The gap at the junction between the bathroom and the tile: what to seal, means, advice on choice

Repair in the bathroom is sometimes fraught with unpleasant consequences. For example, the appearance of gaps between the joint of the bath and the tile.

This problem can occur for one of the following reasons:

• the dimensions of the bath do not exactly match the size of the room;
• the corners of the tub are not straight and in relation to the walls are not at an angle of 90 degrees;
• bath was installed after tiling the walls with tiles;
• installation of the bath was unsuccessful, mistakes were made.

Such unpleasant places of a joint of a bath and a tile not simply "cut an eye".The bathroom is a room with constant humidity changes and high water concentration. Even in a narrow slit can get water, and then on the floor there will always be puddles. That is why the joint needs a high sealing, because because of the large accumulation of moisture on the tile, a fungus can arise.

One of the worst options is the corrosion of metal baths or the flooding of neighbors, if suddenly a large amount of water got into the gap.

Previously, the problem of joints between the bathroom and the tile was solved simply: the gap was sealed with cement mortar, and then covered with paint in the color of the tile.

Now there are much more effective and accurate ways. Let us dwell on the most popular ones.

As mentioned above, the cement slurry is quite good for sealing the gaps between the bathroom and the tile:

1. Before applying, it is necessary to thoroughly wash and degrease the surface.
2. To make the solution better lying down, the side of the bath and the wall tile are wetted with water at the junction areas.
3. If the gap is large enough, then before applying the solution it must be laid, otherwise the entire composition will be on the floor. For a bookmark, even a thick rope made of synthetic fibers will do.

Quite good method, suitable for sealing narrow slots. Best for this purpose is suitable for white grouting. If you have interlacing seams in a different color in the bathroom, then choose a grout in the tone for them or at least the overall color scheme of the interior.

Plus the use of grouting in that the resulting joint will persistently withstand the effects of moisture and maintain its color.

If the joints between the tile and the bathroom are small in width( within 1-3 cm), then a good way out of the situation is the mounting foam. Since the bathroom is a zone of high humidity, it is necessary to choose foam containing waterproof components.

The big disadvantage of this method is that you need extreme accuracy. It is not permissible to get the mounting foam on some other areas except the slot, otherwise you will not simply wash it later. Usually along the crack glue the paint tape, and the floor of the bathroom is covered with newspapers.

The method is convenient to use for narrow slots between the bathroom and the tile. Sealants are sold in special tubes, and applied to the surface with a mounting gun. In this situation, they fill the space of the junction between the bathroom and the tile.

Depending on the composition of the product, it hardens either under the influence of moisture, or under the action of air. Due to its high adhesiveness, the sealant is securely fixed even on a glossy tile. It is non-toxic and fairly easy to use.

Self-adhesive border is purchased in rolls, and the kit often includes a spatula made of plastic.

The composition of the tape already has a sealant, so this curb has a high moisture resistance, but it looks very aesthetically. Before you paste the curb, the surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and dried.

The protective film is removed from the tape, after which the curb is pressed against the joint by the adhesive side.

To form a corner, use a plastic spatula.

With this method, the joint between the bathroom and the tile can be sealed with the tile itself, including the curb. As a result, you get a monolithic connection, which is unlikely to greatly please you, if you plan to change the bath in the near future.

Ceramic plinth usually quite well fits in the bathroom, complementing its interior. Modern manufacturers allow you to choose it in the tone of the tile or bath. The curb is glued on the same principle as the plastic one, but it's necessary to cut it already with a Bulgarian.

The plastic curb is convenient in that it has a relatively low price, but at the same time provides an aesthetic appearance. It is fixed to the glue, and at the final stage, the corners are installed. The complexity of the process is only in measurements. In order not to stain the surface of the bath and tiles with glue, stick a protective tape.

Basically, in life use a combination of the individual methods listed above. If the gap between the tile and the bathroom is fairly wide, then it can be sealed with foam, then covered with a sealant, and then glued the curb. If the slit is narrow, then enough processing with silicone and curb sticker. A cleverly selected combination of methods allows the joint between the tile and the bathroom to be hermetically sealed and at the same time aesthetically beaten.

When choosing the method for sealing a joint or a combination of them, some nuances should be taken into account:

• , with the use of cement mortar or foam, some problems may arise, because the metal bath, for example, varies slightly in size at different temperatures. Due to this, new gaps will be formed. But for baths made of acrylic and cast iron such methods are quite suitable;
• self-adhesive border with all its good characteristics and low cost, has not too long life. On average, in a year it will have to be changed;
• has the most reliable silicone sealant;
• the choice of method depends on the width of the slot.

Consider the most reliable way to seal the joint - processing with silicone sealant. Recall that it is suitable for narrow gaps.

• First place the abutment of the bath to the tile is wiped with a solvent to degrease the surfaces.
• In the tube with the sealant, make a small hole. A tip is put on top of the tube.
• The sealant is placed in the mounting gun and begins to gradually squeeze it out of the tube into the junction between the bathroom and the tile. Silicone easily fills the space. The gap is sealed in one layer, since the silicone quickly starts to solidify. The application of the second layer becomes impossible. Prepare a soapy solution, which then dipped a brush( you can take any).
• Brush dipped in the solution, level the surface of the silicone.

You can find a compromise between aesthetics and functionality. Let's say you have a big gap between the bathroom and the wall. To repair it is a lot of work and money. And then we also have to think about how to cover with decorative elements.

You can unscrew this position from the shelf. It is more functional, and for aesthetic reasons it can even surpass the curb decoration. On the one hand, it will rely on the side of the bathtub, and on the other - on the profile frame.

But you still need to remember the following details when adjusting the shelf:

• Metal will not be the best choice for the shelf material, as it is prone to rust and corrosion, despite careful surface treatment. It is better to select materials that will have high rigidity and moisture resistance.
• The shelf will still need to be faced at least for waterproofing purposes. This will prevent moisture from entering the gap between the shelf and the bathroom or the wall. For tiling is ideal tile, which will withstand the impact of water.