A damp patch after a shower: what to document before removing silicone
If water appears in another room, stop using the shower and photograph the patch, the joint and their surroundings. Location alone does not establish the water’s route.
Record when it happens
Does it appear when you turn on the tap, empty the tray or wet the wall? Keep dated photos, reports, invoices and correspondence. In a recently purchased property, distinguish visible wear from concealed damage and compare findings with the inspection.
Separate the cause from the damage
Identify the installation involved and check the procedure with the owner, building manager or insurer before removing evidence. Take urgent steps to limit damage. Ask the report to separate the cause, its repair and resulting damage. Policy wording, contracts and local assessment determine coverage.
Keep a record someone else can follow
Number each photo and mark its location on a sketch. “A stain appeared after showering” is an observation; “silicone caused the leak” is a hypothesis. Record the last time the area was known to be dry.
What if a part must come out immediately?
Prioritise limiting damage. If safe, photograph before and during removal and ask for the part to be identified.
Water behind the shower profile: more silicone almost never fixes it