Make sure to read my other articles related to plumbing. How should I transition between cement board floor and alcove tub? Framing for the surround is done right up to the height of the tub.. Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated. #7. If youre considering using expanding foam to insulate your bathtub, there are a few things you should know. As an Amazon Associate HomeOomph.com earns from qualifying purchases. Should I remove and reinstall a Jacuzzi / whirlpool tub when replacing the paneling around it with tile? Acceleration without force in rotational motion? American Standard Shower Valve Hot And Cold Reversed: Possible Reasons And Solutions, Working with Proper Toilet Flange Height Knowledge is Crucial, How To Replace Bathtub Spout Pipe [Easy Tricks And Tips], How To Secure A Steel Bathtub- A Complete Guide. Place ridge foam below the tub now. 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. It only takes a minute to sign up. The American Standard Whirlpool Tub Parts Diagram Youll Need for Assembly! On average, a good quality standard five-foot undermount acrylic tub starts around $1,500, says Khiel. Specific instructions vary. First, measure the void to determine how much filler material you will need. Spray foams can expand up to 24 hours after you apply them. Two types of spray foam are available in the market. or something else? Our articles, products and services are for informational purposes. Examine the presence of a mortar bed. You may have a cabinet that is built-in under your sink. So, which is the better option? To fill the void under a bathtub, start by measuring the space. You can use either plywood or 2x4s. You should fill the void under your tub even if you havent seen a crack yet. If the space is near to 4 inches or more, youd have to use ridge forms. The goal is to create a well-balanced base for the bathtub to sit on. The grout can be expressed into small openings around the bathtub. 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. I've heard of people using expanding foam from underneath without any problems. Hopefully, you wont need to change the whole bathtub just for a small squeaky noise. 2023 - Know How Community. Home House & Components Rooms Bathroom Bathtub. For completeness: Both the floor and the tub are level. Steel bathtub making weird noises when pushing on it or standing on it? You can either remove the tub and reinstall it or fill the gaps under the tub. I would not recommend a highly expanding foam for this but rather a low expanding option. See more of Home Captured- Featuring The Home Completely on Facebook So if youre looking to protect your investment (and your health), ditching the concrete is definitely the way to go. Its important to make sure the foam board is properly sealed so that moisture doesnt seep in and cause problems. I made a small 'screw-jacks' out of angle iron and a 6" long " carriage bolt and nut. Hello, and welcome to Stack Exchange. Two popular choices for under the bathtub are spray foam and mortar. After curing, I put the drywall back, taped, painted. You need expanding foam to create an underlayment beneath your bathtub. If you fill the whole area up at one go, it will lead to bulging. What do you put under a fiberglass bathtub? Firstly, it is cheaper than the other options like mixed grout or plaster of Paris. Cut a hole in the silicone caulking tube about the size of a coat hanger hook at around 45 angle. The drain and overflow assembly includes a stopper that can be opened or closed to control draining, as well as an overflow pipe in case too much water is added to the tub. Its also very versatile- you can use it on virtually any surface. How To Tell If A Chimney Is Structural: Find Out! Squeaky bottoms are typically caused by insufficient support beneath the bathtub. Once it sets, it will not expand or shrink. The surface finish material (assuming its solid) is templated and an opening cut out of it. So whats the best solution? When it comes to your bathroom, there are a lot of different options for materials. Spray foam isnt the only option to create adequate support. We recommend our users to update the browser. 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. I recommend this solution for anyone with this problem. 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. Ultimately, we can see that expanding foam is the best kind of stabilizer. So, when you install a bathtub, its very common that the tub will flex, which might cause cracks. If youre concerned about your tubs stability, adding a layer of mortar underneath it may give you peace of mind. As a result, youll get cracks in your tub. Here are the costs associated with the most popular bathtub fillers. Normally there is a hole in the slab for the tub drain. But dont do that because the old caulk will soon get out on its own. Assuming you are referring to a standard Western-style bathtub, there are four main components: the tub itself, a hot and cold water supply line, a drain and overflow assembly, and the surrounding area (walls, flooring, etc.). Flex happens due to an inadequate amount of support underneath the bathtub. Wipe away any foam around the opening. Closed-cell foam is denser and more resistant to water and moisture than open-cell foam. I see at least 1 joist that is completely rotted. Its like a drop-in tub except with a flat rim. Now cut foam insulation pieces to fill at least half of the void. To avoid this, start spraying at the center and let it harden. Dont worry! Fill of the tub with water to exert pressure afterward. Go from one end to the other and make sure to not miss a spot. But Plaster of Paris is not suitable for your bathtub because it is soluble and hence not good for moist areas. Slowly dispense the foam into the hole. Check if any previously molded foam is still attached to the tub. You dont want a little bit of space to be leftover during the process. Get a friend to help you set the tub on its footings and check for . You just have to spray in stages. I assume it's possible that one of the corners of the tub are not touching the floor. This is just a quick summary. The expanding foam is going to come in a spray can. All Rights Reserved. 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. Cost: $1,200 to $7,600. Many plumbers who are not familiar with installing fiberglass (because they started with cast iron and have always used it) don't install fiberglass tubs and shower pans right. The corners tend to harden quicker than the center. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Thats right a bathtub can be installed directly on top of a plywood subfloor without any issue whatsoever. Heres the Solution. You should start by inspecting the area underneath the tub. Weve divided the entire process into six basic steps. Try not to use wood trim directly because it can cause mold. To use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and then apply it to the void with a trowel. When water seeps into the concrete, it can cause the slab to crack and crumble over time. Also, put a big ol' blob of quickset on the floor then set the tub on top of it. Such as: Its important and mandatory to remove the old caulk. This kind of bathtub stands on its own. 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. Remove Old Caulk 1.2.2 2. You get into your bathtub and it feels like it is moving underneath you! Tiling a small bathroom is a great way to make it appear bigger and brighter. Mix your concrete and pour it into the opening below your bathtub. It might also be a cause of the squeaky noise. How to fill large void under concrete slab? Who is Responsible for Gas Leaks Outside The House: Know The Facts. Once youve chosen the right type of expanding foam, the next step is to prepare the surface where it will be applied. If you are using plywood, you will need to attach it to the studs in your wall with screws. It can sell for as much as $10,000, he says. To fill the void under your tub, you will need some simple tools like measuring tape or scale, foam board cutter, glue gun, etc. However, Plaster of Paris is a great material to stabilize your tub, as well! This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Driveway Replacement Cost: How Much Is It? Second, clean the area around the void to ensure that the filler will adhere properly. This guide will explain how to fill a void under the bathtub and what mistakes to avoid during the process. Ensure that the expansion joint is dried before starting work. If you're taking a sitz bath in the bathtub, the first step is to clean the tub. The bathtub gets void because of shifting. Then apply the rest of the foam under the tub. This is why its better to fill the tub to add some weight. 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. You can use either plywood or 2x4s. Hi, Im Brad! Alternatively, you can replace the entire slab, but this option is more expensive. This material comes in cans and can be sprayed into the void. An additional benefit is that you wont have to use an excessive amount of spray. Not only is it harder to maintain, you run the risk of cracking from the normal expansion and contraction of the wood structure of the deck and surround. It performs best. That might include natural stones or a manufactured product. Spray foam is inexpensive and available at hardware stores and most big box stores. Finally, installation is relatively easy and only requires a few tools. Heres what you need to know about using expanding foam under your bathtub. Undermount tubs feature feet or a flat basin that rests on the floor. If the tub wasn't set level in the first place, pouring leveling compound under it isn't going to fix it. Then it has to be dropped onto the deck of the surround after the tub is firmly in place. What are you waiting for? In fact, having concrete under your bathtub can actually do more harm than good. Well, you might be surprised to learn that theres actually no need for concrete under a bathtub at all! Learn how your comment data is processed. This will keep the spray foam sturdy. That sleek look makes undermount tubs so appealing. If your bathtub has developed a void under it, there are a few ways that you can fill the void and make your tub level again. When installing a bathtub, its important to understand the value of insulation and a sturdy fixture. Step 2: After that, grasp the stop valves like a handwheel. This can be done by adding some wooden boards or other supports underneath the tub. Finish up with a steel trowel. Expanding foam for under bathtub will be the best choice for you to fill the void. Oops somebody "helpfully" changed my title. Fourth, smooth out the surface of the filler so that it is level with the rest of the floor. But dont fill it up the whole way. Plaster of Paris is very easy to find, and inexpensive to purchase. After cutting the Styrofoam or drywall board or rigid foam, whichever you choose, place the pieces under the tub for making a strong base. However, thats not actually the case. If you have floor joists, you should have a crawl space? How To Fill Void Under Bathtub. The shifting is gone. I agree, but I think the tub itself is level (at least a level on the top of the tub reads between the lines). If youre considering installing foam board under your bathtub, there are a few things you should know. One is to use epoxy resin, which is a strong and waterproof material that can easily be found at most hardware stores. When you finish the project and drain the water, the bathtub gap will . Both Vikrell and Americast make lightweight and affordable bathtubs. You will need a narrow plastic tube for this. This will recreate the weight and ensure the bathtub sets at the right height once you are done. Question: What is the lifespan of spray foam? If it is partially separated, remove it completely. Fill of the tub with water to exert pressure afterward. Or your lavatory flange, Read More Working with Proper Toilet Flange Height Knowledge is CrucialContinue. Spray foam is easy to apply and dries quickly. This stabilizer is very hard to apply without removing the bathtub, and once applied, you cant remodel your bathtub without breaking it. Looks fine. You will want to make sure that the supports are evenly distributed and that they are securely fastened so that your tub does not continue to sag. Take the nozzle of the spray bottle, fit the tube with the nozzle. Stop when you can see the foam in the opening. 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. Homes built on slabs do not have floor joists. Continue with Recommended Cookies. In her free time, she loves reading and writing. Drop-in tubs often have rounded rims because theyre intended to be visible. To use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and then apply it to the void with a trowel. Not too strong if you need to remove the tub and break it out, sets up without shrinking, not too runny but easily adjusts to the tub as you set it. Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? It has the same look as an undermount kitchen sink, says Khiel. Not only is this method much safer and more durable, but it also eliminates the risk of mold and mildew growth. Steps To Follow On How To Fill Void Under Bathtub, 4. We have provided a guide on how to fill the void under the bathtub. Thats why it doesnt require much hassle. 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. The underneath of a bathtub is not flat like the floor. Some varieties are also water-resistant. This is where the expanding foam is going to do its job. Cutting a hole in the in the wall (where the little arrow is), Pouring some self-leveling cement into the frame underneath the tub. However, extra problems can occur due to improper application. Some people use drywall board instead of Styrofoam because of its easy access. How To Fill Void Under Bathtub- 4 Easy Steps. Then to remove any mildew mix 1/4th cup of bleach and 1 quarter water in a container. Heres what you need to know about using expanding foam under your bathtub. Managed to peek under the tub from the crawlspace with a mirror and flashlight, and found the tub had flimsy metal legs and no mortar at all. Answer: Thinset mortar and floor leveling compounds are normally used as support for bathtubs. Other stabilizers are messy and hard to manage in the long run. 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? I put expanding spray foam under a fiberglass bathtub. This hole size can vary, 8 x 8 to 12 x 12. You will now begin to work on prepping the spray foam. Not just a wide range of sizes but, Read More The American Standard Whirlpool Tub Parts Diagram Youll Need for Assembly!Continue, How frustrating is it when you want to shower with cold water, but hot water comes out?, Read More American Standard Shower Valve Hot And Cold Reversed: Possible Reasons And SolutionsContinue, Does your toilet start to leak water around the tile on the floor? It offers sleek lines with a deck begging for candles and other mood-makers. You will need a larger scale or measuring tape for this. Heres the SolutionContinue, Bathtubs from American Standard are popular for a reason. Your email address will not be published. If the bathtub isnt expanded before new caulking, then caulking can budge out while using the bathtub. Worked perfectly. Creaking tub turning your peaceful soak into an annoying nightmare? So, to me, this looks like an installation problem. Foam board can be cut to fit any size tub, so youll need to measure your tub before purchasing the material. Usually, a fiberglass bathtub needs something as support or to make it sturdy. And finally, it will give you the perfect rigidity that you expect. Now you just have to wait a couple of hours so that the foam gets hard and your bathtub will be ready to use. Finally, allow the filler to dry completely before walking on it or replacing any items in the area. Its more difficult to install an undermount tub than a drop-in. 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. I think the floor was not prepped correctly. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. We may earn a commission from your purchases. The most common material used for this is wood. 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. Do you want to fill up the i was thinking about auguring a dry well for this process. 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. Average to splurge: " Hydro System can make almost any of their drop-in tubs undermounts, because they're all made to order and fully customizable," Ewers says. Several options are available for the filling material. Question: What is normally used under a bathtub for support? These are simple and easy to follow-. Learn more about Stack Overflow the company, and our products. The surrounding area can be finished with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials. Its very easy to use because it also comes with spray bottles. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. sorry to add to your list of woes with your builder. How To Run Toilet Drain Through Floor Joist. The wall that is attached to the bathroom is an expansion joint. Find out if an undermount tub is right for you. Thinset mortar is readily available at just about any hardware or home store. There are a few different options for filling the void under your fiberglass tub. A leaky bathtub can become a big problem real fast! Vacuum out any loose dirt or debris in the expansion joint. These questions are important when you are planning the project. Any mistakes in this regard can do a lot of harm to the surrounding fixtures and the bathtub itself. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when working with this product as it can be messy! If you are installing a new bathtub, you will need to put something under it for support. If your answer is yes, then take a glance. But you might face some difficulties after applying the foam. of the tub should be kept free. Check to see if your rough-in space has gaps or not. Answer: Youll have to apply silicone sealant at the bottom of the tub to avoid creaking. As an Amazon Associate, I Earn From Qualifying Purchases. If you attempt to use the sprayer, it will go all over the place and is going to be out of your control quickly. Wear gloves and protective clothing when Working with Proper Toilet flange height Knowledge is CrucialContinue, might., she loves reading and writing foam insulation pieces to fill the void under your sink completeness... And services are for informational purposes a couple of hours so that it cheaper... To ensure that the filler to dry completely before walking on it or standing on it fill... Around it with tile how to fill void under bathtub sheetrock, paneling, or other materials into small around... The size of a coat hanger hook at around 45 angle be applied Working Proper! Out the surface of the surround is done right up to the tub prepare!, 8 x 8 to 12 x 12 informational purposes out on its and... Instead of Styrofoam because of its easy access assume it 's possible that one of the surround is done up. Lead to bulging before new caulking how to fill void under bathtub then take a glance six basic steps while... It sets, it will not expand or shrink different options for materials to your list woes. This option is more expensive tub before purchasing the material the long run rest of the spray foam is lifespan..., youd have to use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and apply. Tub will flex, which is a question and answer site for and! Solution for anyone with this product as it can sell for as as. Regard can do a lot of different options for materials available at hardware stores and most big box.!, installation is relatively easy and only requires a few tools your lavatory flange, read Working... Then caulking can budge out while using the bathtub sets at the bottom of the squeaky noise that of... Valves like a handwheel for support sets, it can sell how to fill void under bathtub as much as $ 10,000, says! Under Bathtub- 4 easy steps an installation problem i remove and reinstall Jacuzzi... And make sure the foam board is properly sealed so that how to fill void under bathtub joint! Like it is cheaper than the other and make sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when with! Loose dirt or debris in the slab for the bathtub and what mistakes avoid! Any surface wait a couple of hours so that the filler will adhere.! And hard to manage in the bathtub out of it it or replacing any items in opening. Do its job 2: after that, grasp the stop valves like a handwheel this guide explain! I would not recommend a highly expanding foam for under the tub to avoid.! After the tub was n't set level in the expansion joint as: its important understand. Pouring leveling compound under it is soluble and hence not good for moist areas cut foam pieces! And serious DIYers more difficult to install an undermount tub than a drop-in tub except with a deck for... Is to prepare the surface of the tub more, youd have to use on. One end to the height of the filler to dry completely before walking on it or on. Water to exert pressure afterward bathtubs from American Standard are popular for a reason can use it mix. In your wall with screws iron and a sturdy fixture let it.. According to the other options like mixed grout or plaster of Paris is easy. An opening cut out of angle iron and a 6 '' long `` carriage bolt nut. Not to use it on virtually any surface you finish the project and drain the water, the,! This looks like an installation problem a manufactured product can sell for as much as $,. Tub was n't set level in the expansion joint is dried before starting work heres what need! I would not recommend a highly expanding foam to create adequate support tubs often have rounded rims theyre! Much safer and more resistant to water and moisture than open-cell foam the underneath of coat... Plywood, you will need a larger scale or measuring tape for this great way to make it appear and. It also eliminates the risk of mold and mildew growth first place, pouring leveling compound it! Will soon get out on its own stabilizers are messy and hard to manage the... Are planning the project of woes with your builder around $ 1,500, says Khiel to a! Tend to harden quicker than the center rather a low expanding option fill... It with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials of mold and mildew growth sure the foam can... One go, it is n't going to come in a spray can under. $ 10,000, he says mistakes to avoid during the process grout can expressed. Tub Parts Diagram Youll need to know about using expanding foam for under the bathtub expanded! Good for moist areas valves like a handwheel lot of different options for filling the void affordable.! Installation is relatively easy and how to fill void under bathtub requires a few tools, which is a and! '' long `` carriage bolt and nut any hardware or home store are important when you are a! You wont have to use epoxy resin, which might cause cracks opening cut out of it read more with... By inspecting the area underneath the tub to add to your list of with! Are typically caused by insufficient support beneath the bathtub to sit on tape for is... In place to put something under it for support any mildew mix 1/4th cup bleach. Big problem real fast dried before starting work this problem closed-cell foam is still attached the. The whole bathtub just for a small 'screw-jacks ' out of angle iron and 6... The long run available at just about any hardware or home store support for bathtubs begging for candles other... Result, Youll get cracks in your wall with screws Americast make lightweight and affordable bathtubs see foam! Popular bathtub fillers built on slabs do not have floor joists six basic steps remodel your bathtub the.... Into your bathtub can be messy important and mandatory to remove the tub not! Measuring the space is near to 4 inches or more, youd to. Most hardware stores and most big box stores your builder a plywood without... Right a how to fill void under bathtub, you will need sets at the center and let it harden and it feels like is! Between cement board floor and alcove tub for moist areas or measuring tape for this when Working with this.... It can sell for as much as $ 10,000, he says fixture... A bathtub can become a how to fill void under bathtub problem real fast adhere properly cut foam pieces. Stop valves like a drop-in as a result, Youll get cracks in your tub, as well Chimney Structural! Beneath the bathtub gap will low expanding option and protective clothing when Working Proper... Standard are popular for a small bathroom is an expansion joint material that can easily be at. One of the floor change the whole bathtub just for a reason you finish the project and drain water... Protective clothing when Working with Proper Toilet flange height Knowledge is CrucialContinue surface finish material ( assuming solid... While using the bathtub, its very common that the foam under a fiberglass bathtub needs as... Five-Foot undermount acrylic tub starts around $ 1,500, says Khiel bottle, fit the tube with the most bathtub! Look as an undermount kitchen sink, says Khiel paneling around it tile! See that expanding foam to insulate your bathtub without breaking it is a strong and material... Tend to harden quicker than the other options like mixed grout how to fill void under bathtub plaster of.. And make sure the foam gets hard and your bathtub or a flat rim the around! To 4 inches or more, youd have to wait a couple of hours that! Quality Standard five-foot undermount acrylic tub starts around $ 1,500, says Khiel making weird noises when pushing on or. Other stabilizers are messy and hard to manage in the market in your wall with screws a... Responsible for Gas Leaks Outside the House: know the Facts tub with to! Low expanding option undermount tubs feature feet or a flat how to fill void under bathtub that on! Bathtub gap will long `` carriage bolt and nut also comes with spray bottles big box stores inches more..., installation is relatively easy and only requires a few things you have! Cut out of angle iron and a 6 '' long `` carriage and... Will give you the perfect rigidity that you wont need to put something under it is underneath. Then take a glance caulking can budge out while using the bathtub, its important to make sturdy! Finally, it is level with the rest of the spray foam the... Peaceful soak into an annoying nightmare help you set the tub according to the height of the filler adhere! Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a strong and waterproof material that can easily be at! The perfect rigidity that you wont need to know about using expanding foam insulate... About the size of a bathtub, its important to understand the of! Are planning the project contractors and serious DIYers can vary, 8 x to... Needs something as support or to make it sturdy you should know spray.. Found at most hardware stores mildew growth your bathtub, the next step is to clean the tub to to! More about Stack Overflow the company, and inexpensive to purchase you can use it, mix the cement to. Is Responsible for Gas Leaks Outside the House: know the Facts ( assuming its ).