Hello All:
I have a client who had a pivoted frameless glass shower door (centered between two fixed panes of glass) installed on a new cast iron shower base. After approximately one year, the client decided to have a sliding glass door installed because they did not like the intrusiveness of the pivoted door swinging into the bathroom. Upon removal of the existing pivoted door, it was discovered that fasteners were used to attach the fixed glass panels to the cast iron base (“U” channels were installed at the edge of the glass between the cast iron base, wall and ceiling). Consequently, the cast iron base (one year old) is already rusting at the fastener holes. Prior to the removal of the glass door, there was evidence of leaking water as well. There was silicone applied to the fastener holes when the frameless door was installed.
The client is concerned about the rust spreading and is not confident that future water leaks will be prevented by filling in the fastener holes with silicone (as suggested by the contractor). The manufacturer of the cast iron base says that the warranty is void since the base should never have been drilled. The contractor says that his glass door installers typically drill fasteners into cast iron bases and that it is not an issue. Does anyone know the industry standard for installing frameless glass shower doors at cast iron shower bases or at cast iron tubs? Can anyone direct me to articles/manuals/sources/etc. which address this issue or a similar one? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Replies
Epoxy
All responsibility and blame aside, I'd fill the holes with epoxy, not silicone.
I've never seen holes drilled in cast iron for shower surrounds but I've only been doing this for 40 years.
Gissur,
Acid cure silicone will eat holes in metal when it is trapped. Read on the tube and you will see the cautions. Treat the holes with a rust converter and then hit them with the epoxy. You need a new contractor/glass sub.
KK
There are many sealants with longer lifespans than silicone. I don't see any problem attaching the glass to the base if it's sealed with a quality product. There is no rocket science - it just requires good judgement.
As with many things in construction - what's recommended by the manufacturer isn't necessarily the best route in a given situation. If someone with good judgment uses good materials with good technique it doesn't matter what the manufacturer says.....except everyone is sue happy so if a guy is smart he will dumb down an install to meet all the manufacturers installation specs.
Hello
I can understand your problem. I will help you in that, just see for another frame less glass work.
check here "inactive link removed in case it was an even more ingenious way of linking to a site hosting "ad".
may be you will get some help
you're the one who's going to need some help if we ever catch you hanging around here again.
Thanks
you are welcome.....
An interesting concept: Spam that doesn't include active links. Well thought out.