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Glass Shower Enclosures: What You Need to Know Before You Buy
Gone are the days when bathrooms were
cramped, no-frills spaces with a simple toilet, sink and
standard-size tub/shower combination. Today's homeowners want
spa-like bathrooms that offer beauty as well as function. One of the
emerging trends is the stand-alone shower enclosure with
crystal-clear glass that shows off the elegant fixtures and rich
materials of the shower, such as marble, soapstone and granite.
Unfortunately, many people don't realize that ordinary glass is
porous. When hard water, soap and even household cleaners are
combined with the heat and humidity typical of shower environments,
glass can corrode and no amount of scrubbing will remove the
staining and scale that result.
One remedy that homeowners can turn to is spray-on or wipe-on
treatments to protect the glass. But when these coatings wear off,
staining, streaking and corrosion can occur. Another solution,
ShowerGuard™ glass from Guardian
Industries, uses a patented ion beam technology to permanently seal
the surface of the glass during manufacturing. With this new
product, there is never a need to reapply the protection and the
appearance can be maintained with a soft cloth or wet sponge and
most common household cleaners.
If you're in the market for a shower enclosure, here are tips on
what to ask the bath dealer or the professionals handling your
remodeling project:
- Is the shower glass protected? First, ask if the surface of the
shower glass has a sealant or other protective treatment. Standard
glass can become streaked and stained quickly.
- When and how is the sealant applied? If the shower glass is
protected, find out what type of sealant is used and when it is
applied. Some glass coatings are applied after the glass is
manufactured, which could result in their wearing off in a
relatively short period of time.
- Are there special cleaners that must be used? Some glass
treatments require special cleaners and techniques rather than
ordinary household cleaners.
- How long will the protection last? Some spray-on or wipe-on glass
treatments can cease to protect the glass after two or three years
and reapplication can be messy.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube