Tile shower
#1
My 71 year old Mother just had a shower constructed and found that the tile is extremely slippery when it is wet. She is somewhat handicapped and not sure footed. Short of pulling up all the tile and starting over, is there anything we can do to make it safer? Also, the soap shelf seemes to be useless. The soap slides right out onto the floor. Is that a design flaw or is it improperly installed? Thanks...Joe
#2
Hi Joe. As far as the floor tiles go I'm not aware of anything other than a rubber backed rug that can be put on top of it. Tiles with a smooth surface get extremely slippery when they are wet. As for the soap dish, if it is flush with the wall on the edges and the wall is plumb then it is installed correctly. Sometimes when they are manufactured they get distorted and you may have one that is if the soap slides out. Replacing it is probably the only fix.
#3
Joe,
Contact someone who refinishes tubs. There is a product (can't recall what it's called -- think it's made in Florida) that can be applied to the floor tiles.
It is also possible to tile over the existing tile floor with 1 x 1 mosaics. The small tiles with their numerous grout joints are the best non-slip system we have. The existing tiles in about a 6 in. radius of the drain must be removed in order to do this.
As for the soap dish, whether it's deformed or improperly installed shouldn't matter. The installer should replace it with one that works.
Also, you should consider installing grab bars if that hasn't been done.
John
http://www.johnbridge.com
[This message has been edited by John Bridge (edited November 18, 2000).]
Contact someone who refinishes tubs. There is a product (can't recall what it's called -- think it's made in Florida) that can be applied to the floor tiles.
It is also possible to tile over the existing tile floor with 1 x 1 mosaics. The small tiles with their numerous grout joints are the best non-slip system we have. The existing tiles in about a 6 in. radius of the drain must be removed in order to do this.
As for the soap dish, whether it's deformed or improperly installed shouldn't matter. The installer should replace it with one that works.
Also, you should consider installing grab bars if that hasn't been done.
John
http://www.johnbridge.com
[This message has been edited by John Bridge (edited November 18, 2000).]
#4
Thanks for the replies. Fortunately there are good sturdy stainless steel grab bars in the shower. My Mom doesn't believe that the proper tiles were installed and is going to ask to see the work order tomorrow. It would be nice if there was a clear product that could be applied that would make it safer. The tile man really did a beautiful job of installing the shower. Thanks again for your replies.
Joe
Joe