Flex Seal On Cracked Tile Shower Floor

Cracks on a shower floor can be annoying and lead to costly water damage if left unrepaired.

Flex Seal comes in various formulas like liquid, spray, or glue specifically designed to seal leaks and bond to different materials. We cover everything from crack prep to final application for getting your shower floor back to watertight.

Assessing Cracked Shower Floor Damage

Before doing any repairs, thoroughly inspect the cracks on your shower floor to understand the full extent of the problem. Check if the cracks penetrate down to the subfloor and whether leaking or seepage has already caused water damage underneath.

Typical causes of cracked shower floors include:

• Normal wear and tear over time
• Settling foundation causing tile cracks
• Improper installation of shower pan or tiles
• Excess moisture and humidity

Surface cracks may only require sealing with Flex Seal products while larger, structural cracks indicate bigger issues needing professional repair. Identifying crack depth helps pick the right fix.

Inspection Tips

• Mark crack size using tape measure
• Check for uneven tiles or gaps in grout
• Look for dark water stains under tiles
• Feel for dampness or soft spots on floor

After inspection, thoroughly clean your cracked shower floor so it's free of soap scum, mildew, and residue before applying any Flex Seal primer.

Surface Preparation Tips

Proper prep work lets Flex Seal products achieve maximum adhesion and durability when repairing cracked tile shower floors . Follow these best practices:

Cleaning

• Use non-abrasive cleanser like vinegar or baking soda paste to scrub floor.
• Rinse well removing all cleaner residue.
• Let the shower floor dry completely for at least 12 hours.

Crack Preparation

• Use sharp knife or razor blade to open up cracks wider and roughen edges so Flex Seal can penetrate deeper.
• Chip out all loose tile pieces and vacuum debris.
• Widen very thin hairline cracks using a Dremel tool.

Avoid skipping this step! Well-prepped cracks allow Flex Shot, Liquid or Spray to grab firmly for long lasting repairs.

Applying Flex Seal Products

With surface prep complete, it's time to start using Flex Seal on your cracked shower floor . Which product you use depends on crack size and personal preference. We outline application tips for each below:

Flex Shot

Flex Shot works great for repairing tile shower floor cracks less than 1/4 inch wide. Its thick gel consistency fills cracks to stop leaks.

• Cut applicator tip to fit crack width.
• Fill crack forcing sealant deep inside with nozzle or putty knife.
• Smooth excess level with floor. Wipe hands clean right away before drying.
• Allow 1 hour for quick drying then 24-48 hours to fully cure.

Flex Seal Liquid

The original Flex Seal formula as seen on TV provides a flexible, waterproof seal on various materials. Use it to coat over cracks up to 1/2 inch wide.

• Stir well before using. Thin coats work better than thick blobs.
• Brush multiple coats forcing into cracks with stiff bristle brush.
• Let dry 2-3 hours between coats. Full curing takes 1-2 days.

Flex Seal Spray

Flex Seal Spray offers an easy, no-mess application for coating shower floors . It sprays upside down allowing spray-on access in tight areas.

• Shake can vigorously for 60 seconds before spraying.
• Mist light first coat, then build up 3-4 wet coats for best sealing.
• Spray about 8-10 inches away at 90 degree angle.
• Let dry completely between coats. Do not over saturate.

Regardless of product used, apply Flex Seal generously on crack borders to ensure water cannot seep underneath repaired areas.

New Tile Installation

For more extensive cracking damage, using Flex Seal as a primers allows installing new shower floor tiles over the repaired area.

Flex Seal Application Tips

• Follow crack prep and cleaning steps first.
• Apply 2-3 coats of Flex Seal Liquid or Spray.
• Let cure fully 24-48 hours.
• Install tile backerboard secured with thinset mortar.
• Apply tile primer if needed before setting new tiles.

The Flex Seal waterproofing coats underneath provide added leak protection with fresh tile.

Checking for Leaks

Before using your newly repaired shower, test for leaks by plugging the drain and flooding the pan with water.

• Mark water level after pan fills completely.
• Let stand for 24 hours, then check if water dropped below mark indicating a leak.
• Mark any seepage points and dry out floor completely.
• Reapply more Flex Seal to trouble areas until passing water test.

Be patient during drying time and testing. It takes 48-72 hours for Flex Seal to fully cure and stop minor seepage.

Finalizing Shower Repairs

With leak testing complete, finish renewing your shower surround with these final touches:

• Run a smooth bead of silicone caulk around where walls meet shower pan to help prevent moisture getting underneath.
• Replace metal threshold strip if rusted or damaged.
• Regrout areas as needed for clean appearance.
• Upgrade worn out shower heads, handles, or accessories.

Take time to properly detail and seal your entire shower enclosure so repairs stay intact.

Maintaining Shower Floor Repairs

Flex Seal bonds securely when applied right but occasional maintenance ensures long-lasting fixes.

• Check for new cracks developing annually. Reapply Flex Seal at first signs of leakage.
• Plan on refreshing coats every 2-3 years in wet environments.
• Recaulk as old silicone bead fails or pulls away from walls.
• Stay alert for soft floor spots indicating moisture underneath.

With proper care, Flex Seal repairs provide years of reliable shower leak protection compared to costly tile tearing.

As you can see, Flex Seal offers an affordable, effective solution for repairing cracked shower floors . When combined with robust cleaning and careful application, Flex Seal products seal out leaks for long-lasting results.

Compared to expensive tile replacement, Flex Seal lets you easily renew cracks in existing shower floors. Correct surface preparation helps Flex Seal grab tightly for superior adhesion that won't wash away.

While not a fix for major structural issues, sealing cracks with Flex Seal restores watertight function so you can enjoy your shower again versus an eyesore of damage. Give Flex Seal a try before undertaking a full tile demolition.