| You've probably heard the adage, "Beauty is only skin | | | | correctly (meaning the finished tile, granite, acrylic |
| deep - it's what's on the inside that matters." For | | | | walls that are fastened onto the adjoining shower |
| construction projects this saying should definitely be | | | | walls), sometimes grouted joints fail leading to water |
| taken to heart. Many people have paid out big bucks | | | | and mold problems. Consider using a Wedi building |
| for work that looked excellent when the contractor | | | | panel to eliminate future problems. This backer |
| left but did not stand up to the test of time because | | | | material is waterproof because it uses a core foam |
| of shortcuts taken in the building process. In designing | | | | interior (closed cell system) and a polymer and |
| a glass block shower enclosure it's the hidden quality | | | | cement based outside which makes it ready for tile |
| in the materials and workmanship which eliminate an | | | | right after it's installed. In addition the panels are light |
| expensive re-do. This article will explore useful tips to | | | | and not messy to cut. |
| "get 'er done" (as Larry the Cable Guy might say) | | | | Idea 3 - Reinforce and anchor the glass block shower |
| right the first time. | | | | wall - When building your shower wall don't skimp on |
| Quality tips for your shower project | | | | what's inside the wall to ensure it's got the rigidity |
| Idea 1 - It begins with the shower base - Since glass | | | | and support needed for long term performance. The |
| blocks cannot be cut it's important to choose the | | | | two most popular reinforcement and anchoring |
| type and size shower pan or base while you're in the | | | | systems are either (a) vinyl stack horizontal and |
| design process. The advantages and disadvantages | | | | vertical spacers or (b) galvanized wire reinforcing and |
| of the three basic types are explained below: | | | | panel anchors. The vinyl stack spacers are |
| Acrylic bases - The advantages are they have no | | | | non-porous and generally easier to use for those who |
| seems, are easy to clean and are simple and quick to | | | | are less familiar with glass block shower enclosure |
| install. Some disadvantages of acrylic bases is that | | | | installations. In most cases it is recommended to |
| they are available in limited sizes (there is currently a | | | | anchor your wall every 24" in height to the adjoining |
| 60" x 32" and 60" x 34" models for tub to shower | | | | walls. |
| conversions & a 72" x 51" for a larger walk in | | | | Idea 4 - Use prefabricated glass block wall sections - |
| shower in white and biscuit colors), cannot be | | | | Laying blocks unit by unit at the site is time |
| customized, and it is sometimes difficult to fit the | | | | consuming and requires a higher skill level. A way to |
| base into rooms that are getting remodeled. | | | | make the project easier and improve quality is to |
| Custom mud set pan bases - The most common | | | | purchase prefabricated wall sections. These panels |
| method used in more stylish custom showers is the | | | | can be designed in sizes and configurations that make |
| custom mud set pan base. This base is created on | | | | them simple to install (with the vinyl stack spacer |
| site and it's advantage is it can be customized to size | | | | system mentioned above you can literally stack one |
| and then tile, granite or marble installed over it. The | | | | glass section on top of another). With vinyl stack |
| disadvantage is the process is messy, time | | | | after all the panels are set and anchored, the wall can |
| consuming, and if it's not done right will be more | | | | be grouted with the same material you're using in the |
| prone to leaks and water damage down the road. | | | | adjoining walls for color consistency. |
| 100% Waterproof Extruded Polystyrene Foam Bases | | | | Idea 5 - Get Qualified Help - Let's face it - you don't |
| - Extruded polystyrene bases can be customized and | | | | go to your family doctor if you need heart surgery. |
| are 100% waterproof because this material (like a | | | | Success will usually begin with finding the right |
| styra-foam coffee cup) does not absorb water. | | | | contractors and suppliers to help you through the |
| Other advantages include shorter installation times, a | | | | process. If you're not a do-it-yourselfer try to seek |
| neater installation, and improved quality because the | | | | out contractors that have successfully performed |
| pan is pre-slopped in the factory. The disadvantage is | | | | glass block shower and walk in shower installations. If |
| the initial purchase price is higher. | | | | you'd like to tackle this project on your own you will |
| Idea 2 - Use Quality Materials on the Adjoining walls - | | | | find the pre-made wall sections and vinyl stack |
| The construction underneath the walls adjoining to | | | | systems to improve the finished quality and make |
| the block should not be overlooked. Most projects | | | | your life easier. |
| today use water resistant materials like green board | | | | Now that you're equipped with these 5 ideas you're |
| or masonry boards. Although these materials will | | | | ready to get started with your glass block shower |
| work if the materials installed over them are done | | | | stall project. |