Leaks are a common occurrence in showers, even though they are annoying and a bit challenging to resolve. Therefore, considering that they happen regularly, learning quick fixes and how to determine the source of the leak is essential.
A flex seal can come in handy when you need to seal a crack or leak in your shower, so consider investing in it. It offers a quick and cost-effective way to restore your shower into a working condition.
You can use flex seal on both dry and wet surfaces, although it is best suited for dry ones that are also free of grease and dirt. Besides preventing leaks, a flex seal will also improve the look of your shower and even create a waterproof seal.
What Is Flex Seal?
Flex Seal is a coating spray in liquid rubber form with a glowing reputation for delivering excellent results on various surfaces. It seals out air, water, moisture, and creates a long-lasting waterproof barrier, thus preventing corrosion and rust.
While this product is highly effective on dirt and grease-free, dry surfaces, it also works on wet ones. Moreover, you can apply it to nearly everything, including vinyl, drywall, rubber, porcelain, metal glass, wood, masonry, concrete, plastics, copper, and fabric.
Its resilience makes it effective even in extreme conditions. Therefore, you can use it on your showers, flashings, roofs, foundations, downspouts, trailers, campers, RVs, vent pipes, chimneys, awnings, gutters, windowsills, and skylights.
Despite being versatile, flex seal doesn’t work on everything, including foam, because some might react poorly to this coating spray, causing them to dissolve or warp. In addition, keep it away from items or situations subjected to intense pressure or high heat, such as gas tanks and engine radiators.
Flex seal is available in Clear, Red, Black, White, Gray, Yellow, Almond, Terra-Cotta, Blue, Brite (bright white), Green, and Brown.
See also Can you leave drano is sink overnight?
How Does Flex Seal Work?
Flex seal sprays a lot thicker compared to traditional spray paints. It prevents corrosion and rust by seeping into cracks then creating a rubberized surface once it dries up, blocking out moisture, water, and air.
It performs better if you keep the can at ambient temperatures of more than 60 °F. It works on 0-100 °F surfaces and can withstand between -20-140 °F upon application.
You will increase the flex seal’s adhesion by sanding the surface.
Read also Towel ring placement ideas
How to Use Flex Seal On Your Shower
Since flex seal is effective on dry and wet surfaces, you can use it to seal cracks in your shower and seal it. This product will develop a watertight bond on the surface.
However, only use it as a temporary solution, especially since temperature fluctuations affect it, potentially weakening the seal. It works exceptionally between 60-100 degrees.
Here’s how to apply flex seal on your shower:
- Read everything written on the flex seal before application to ensure you know the manufacturer’s instructions. It will inform you of the dos and don’ts, making sure you are safe and not ruin your shower.
- Clean the area, ensuring you get rid of dirt, oil, and grease. It would be best to dry the surface using a clean cloth because a flex seal works better on dry, clean surfaces. You can clean the surface using vinegar or rubbing alcohol to make sure it’s spotless before application.
- Shake the flex seal well, then spray the area in uniform sweeping motions while keeping the can some inches away from you. Apply the flex seal of your desired thickness on the area.
- Apply multiple coats of flex seal until fill all the holes and cracks.
- While it typically takes flex seal 20 minutes to dry, let it cure for about 24-48 hours before putting in another coat.
- You can paint the area with a color of your choice once dry.
Ensure your shower is well ventilated because inhaling flex seal vapors is dangerous. Moreover, since it comes in different colors, pick a color that will go well with your bathroom’s color scheme and aesthetics.
While you can apply flex seal to your desired thickness, it’s better to do an inch. Keep in mind that the thicker the coat is, the longer it will take to dry.
Read also Where to hang wet towels after shower
Which Flex Seal To Use On Your Shower?
Flex seal comes in a gallon container or an aerosol spray can. To help you make the right choice, below are essential details of both options.
1. Flex Seal Liquid Giant
This flex seal is in a can and performs phenomenally in stopping leaks and protects surfaces from rust and corrosion. It works well in wet and dry areas.
It’s highly versatile since you can pour, brush, dip, or roll this thick liquid on surfaces and see it turn into a flexible, sturdy rubber. Moreover, it’s non-toxic and easy to use whether you roll, brush, or pour it.
However, beware of its pungent smell, so use it in a ventilated bathroom.
2. Flex Seal Spray
This flex seal is more convenient to apply than the Flex Seal Liquid Giant because it comes in the form of an aerosol spray. Therefore, you don’t need a roller or brush to apply to your shower.
It’s highly durable and offers a waterproof seal on cracks and leaks in your shower. You can use it on wet and dry areas, prevent corrosion and rust, and stop vibrations and noise.
Moreover, it contracts and expands, making it suitable for different environmental conditions. It is also resistant to chemicals, mildew, and UV, highly adhesive, covers surfaces fast, and is non-hazardous.
However, it can be messy, and it may not be ideal for a large job because it comes in 14 oz. Therefore, use the gallon if you want to cover a more extensive crack in your shower.
See also Is drano safe for shower drains
Conclusion
Flex seal is an excellent product for filling holes, repairing leaks and cracks, and is superb for a washroom caulk. It will help keep your shower crack-free by offering a convenient solution that will also save you money and time.
However, consult a plumber if the cracks, leaks, or holes in your shower are extensive for a permanent solution.
Read also Wet washcloth holders