What are shower bars?
The arrangement of the bathroom requires various plumbing fixtures that will fulfill their functional tasks, ensuring the aesthetic appeal of the room, comfort during hygiene procedures. These items include a shower bar, which combines two types of sanitary and hygienic equipment.
Purpose and types
Based on the purpose of the accessory, there are two groups of this product. The bars, which zone the space in the bathroom, are a tube with various curtains or barriers attached to it. The curtains are fastened with the help of special parts - rings, which provide easy adjustment of the curtains. Barriers and curtains act as a barrier that prevents splashing water while showering. This keeps the floor, walls and furniture in the bathroom as dry as possible.
The shower head holder is installed on the wall or ceiling in the bathroom or shower area. The device stands out for its functionality and convenience. It makes the hygiene measures more comfortable, making it easier to perform the required procedures. In addition, such a holder saves time and water consumption, which is important.
Models for curtains
Not so long ago, curtains in the bathroom were purchased with only one purpose - so that water does not leak out and does not entail the creation of unpleasant situations, (for example, flooding of residents of apartments on the lower floors). Today, the possibilities of this accessory have expanded significantly. Modern barbells perform a variety of tasks. They act as an important element of decor, where the main function is to create a certain style in the interior of the room.
The curtain is not considered a mandatory attribute of the bathroom. However, its presence makes it possible to retire while taking a shower or bath. The curtain can be easily closed in one movement and creates a comfortable corner for a person. At the same time, water will no longer get onto other objects in the room or other people who are there, which is especially important for combined bathrooms. In addition, placing the curtain on the bar provides safety, since it is easy to slip and injure on a wet floor surface.
There are shower cabins consisting of a bowl without walls placed in the corner of the room, a mixer with a hose and a watering can. In this case, the curtain on the bar serves as a beautiful and effective analogue of partitions. This largely saves money, since the purchase of such devices requires less money than, for example, the arrangement of glass barriers. The assortment of shower curtain rods presented on supermarket shelves is quite large. Therefore, before buying, you need to study the different types of these items. The rods are classified according to the type of materials used for its manufacture, as well as the shape and method of installation.
What they are made of: materials and sizes
During the production of rods, different raw materials are used. Most often, manufacturers use materials that are resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel or polymer compositions.Brass rods are considered to be the most durable and durable. They are safe for humans and do not require specific care. However, constructions made from this raw material have a serious weight. Therefore, the installation of the product should be carried out taking into account this feature. Otherwise, the accessory bar itself may fall, damage the bathroom floor, or injure a person.
Aluminum
Such a device has a minimum weight, is easily attached to the base. However, this metal is softer than steel, due to which the rods can quickly deform, which negatively affects the life of the product. Raw materials do not corrode, they are resistant to high humidity in the room.
Steel
Stainless steel products are characterized by a high level of durability. This increases the level of their safe use in the bathroom or shower. Such products are performed in a different color palette. The disadvantages of this type of product include the high cost of products, but the long term of use pays for their cost.
Products made of stainless steel are slightly inferior in terms of quality to brass rods. However, this does not significantly affect the strength and resistance to rust. Steel products weigh less. Therefore, they can be attached to any surface without exception, including lightweight partitions in the shower stall, as well as glass bases.
Plastic
Plastic rods are in demand, differing in budgetary cost compared to metal counterparts. These products can be attached to different surfaces, the adjustment of the curtains along the cornices occurs practically without noise, thanks to the good sliding of the rings on which the curtains are hung on the rods. Plastic fixtures are an inexpensive option. At the same time, the rods perform well when used in humid rooms with temperature fluctuations. The products are not covered with rust, do not emit vapors hazardous to humans, and have an attractive appearance due to the chrome coating. Such products weigh little, so they are attached to the base even when using vacuum suction cups.
Combined
Combined products have their own characteristics. In most cases, metal and plastic are used to create such rods. Due to this composition, in the process of movement of the rings along the bar, they do not emit noise.
Options
Fixture heights range from small structures to large booms. When choosing a product, one should proceed from the person who will operate the product: the shower head should not be located lower than the crown of the tallest member of the family. The length of the rod can vary from 77 to 92 cm. The width, including the mountings, averages 61 mm. The distance between the mountings depends on the total length of the boom.
The distance from the fittings against the wall to the most protruding part of the shower can be up to 34 cm.
When purchasing a rod, it is important to check the hose length. It should be the same as the barbell or even larger. Otherwise, it will not work to fix the watering can at the top.
Forms and methods of fastening
In terms of form and method of fastening, the devices are very diverse. The rods can be angular, straight, round, semicircular, as well as repeating the shape of the bathroom. Ring models are produced for installation in bathrooms, where the bowl itself is located in the center of the room. More often, for arranging a bathroom, they prefer to hang straight or angular models. They are fastened between two opposite walls of the room or in the recess of the shower stall.
Corner rods are L-shaped structures like an elongated arc. It is better to install such a product in a corner or non-standard bathroom. The booms can be attached using various elements.
The telescopic type of fastener is the most convenient. In addition, there are corner and straight holders that are attached to the ceiling or walls.The first option for installing rods is applicable for straight products. A wide selection of different options for rods and their fasteners makes it possible to purchase curtains from materials of different stiffness.
Watering can holders
The type of rods used as a holder for watering cans is successfully used in conjunction with cabins and stationary bathrooms. A fairly simple configuration of the products allows the use of a device for water procedures, increasing the level of convenience. The range of watering can holders pleasantly surprises with its variety, functionality and a wide selection of types of accessories, which depends on the type of raw materials used. Such features of the product have a positive effect on consumer demand.
Advantages and disadvantages
The shower bar is a replacement for the usual set for bathtubs and showers, which includes a shower head with a hose and a wall fixture. During its operation, you need to hold the hose itself in your hands, due to which the person is constrained in movement. The installation of the bar allows you to use a device that is adjustable at different heights, which makes it possible to position the shower at a more convenient distance and, if desired, quickly fix it in any other position. Thus, while taking water treatments, both hands will be free.
Other advantages include equipment. The product configuration itself is additionally completed with various accessories. Items necessary for the user are always available and absolutely do not interfere with the adoption of water procedures. A wide assortment allows you to choose the most convenient option in each case.
In the struggle for consumer attention, brands produce models of various shapes and sizes. These can be ordinary straight racks or curly products that are distinguished by high functionality. This positive feature allows you to successfully use the fixtures in any style of bathroom interior design. They look harmonious, stylish and modern.
Among the disadvantages of products, one can single out the high cost of metal rods. As for plastic products, the disadvantages of such products are considered to be a low strength indicator, which should be taken into account when buying products. For this reason, it is worthwhile to approach the issue of choice especially carefully. Otherwise, the service life of the product may be short.
What is included?
In a conventional assembly, the rods are a rack with attachment for a watering can and a hose. However, some manufacturers supplement the set with shelves, hooks, cups and soap dishes. Modern innovative models are produced without mixers, replacing it with taps, cascade spouts, all kinds of nozzles and even thermostats. There are models on which a watering can and a curtain are attached.
Stands with a mixer are a simple and inexpensive option for a shower or bath. The kit includes a rod, as well as a bracket and a hose. The product is fastened in a vertical position. The watering can is located in a bracket, which is installed at the required height by fixing with a screw or nut. The design of the rod assumes the possibility of installing various shelves on it.
The bars with overhead shower are a variant of the product without a mixer, but with two watering cans. The lower watering can is removable and has a flexible hose. As a rule, such products are made of an unusual shape (in the form of an ellipse or an oval). The operating mode of the top shower can be adjusted.
Stands with a mixer differ from other models in ease of use and the ability to save on bathroom furnishings. Stopping your choice on such products, you do not have to select all the components of bathroom accessories, based on compliance with the general style, since everything you need will already be present in the kit. Some options require a sensor mixer or cascade shower.For this, there is a special regulator on the bar.
Installation options
The installation of rods does not require a lot of labor and specific skills, which is relevant for the entire range of products. To complete the work, it is enough to follow the step-by-step instructions that are always included in the kit with the product. Based on the possible mounting options, the rods are divided into floor, wall and combined products. The rack is mounted on the wall in a vertical position, it is screwed to the floor with screws or special plates. The latter option combines the two previous methods of installation, due to which it has a greater reliability of fixation. Wall racks are installed in two ways.
Hidden
A method in which the bar is installed in such a way that only the regulators and the overhead shower remain outside. This method is less in demand, since it has some disadvantages (laboriousness of work, the inability to adjust the height of the location of the watering can). To store hygiene items, you will need to equip a shelf.
Open
The method, which is the use of dowels or suction cups, where not the stand itself is attached, but the holders that it has at the top and bottom. Stopping at the installation with dowels, the rack is securely fixed to tiles, concrete or drywall.
Models
Shower bars are a popular bathroom accessory. Czech and German products are most in demand. Among them, one can single out the products of the Grohe trademark, which are presented on the market with plastic and metal devices with watering cans of different diameters and radius of rotation. Hansgrohe German shower fittings are equipped with flexible hoses with an adjustable holder, a variety of mixers for installation on different bases. The products are of high quality and long warranty period.
Selection Tips
When buying rods, it is better to give preference to metal models, based on the durability of the raw materials. It would be more correct to purchase all the necessary accessories in a ready-made set. If this is not possible, so as not to be mistaken with the dimensions, all components must be from the same manufacturer of plumbing products.
For information on how to install a shower bar, see the next video.
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