considering that you've already regrouted and sealed the shower tiles, installed the new shower head and replaced the spindles and taps, I think you've already tackled many of the practical and affordable improvements available without moving into a more substantial renovation. Short of removing and replacing the existing tiles, there unfortunately aren't many suitable ways to permanently change the appearance of the tiles inside the shower itself.

For now, I suggest concentrating on refreshing the shower frame and finishing the remaining grout and sealant work where appropriate. Combined with the improvements you've already made, this should give the shower a much fresher appearance without committing to the expense of removing and replacing all the tiles. If you eventually want a completely different look, retiling would be the more appropriate long-term solution.

I also suggest looking at this guide: How to plan a bathroom renovation by @Adam_W.

Let me call on our experienced members @Patsy60, @sroberts7879, @kierean4, @AJaye, @Dave-1 and @DIY4Knuckleheds for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric