Expert: Roger Zona - 4/2/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have a friend who had a shower installed by a well known company. They had a smaller shower the first time. The shower they just had installed looks like a new Const. shower. My problem is now that the drywall has already been installed how do you finish the edges of the new shower? If you drywall over the edges you will have a 1/2 edge. Do you have any suggestions to help me out?  Thank You,  Roger
ANSWER: Dear Roger,

I need a little more information to be sure I understand the question.  It sounds like your friends shower is a fiberglass shell.  It that is the case, it may have been installed wrong.  A fiberglass shell type shower has two or three walls, is shorter than the ceiling (typically 8') and has a floor with a curb.  The shell is installed directly to the studs (wood or steel) or furring strips with screws.  The "lip" at each open end (sides and top) is where the drywall overlaps.
Again, your description sounds like the shell was installed after the drywall was hung and there is no closure for the open ends.
Is my assumption correct?
Please reply with more description and I will be able to provide a more complete solution - hopefully!
Thanks,
Roger

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Roger,
Everything you just stated in your answer to me is completely correct. I just need to know how do we finish the edges without ripping out all the drywall?  One of the edges is about 1/2" short of reaching the wall.

Answer
Dear Roger,
Please excuse my delay in responding. (Living in Florida attacts long lost relatives and I had five show up!)  

I wish there was an easy solution for the shower problem.  The correct way is to remove the shower, remove the drywall, prepare the opening to the correct size, re-install the shower and, finally, apply and finish the drywall.  Sounds easy but it is a bit of work.  
A band-aide solution:  First, slip drywall behind the shower edge that is not touching.  Do this with 3 or 4 pieces and stack them from bottom to top to create a solid backing, then apply a "band" of drywall at the two edges and top.  Finish the drywall with tape and compound making sure all the exposed edges are covered.  Another way to finish the edges is;  after putting the backing in on the one side, use a thin-set mastic to apply a ceramic bullnose trim piece at the edges and top.  This will work but is not the best solution.

Hope this was helpful.

Roger