Understanding the Advantages and Disadvantages of Installing a Shower Enclosure

bathroom with shower enclosure

Shower enclosures can elevate your bathroom’s style, making it more modern and luxurious. The enclosure’s style can add more value to the living space and make it more appealing to buyers later. However, homeowners don’t install shower enclosures solely for aesthetic reasons. Continue reading to learn the pros and cons of installing these bathroom fixtures.

What Are the Benefits?

Tidier and Safer

The first significant benefit of installing a shower enclosure is water containment. You won’t splash water on your floor when getting out of the shower. You also reduce slipping risks and potential water damage.

Higher-Grade Materials

The materials used for the enclosures are more durable. These fixtures often feature tempered glass or high-grade acrylic. Many of the materials are rust-resistant and won’t warp. They can last for many years.

Cleaner

You won’t need curtains, so you won’t have to worry about mold and mildew. You’ll have to clean fewer crevices, so the shower stays cleaner and more hygienic.

More Design Options

Lastly, you and your plumber can be creative. You don’t need frames for all shower enclosures. This means you can add tile or glass, making the shower enclosure more unique.

What Are the Drawbacks?

Higher Expense and More Upkeep

Some shower enclosures are more expensive, such as frameless or glass models. You may face higher maintenance requirements, especially if you have hard water. Water spots and soap scum could streak glass panels.

Higher Possibility of Leaks

You could face leak risks if the enclosure isn’t properly sealed. Your plumber must test the seal to prevent possible leaks.

Less Privacy

Additionally, you will have less privacy in the shower because you don’t have a curtain. These installations are better for master bathrooms. However, you can have the glass coated.

Hard to Install

Finally, these installations can be more complex. You must get a professional to put in your shower enclosure.

What Are Some Considerations?

Style

When choosing a shower enclosure, you should consider the style. You can choose between frameless, acrylic or corner enclosures. Frameless shower enclosures are the most luxurious but also the most expensive. They also require careful precision when installing them.

Space

A corner enclosure is perfect for a smaller bathroom. However, sometimes, they are too tight, and they definitely aren’t for people who fear smaller spaces.

Material

An acrylic shower enclosure is considered the most budget-friendly. Acrylic is still durable, and the plumber can install these enclosures faster. However, there are more advantages to choosing glass over acrylic. Acrylic can become scratched or yellow over time.

Your bathroom is one of the two rooms that you should upgrade regularly. When preparing to sell, the bathroom and kitchen can bring higher offers. Installing a shower enclosure could increase your profits and improve functionality. By learning the benefits and drawbacks, you can make better decisions about these fixtures. If you live in Charleston, SC or a surrounding area and need shower enclosure services, make your first call to Charleston Bath Experts.

$500 Off Acrylic Bath Systems
Serving Myrtle Beach to Charleston residents with high-quality bath remodels and free in-home consultations.
Preferred Appointment Date:
Industry-Leading Products

Materials built to hold up to decades of wear and tear.

Express Two-Day Remodeling

Tub replacements & shower installations in just 2 days.

Custom Options

Choose unique, personalized features for a custom bath.

South Carolina Bathroom Remodeling
Expert tub and shower replacement solutions for coastal and inland communities from North Myrtle Beach to Charleston

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice

At Charleston Bath Experts, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities enjoy full access to our websites. In recognition of this commitment, we are in the process of making modifications to increase the accessibility and usability of this website, using the relevant portions of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (WCAG 2.0) as our standard. Please be aware that our efforts are ongoing. If at any time you have difficulty using this website or with a particular web page or function on this site, please contact us by phone at (843) 203-0255; or email us at info@myersforac.com and place “Web Content Accessibility (ADA)” in the subject heading and we will make all reasonable efforts to assist you.