DIY Shower Insert
- According to nouveaubathrooms.com, shower inserts are typically made of synthetic materials like acrylic, plastic, and fiberglass. Plastic inserts are made of polyethylene, which is moisture- and heat-resistant. However, it is vulnerable to mold buildup and needs frequent cleaning. Acrylic, on the other hand, is a great waterproof material and is often used for bathroom accessories. Acrylic too, has disadvantages as it is prone to cracking, easily leading to small leakage points. Acrylic inserts are suitable for children's baths and relatively small enclosures. Fiberglass is a durable and heavy material, best suited for moisture and humidity. According to onlinetips.org, for DIY installation, single-piece inserts should be preferable as they are easier to clean compared to multiple-piece inserts.
- While installing, clean the entire shower unit properly using a non-abrasive cleaner. Place the shower insert on the shower unit and gently slide it into the fitting place. For setting it into place, gently push it by applying little pressure. Do not use metal scrapers or wired brushes for cleaning the inserts as they can very easily damage the setup. Soap stains can be removed on a frequent basis, using dishwashing detergents as they are relatively mild.
- While installing a shower insert in the shower enclosure, perfectly glue the fiberglass insert or the plastic laminate to the shower enclosure. It is important to check if the seams are perfectly sealed because an improperly installed seam can lead to water leakage behind the insert. Fiberglass shower inserts, although are quite expensive, pose minimum risk of cracks and leakage. You may choose a plastic insert or another material, but that might have leakage problems in the long run.
