When it comes to renovating a bathroom there are some aspects that people don't really consider choices are required until it actually comes to replacing the unit.
This is usually the case with shower pans or bases. There are a number of different things to consider when purchasing a new shower pan.
Shower pans come in a range of sizes and designs to meet the requirements of various applications. Depending on the shower design there are basically two types of applications that can be used for shower pans: tiles and pre-constructed pan units.
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Tiled Shower Pans
More common in older homes, or period renovated homes, is tiling on the floor of the shower. For this type of shower base, tiles are laid directly onto a bed of mortar. It is critical that there is a waterproof membrane underneath the tiles in case small holes appear in between tiles, or if the mortar cracks. This prevents significant water damage.
There are advantages of using tiles for the shower pan, including color and design choice. There are many colors of bathroom tiling available and you could find something in almost any color you desire. You also have the capacity to create designs and patterns with the tiles.
The downside of using the tiling method to create a shower pan is the potential for water leaks. Mortar does not last indefinitely and the chances of some water damage or leaking occurring at some point is fairly high. It requires constant assessment to ensure that any potential damage is kept to a minimum.
Pre-constructed Showerpans Units
There are ranges of pre-constructed shower pans available on the market today. They are generally made from either fiberglass or a composite material to provide durability.
These kinds of shower pans are now available in different designs to complement changes in bathroom design. For example units are available in the standard square format but also in various angles for corner showers. They can also be molded to include shower seats in the single unit.
The benefits of using a pre-constructed shower pan is that there is extremely little chance of water damage through the unit as it comes in one piece. They are fairly lightweight and less time consuming to install than tiles.
The downside of using these shower pans is that they can be plain looking, they come in set sizes so you cannot enlarge or reduce the size of the shower according to your own desires, and some of them are not too visually appealing.
There are a number of choices when it comes to deciding on a replacement shower pan. For ease of installation and long-term durability, pre-constructed shower pans are the most beneficial units available.
If you are looking for something a little more unusual or something that can be tailored to your own design then tiling is a better choice for you. Whichever style you choose, adding a new shower pan will make your bathroom look better. The shower pan should be given greater consideration than many people currently offer.
by Manuel Kupka
