A bath is one of life's simple pleasures, and a new tub surround makes it better.
Over time, your old tub and shower enclosure can age, getting brittle and cracked. It may discolor, or simply look old. You can replace your tub surround in your mobile home simply with a one-piece surround that eliminates joints where mold can grow and water damage may sneak in. Just make sure to measure your tub enclosure carefully before purchasing a new surround, and make sure it will fit in your door as well. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Shut off your water before beginning. Spread a heavy towel or other protective cloth over the inside of your tub and beside the tub, to protect these surfaces.
2. Remove all shower and tub hardware. Pry the plastic covers off the faucets; loosen screws underneath to detach faucets. Unscrew both tub spout and shower head; some may have small screws attaching them, but others will simply unscrew counterclockwise, turning the spout or head itself. Use a pipe wrench if necessary.
3. Inspect your current tub surround to determine if there are plastic rivets present; some installations will have plastic rivets, an attachment device with the head on the outside surround surface and an anchoring prong below, along the outside edges of the enclosure. Use a drill and fine drill bit to remove them, or pry them up with an old knife.
4. Use a utility knife to carefully cut through caulking seams along the outer edge of the old tub surround. Loosen thoroughly, then grab or use a pry bar to break it free from the wall. Remove the old tub surround completely.
5. Measure the openings for any hardware removed before tearing out the old surround. Use a piece of cardboard from the new surround's shipping box to transfer the measurements; this will serve as a template to mark your new surround for these items.
6. Set your new tub tub surround into place in a dry run: you will not glue and attach it yet. Ask a helper to assist you by holding it in place while you transfer the faucet and hardware template onto the surround. Pull the edge of the surround out from the wall, looking behind, to make sure your template lines up with the hardware openings. Drill the holes out with a drill and a hole saw bit.
7. Mark the top and edges of the surround with a pencil to use as a guide for final placement. Remove the surround after marking hardware location and edges.
8. Spread glue for attaching the surround within the outlines marked. Use a construction adhesive or specially formulated surround glue, applying with a caulk gun or notched trowel, according to product instructions. Avoid using too much glue, especially around the edges, where it will squeeze out. A thin bead or layer works best.
9. Set your new surround into place, pushing it down firmly against the bathtub to avoid gaps. Push the surround against the wall and hold firmly for a minute, then pull the edges back out from the wall again to air out the glue. Wait 2 or 3 minutes, then push in place firmly again. Double check that it is still tight against the tub edge.
10. Rub the walls down firmly and thoroughly to ensure good contact and firm grip. Repeat every few minutes for the next hour or 2 to make sure everything stays adhered and smooth.
11. Dry the surround in place for at least 24 hours. Replace all faucets and hardware, using old or new fixtures as desired. Complete by spreading a thin bead of silicone or caulk around the outer edges of your new tub surround and every fixture installed.
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