About Fiberglass Showers

Fiberglass showers offer many benefits over tiled showers or cast iron shower/tub combinations. Fiberglass allows for ease of cleaning, options to customize design and size and models that fit most every budget. Many models can be installed without professional help or by a local contractors or supply store. Larger home improvements centers will subcontract the installation but the shower can be purchased directly.

Types

There are several types of fiberglass showers. Acrylics are made from a solid sheet and don't have seams. The fiberglass is then adhered on top of the acrylic surface. Another type consists of layers of gel that are coated on top of fiberglass forming a laminated finish which comes in different colors. The third type is acrylic with a layer of composite on the back. The higher the percentage of acrylic, the more durable the unit.

Function

Fiberglass showers do not gather mold, mildew or grout decay as they are single units with no seams. They have sliding acrylic doors instead of shower curtains and offer benefits such as a low step out area, guard rails and handles. They can also function as a steam room, with hydro massages and varying shower heads that offer adjustable sizes and water pressure.

Benefits

The biggest benefit of fiberglass showers is that they are easy to maintain as they resist water and moisture buildup. Another benefit is they can be customized with safety precautions for young children such as slip proof surfaces. For elderly people, a low step, installed seating and safety rails are available for ease of entering and exiting. They can also be installed in the same bathroom area as the existing shower or tub so that new plumbing doesn't have to be installed.

Size

Size depends on whether a new fiberglass unit is placed within the same shower area as the old one. Shower/tub combinations come in tapered sizes, with the tub width wider at one end than the other, allowing for a supply "shelf" area on the narrower end. Square, rectangular and corner showers are available. The height of shower doors can extend from floor to ceiling or from standard tub height to the ceiling, in essence a half door. A standard fiberglass shower ranges from 32" X 35" X 73" to 37" by 37" by 74". Custom made fiberglass showers can range up to 7' by 7' by 12', essentially, the size of a small bathroom.

Prevention/Solution

There are several cleaners that are effective in getting rid of built up mildew and dried soap that forms on fiberglass showers and shower doors. Use a spray of white vinegar and water. Mix baking soda and water into a paste and wipe on, leave for a few minutes and rinse off. Using harsh cleaners with abrasives, may scratch.