New shower cubicle leaking & retention in contract

DRP

Hi,

Our new shower cubicle is leaking between the frame & glass when the shower is used (not where the frame meets the wall, the leak is where the glass sits in the frame). Not a huge amount but visible drips/pooling at 3 points on the tray base external to the cubicle. The builder has come back and applied silicon bead To the outside where glass meets frame, but this hasn’t worked 100 percent so we will need to get them back in. I suppose for me this suggests the install wasn’t correct. Another visit and more silicon might fix for now, but actually is this going to last? 

This work was part of a new loft conversion. The loft is essentially complete & I have received all the building control docs. There is a 5 percent retention which hasn’t been paid.

In these circumstances, what do you think it is reasonable to expect? Something other than more silicon?

tacpot12

I think it is reasonable to expect that the cubicle doesn't leak, and that builder will come back to sort this out. I think it is also reasonable that you keep the retention back until it is resolved. It could cost quite a bit to resolve the matter if the cubicle has been damaged. 

I think I would suggest that you and the builder call the cubicle manufacturer together for advice on how to troubleshoot this problem. I expect the manufacturer (if UK based) will know all the different ways in which the cubicle can be installed incorrectly, and what the correct fix is. The cubicle will need to be removed and returned if it can't be made watertight. 

andyhop

Tray perimeter edge should have been siliconed prior to fitting the enclosure, then the enclosure should have been fitted and the wall posts and front edge siliconed

If you are placing directly spray against the glass and enclosure against then expect leaking, they are all butt joins and there are very few manufactures now that state they are leak proof on direct spray 

DRP

Thanks for the comments.

Pre-repair, it was leaking very obviously during normal use. 

Since they siliconed it I am not sure, as we’ve understandably been paying closer attention!

Belenus

I am uncertain if this applies in your case but sealant should normally only be applied to the outside of the frame and not to the inside.

That allows water getting into the frame to drain back inside into the shower tray and not outside it onto the floor..

southcoastrgi

I would have suggested that your builder didn't try to fix the problem, if it is indeed leaking between the glass & frame this is a manufacturer issue & not a DIY fix, however they may now refuse to address the issue

DRP

southcoastrgi said:

I would have suggested that your builder didn't try to fix the problem, if it is indeed leaking between the glass & frame this is a manufacturer issue & not a DIY fix, however they may now refuse to address the issue

That’s disregarding that there is likely to have been an error installing the thing though, right? This isn’t months later, it leaked the first time it was used.

Another_Level

What's the manufacture of the shower enclosure, did the builder supply it ?

Fitted many shower enclosures, some have had mysterious glass to frame water leaks that were put down to poor delivery/handling by couriers.
Have removed the factory fitted glass to frame trim's and bedded them back in with quality clear silicone, immediately solved the leaks.

Usually the installer will test the shower enclosure for leaks before handing it over to the customer 

Water could be leaking out of the frame for a few reasons.  What to do, consider getting an independent report and quote (its chargeable) for rectifying the leaks from a bathroom installer not a builder.

Hope you get it sorted, the retention idea is genius 

Ant555

FWIW - I have a recently fitted shower screen - one of those pieces of glass rather than a cubicle.  It has a very tiny leak where the glass meets the shower base that I am going to ask the fitters to come back and look at -  If I scrutinize the area in question, its bizarre as the water just appears out of nowhere, its as if there is a tiny, tiny hole or pressure point that seems to give birth to a blob of water every now and then. It doesnt seep out, a drop of water just appears before your eyes. I did think the water must have been going over the screen and running down the outside but ive tested it.  The silicone looks absolutely immaculate even but here is obviously a tiny weak spot.