Showers made of prefabricated fiberglass or acrylic usually last up to 10 years. Also, prefabricated pans tend to develop stubborn, yellow stains over time. Tubs: Cast iron remains one of the most durable, robust bathtub materials today.
Besides cracks and holes, there are other common issues that plastic (fiberglass or acrylic) tubs or showers encounter, like chips, scratches, stains, discoloration, and dull surfaces, among others.
Durability. Ceramic tile is one of the most durable materials you can choose for your shower. It will stand the test of time against daily wear and tear, and with the right grout and regular care, ceramic tile will be fairly low maintenance.
Fiberglass showers are incredibly durable and long-lasting, making them an excellent investment for your bathroom. They are resistant to chips, cracks, and scratches, which means they can withstand daily wear and tear without losing their aesthetic appeal.
You can expect a fiberglass tub/shower to last 10 to 20 years, with an average of 15 years.
Fiberglass can easily bend under weight because it is very flexible. Improper support and pressure from frequent use and harsh cleaning detergents can cause cracks after some time. Also, dropping heavy objects in the bathtub can cause dents and small divots.
Since they are often in contact with water, you may very well find mold in showers from time to time. Though it does not grow directly on fiberglass, mold and mildew are both fungi that can grow on dirt, soap scum and grease on the surfaces.
Bottom line is that acrylic is a stronger material than fiberglass. Acrylic tubs effectively resist wear and tear for years on end, while fiberglass is prone to scratching and cracking.
Although acrylic is more durable, repairing a fiberglass shower is a straightforward and inexpensive procedure meaning you shouldn't have any problems if you experience any damage or scratches. You shouldn't need to do much to your acrylic or fiberglass shower once it's installed.
They're attractive tubs that are easy to install and repair. However, they are also prone to damage if you aren't careful. Specifically, they can become cracked or chipped, which damages their appearances and can undermine their structural integrity.
Acrylic. Along with being beautiful and fully customizable, acrylic shower systems are the easiest to clean. This innovative material is naturally resistant to fading, scratching, and staining, and acrylic showers are installed in one solid piece so no stubborn grout lines are present.
"Lukewarm water, usually water temperature between 98 to 105 degrees, is best," Bunimovich says. A warm, but not hot, shower is the way to go, Ovits agrees, because this is toasty enough to feel relaxed without scorching the skin or compromising its health and ability to retain moisture.
Eyes may become red and irritated after exposure to fiberglass. Soreness in the nose and throat can result when fibers are inhaled. Asthma and bronchitis can be aggravated by exposure to fiberglass. Temporary stomach irritation may occur if fibers are swallowed.
Create a solution of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water. If your fiberglass shower is especially grimy, prewash it with several drops of dish soap, like Dawn, mixed with 2 cups of warm water prior to applying your vinegar wash.
Glassfiber insulation is made from strands of glass fiber and temporarily loses its thermal resistance when it gets wet. However, if it can dry out and has not become compacted, it will retain its insulating properties. Wet insulation in a closed wall cavity will usually not rapidly dry out.
The most commonly used materials are fiberglass, acrylic, PVC, solid surface materials, steel and cast iron. Each type offers some distinct features compared to the others. PVC based materials are usually the least expensive and found predominantly in surrounds or a limited selection of tubs and showers.
Use an appropriate waterproof or moisture-resistant backing material behind grouted tile or stone or segmented plastic or fiberglass tub and shower surrounds. Appropriate materials include cement board which has a cementitious core and glass mats on both sides to strengthen the board.
For shower walls that are easy to keep clean, consider investing in porcelain, ceramic, PVC laminate, or even glass. Depending on the material, there is a wide variety of colors, patterns, tiles sizes, and shapes to complete the renovation project.
Acrylic shower bases are long-lasting and stain- and scuff-resistant, all at a reasonable price, especially considering their lifespan. Fiberglass bases may be more affordable, but they show signs of wear earlier than acrylic bases.
While an acrylic shower base has some advantages, such as being light in weight and relatively easy to install, it does have a few disadvantages. Most concerning is the issue of longevity – acrylic can chip or crack over time, potentially leading to water damage in the bathroom.
Acrylic tubs are slightly more expensive than a fiberglass tub due to the manufacturing process. They're also lightweight, very durable, and require less maintenance, unlike other materials.
Discolorations in your tile and grout aren't just unsightly—sometimes they are downright dangerous. The dark spots on grout are most likely the result of mold, mildew or plain old dirt buildup. It is important to determine what you're dealing with first, so you can wipe it out with the appropriate treatment plan.
You probably don't need to, as the lap in the surround design will drain water effectively. However, those are traps for mildew and grime.
So here's the surprising fact: the “pink mold” in your shower is not mold. Ready to get scientific? The pink residue often found on your shower floor, covering your grout, near the toilet water line and hanging on the bottom of the shower curtain is actually a type of airborne bacteria called Serratia marcescens.