Fiberglass Shower Stalls – Pros and Cons
If you are remodeling your bathroom or building a new home, then knowing the pros and cons of a fiberglass shower stall can be very helpful. The best thing about fiberglass is that it is relatively cheaper than other shower material, such as acrylic, tile, or stone. Which means you will have more money to spend on other items. Aside from being affordable, they look nice once installed. Manufacturers today are creating fiberglass products in a variety of styles; some often resemble expensive tile or porcelain. Including built in soap dishes and no slip bars.
The quality of a fiberglass shower stall can go from one extreme to another. However, it is not always the most expensive models that are the best quality. Often manufactures will command higher prices for their products based only on the look or styling. This is an important aspect to look for when shopping. Quality can be determined by the way the shower is made; a high quality item will contain more fiberglass than resin; resins along with fillers are used to reinforce the structure. The exterior must be sprayed with a gel coat finish that measures 18mm. A reputable company will not use fillers in their finishing coats. Doing so can result in breaks. However a good product will last for decades; with proper care.
Using a fiberglass shower is also a good idea if you plan on making a tile or stone shower at a later time. They are easily removed and can be sold in the local classifieds.
The biggest con of using a fiberglass shower stall is that it can break, under strenuous use. If you accidentally fall onto it, it can leave a crack and lead to leakage. Assuming that you make it through the fall, you now have to either repair or replace your shower. Repairing fiberglass isn’t that tough, but it takes some experience or it will not look well and some breaks are not repairable. Another con is that even though it looks nice, it will never beat natural stone or tile in a beauty contest, and this is a common complaint from homeowners.
The fiberglass shower stall is a great item for anyone that is on a tight budget. Remember to do your research, before buying. Make sure you are getting a quality product, but don’t let the prices fool you.
