Bathroom Help
A Guide to Shower Enclosures
Acrylic Trays
Production: An acrylic tray is constructed of two layers, made from a 4mm acrylic sheet, which is then moulded to the desired shape, using a vacuum form process. Evenly applying GRP (Fibre Glass Reinforcement Process) the acrylic can be strengthened. Finally a baseboard is added for extra stability and for installing the leg supports.
Frameless Enclosures
Production: Frameless enclosures usually are made from 6mm toughened safety glass certified to BS6206, which is then fitted in to a polished aluminium frame hinge and wall channel.
Resin Stone Trays
Production: A resin stone tray is made from cast stone, which is made up of 80% stone and resin; it is then finished with a hardwearing, gel coat surface.
Maintenance: After use, your shower enclosure should be cleaned with soap and water. This is particularly important in hard water districts where insoluble lime salts may be deposited on the product.
Framed Enclosure
Production: Framed enclosures are made from 3mm toughened safety glass certified to BS6206, which is then fitted in to a polished aluminium frame.
Screens
Production: Bath screens are usually frameless; they are made from 6mm toughened safety glass, which is fitted to a hinge. The hinge is then fitted to the wall channel during installation.
Maintenance: After use, your shower screen should be cleaned with soap and water. This is particularly important in hard water districts where insoluble lime salts may be deposited on the product.
Types of Shower Enclosures
Shower Enclosures are supplied in many different styles, the main ones are: Quadrant shower enclosures, which as the name suggests are curved and designed to fit a corner; Pivot shower doors which open into the bathroom; Sliding shower doors, which tend to be larger sizes and can be used to replace a bath; Steam cabins that offer the luxury of a steam bath combined with multi-function showering; Walk In shower enclosures are also increasingly popular as more people choose to shower as an alternative to bathing.
Walk In Enclosure
The walk in enclosure is an enclosure that is sized to replace a bath. The concept is for households that do not bathe and shower instead, it therefore serves as a spacious alternative to a bath.
Advantages of this Enclosure: This can replace a bath within a decent sized bathroom if you are a person who tends to shower more than bathe. Also with a drying area the bathroom floor should stay dry.
Disadvantages of this Enclosure: Although this option is ideal for a big bathroom, it could be overbearing in smaller bathrooms.
Pivot Door Shower Enclosure
This is a standard shower enclosure available with a pivot (or semi-pivot) door. Ideal size and shape for small bathrooms and en suites.
Advantages of this Enclosure: Simple but sleek, this enclosure is easy to fit and is also cheaper then the other alternatives.
Disadvantages of this Enclosure: The pivot door may cause problems manoeuvring in the bathroom.
Handy Hints: This enclosure is universal therefore you can fit it either left handed or right handed.
Sliding Door Enclosure
This enclosure is a framed 1200mm sliding door made from 3mm glass. This helps with bathroom space, as there may be little room to manoeuvre with a shower door that opens.
Advantages of this Enclosure: This enclosure is an in-between, as it is larger than a standard enclosure but - if you haven't got the space - not as large as the walk-in enclosures
Disadvantages of this Enclosure: The enclosure comes packaged in two boxes as the side panel is picked separately.
Complimentary Product: 760mm side panel.
Quadrant Enclosure
This enclosure makes use of the space in the corner. It maximises the space further by having sliding doors into the enclosure.
Advantages of this Enclosure: This enclosure is ideal for smaller bathrooms or en-suites, as they generally don't protrude into the room as much as other quadrants.
Disadvantages of this Enclosure: The design isn't as big as the other options and may cause an uncomfortable showering experience.
