Quick & Easy Installation
Fitting your Vapour Vault shower roof is a straightforward process that usually takes less than an hour. Designed for DIY homeowners and professional tradespeople alike, our roofs can be fitted using standard tools & materials and do not require a specialist installer.
Once installed, you'll immediately see a reduction in bathroom damp and mould, keeping your home healthier and your maintenance costs lower.
Tools & Materials Required
Fitting a Vapour Vault roof is quick and straightforward. You may already have these tools at home, making installation easy for any DIYer or professional tradesperson.
Tape Measure
Used for dimension checks before cutting to to ensure a precise fit.
Straight Edge & Marker
A one metre long metal straight edge/ruler & marker pen or grease pen. To precisely measure and mark the edges for cutting.
Spirit Level
Ensures the 'L' shaped roof support rails are fitted straight and level.
Multi-tool & Sandpaper
An oscillating multi-tool with a fine tooth curved blade to cut the roof sheet to size. Sandpaper to finish & smooth the edges.
Silicone Sealant & Applicator
A high-quality anti-mould bathroom silicone used to seal and attach the 'L' support rails (optional could also use waterproof double sided tape).
Double Sided Tape
To be used to either hold the support rails & roof while the sealant cures or can be used independently if a high grade water proof type is employed (3M VHB or similar)
Preparation
Getting your workspace & tools ready ensures a quick and seamless installation.
- Clean: Thoroughly clean the top edges of your shower enclosure and the rear wall or tiles to ensure a good bond for the shower roof & support rails.
- Prepare you tools and materials and a flat surface area on which to cut the roof.
Simple 5-Step Fitting Guide
1
Measure Your Shower Enclosure
Use a tape measure to record the length and width of your shower enclosure from the rear corner to the front edge on each side Measure diagonally from corner to corner on square or rectangular enclosures to ensure they are uniform on all sides.
Before cutting your roof it is advisable to create a cardboard template with your measurements to ensure an accurate fit.
Curved fronted quadrant shapes can be marked for cutting around the front once the rear sides have been measured and cut.
2
Measure & Cut the 'L' Rails
The L rails support the Vapour Vault roof on the rear walls and are positioned so the roof will sit level on the top of the shower enclosure.
Measure the two or three sides of your walls (three sides for recess fit showers) and cut the L rails to size. Where the meet in the corners cut them at a 45 degree angle taking care to ensure the cuts are the right way round.
3
Fit the 'L' Rails
Position the L rails on your walls as if they are a long shelf with the top lip level with the top of your shower frame. To secure them you can hold them in place with double sided tape and glue them with sealant or attach with a waterproof double sided tape such as 3M's VHB. Any small gaps in the rail joins can be filled with sealant if desired.
4
Cut the Roof Panel to Size
Place the roof sheet firmly on a flat surface and measure and mark the cuts based on you shower dimensions or template. Cut the roof evenly from each side to ensure the dome is as central as possible within the enclosure. You will need to allow at least 30mm around the edge of the dome for it to rest on the rear wall L Rails and shower frame.
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The sheet can be cut with a router, jig saw or disc cutter although we recommend a fine tooth multi-tool with a curved cutting blade. Make sure the edges are supported and excess removed during the cutting process. Avoid cutting in temperatures lower than 10 degrees C. Curved profiles can be marked on the roof with a marker pen with it in position on the shower once the excess from the back edges has been removed.
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The edges can be smoothed with sandpaper.
5
Position & Fit
Lift the Vapour Vault into place. It should sit perfectly flat and level on the on top of the enclosure and L rails. No screws or permanent drilling into your walls is required although it can be secured with suitable double sided tape or sealant.
Downloadable Installation Guide
Installation FAQs
What tools do I need to fit a Vapour Vault?
You only need commonly used tools & materials: a tape measure, a marker pen, spirit level, sealant, double sided tape multi tool or disc cutter, sandpaper and a tube of bathroom-grade sealant.
Can I install this myself?
Installation does not require a specialist fitter but not everyone will possess the necessary DIY skills or tools. You will need to be confident in measuring and cutting acrylic sheet. Our roofs are designed for easy installation so any good tradesman should be able to install one for you if necessary .
How long does the fitting process take?
From unboxing to the final sealing, a typical installation takes between 90 to 120 minutes.
Do I need to drill into my bathroom tiles?
No. One of the best features of our system is that it rests securely on your existing shower enclosure frame and rails bonded to your walls. There's no drilling and no risk of cracking your expensive tiling.
Will a Vapour Vault roof fit my specific shower shape?
We offer a range of shapes (quadrant, square, round, and oval) that will cover the most common sized UK shower enclosures. If you are unsure about sizing please feel to call us for assistance. All Vapour Vault roofs are moulded into sheets that are bigger than required, and are trimmed onsite to fit your shower exactly.
How do I measure my shower enclosure?
To gain accurate measurements just follow this simple proceedure.
• Stand INSIDE the shower cubicle.
• Place your tape measure in the middle back corner (where the 2 walls meet) & measure from the corner to the outside of the framework on each side. In the case of a 3 sided (recess) shower, measure wall to wall and wall to outside of the frame at the front on either side.
• Choose the Vapour Vault roof most suited to the size and shape of your enclosure (quadrant, square, rectangle, offset quadrant).
Can a Vapour Vault roof be installed on a frameless shower?
Yes, in most cases these will fit frameless showers.
Frameless showers have a few special challenges that need solving, but most can be overcome. The key consideration is that all sides of the Vapour Vault need to be supported and the roof will need to be able to sit flat and level.
Some Frameless showers with support rails may require extra trimming to get the Vapour Vault to sit correctly on top of the glass walls.
I have an overhead drench shower can I fit a Vapour Vault ?
If the shower head is protruding above the shower frame it is likely that this would need to be repositioned or substituted. This will depend on the positioning of the dome and the height of the shower head.
How much ceiling clearance do I need to fit a Vapour Vault?
Vapour vault shower roofs are moulded to a height of 150mm, we recommend a clearance of at least 155mm between to top of your shower enclosure and your ceiling.
Care & Maintenance
Proper care of your Vapour Vault shower roof is remarkably simple as they typically only require occasional dusting. To keep the surface in top condition and ensure its longevity, please follow these simple care guidelines:
Recommended Cleaning
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Routine Dusting
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For regular upkeep, a long-reach feather duster is the most effective tool for flicking away any dust that accumulates on the outer surface without needing a ladder.
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Deep Cleaning
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If you feel the top requires a more thorough refresh, we recommend using a microfiber cloth paired with a standard glass cleaner.
What Not To Do
- NEVER use abrasive pads, scourers, or sharp scrapers.
- AVOID harsh chemicals like bleach, acetone, or ammonia.
- DO NOT use steam cleaners directly on the acrylic surface.
- DO NOT apply excessive pressure when wiping the dome.
Need Help?
Our technical team is here to help. Vapour Vault shower roofs are designed for a straightforward DIY fit, but if you have questions about specific tools or measurements, reach out to us directly. We're here to ensure your installation is a success and your bathroom stays dry and mould-free.