Why shower bases are such important places
If you think about it, shower bases are like the foundations of your home. They are critical to the overall structure and how efficient and safe it is to use.
Any weakness or failure in the foundation of your shower, then you could have a serious problem.
This could lead to breaks, cracks and an outbreak of mould. Suddenly your dream bathroom is on the road to becoming a nightmare.
Some of the worst-case scenarios include serious leaking onto the bathroom floor or down to the level below. This can end up with having to redo the entire shower. That’s a drama you don’t need and a drastic waste of money and time.
5 top ways to avoid problems with shower bases
There are many things to avoid when shower bases are laid. Here’s a few to guide you away from the worst of the worst.
- Don’t do it on the cheap
- Get it done by a professional
- Style will cost more
- Custom size or pre-fab
- Think hard and think ahead
You could end up paying dearly for any of these issues, so doing your utmost to protect yourself against them is time well spent.
Cheap and nasty
Going with cheap, low-quality shower base for tile can be asking for trouble.
Leaks are one of the worst things to happen to your home. You will need to check the subfloor from underneath if you suspect your shower base is the culprit.
Any significant movement in shower bases is a warning sign.
This will lead to cracks and possibly broken seals. Anything more than hairline cracks in concrete bases is a sign of bigger problems.
When in doubt, go Professional
As a rule, most shower bases – even standard and universal shower bases and slimline shower bases – should be easy to install – BUT – and it is a big but, they have to be installed correctly.
That’s why it’s a good idea to get shower bases installed by a professional.
People often rely on their builders to put in their shower bases. This could lead to the cheapest base being installed. Make sure you insist on a quality one.
Having a true professional install the shower base should take a whole range of problems out of the equation. Asking for quality shower bases in any of your showers will mean you won’t be suffering from a base that cracks or leaks or turns yellow and ugly.
A professional installer will also know all the ins & outs of the drain location. If it is not in a standard position, then you might need to move the plumbing or need to choose a custom shower base. The second option is less expensive because you’re not having to pay a plumber.
The cost of style and fashion
If you want a fancy or specially styled shower then you need to consider which shower base for tile will work with the design.
Choosing universal shower bases over slimline shower bases, moulded or tiled bases is often a matter of taste, but there can be other things to consider.
You can’t have a curved glass wall without having the right shape in the shower base. It just won’t fit. Glass blocks cannot be cut to your desires, so do your homework on what base will work with your shower of choice.
Think of tomorrow, today
Planning ahead with any building or renovation is crucial.
It is just as important to think ahead when it comes to choosing shower bases.
You can save yourself a lot of time and money if you take into consideration how much work that shower will need. A cheaper version will need more maintenance and cleaning to keep it looking its best.
The worst thing that can happen is you renovate your bathroom with a new shower only to have to redo that installation from scratch because you made the wrong choice before you even started.
Base your shower on solid knowledge
Of all the shower bases on offer, finding the right one for you and your bathroom is easier than ever if you plan ahead and go through the options.
The important thing to remember is you don’t have to pay top dollar for a quality shower base.
Bathware Direct have all your bathroom needs taken care of. If something should ever go wrong, even if you change your mind or make a mistake, you can relax. Bathware Direct are proud to offer 14 day Free Returns.
If you have questions about shower bases, screen or any fittings for the bathroom or kitchen, feel free to email the team via the Contact Us page.