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BATHROOM WALL PANELLING - SHOWERWALL
BATHROOM WALL PANELLING – ALLAYING THE MYTHS
Steph Harris, Showerwall’s Product Manager
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With the rising popularity in using panelling for bathroom feature walls instead of traditional tiling, the Installer Magazine spoke to Showerwall’s Product Manager, Steph Harris to allay any potential myths and answer installers frequently asked questions.
Firstly we asked Steph why she felt this product area was proving so popular with installers?
Bathroom panelling gives installers fast and easy installation, low maintenance and large choice of styles that offer design flexibility, Showerwall’s large format bathroom wall panels offer an excellent alternative to traditional tiles and with no grouting required, they can be installed with less hassle and can be fitted within a day. The panels provide a large watertight and hard-wearing surface with near invisible joints, ideal for shower enclosures, bathroom feature walls and panelling around baths.
Is Showerwall waterproof?
Showerwall HPL bathroom wall panels have a moisture resistant core and are bonded to high pressure laminate. When they are installed following the fitting instructions and with the recommended adhesive, sealants and fixing trims, this will guarantee a waterproof panelling system. Showerwall panels within the Acrylic and Customs collections are manufactured from a 4mm solid Acrylic sheet and are 100% waterproof.
Can I apply Showerwall directly to tiles?
Yes, it’s fine to fit Showerwall panels over the top of tiles. The wall must be sound and plumb, and you must ensure there are no loose tiles and that the tiles have been completely degreased. Please note that when installing over tiles, it’s advised you adhere the panels to the wall with silicone.
Can I apply Showerwall to plasterboard?
Yes, Showerwall can also be applied to plasterboard but you’ll need to ensure the wall is level first. If it’s not level, you’ll need to apply it to a batten system and not directly to the surface of the wall. For fixing Showerwall to battens, please refer to the full installation instructions.
Do I need adhesive and sealant and which type do I use?
Yes, adhesive and sealant is required to install Showerwall panels and we have developed products specifically for this purpose. If you choose to use alternative products your guarantee may be invalidated.
Can I hang wall mounted items or grab rails to Showerwall panels?
Will watermarks show on Showerwall panels?
Showerwall panels require minimal upkeep and can simply be wiped clean with a cloth. The panels are available in many decors and textures but if you choose decors with a gloss finish, the watermarks will show no more than you would expect on a tiled surface.
Can I sit the Showerwall panel directly onto a shower tray or bath edge?
No. We recommend that you use the Sureseal two-part system for shower trays and baths which comprises of a PVC strip and a high-performance white silicone. If you decide not to use Sureseal, a 3mm expansion gap should always be left between the panel and the tray or bath and then sealed.
Can I use a Showerwall panel as a bath panel in order to match the rest of the room?
Yes, providing you choose a décor pattern that is adaptable. The bath needs to be installed and panelled first and the Showerwall panels will need to be fit as per the fitting instructions.
How should I store the Showerwall panels?
Always store the panels flat, to avoid bowing and don’t store the panels outside or in wet or humid conditions. It’s important not to stand panels on their edge, as this can also cause bowing.
Should I let the panels acclimatise before installation?
Yes, you should always acclimatise the product prior to installation in normal heated conditions for 24 hours.
Tape Measure 1200mm Spirit Level Handsaw* Utility Knife Hacksaw Circular Saw* Jigsaw* Drill Sealant Gun Masking Tape Suction Grips Protective Gloves Protective Goggles Ear Protection
*When using a fine-tooth blade handsaw to cut the panels they should be cut with the decorative face up. When using a jigsaw or circular saw with an upward cutting blade, the panels should be cut from the back, decorative face down to prevent chipping of the laminate surface.
Showerwall’s HPL bathroom wall panels are guaranteed for 15 years and Acrylic for 10 years. The Showerwall guarantee is valid for a fully fitted, correctly installed and sealed Showerwall system. As well as the guarantee of a waterproof surface when installed in accordance with the fitting instructions with all panel edges and joints sealed correctly, the panels are also guaranteed not to crack or delaminate during this period. Full details can be found at the Guarantee Registration page which you can find at www.showerwall. co.uk/register-your-product
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