You will need a narrow plastic tube for this. If it is partially separated, remove it completely. Let us explain why. Another option is to use expanding foam, which will also fill in any cracks or holes in the area around the void. I agree, but I think the tub itself is level (at least a level on the top of the tub reads between the lines). To fill the void under a bathtub, start by measuring the space. Using these will make it easier for you to remodel in the future. Finally, installation is relatively easy and only requires a few tools. But how to fill the void under the bathtub? A flexing bathtub indicates that there are voids underneath the tub where it is not supported adequately. Here are the costs associated with the most popular bathtub fillers. I assume it's possible that one of the corners of the tub are not touching the floor. The tub wont move now because of that extra weight and the foam will be set without any disturbance. Find access points and spray in the foam in the end. Use plastic tubing if you dont want to go out and buy a spray gun. 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. Be detailed with the spray foam and make sure to cover the void properly. I'd hate to rip it up just wondering what your thoughts are. The floor of the tub is quiet and feels solid. Sometimes when you apply a lot of foam, it expands and presses the subfloor down. I had glued some felt over the head so as to not damage the vinyl tub with the bolt head. Homes built on slabs do not have floor joists. We are removing an old floor mounted vanity and wanting to install new laminate flooring throughout the bathroom. Several options are available for the filling material. If the bathtub isnt expanded before new caulking, then caulking can budge out while using the bathtub. All that grout can add up to a lot of money! If your home has a fiberglass tub, you may eventually need to patch or repair it. The underneath of a bathtub is not flat like the floor. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. From the joint of the bathtub and floor, pull out the old caulk. #_how_to_fill_void_under_bathtub. A copper tub will cost more. This is not an easy process, and it requires multiple steps to be completed perfectly. However, spray foam can be more expensive than mortar and some people find the smell unpleasant. Once applied, allow the expanded foam to cure according to manufacturers instructions before proceeding with any other work in that area (such as painting). We are planning to install a vanity with legs, not tight to the floor (one we can clean under). Allow the foam to dry - The foam should be dry in 8-24 hours. Once you do that, look to fill 50% of the void using these boards. Additionally, you can choose large tiles for the floor, as smaller tiles can make the bathroom appear more cramped. That is the whole process of how you can fill the void under the bathtub. Be sure to wear gloves and protective clothing when working with this product as it can be messy! Two popular choices for under the bathtub are spray foam and mortar. How to use expanding foam under the bathtub? The supply lines bring fresh water into the tub. Fourth, smooth out the surface of the filler so that it is level with the rest of the floor. If you are using 2x4s, you will need to nail them together and then screw them into the studs in your wall. You can use an undermount as a drop-in tub, but you cant always use a drop-in as an undermount. Expanding foam is a type of insulation that is sprayed into place. 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. Oct 25, 2011. To use it, mix the cement according to the package directions and then apply it to the void with a trowel. Its a simple process that has to be done with a lot of care. But like any ambitious DIYer, you can fix this yourself by using expanding foam. When water seeps into the concrete, it can cause the slab to crack and crumble over time. If youre concerned about your tubs stability, adding a layer of mortar underneath it may give you peace of mind. The best practice is to spray a light bead of low-expansion foam in the gap around the window. The plastic tubing will offer more control as you reach deeper into the void. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Spray foam expands a lot upon application. To avoid this, start spraying at the center and let it harden. Foam board is a great way to insulate your bathtub and prevent heat loss. Some kind of wooden frame will be partly embedded into the fiberglass to help support it. Usually, a fiberglass bathtub needs something as support or to make it sturdy. It doesn't seem to be such an issue when it's full of water and I'm sitting down- I suppose the weight is more evenly distributed. This is a big job! I think the floor was not prepped correctly. Hi, Im Brad! I would not recommend a highly expanding foam for this but rather a low expanding option. It doesnt matter if your floor has better quality installation. If you dont have ridge foams, you can put a drop cloth or plastic film. Youll have to wait for at least 4 to 5 hours before you can use the tub. Your email address will not be published. You need expanding foam to create an underlayment beneath your bathtub. You can find it in any hardware store. The tub is typically made of enameled cast iron or steel. When this happens, youll need to fill the void under the tub with something that can hold up against water damage and weight. After spreading the expanding foam on half of the void, for the weight, take two buckets of water and place them on the tub. Otherwise, the bathtub would still have voids after redoing. But it is more affordable than installing a cement board under the tub. The tub has a honeycomb structure underneath that is supposed to be supported by quickset. Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Ensure that the expansion joint is dried before starting work. To recreate the look of a spa, theres nothing more elegant than an undermount tub. 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.). Can I pour self leveling cement over this carpet glue residue. Read More. There are two main types of expanding foam: closed-cell and open-cell. You can also apply thin-set mortar to the pieces instead of glue. The wall that is attached to the bathroom is an expansion joint. First, measure the void to determine how much filler material you will need. You will need a larger scale or measuring tape for this. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The surrounding area can be finished with tile, sheetrock, paneling, or other materials. This will allow you to get further underneath the tub. This is key for sustainable stability. On the other hand, close cell spray foam gets the gases trapped inside the bubble. Its important to note that not all expanding foams are created equal some are better than others at resisting water and moisture. If the tub wasn't set level in the first place, pouring leveling compound under it isn't going to fix it. But you might face some difficulties after applying the foam. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer). Using spray foam you can easily close the space between the tub and the floor. Secondly, you can spread it evenly without any hassle, and it will expand on its own. They are sold at various stores like Home Depot, Wayfair, Walmart, eBay, and even Amazon. 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. Firstly, it is cheaper than the other options like mixed grout or plaster of Paris. To fill the void under a bathtub using expanding foam, its important to begin with the basics including the measurements. Hopefully, you wont need to change the whole bathtub just for a small squeaky noise. What Do You Put under a Bathtub for Support? Dont use the bathtub until it completely dries off. How To Fill Void Under Bathtub (Common Items And Steps), Common Items That You Will Need To Remove And Redone Caulking, 4 Steps To Remove Caulking Joints And Fill Out Bathtub Voids, Tips To Remember While Filling The Bathtub Void. The second and most important step is to measure the void accurately. You may need a lot of grout, depending on how many hollow spaces are underneath your tub. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You dont want a little bit of space to be leftover during the process. However, mortar can be difficult to apply evenly and can crack over time. Now cut foam insulation pieces to fill at least half of the void. However, you may sometimes be Kohler Ladena Vs. Caxton Sink: Which One To Pick? 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. Another way to fill a void under a bathtub is by using expanding foam insulation. Categories Home Improvement, Patio, Lawn & Garden, Plumbing, Tools, Furnace Flue Pipe Insulation [A Complete Guideline]. This process does not take a long time but its important to measure everything. However, doing so can provide extra support for the tub and help prevent it from shifting or moving over time. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Not really sure how the void developed but the opening to it is as big as your foot, and it's size I would guess in the one cubic yard range. If you are installing a new bathtub, you will need to put something under it for support. Bathtubs having a void is every households nightmare. Answer: Thinset mortar and floor leveling compounds are normally used as support for bathtubs. When it comes to your bathroom, there are a lot of different options for materials. If youre like most people, you probably assume that the concrete slab beneath your bathtub is there to provide a sturdy foundation. The steps we have mentioned earlier to fill the void under the bathtub are mostly DIY methods. 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. Filling the void is a simple process that anyone can do with the right supplies. Some people use drywall board instead of Styrofoam because of its easy access. First of all, thanks for your time trying to think this through with me. Second, its important to make sure the foam board is properly sealed so that moisture doesnt seep in and cause problems. Worked perfectly. These questions are important when you are planning the project. It can be poured into openings around the tub. Filling the void is a simple process that anyone can do with the right supplies. If you have floor joists, you should have a crawl space? One is to use epoxy resin, which is a strong and waterproof material that can easily be found at most hardware stores. This kind of bathtub stands on its own. The best heat-retaining materials for bathtubs are . Undermount tubs feature feet or a flat basin that rests on the floor. Why Does Your Bathtub Need Expanding Foam? Finish up with a steel trowel. Do You Have to Use Mortar under a Bathtub? I don't know if they were meant to or not. Hey guys, just bought my home this summer. An existing installation of a bathtub helps in reducing flex and coldness. Should I remove and reinstall a Jacuzzi / whirlpool tub when replacing the paneling around it with tile? interesting thanks for the info. Our articles, products and services are for informational purposes. And no matter how well you fill the voids under the bathtub, it wont stay without removing the caulking joints and redoing it. How Can I Fix Bathtub Flex with Spray Foam. Is variance swap long volatility of volatility? That fixed the squeaks for me. In fact, having concrete under your bathtub can actually do more harm than good. Pull out the caulk carefully without any scratch. However, thats not actually the case. Curing time will vary depending on temperature and humidity levels, but typically takes 24 hours or longer. 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. Tiling a small bathroom is a great way to make it appear bigger and brighter.