Also, do consider vinyl flooring which is not only low-maintenance, but also resistant to water, mold and mildew. They come in numerous colors to fit your personal preferences as well. Total Bath Systems LuxStone of Connecticut is one of the most trusted shower remodeling companies in all of Connecticut.
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.
You can find different porcelain tiles, but the easiest to clean tile is the polished or glazed porcelain tile. You can clean these tiles by sweeping off any extra dust, mopping them with a cleaning solution, rinse with water, and wiping them dry, which will give you the best results.
Generally, liquid waterproof membranes can be applied by home owners for a basic, quick, and economical means to waterproof your shower. If you are looking for a much more robust and longer-term service, going with some sheet membrane or foam backer board is most likely your best bet.
There's plenty of materials to choose from when it comes to shower pans — but composite pans outrank them all, especially in terms of durability. While they can be more expensive in some cases, they're easy to maintain, easy to repair, easy to install and able to last decades.
You need a shower pan in your shower because it is one of the only ways to waterproof your shower enclosure. Most building materials are not waterproof and would otherwise be at risk of water damage. Drywall, hardwood floors, cabinets, and even framing can be harmed by uncontained water damage.
Both a shower pan and a shower base direct the water towards the drain. The key difference between the shower pan and shower base is the location. The pan is the actual floor of the shower, while the shower base is beneath the pan and is part of the bath substructure.
Simply put, acrylic panels have the look and style of tiles but without the mold, moisture, and cracking problems. A completely non-porous and waterproof material, it can be used to cover a full wall or as a decorative wainscoting wall accent. Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom.
Glass as a shower wall material is easy to clean, resistant to mold and mildew growth, and it's resistant to stains because glass is a nonporous material.
Textured and non-slip flooring are growing in popularity as it provides better protection against slipping and safety hazards when navigating the bathroom. When it comes to non-slip flooring, there are many options such as vinyl, natural stone, bamboo, cork, and rubber flooring.
Rubber flooring is a wonderful option for seniors because it is slip-resistant even when it is wet, making it the safest choice. Another great benefit is its absorbency. If someone were to fall on rubber flooring, it would most likely be less painful than hard surfaces.
The majority of shower pan manufacturers recommend installing a bed of mortar under your shower pan. Besides providing a satisfyingly hard floor for your shower, a mortar base will also protect your subfloor from water damage, mold and even rot.
While a shower pan is easier to install than tile flooring, it is less expensive, but it can be difficult to customize. Tile flooring is more customizable than a shower pan. However, it is more expensive and requires more time and effort in installation, as well as regular maintenance.
Compared to acrylic, natural stone resin is much more resilient when it comes to cracks and splits due to the material being much stronger and heavier. It has been constructed to be much more durable to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring you have a shower tray that will stand the test of time.
The differences between fiberglass and acrylic showers and tubs extends beyond aesthetics. When it comes to durability, acrylic lasts much longer than fiberglass. Acrylic is harder to scratch or puncture than fiberglass, and therefore requires fewer repairs and typically has a longer life expectancy.
Porous surfaces are also more prone to staining and attracting mold and mildew growth. Shower materials that are easier to clean are therefore those with smooth and nonporous surfaces such as glass, fiberglass, and acrylic.
Waterproofing, while one of the most underappreciated steps, should never be overlooked. In a typical shower construction model, there are five layers to the shower floor: the subfloor; the slope base or first mortar bed; the shower pan liner; the final mortar bed; and shower tiling or floor.
Inevitably, steam and water will penetrate through grout joints and porous tile materials. Routine sealing of your shower system can help prevent water penetration. In addition, if the board is not waterproof, water vapor and moisture will cause damage to surrounding structures, causing mold and mildew growth.
Plumbers replace shower pans, shower liners, drains, and drain traps. But if you want to tile over your pan, you'll need to call in a tiler after the plumber installers the pan. Alternatively, you may be able to hire a shower installer to complete the entire job from start to finish.