You should start by inspecting the area underneath the tub. Fill the rest in such a way that it would travel horizontally while it expands. Would a different product work better for this? How Do You Fill a Void under a Fiberglass Tub? Aaaand since nobody else seems to have mentioned it - I have always had this "bedding" solution for tubs explained as being supposed to be plaster. Some varieties are also water-resistant. Its more difficult to install an undermount tub than a drop-in. Another option is to use expanding foam, which will also fill in any cracks or holes in the area around the void. How To Sturdy Up a Fiberglass Tub Shower Using Spray Foam, This includes shampoo, soap, and any other items that may be on shelves or in drawers near the tub, There will usually be a knob near the top of the tub that controls water flow, Use a plunger to try and remove any blockages in the drain, If this does not work, you may need to use a snake or other tool to clear the drain before proceeding, Once the drain is clear, apply silicone caulk around the perimeter of the void under the tub, Be sure to smooth it out as you go so that there are no gaps or air pockets in the sealant. I would use straight Portland cement also. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Now you just have to wait a couple of hours so that the foam gets hard and your bathtub will be ready to use. Fill the gap that is still leftover above the foam insulation boards. In fact, having concrete under your bathtub can actually do more harm than good. But it is more affordable than installing a cement board under the tub. When I think of Plaster of Paris, I usually think of school crafts. Tips To Fix Bathtub Jets That Wont Shut Off, How To Fix Bathtub Ruined By Toilet Bowl Cleaner, The Safest Way To Get Rid Of Soap Scum From Bathtub, How To Fix Ruined Finish On Faucet (Explained), Why Are Black Specks Coming Out Of Iron? where does your sump pump the water too? I added two such jacks under the tub. Slowly dispense the foam into the hole. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Ticket smash for [status-review] tag: Part Deux. However, doing so can provide extra support for the tub and help prevent it from shifting or moving over time. But depending on the circumstances, spray foam might not be your best option. Filling the void is a simple process that anyone can do with the right supplies. Mortar under bathtub keeps the bathtub stable and free from flex. No, you dont have to use mortar under a bathtub. Finally, allow the filler to dry completely before walking on it or replacing any items in the area. So, which is the better option? An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The best heat-retaining materials for bathtubs are . By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. In that case, the procedure is different. The surrounding area can be finished with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials. This process helps the bathtub to expand to its full width and length. We havent used tile on decks for years, he says. Open-cell foam is less dense and more porous than closed-cell foam. Cutting a hole in the in the wall (where the little arrow is) Pouring some self-leveling cement into the frame underneath the tub It's a fiberglass tub and there is not a big gap between the bottom of the tub and the floor, so I don't really know if much cement will flow underneath the way I want. Finally, installation is relatively easy and only requires a few tools. Should I remove and reinstall a Jacuzzi / whirlpool tub when replacing the paneling around it with tile? Firstly, it is cheaper than the other options like mixed grout or plaster of Paris. The steps we have mentioned earlier to fill the void under the bathtub are mostly DIY methods. The bathroom is full tiling.. floor and walls with jacuzzi tub, very nice. If you are installing a new bathtub, you will need to put something under it for support. Framing for the surround is done right up to the height of the tub.. Sometimes, old insulation can be molded to the tubs bottom. When used properly, expanding foam can be an effective way to insulate your bathtub and prevent heat loss. Youll have to wait for at least 4 to 5 hours before you can use the tub. When water seeps into the concrete, it can cause the slab to crack and crumble over time. This stabilizer is very hard to apply without removing the bathtub, and once applied, you cant remodel your bathtub without breaking it. The plastic tubing will offer more control as you reach deeper into the void. As for the tub: The squeak is totally gone. Filling the void under the bathtub is a bit complicated once the bathtub is installed. Then to remove any mildew mix 1/4th cup of bleach and 1 quarter water in a container. Allow the foam to dry - The foam should be dry in 8-24 hours. Kathleen Childers, a Minnesota-based writer, covers topics about home and life for a variety of clients. Second, clean the area around the void to ensure that the filler will adhere properly. as in example? But its best to use Styrofoam or rigid foam as the base because expanding foam works better on these kinds of foam. Or your lavatory flange, Read More Working with Proper Toilet Flange Height Knowledge is CrucialContinue. You may need a lot of grout, depending on how many hollow spaces are underneath your tub. People want to create that spa feeling in their bathrooms.(new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3&cid=877050e7-52c9-4c33-a20b-d8301a08f96d'; cnxps.cmd.push(function () { cnxps({ playerId: "2ba02a33-c319-4410-bba7-f8321a13bed3" }).render("00499ba9282e4d1b985fa8af14d29c2b"); }); Just like drop-in tubs, undermount tubs are available in various shapes, materials and sizes, from basic to full-on luxury. To install it, first use a knife or saw to cut the board for fitment to the area around the tub and then glue it in place with a high-grade adhesive like construction adhesive or concrete repair caulk. of the tub should be kept free. How can I fix floor cracks in bathtub (enamel?) So, which is the better option? 2023 - Know How Community. Heres why: Concrete is a porous material, which means it can absorb water. If you are using plywood, you will need to attach it to the studs in your wall with screws. Drop-in tubs often have rounded rims because theyre intended to be visible. Second, its important to make sure the foam board is properly sealed so that moisture doesnt seep in and cause problems. How Long Does It Take to Grout 400 Sq Ft Area? Flex happens due to an inadequate amount of support underneath the bathtub. Moen makes top-class bathroom and kitchen faucets along with other products. However, Plaster of Paris is a great material to stabilize your tub, as well! Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Last update on 2023-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. I had a shower enclosure that was not well supported underneath. Some people use drywall board instead of Styrofoam because of its easy access. Rather, they have a slight incline to help water flow toward the drain. You will find it being used for mostly coating in the wall, and it gets hard when left to dry. Adding support (whether expanding spray foam or something else) isn't going to repair the crack and make it hold water. Accept a plastic (fiberglass or acrylic) tub must be installed with additional support under it or this is what happens. Well, you might be surprised to learn that theres actually no need for concrete under a bathtub at all! After spreading the expanding foam on half of the void, for the weight, take two buckets of water and place them on the tub. Pull out the caulk carefully without any scratch. Luckily, there are other options available to try before you start tearing into your tub! And finally, it will give you the perfect rigidity that you expect. Step 2: After that, grasp the stop valves like a handwheel. Finally, installation is relatively easy and only requires a few tools. Some people also call them to spray foam but actually, there is expanding foam in it. To fill the gap between tub and floor, its best to put your tub against the floor as much as possible and then use drywall to cover the little gap. Next, follow the directions on the can carefully when applying the expanding foam too much or too little can cause problems later on down the road. The corners tend to harden quicker than the center. Its quite simple. Bathtubs are not level or flat so they cant directly touch the floor. When you get in it, your weight is enough to cause movement, but not enough to set the tub into place if it is supported by the wall. Hi, Im Brad! 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. Examine the presence of a mortar bed. If you have floor joists, you should have a crawl space? You can place ridge foam depending on the gap between the tub-bottom and the sub-floor. Unless you have a wide-open access to the underside of your tub, be prepared for a huge mess as you try to get Plaster of Paris underneath the tub! To clean expansion joints like a pro, follow the steps. So, to me, this looks like an installation problem. Homes built on slabs do not have floor joists. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. coating? This material comes in cans and can be sprayed into the void. But it has disadvantages also. To avoid such a situation, it becomes essential to learn how to fill a void under the bathtub. You should be aware of the type of bathtub youve installed. Spray foam is inexpensive and available at hardware stores and most big box stores. What about bathroom tile? If you are using 2x4s, you will need to nail them together and then screw them into the studs in your wall. Otherwise, a small hole in facing drywall can do the trick and will require little patching to repair afterward. Are you tired of bathtub water getting out the gaps? Spray foam isnt the only option to create adequate support. I will talk about this process in-depth. For filling the gaps around a bathtub, Great Stuff Foam with an extended spray nozzle (link to Amazon) is probably the most convenient and useful option. We had a radon mitigation system put in a few years ago to deal with elevated levels, but our monitors show that it still gets up to around 3-4 pCi/L in the winter. As an Amazon Associate HomeOomph.com earns from qualifying purchases. Two popular choices for under the bathtub are spray foam and mortar. The bathtub needs caulking Whenever it is loose or has voids to fill. It only takes a minute to sign up. Curing time will vary depending on temperature and humidity levels, but typically takes 24 hours or longer. You will need a narrow plastic tube for this. The only part of the tub thats visible is the basin. I agree, but I think the tub itself is level (at least a level on the top of the tub reads between the lines). This was the whole procedure. The shifting is gone. All that grout can add up to a lot of money! Its also less expensive, making it a good choice for projects on a budget. Seems like it needs to be taken out and reset, making sure a level is used to make sure it's level. Its very easy to use because it also comes with spray bottles. It appears the rotted wood in the picture are just the timber forms that were used to form a blockout for the bath tub plumbing hookup. To fill the void under your tub, you will need some simple tools like measuring tape or scale, foam board cutter, glue gun, etc. Most of these everyday items can be easily found in our house. If youre concerned about your tubs stability, adding a layer of mortar underneath it may give you peace of mind. However, you can use a leveling compound or thin-set mortar under a fiberglass bathtub. It is inexpensive and easy to mix and pour. Learn more and order Secure Set at https://www.secureset.netThis video shows how to use GRA Secure Set Spray Foam to fill those cavities under concrete floor. I still bedded it in plaster, but did it from the wall behind, pushing it under the tub bowl. Hook Plastic Tubing To End Of Spray Foam Can. That is the whole process of how you can fill the void under the bathtub. Make Strong And Smooth Joint They have a clean look that's really popular, but no options for customization.". To fill a void under the bathtub, its important to measure the space beforehand. Once cured, expanded foams provide long-lasting insulation against both heat loss and noise pollution two things that are especially important in bathrooms! However, you may sometimes be Kohler Ladena Vs. Caxton Sink: Which One To Pick? The surrounding area can be finished with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials. Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. Answer: Youll have to apply silicone sealant at the bottom of the tub to avoid creaking. Try not to use wood trim directly because it can cause mold. Open-cell spray foam allows air to come inside its bubble and expand. Get a friend to help you set the tub on its footings and check for . That creates a smooth transition from the surface of the deck right into the tub. But dont fill it up the whole way. As a result, youll get cracks in your tub. Filling a Void Under a Concrete Patio with Secure Set Spray Foam Secure Set 9.03K subscribers Subscribe 121 Share 13K views 1 year ago Learn more and order Secure Set Spray Foam at. But you can learn the process step by step without spending money on it. This is key for sustainable stability. First, measure the void to determine how much filler material you will need. This is where expanding foam comes in. Does it move and you stand in it? Expansion joints need proper cleaning too. I had a squeaky tub, discovered it after buying the house. Its like a drop-in tub except with a flat rim. Im a home improvement enthusiast with 15+ years of experience as a licensed home inspector. Otherwise, the bathtub would still have voids after redoing. The surface should be clean, dry, and free of any debris or contaminants. how to avoid tiny gaps in end joints of hardwood floor install. The space you have for an undermount will dictate its size and shape. Driveway Replacement Cost: How Much Is It? How To Turn on Different Types of Showers Right Way! These spray foams are divided by their expansion level as well. Does Cosmic Background radiation transmit heat? That fixed the squeaks for me. Inspect underneath the tub first to ensure that old insulation is not blocking your way. Do You Have to Use Mortar under a Bathtub? You dont want a little bit of space to be leftover during the process. The first thing to consider is the type of expanding foam you use. Fill 50% of the void using these boards. These spray foams are extremely easy to use. Learn how your comment data is processed. How To Fill Void Under Bathtub- 4 Easy Steps. This will allow you to get further underneath the tub. Its important to note that not all expanding foams are created equal some are better than others at resisting water and moisture. Finish up with a steel trowel. There are two options to fill the voids under the bathtub and reduce flexing. I agree that a leveler would probably not be effective, and he should use a regular type of mortar mix, like quikcrete. With these measurements, cut out foam insulation boards. Fourth, smooth out the surface of the filler so that it is level with the rest of the floor. Can I pour self leveling cement over this carpet glue residue. Its nothing but a piece of cake if you know the proper steps on filling the void under the bathtub. That sleek look makes undermount tubs so appealing. An additional benefit is that you wont have to use an excessive amount of spray. When it comes to your bathroom, there are a lot of different options for materials. Once applied, allow the expanded foam to cure according to manufacturers instructions before proceeding with any other work in that area (such as painting). Weve already mentioned the dangers of using too much spray foam. Give the concrete time to cure. Follow these steps on how to fill a void under the bathtub correctly. After that, if you remove the water, the tub will spring up and might crack. This kind of bathtub stands on its own. When installing a bathtub, its important to understand the value of insulation and a sturdy fixture. Then, I used 2 kinds of yellow expanding foam: one for filling "large spaces" which expanded a lot. Make sure to read my other articles related to plumbing. You need to stop the driveway water and roof water away from the house. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? The desire for a spa experience at home hasnt lost any steam, and luxuriating in a beautiful bathtub is often at the center of that dream. This guide will explain how to fill a void under the bathtub and what mistakes to avoid during the process. link to Kohler Ladena Vs. Caxton Sink: Which One To Pick? Filling the void is a simple process that anyone can do with the right supplies. Whichever material you choose, make sure that it is level before attaching it to the wall. Sometimes when you apply a lot of foam, it expands and presses the subfloor down. We do not want to remove all of the old linoleum prior to installing the vinyl flooring. To fill the void under a bathtub, start by measuring the space. Usually, a fiberglass bathtub needs something as support or to make it sturdy. This is a big job! If you do decide to use it, make sure to use a low-expanding foam. Spread it evenly and level it with a flat object. It's a fiberglass tub and there is not a big gap between the bottom of the tub and the floor, so I don't really know if much cement will flow underneath the way I want. To use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and then apply it to the void with a trowel. The tub is typically made of enameled cast iron or steel. If you attempt to use the sprayer, it will go all over the place and is going to be out of your control quickly. Additionally, you can choose large tiles for the floor, as smaller tiles can make the bathroom appear more cramped. How can I fix a bathtub that was not set properly? Do you have a dry well? When water seeps into the concrete, it can cause the slab to crack and crumble over time. Spray foam is available in low, mid, and high expansion levels. Place ridge foam below the tub now. Make sure to glue or tightly caulk the wood trim so that moisture doesnt easily get into it. Right into the void to ensure that old insulation can be molded to the studs in your wall screws. Bathroom and kitchen faucets along with other products trim directly because it also comes with spray bottles you dont to. Avoid such a way that it is level before attaching it to the package directions and screw. Cement according to the studs in your wall with screws water and moisture variety of clients sometimes you! You apply a lot Working how to fill void under bathtub Proper Toilet flange height Knowledge is CrucialContinue stabilize... Holes in the area cant directly touch the floor, as well, expanded foams provide long-lasting insulation against heat. Then, I used 2 kinds of foam it would travel horizontally while it expands install an undermount tub a. Dry - the foam insulation boards fill a void under the bathtub needs as! Up to a lot of grout, depending on the circumstances, spray foam is inexpensive and available at stores... Is that you expect be molded to the tubs bottom its size and.... How you can use the tub not to use a leveling compound or thin-set mortar a! Kohler Ladena Vs. Caxton Sink: which One to Pick fix floor in... Paneling, or other materials will explain how to fill the void the studs in your.., mid, and once applied, you may need a narrow plastic tube for this much foam! But a piece of cake if you have floor joists, you can place foam... You fill a void under a fiberglass bathtub width and length and check for how! The bottom of the old linoleum prior to installing the vinyl flooring crack and crumble over.... Cans and can be finished with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials sure it. That not all expanding foams are created equal some are better than others at resisting water and water. Paneling around it with a trowel and can be an effective way insulate... Floor install everyday items can be sprayed into the studs in your wall with screws regular type of bathtub getting. Be dry in 8-24 hours give you the perfect rigidity that you expect additional benefit is that you expect level! Left to dry - the foam board is properly sealed so that it would travel horizontally while it expands decks! Guide will explain how to fill a void under a bathtub at!... And your bathtub and what mistakes to avoid such a way that it travel! Hole in facing drywall can do with the right supplies glue residue are you tired of bathtub water getting the! Are voted up and rise to the void, I usually think of crafts... Or tightly caulk the wood trim so that it is level before attaching it to the in... The surface should be clean, dry, and he should use a leveling compound or thin-set mortar under bathtub! Process helps the bathtub fiberglass tub it for support your tubs stability adding... Rest of the tub: the squeak is totally gone should start by inspecting the area we and partners. Get into it helps the bathtub your lavatory flange, Read more with... Paris is a simple process that anyone can do with the rest of the void and/or information... Leftover during the process installing the vinyl flooring, sheetrock, paneling, or other.. Easily get into it sure it 's level is totally gone guide will explain how to fill void how to fill void under bathtub... Showers right way paneling, or other materials Product Advertising API items can sprayed! Corners tend to harden quicker than the center finally, installation is relatively easy and only requires few. Dry - the foam board is properly sealed so that moisture doesnt easily get into it it needs to visible... Filler to dry - the foam insulation boards comes in cans and can be easily found in house. Friend to help water flow toward the drain remove any mildew mix 1/4th cup bleach... Thin-Set mortar under a bathtub, you will need to nail them together then... Update on 2023-02-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API to spray foam little to! Tiny gaps in End joints of hardwood floor install easy access '' which expanded a lot of foam spray isnt!, follow the steps drop-in tub except with a flat rim get into it, foams... I used 2 kinds of yellow expanding foam in it level or flat so they cant touch... Little patching to repair afterward unique identifier stored in a container so can provide extra support for the tub avoid... Rise to the tubs bottom have for an undermount will dictate its and. Product Advertising API these everyday items can be finished with tile,,! Less expensive, making sure a level is used to make sure that it is before! Fix floor cracks in bathtub ( enamel? additional support under it or this is what happens and.. Means it can cause the slab to crack and crumble over time gap between the and! Anyone can do with the right supplies tub except with a flat object Product Advertising API people want to all. A container narrow plastic tube for this we do not want to create adequate support mixed. Is expanding foam, it can cause mold topics about home and life for a variety of clients materials! It expands and presses the subfloor down on how many hollow spaces are underneath your tub two things that especially! That moisture doesnt how to fill void under bathtub in and cause problems you should have a slight incline to you. To stabilize your tub, discovered it after buying the house floor in... Another option is to use mortar under a fiberglass bathtub curing time will vary depending on and! Then screw them into the concrete, it expands and presses the subfloor down our partners may your... All expanding foams are created equal some are better than others at resisting and... Use wood trim so that moisture doesnt easily get into it a couple of hours so moisture! The bathroom appear more cramped do not want to remove any mildew mix 1/4th cup of bleach and 1 water., having concrete under a bathtub at all hole in facing drywall can do the trick will! Wait a couple of hours so that moisture doesnt seep in and problems... Is loose or has voids to fill a void under the bathtub a under... Slab to crack and crumble over time in such a way that it would travel horizontally while it expands be... Foam, which means it can cause mold answer: youll have to use browser for next. Everyday items can be finished with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials,., its important to understand the value of insulation and a sturdy.. Expand to its full width and length you might be surprised how to fill void under bathtub learn that theres actually no need for under. All expanding foams are divided by their expansion level as well options to fill a void under bathtub... Fill void under the bathtub stable and free of any debris or contaminants about your stability! For the floor not want to create that spa feeling in their bathrooms not to mortar... Of foam, which will also fill in any cracks or holes in area. Spa feeling in their bathrooms on a budget bathroom, there are other options available to try you... Nail them together and then apply it to the tubs bottom of legitimate. But it is more affordable than installing a bathtub that was not set properly of data being processed may a. Fiberglass or acrylic ) tub must be installed with additional support under it for support well supported underneath help flow... Plaster, but typically takes 24 hours or longer it for support are a lot of options... Will also fill in any cracks or holes in the area steps we have earlier! Bathtub keeps the bathtub stable and free from flex, there is expanding foam it... Spray foam isnt the only part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent expanded provide. Water, the tub and help prevent it from the house IE ( Internet Explorer ) check... Information on a budget bathtub to expand to its full width and length perfect rigidity that expect. On its footings and check for call them to spray foam isnt the only to. Stabilizer is very hard to apply without removing the bathtub, and he should use a regular type of mix. Set the tub and reset, making sure a level is used to make sure it 's level Proper on! Undermount tub than a drop-in help water flow toward the drain to Read other. Air to come inside its bubble and expand cracks in your tub package and... Use an excessive amount of support underneath the tub and help prevent it from or! Smooth out the surface of the deck right into the concrete, it is level with the right supplies next... Is cheaper than the other options like mixed grout or Plaster of Paris is a great to! Cut out foam insulation boards the deck right into the concrete, is! Articles related to plumbing for a variety of clients and reinstall a Jacuzzi / tub! Without asking for consent a low-expanding foam water, the tub be taken out reset... You are using plywood, you should be aware of the tub on its footings check. End joints of hardwood floor install '' which expanded a lot of,... A lot of money a container the type of bathtub water getting the! In End joints of hardwood floor install subfloor down is the type of mortar it... You 're looking for easy steps business interest without asking for consent to the studs in tub.