Shower enclosures are indispensable elements in almost every bathroom. On the one hand, they provide an extra dose of privacy in the daily toilet. On the other hand, they prevent water from dripping outside and soiling the floor. In addition, they provide a very elegant and modern aesthetic finish to the room.
However, there are many types of shower enclosures and choosing the right one for you may not be easy. Therefore, in ParaTuReforma we have decided to give you a hand by explaining what you should look for.
Shower enclosure: advantages
Although in the introduction we have briefly provided some advantages of this type of partitions, here we want to address this issue in more depth.
- Watertightness and insulation. In this sense, there is no comparison with a simple shower curtain. A watertight shower enclosure guarantees that there will be no splashes on the floor or on the furniture surrounding the shower tray or bathtub. It will also retain heat and steam better, saving water and energy.
- Safety. In the event of a fall, a glass shower enclosure provides very strong support. In addition, the glass used does not shatter, so there is no risk of cutting.
- Durability. With proper maintenance, a shower enclosure can remain in perfect condition for years. In many cases, a decade or even longer.
- Design. There are shower enclosures with all kinds of designs. This way, you won’t have trouble finding the one that fits perfectly with the style of your bathroom.
Types of shower enclosures
First of all, we have to say that there are both screens for bathtubs and screens for shower trays. However, this time we will only put the focus on the latter, as they are those on which this article is about.
Depending on the shower tray
This is the first criterion you should take into account. The reason? The shape of the shower tray will totally determine the shape of the shower enclosure:
- If round. The screen must be round.
- If it is square. The partition will have to be square.
- If it is rectangular. This is the option that offers the most alternatives. You can opt for an open shower panel or a fixed side panel.
The size of the shower tray is also key. It is vitally important to take measurements with total precision in order to choose the right model. Any mistake can lead to serious watertightness and insulation problems.
It is also a great option for the elderly, as a bathtub can be difficult to access for some people.
Depending on the type of opening
Once you know the type of shower tray you have or are going to install in your bathroom, it is time to analyze the type of opening you want the shower enclosure to have. In this regard, there are four options:
- Sliding doors. These are doors that open and close by sliding sideways. To do this, they use a series of rails and bearings both at the top and at the bottom. The main advantage they offer is that they do not take up space inside the bathroom when opening.
- Hinged doors. They can open inwards or outwards, depending on the space available. At the most, they reach a maximum width of 90 degrees. They provide the most comfortable access to the shower tray.
- Pivot doors. In this case, the doors open by moving on a vertical axis. This means that, when they open, they occupy part of the interior and exterior of the shower, but not as much as in the case of hinged doors.
- Folding doors. They fold back on themselves when opened, thus reducing wasted space. However, it is the most complicated system of all and usually has the shortest service life.
To all this must be added, as we said before, that many shower enclosures require a fixed panel. Especially when they are rectangular and one of the supports can not be made on the wall.
How to choose a shower enclosure
You already know all the types of shower enclosures that exist, so now it’s time to choose the right one for you. Here are the criteria you should pay attention to.
Glass quality
Our advice is to always opt for screens with tempered glass. The reason is a type of glass that is impossible to break in the event of a fall or blow. By this we mean that it can crack, but not shatter.
However, you have to take into account that the thickness of tempered glass ranges between 3 and 8 millimeters, which makes the sheet much heavier. Therefore, you have to choose the correct wall plugs.
It is true that acrylic glazing is much more economical, but it is also less safe and durable. Wear and tear and limescale can cause it to break down in a few years.
Glass finish
In this regard, there are three different options:
- Transparent. It is recommended for small bathrooms in order to increase the feeling of space.
- Frosted or opaque. It is the one that does not let you see the person inside. It is ideal for homes that receive many visitors.
- Screen-printed. Halfway between the two alternatives mentioned above. It is the type that offers the most original aesthetic finishes.
Profiles
The most economical ones are made of PVC. Traditionally, their finishes have been white, but the truth is that, nowadays, it is possible to find them in many other colors and even in metallic.
Undoubtedly, aluminum is the most advisable option. Especially when it has a chrome finish. PVC does not come close to its level of elegance, quality and resistance.
If you take all this into account, you can be sure that, among the best shower enclosures, you choose the most recommended for your home. In this sense, in our catalog you will find a wide variety of options of the highest quality at your disposal. And if you have any questions, just contact us, and don’t wait any longer to enjoy the bathroom of your dreams!
