How to install a plastic corner on the tub

To prevent the formation of puddles on the bathroom floor, the gap between the wall and the bathtub or the sink must be carefully sealed. Sealing can be carried out using different compositions or special elements.

on a bathtub If before, for lack of perfect materials and appliances, as a rule, cement mortar or thickened oil paint was used, today in building shops it is possible to purchase corners from plastic or ceramics, as well as sealant compounds on different bases, which will help to easily and quickly cope with this work.

How to install a plastic corner or curb of another material on the tub that will securely close all gaps and give the whole room a neat look? This question arises in all owners of housing, independently installed a new bath or decided to tidy the old one.

Borders for a bath

Unsuccessfully seamed seams at the junction of a bathtub or shower enclosure with a wall will not only introduce into the room a non-ratnost, but also become the most "friendly" place where a constant contact with moisture necessarily begin to develop mold, which can then spread to other surfaces of the room. In addition, the enduring dampness will adversely affect the metal accessories and the details that are in the bathroom. And, in general, the moisture on the floor - this is the first step to the leakage of water to the lower neighbors, with all the consequences, in the literal sense of the word, the consequences.

Therefore, it is necessary to seal this gap immediately after the bath is installed. Otherwise, if the mold in it does appear, it will later necessarily pass to the established corner or material of the seal.

To the material, which will be closed the gap, harmoniously blended with the interior of the bathroom, it is desirable to select it for wall decoration.

• So, for example, when buying ceramic tiles, in the kit to it in the store is often immediately offered a curb made of the same material. If it does not suit the price( usually these additional elements are very expensive), then any other material for sealing the gap can approach the tile.
• If the walls of the room are covered with plastic panels, then they will not be in harmony with the ceramic curb. In this case, you need to choose between a plastic corner and sealants.
• If a bath made of acrylic is installed, the corner or finishing material can be selected from the same material. Acrylic sealant or curb can become a kind of continuation of the bend of the edge of the bath and at the same time perfectly seal the gap.

Video: the easiest way is to seal the joint with silicone sealant

Plastic curb

In modern building stores, you can always find various plastic corners designed for the bathroom. This can be a rigid PVC profile of various shapes and designs, sold in sets or by the meter, as well as a soft self-adhesive border, manufactured in the form of a ribbon and sold on rolls that have sealed packaging.

The rigid plastic corner has a price much lower than the "self-adhesive", as it does not by itself protect the gap from water penetration through it, and therefore for its installation you will need a silicone sealant or glue "liquid nails".The very same corner, having a clear shape, will give the bath design a neatness, and in combination with glue they form an excellent sealing "tandem", as the materials perfectly complement each other.

A rigid PVC border is manufactured in various forms that contribute to or, on the contrary, hinder the flow of water. If the middle part of the curb is at a certain angle to the surface of the wall, then the water will freely flow through it into the bath. Some of the curbs due to their configuration will retain moisture on their surface, which will negatively affect their appearance.

Although in the interior of these corners at first look quite respectable, but very quickly come into disrepair, and they will need to be replaced often enough. In addition, it is better to choose a border that has a smooth surface, since the relief also contributes to the retention of moisture and the formation of an ugly plaque, and possibly - the fungus.

• The photo shows a curb that accurately repeats the shape of the corner. It reliably closes the gap between the bathroom and the tile and is well attached to their surfaces. In conjunction with the sealant, this corner will not allow moisture to penetrate the bath. However, water will stay on its surface, which can provoke the appearance of mold on the plastic itself, therefore, when installing a curb of this form, it must also be provided that it periodically has to be treated with antiseptic means.

• This plastic curb is installed relative to the surface of the bath at an angle of approximately 40 ÷ 50 degrees, and therefore water will never be retained. It is also fixed on silicone or sealant, which will close small cracks in the places where the curb adjoins the wall and the bath itself. Such a shape of the corner, if properly installed, will reliably protect the gap from leaks. In addition, it is easy to put it in order, thanks to a smooth surface.

• Plastic borders are most often sold complete with side plugs, which is very convenient, since water and moisture from the air does not fall into the empty space under the corner.

The plugs can be flat, that is, they have a triangular end face of the curb, and sometimes they smoothly emphasize turning the corner of the bath, creating a small rim that directs the water flow down into the tank, preventing it from draining to the floor. The figure shows the second version of this element.

This curb is at an angle of about 30 degrees with respect to the side of the bath, but has a smooth surface that does not allow water to linger on the surface, and therefore it immediately flows down in the desired direction.

• There are models of curbs made of plastic, which are installed during the installation of tiles on the wall. This option will provide full waterproofing of the gap, but if the corner becomes unusable and needs to be replaced, then you will have to remove not only it, but also the bottom row of the tile.

Other forms of corners with different designs can be found on the market, but the first thing that should interest in choosing such an element is its slope and a smooth texture of the surface that will ensure a rapid flow of water. Only then it will be possible to pay attention to color or a covering by this or that decorative material.

Mounting a rigid plastic curb-corner

Installing a plastic curb is not particularly difficult. The main thing in this process is to create optimal conditions for hermetic bonding of the profile to surfaces.

• If the corner is to be mounted on a bath that has been installed for a long time already, and the gap on it has been previously sealed, for example, with a sealant, then the old material should be completely removed.

This process is simple - the material carefully, so as not to damage the enamel of the bath, is cut with an acute clerical or construction knife.

• If the mechanical method does not help clear the gap completely from the old dried sealant, then you can use a special cleaner that is sold in building stores in the form of solutions or spray. This compound is designed to soften the sealant or silicone, after which it can be easily removed with a spatula and a soft, soaked in soapy water fabric.
• After removing the sealant, the wall and the rim of the bath should be thoroughly rinsed with detergent compositions. Clean surfaces are wiped dry with a soft and clean cloth, and if necessary, they are also dried with a hair dryer.
• If mold marks were found on the old sealant, the gap should be treated with "Antiplexen" and then wait until it is absorbed and the surface becomes dry.

is mandatory. If the curb is to be installed on a new bath, the treatment should also be carried out, but in this case one of the antiseptic solutions can be used, but "Antipresen" is also suitable for this.

• The next step is full and dense filling of the gap between the bathroom and the wall with silicone or sealant. The compound should dry well and cure for 24 hours.

• Then, if a curb is purchased with a footprint, you need to prepare lengths of the desired length for the size of the bath from the profile. The edges of the curb blanks must be cut at an angle of 45 degrees so that they perfectly fit together in the corners of the bath. In order not to make a mistake in the cut, it is best to carry out this process with the help of a chair.

chair. It should be noted that it is best to buy a ready-made set consisting of curbs, corners and plugs, which is removed from the bath in advance. This will greatly facilitate the installation. Especially in the corners, as it eliminates the need for cutting and fitting individual parts to each other.

• The next step is to sample the corners directly to their mounting locations. Laying the pieces of the curb on the joint of the bath and the wall, using a marker or pencil, marks are made higher and lower by 2 mm of its upper and lower lines.
• Further, on these marks are glued two strips of paint tape. It is needed to clearly define the boundaries by which the glue-sealant will be applied, and to ensure that its composition is not smeared on the tile and the side of the bath.

The sealant can also accidentally enter the outer surface of the curb.to avoid this, it can also be pasted with paint tape.

• Application of sealant is carried out in two ways: a thin strip on the surface of the wall and bath, or directly on the edges of the back of the curb.

The adhesive is gently squeezed out of the cartridge using a construction gun. To ensure that the strip has the right width, you need to cut it correctly on the tip of the nozzle, through which the glue will flow.

• Further, the curb is laid between the strips of the paint tape and is well pressed against the surfaces. Surplus sealant, speaking on the tape, you need to remove. At the edges of the corner on the wall and the surface of the bath, the sealant is leveled with a narrow spatula or a finger soaked in soapy water. It is recommended to carry out the work by putting on rubber gloves.
• After mounting the curb, you can remove the adhesive tape from the surfaces immediately or wait until the sealant seizes. Remove this auxiliary material carefully so that you do not move the set corner.

Plastic curbs installed on the tile, can serve a maximum of one - one and a half years. After that, such a seal is usually changed to a new one, as the corner loses its aesthetic appearance, and the sealant significantly reduces its waterproofing qualities.

Video: installation of a plastic corner-curb on the joint of the bathroom( shower cubicle) and the wall

Self-adhesive curb tape

This sealing material is made of polyethylene, PVC or other special silicone polymer compounds that are safe from a hygienic point of view. The latter have all the necessary qualities to protect joints, such as elasticity, moisture resistance and resistance to high temperatures. They are able to provide excellent waterproofing of the gap between the wall and the bathroom.

self-adhesive corners curb band The ribbon-curb is equipped with a glue layer based on butanol, which tolerates both high humidity and direct water penetration. In some groin of such tapes, antiseptic compositions have also been introduced into the adhesive composition, providing reliable protection from the appearance of mold.

Self-adhesive tape can have a different width, as well as a simple angular or shaped shape. It is sold in sets that include a corner roll, an applicator, and sometimes a construction knife. The border ribbon is additionally equipped with corner elements. The figure variant differs from the angular one in that it consists of three bands that form a smoothed angle.

Buying a self-adhesive tape, it is necessary to take into account several nuances which, if observed, will increase the service life of this curb, facilitate installation, and the work itself

• . Bathroom measurements should be made in advance, before going to the store. Although the manufacturer usually provides the required length of the curb tape with some margin. So, it is usually sold in a roll, which has a length of 3500 mm - this amount is quite enough to seal a conventional bath from three sides, and angular or asymmetric - from two.
• Do not choose too narrow a tape, as its width may not be enough for gluing to the wall and bath. Especially often this problem occurs in cases where the gap between them is wide enough.
• Very wide tape after its gluing very often looks sloppy. Therefore, before buying, you need to measure not only the total length of the bath from three sides, but also the width of its flanks. This is the only way to determine the optimal curb parameters.
• When buying this material, it is necessary to pay attention to the date of manufacture and the expiration date of the product, since it usually does not exceed 24 months. If the tape was stored at temperatures that did not meet the conditions specified by the manufacturer, or if the hermetic package was damaged, then the glue on such a curb could become unusable, and it is better to refuse to purchase such a product.

Assembly of self-adhesive curb

The work on the installation of the tape starts with preparatory measures. They are somewhat similar to surface treatment when installing a rigid plastic curb.

. The wall and the side of the bath are cleaned of the old material, all dirt is removed with detergents, and then the gap and surfaces are treated with antiseptic compounds. If special antibacterial agents suddenly at hand was not, then you can do with alcohol or soda solution. Cleaned surfaces should dry well before they are adhered to the curb tape.

Preparatory and installation work should be carried out at a temperature of not less than 10 ÷ 12 degrees, otherwise the curb on the planes will not stay for a long time and will begin to exfoliate.

Illustration	Brief description of the operation
	When the surface is prepared for work, first of all, before gluing the tape, it is necessary to seal the gap between the bathroom and the wall. In order not to cover the surface with sealant, on the wall and on the bath just like in the previously considered case, paint tape is pasted. The sealant is gently squeezed into the gap, which must be filled to the edge of the bath. Then the closed slot is left to dry - this process will take 24 hours.
	If the set with the tape goes special elements for its joints at the corners - corners, then first install them. These parts can have different shapes, and at some corners special protrusions are made, so-called "wings", on which the border ribbon will come and stick.
	After this a self-adhesive is prepared. It cut into pieces by 15 ÷ 20 mm more than the size of the edges of the bath. Then, it needs to be bent along the fold line that goes along the entire length of the tape. This photo shows the gluing of a curly ribbon, consisting of three strips, arranged in a curb. The adhesive tape always starts from the corner. The protective film is removed from the back side of it gradually, 150 to 200 mm, in the course of the progressive fastening. The tape to be laid should be pressed firmly against the surfaces. And special attention should be paid to its gluing on the seams between the tiles, because at these places the curb is usually peeled off first.
	The upper strip of the tape-corner is glued to the wall, the lower strip to the side of the bath, and the middle one, located between them( if it is on a particular product), is located at a certain angle, which provides an unhindered flow of water.
	In order for the tape to fit well to the planes, some masters use a hairdryer to preheat the surfaces. In the heated state, the curb becomes elastic, and the adhesive is more adhesive, which will ensure long-term operation of such waterproofing.
	If a corner self-adhesive edge band is used, without additional corners, the most difficult part of the installation process will be to gently stick it in the corners. In order for this area to turn out to be aesthetic and airtight, the upper strip is fixed on the tile in one piece, and the lower strip, laid on the side of the bath, should be cut at an angle of 45 degrees. It turns out that the lower part of the strip will be divided into two segments, which need to be combined with each other as tightly as possible. Joint between them is recommended to be sealed with silicone sealant.
	On flat sections of the joint of planes, the tape adheres quite easily. The main thing is to attach the tape to the wall and the side of the bathtub at the same time to avoid its distortion. They, by the way, can arise with excessive heating of an already elastic material.

In the design of the tub plastic corners, there is nothing complicated. This work will be able to perform not only a qualified master, but also the owner of housing. In order for the work to finish successfully and to please the eye, you just need to follow the instructions without neglecting any of the items. Under such conditions, the corner of any material will securely fix on the surfaces and protect the bath from leaks, and walls - from dampness and the appearance of mold on them.