Leaking shower floor

Can a sealer help?

Maybe, but the odds are not good because leaking is an indication that the shower pan has failed or was never installed properly. It is showing up now because of the normal movement of the floors and walls over time that cannot be tolorated by the pan installation, thus opening cracks in the tilework. To replace the pan (or liner under the tilework) is obviously an expensive and undesirable process.

This is one of those times it is probably worth doing a little experimenting with some sealer to try to keep from having to replace the pan. Consider the following:

  • You cannot stop the moving of the structure, therfore, additional cracking may occur.
  • You will want to use one of our sealers of higher solids content in order to do the most crack filling possible. Test samples of "Porous Stone Sealer" and "Mexiglaze" as they are higher solids for filling, and have the best ability to penetrate into cracks. You can order small samples here: samples 
  • Your goals are different from a normal flooring project and you want to focus on sealer penetration and filling.
  • Do not leave sealer buildup that has created gloss and lowered the natural traction of the flooring. This is dangerous as it will be slippery when wet. Lower the gloss buildup with lacquer thinner and retain the traction texture of the flooring.
  • All the above is on the asumption that the leak is as described above. However, another situation is a leaking valve or pipe behind the wall and you will want to eliminate that possibility.