Synthetic Shower Surrounds
Though tiles are most popularly used on shower stalls, there are certain disadvantages of using them for that purpose. One drawback is that dirt released from using soaps and shampoos gets deposited over them and stains the grout despite your best efforts to protect them by regular cleaning. On the other hand synthetic shower surrounds devoid of any grout lines are simpler to maintain. Apart from that, the other reasons adding to their getting popular are their comparative much easier installation and lower prices.
Some of the synthetic shower surrounds that you can choose from are described here enabling you to choose an appropriate one when you decide to remodel your bathroom.
ABS or PVC Plastic: Poly Vinyl Chloride or PVC and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, abbreviated as ABS, are the two most popular kinds of plastics used for the said purpose. Enclosures made from these materials may be installed above moisture-resistant walls made from sheetrock or such like solid surface building matter.
Fiberglass: This material is manufactured from exceptionally fine fibers of glass. This material is also known as glass fiber and is used for reinforcing a variety of polymer products. Kits for shower surrounds made from pressed fiberglass are very easy on the pocket and offer easy installation too. The kit comprising of rigid thick panels are very strong and last for a long time. Because of their seamless design water can’t escape to the surrounding walls.
Cultured Marble: This is perhaps the most costly of all the items. Basically it’s a mixture of resin with limestone or ground marble. Also known as engineered marble, it’s manufactured to look like marble. Many home builders employ cultured marble for making shower stalls as also bathtubs. Its outstanding features are durability, resistance to stains and easy cleaning. They have a very long life and even after prolonged continuous use they retain their shine and luster.
The above three types are available in kit form that comprises of three pieces. They are offered in molded form by the manufacturers. You may therefore opt to order the ones that are available in modules that include the shower stall floor or bath tub, made from an identical material. Common adhesives used are liquid nails or epoxy. You may install such shower surrounds directly above the present ceramic tiles. That way you can eliminate demolition work that produces waste which go to congest our landfills.
So, when considering renovation of your bathroom you may opt to have synthetic shower surrounds and do away with the maintenance normally associated with having them in tiles.
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