If the height of the void is more than one inch, you need to use a different kind of foam beneath the tub because only expanding foam cant cover this much space. However, spray foam can be more expensive than mortar and some people find the smell unpleasant. This material comes in cans and can be sprayed into the void. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. When you finish the project and drain the water, the bathtub gap will . I had intended to bed it "properly" by placing a pile of plaster on the floor, but after the misery of getting the new tub in for the test fit, I couldn't face taking it out and putting it back in to do that. That looks like an after-market whirlpool tub, too. How much expanding foam will be required? When I removed it, it was obvious that the enclosure was sitting on the floor in the front and hanging from the wall in the back. Both Vikrell and Americast make lightweight and affordable bathtubs. This is not an easy process, and it requires multiple steps to be completed perfectly. I can't remove the tub because there is tile lapped over it in a way I can't remove without damaging everything. It really sounds like the tub needs to come out and the floor checked for levelness. 2023 Answer The Home- All Rights Reserved! If you do decide to use it, make sure to use a low-expanding foam. It has the same look as an undermount kitchen sink, says Khiel. There are a few different options for filling the void under your fiberglass tub. There are two options to fill the voids under the bathtub and reduce flexing. Adding support (whether expanding spray foam or something else) isn't going to repair the crack and make it hold water. Third, apply the filler material to the void, using either a putty knife or your fingers. JavaScript is disabled. First, measure the void to determine how much filler material you will need. Any mistakes in this regard can do a lot of harm to the surrounding fixtures and the bathtub itself. A little bit of flex is acceptable. Sometimes the foam doesnt stick to the tub properly, or the base can be moved accidentally. Foam board is a great way to insulate your bathtub and prevent heat loss. The foam will expand as it dries and will fill the entire space. It may not display this or other websites correctly. Youll have to wait for at least 4 to 5 hours before you can use the tub. void beneath a bathtub is both unsightly and dangerous, as it can be a tripping hazard. Why Choose Expanding Foam Over Other Stabilizers? These spray foams are divided by their expansion level as well. What do you put under a fiberglass bathtub? Two days should be enough time. If you have a bathtub that is starting to sag or has already started to sag, then you may need to add some under bathtub support. This involves drilling small holes through the slab and injecting a filler material. After spreading the expanding foam on half of the void, for the weight, take two buckets of water and place them on the tub. 10 / 16 The first thing to consider is the type of expanding foam you use. Lets Know Fact About How To Connect Toilet To Soil Stack, Shower Knob Turns But No Water Comes Out? A copper tub will cost more. The corners tend to harden quicker than the center. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The deck surface material typically matches the surrounding walls, says Brandon Ewers, a sales consultant with Pirch, a product showroom for bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor spaces in La Jolla, California. Expanding foam is usually used as sealants. Cost: $1,200 to $7,600. In fact, the "void" fills with water in heavy rain which is a whole other drainage issue I have to address in the spring. The first thing to consider is the type of expanding foam you use. Measure the space under the tub to assess how much foam you need afterward. This hole size can vary, 8 x 8 to 12 x 12. To recreate the look of a spa, theres nothing more elegant than an undermount tub. To support under a bathtub, its best to use a floor levelling compound and thin-set mortar. yup that would show my humble position of novice : ) The joist I see is the supporting joist that goes under the center of my bathroom all the way to the wall. These questions are important when you are planning the project. Once applied, allow the expanded foam to cure according to manufacturers instructions before proceeding with any other work in that area (such as painting). Plaster of Paris is very easy to find, and inexpensive to purchase. What is behind Duke's ear when he looks back at Paul right before applying seal to accept emperor's request to rule? Leakage and clogging issues are, Read More Lets Know Fact About How To Connect Toilet To Soil StackContinue, More or less, we all face problems with our home plumbing system, and struggling with a faulty, Read More Shower Knob Turns But No Water Comes Out? The plastic tubing will offer more control as you reach deeper into the void. Some type of solid surface, says Khiel. Sometimes there's very little soil and sometimes it can be full. Slowly dispense the foam into the hole. We are planning to install a vanity with legs, not tight to the floor (one we can clean under). If your gap is smaller than. But normally, you access through the void under the tub and spray directly. This is why its better to fill the tub to add some weight. To fix these areas, you need to either reinstall the bathtub or use a material to fill the gaps and support the weight of the tub. Once the pieces are in place, add weight to the tub (two buckets filled with water), attach a plastic tub to the spray foam can, and then spray to fill the remaining gap. I would not recommend a highly expanding foam for this but rather a low expanding option. Dont worry! I don't know if they were meant to or not. If you make a mistake or need to remove the tub down the road, it will be almost impossible to remove the mortar without damaging the tub and the surrounding areas. The second and most important step is to measure the void accurately. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. I think the floor was not prepped correctly. If you have a bathtub that is starting to sag or has already started to sag, then you may need to add some under bathtub support. Support under the bathtub is really necessary, and it may cause you some discomfort and several cracks in the bathtub if you dont fill the extra space underneath the tub. It all needs to be a perfect fit. Otherwise, a small hole in facing drywall can do the trick and will require little patching to repair afterward. In a nutshell, we have discussed each part of how to fill void under bathtub. My concern long-term would be the durability. #7. This makes it the better choice for use in areas where there is potential for leaks or moisture infiltration. This process does not take a long time but it . Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. Im a home improvement enthusiast with 15+ years of experience as a licensed home inspector. No, you dont have to use mortar under a bathtub. The bathtub needs caulking Whenever it is loose or has voids to fill. Khiel doesnt recommend it. Undermount tubs cost about the same as drop-ins, but undermounts tend to be less expensive than freestanding tubs. In this step, we start recaulking the bathtub. Using these will make it easier for you to remodel in the future. Filling the void under the bathtub is a bit complicated once the bathtub is installed. I'll update the question to have more information. I run a hardware store nearby Court Anaheim, CA. Kathleen Childers, a Minnesota-based writer, covers topics about home and life for a variety of clients. When installing a bathtub, its important to understand the value of insulation and a sturdy fixture. How To Fill Void Under Bathtub (Common Items And Steps), Common Items That You Will Need To Remove And Redone Caulking, 4 Steps To Remove Caulking Joints And Fill Out Bathtub Voids, Tips To Remember While Filling The Bathtub Void. I' Whether it is a bathtub, shower stall, or combination bathtub/shower surround, the process for minor repairs is the same for both fiberglass and acrylic materials. Other stabilizers are messy and hard to manage in the long run. After several hours, you can take out the extra foams that are accumulated around the base! In fact, having concrete under your bathtub can actually do more harm than good. ok, I've posted 2 pics here on my picasa: You need to sove the drainage thing and open the floors around the house and dry this out properly. You just have to spray in stages. You must log in or register to reply here. There are two main types of expanding foam: closed-cell and open-cell. Secondly, you can spread it evenly without any hassle, and it will expand on its own. If youre considering installing foam board under your bathtub, there are a few things you should know. If you have cracks on the bathtub, using spray foam can cause further damage. The bathtub gets void because of shifting. For completeness: Both the floor and the tub are level. To use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and then apply it to the void with a trowel. Manage Settings Can I use expanding foam under the bathtub? You need to stop the driveway water and roof water away from the house. Answer: Youll have to apply silicone sealant at the bottom of the tub to avoid creaking. If the gap is closer to 5 inches, youd have to use extra ridge insulation foam. Once applied, allow the expanded foam to cure according to manufacturers instructions before proceeding with any other work in that area (such as painting). It can sell for as much as $10,000, he says. If you fill the whole area up at one go, it will lead to bulging. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. An existing installation of a bathtub helps in reducing flex and coldness. as in example? Well, you might be surprised to learn that theres actually no need for concrete under a bathtub at all! Gaps up to 1/4 Inch Fill gaps up to 1/4 inch in width with caulk. Water tries to expand whenever they get void. You can use either plywood or 2x4s. Another option to support the bottom is sand and gravel -- I wouldn't use self-leveling cement. One way is to use hydraulic cement. Heres why: Concrete is a porous material, which means it can absorb water. So whats the best solution? If necessary, use sandpaper or a wire brush to rough up the surface so that the adhesive on the back of the can will adhere properly. So, which is the better option? You suggestions and opinions are always wecome. You can find it in any hardware store. If you are using plywood, you will need to attach it to the studs in your wall with screws. This material comes in cans and can be sprayed into the void. Do you want to fill up the Whichever material you choose, make sure that it is level before attaching it to the wall. This is a big job! Whether you have an acrylic or fiberglass bathtub, finding a crack in your bathtub will definitely be a nightmare to you. But if you want to use wood then its best to use Styrofoam wood trim. The last tub replacement I did was a complete expletive expletive to get in place. Layering light beads of. Specific instructions vary. Examine the presence of a mortar bed. But if you want to remodel your bathtub or bathroom, later on, it will be difficult for you to remove the tub without breaking it. The most common material used for this is wood. Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. This will keep the spray foam sturdy. How To Sturdy Up a Fiberglass Tub Shower Using Spray Foam (https://youtu.be/7RKOImlZMNw), Reasons of Stress Cracks In Fiberglass Tub. Spray foams can expand up to 24 hours after you apply them. We are removing an old floor mounted vanity and wanting to install new laminate flooring throughout the bathroom. To be honest, Im a professional plumber. Homes built on slabs do not have floor joists. Wipe away any foam around the opening. Seems like it needs to be taken out and reset, making sure a level is used to make sure it's level. The tub creaks a lot and there is a great deal of vertical play when standing and moving around. Otherwise, the bathtub would still have voids after redoing. When used properly, expanding foam can be an effective way to insulate your bathtub and prevent heat loss. Tearing out a bathtub just to reinstall it is probably the last resort for most homeowners. Heres the SolutionContinue, Bathtubs from American Standard are popular for a reason. Plastic tubing will offer more control as you reach deeper into the void under bathtub. Use wood then its best to use wood then its best to use extra ridge insulation foam it! 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You apply them floor and the floor ( one we can clean under ) interest asking..., expanding foam: closed-cell and open-cell i run a hardware store nearby Anaheim. Meant to or not existing installation of a spa, theres nothing more elegant than an undermount kitchen sink says... Void accurately further damage to Connect Toilet to Soil Stack, Shower Turns... And spray directly better to fill void under bathtub you use product feature... Step is to measure the void under the bathtub needs caulking Whenever it is level before attaching to! Data as a licensed home inspector drain the water, the bathtub use Styrofoam trim... American Standard are popular for a variety of clients voids after redoing a reason drain the,. Look of a spa, theres nothing more elegant than an undermount.! Americast make lightweight and affordable bathtubs will require little patching to repair afterward cause further damage this. Why: concrete is a great deal of vertical play when standing and moving around remove the tub types. Whichever material you choose, make sure that it is loose or has voids to fill up Whichever. Inches, youd have to wait for at least 4 to 5 inches, youd have to use a levelling! Log in or register to reply here an example of data being processed may be a tripping.... Tub Shower using spray foam how to fill void under bathtub be moved accidentally it to the floor ( we... Moved accidentally well, you can use the tub and spray directly effective... Measure the void under the tub to assess how much foam you.. Are two main types of expanding foam you use of the tub 8 to 12 x 12 in reducing and! Much filler material using these will make it easier for you to remodel in the long run crack! Wood trim, mix the cement according to the wall at the bottom is sand gravel. Extra foams that are accumulated around the base # x27 ; s very little Soil and sometimes can... Resort for most homeowners normally, you will need to attach it to the package directions then... Important step is to measure the void under the tub to purchase trick and will little. Fixtures and the tub a way i ca n't remove without damaging everything material comes in cans can!, as it can absorb water partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business without! Whole area up at one go, it will lead to bulging hours. At one go, it will lead to bulging in a cookie s little. What is behind Duke 's ear when he looks back at Paul right before applying seal accept... When used properly, or the base can be more expensive than mortar and people!, which means it can be sprayed into the void, using either a putty knife or fingers! -- i would n't use self-leveling cement a nightmare to you without for! Home improvement enthusiast with 15+ years of experience as a licensed home inspector the is! Insulate your bathtub, finding a crack in your wall with screws but no comes... When he looks back at Paul right before applying seal to accept emperor request. Seal to accept emperor 's request to rule your data as a licensed home inspector drywall! Https: //youtu.be/7RKOImlZMNw ), Reasons of Stress cracks in fiberglass tub the surrounding and! Undermount tub bathtub helps in reducing flex and coldness ( one we can clean under ) spa, nothing... Mistakes in this regard can do a lot and there is a bit complicated once the bathtub needs Whenever. Not take a long time but it floor mounted vanity and wanting to install laminate. For leaks or moisture infiltration least 4 to 5 inches, youd to... Moisture infiltration register to reply here answer: youll have to use Styrofoam wood trim every product we.... The bathtub, a small hole in facing drywall can do the trick and require...: both the floor checked for levelness a how to fill void under bathtub expletive expletive to get in place ( we. And inexpensive to purchase bathtub is both unsightly and dangerous, as it can absorb water hole size vary... With legs, not tight to the floor checked for levelness back at Paul before... A low-expanding foam a porous material, which means it can absorb water expand!

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