Installing a shower screen -- help!

Hoof_Hearted

Set myself the task of installing a new shower screen and started off OK. BUT, the old metal channels attached to the walls won't come off. I've taken out the screws and cleaned off the sealant but they are stuck fast. I can't get anything behind the channels and I have to be careful not to break the tiles. Any tips?

Hasbeen

Hoof_Hearted said:

Set myself the task of installing a new shower screen and started off OK. BUT, the old metal channels attached to the walls won't come off. I've taken out the screws and cleaned off the sealant but they are stuck fast. I can't get anything behind the channels and I have to be careful not to break the tiles. Any tips?

Probably silicon sealant behind channels. Stanley blade or similar sharp object required, push in behind and work blade down and up channel.

Have used one of these before, very thin with sharp edge: https://www.screwfix.com/p/no-nonsense-dual-moulded-filling-knife-2/13020

Hoof_Hearted

I have tried this but it is so tight to the wall that it is virtually impossible to get anything behind. I got one side off but I have broken the tiles by using too much force. I had no idea the silicone was so hard to deal with.

GDB2222

Try heating it? Use a hot air stripper, or even an iron.

Murmansk

You can get stuff that dissolves sealant although it'll be hard to actually get to the sealant to apply it as it's hidden behind the strip of metal. If you can fit a length of wood tightly into the metal strip you might be able to apply leverage to the strip such that one edge opens up a bit and then someone else can attack the sealant that'll then be exposed - or you could apply some of the dissolving stuff mentioned at the start. Using the leverage method is less likely to damage the tiles than trying to prise it off with a chisel or suchlike which will stress the tile, as you seem to have found. Using the leverage method, start at the top as you'll encounter less resistance there, then move downwards a few inches and do it again, eventually you'll break the bond.

If you have or know someone with a "multi-tool" that would probably be a good way of attacking the sealant when it's accessible.

Grenage

Try some fine dental floss; see if you can work it down the back from either side.

Hoof_Hearted

I am at the stage of "I wish I'd never started the f-ing thing". I have got half of the other side off and broken one tile so far. I had no idea it would be so difficult. Thank you for the suggestions.

neilmcl

Are you sure it's old silicone and not some sort of grab adhesive?

Hoof_Hearted

Definitely silicone. Anyway, it's off now and I'll set about replacing the tiles I have broken. I really appreciate all the suggestions. I would love to know how a professional would go about it.

GDB2222

Hoof_Hearted said:

Definitely silicone. Anyway, it's off now and I'll set about replacing the tiles I have broken. I really appreciate all the suggestions. I would love to know how a professional would go about it.

Pretty sure that they would warm the silicone up to soften it. 

Or warn that the tiles may break and charge extra for replacement.