How long should a shower enclosure last?
Bathrooms are a focal point of any home and often one of the biggest investments. They are a high-traffic area that will be utilized by everyone in the home, as well as those visiting. They are an opportunity to express style and design but they also need to be functional and durable. Making sure you invest in the right elements of your bathroom is critical to your enjoyment both aesthetically and optimize your return on investment over the years.
With bathroom renovation budgets running into high numbers, this is more relevant than ever. Elements like a shower enclosure will often become the focal point of the room, drawing the eye of anyone entering. But how long can you expect a shower enclosure to last?
The great news is that a high-quality frameless shower enclosure, like the ones available from The Shower Lab, can last as long as 30 years if properly maintained. But therein lies the secret. Maintenance.
What can affect the durability of a shower enclosure
The lifespan of any item is nuanced with details of style, care, and maintenance. An example of this might be that a frameless shower enclosure similar to those in our View Collection may last longer than a framed door because hinges and fixtures may show signs of aging more quickly. Corrosion of metal and poor care paired with unsuitable cleaning products can be detrimental to the appearance of the fittings over time.
The quality of the product is also relevant to longevity. For example, we are one of the only companies that use 10mm toughened safety glass in all of our enclosures which provides added durability and strength. Our glass is also coated with our Easy Clean Finish (an invisible non-stick polymer coating) which creates an impenetrable seal against limescale and water-related build-up.
Advice for care and maintenance of your shower enclosure
Because of the detrimental effects corrosive and potentially damaging chemicals can have on materials, it’s important to understand how best to care for your shower enclosure. This also plays a huge role in hygiene. It would be fairly reasonable to assume that a shower - where you cleanse yourself - is clean, but the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that a moldy shower environment may increase your chances of colds, sore throats, eye, and skin irritations.
Guidance for maintaining and cleaning your bathroom will differ depending on the style, components, and finishes you choose. Good maintenance can further extend the life of a bathroom.
Seals are a commonly neglected area. Left untouched and forgotten they can corrode. Rubber seals are also a collection point for bacteria caused by a buildup of grime. Removing these seals once a month and cleaning with soapy water will help to prevent discoloration, damage, and bacteria buildup.
Any silicone sealant should always be carefully installed by a professional, with care and attention being given to edges being even and secure. It should be checked regularly for signs of erosion, any gaps or sections where the sealant is coming away.
When cleaning fixtures and fittings, always use a soft microfiber cloth. And remember to care for any shower door hinges. They may require a little oil to keep them mobile. Most importantly, avoid using abrasive cleaning tools and products, and always be sure to wipe away excess water.
For more information on caring for your shower, please take a look at our aftercare advice.