How to choose accessories for shower cabins?
The shower cabin is a closed space for taking full-fledged water procedures. The main reason for installing it in an apartment is to save space. The complete set of such a design should be maximum.
Peculiarities
In terms of functionality, the shower is in no way inferior to a standard bath, and modern high-tech models even surpass it. At the same time, a tribute is paid to the trends of recent times - minimalism in the interior. Opening free square meters provide opportunities for the introduction of new solutions in the environment.
There are three main types of shower cabins.
- Monoblock - in fact, a semi-finished product, which is a practically assembled ready-made box, which must be selected in shape, area and additional accessories, and then connected to the water supply and drainage system. The location and variation of placement depend on the shape and size of the pallet. Both characteristics are rich in their variations in today's market.
- National team - a set of components, like a constructor assembled in place. Most often it does not have back walls, so these showers are installed in the corner of the room.
- Limited - construction, which is characterized by the absence of a ceiling. Another name is a shower corner. Has a limited space only within the walls of the bathroom and its own panels with the walls of the cubicle and doors. Installed on a pallet or floor. In the latter case, it is important to level and waterproof the walls and flooring. Additionally, you will need to evaluate the possibility of installing a drainage system and high-quality preparation of the room as a whole. Not the most convenient option, because even with a high-quality installation, the presence of such a cabin in the bathroom will mean increased humidity outside the cabin, and, therefore, in the living room. In addition, dampness is ensured.
If everything is clear with simple cheap variations in the performance of showers, from the point of view of their functionality - they are designed to provide their owner with the opportunity to wash and relax under streams of water, then modern expensive technological models are literally stuffed with additional functions and sometimes represent whole washing complexes.
Such cabins, in turn, are divided into electronic and mechanical. The power supply may be needed for the functioning of lighting, hoods, multimedia connections. The market is even familiar with models capable of receiving phone calls.
Additionally, to give more ergonomics, there may be, but are not required: seats, mirrors, dispensers, massagers, hangers and hooks.
The geometric shape of shower cabins can be very diverse, you need to choose it depending on the availability of free space and the intended installation site.
Corner symmetric occupies the smallest area. I choose it for installation in the corner of small rooms. A top view of the projection of the cockpit will indicate that it is a quarter circle centered in the corner formed by the walls. The front part is semicircular. The internal space is limited to a minimum, but within reason - it allows you to take a shower without unnecessary inconvenience. Inside each booth there are fittings: a watering can, a nozzle, and a mixer. Belong to the category of the most economical
This is followed by variations on the theme that no longer feel obliged to shrink as much as possible, without the rigor of the installation rules, they can be multifunctional.
Asymmetric angular section can be very different in shape, the length of the walls, the variant of the bending of the front side. All this continues to remain within the framework of a certain asceticism, continuing to hold the attention of the consumer, who is not ready to part with a large amount of money and too much to dispose of the limited space of the bathroom. For this reason, they are also manufactured for the possibility of being installed in the corner. When choosing such, it is necessary to provide that they can be left- or right-handed.
Rectangular, in particular square, shower cabins are boxes that claim to provide a certain amount of comfort. This can be manifested in the presence of a deep pallet, for example, which, if necessary, will be ready to partially fulfill the functions of a bathroom. The place of installation is at the mercy of the owner. Standard dimensions in the case of a conveyor batch design do not exceed 1.2x1 m.
If you want everything at once, while there are no restrictions on the budget and the number of square meters, then the shower cabin can be made to order. It will not only be equipped with all conceivable and inconceivable functions, up to decorative lighting, but all this can be "packed" in different forms within the framework of the flight of engineering thought. For the manufacture of such complexes, specialists will most likely need to go to the site of the proposed installation in order to assess its capabilities and formulate a competent project, taking into account all the wishes of the customer.
Fittings
Regardless of the shape, functionality, size of the shower cabin, the reliability of its operation, the strength of the fastening of large elements to each other, the durability of operation is ensured by small parts. Complex modern shower models have a greater number of them, while the economical type options have fewer. It is difficult to refuse one thing: in both cases, they must be of the highest quality and made only by a high-class manufacturer. Compliance with these requirements will save significant money in the future.
The complex of all the details of the shower stall is called fittings. Of the constant and unchanging components of any kit, the main ones can be distinguished.
- Rollers. Invisible, but very important servants of the door opening mechanism. The mobility and, as a consequence, the tightness of the cabin depend on them. A classic example of why hardware needs special attention. Constantly being in extreme operating conditions, they must work and provide mobility for quite a long time in order not to be considered disposable consumables. Extreme conditions mean constant humidity, sudden temperature changes, regular mechanical stress. Based on these conditions, the material of manufacture is selected: metal, plastic. To extend the service life of the rollers, care is required - cleaning from accumulated dirt and plaque.
- Seals. If the rollers are still indirectly related to tightness, then the seals are created specifically to assign this function to them. They are provided wherever a gap can be formed - at the junction of the canvases and doors, their adhesion to the walls. It is understood that they are made of materials with increased moisture resistance, while not subject to rapid wear. In addition, by definition, they must be elastic, capable of compression and expansion, be cleanable, quick and easy to replace. Polyvinyl chloride and rubber fit well into such requirements. More expensive options for seals are made of silicone impregnated with antibacterial compounds, which also ensures hygiene.
- Watering can. An integral part of the shower cabin, since it is most directly related to water procedures. Watering cans can be installed at different heights in a different order. Much here depends directly on the design and the availability of additional functions of the box itself. Most sensitive to water quality. Therefore, they require regular preventive measures to protect them from limestone deposits.
- Door elements. These include handles, hinges, connectors. Stiffness and hardness are a mandatory requirement for them, therefore, unlike previous parts, they cannot be made of elastic materials. At the same time, they must be resistant to corrosive processes. Brass most closely matches the combination of these qualities. High quality items from a reliable manufacturer are likely to be made from it. Handles require special mention, since they are the item that fully reflect the taste and preferences of the owner of the shower. As the most visible part, they are made in different shapes and sizes and in this sense allow for variability in the choice. Models that cannot tolerate economy even have anti-slip inserts.
This or something like this looks like a must-have set for any shower. In general, it may differ depending on some conditions. A very wide list is made up of elements of an additional, optional nature. And the point here is not only and not so much about the functions of the selected shower box.
In general, these are standard elements, the presence of which is optional, but which make life much easier and make the process of washing or relaxing procedures more comfortable and convenient. This includes all kinds of shelves, towel holders, nets, hooks, rugs and other little things, the empty listing of which simply does not make sense. The decision on their absence or presence within their space is made by everyone individually, and a wide range of a full range of additions can be found in a specialized store, where they will not only help you to correctly and tastefully complete your bathroom equipped with a shower, but will also be happy to show you at demonstration catwalks, how it looks in operation, how the most functionally complex devices work.
Accessories can be very diverse. For example, bronze, gold or copper are suitable for many interior styles. An antique model is suitable for a classic design. Do not forget about the repair kit and heated towel rails. They also need to be carefully selected.
How to choose?
In order not to get lost among the huge assortment, it would be useful to theoretically familiarize yourself with the reputable manufacturers of bathroom accessories. In addition, you must immediately deny yourself an attempt to save money. The reasons have already been pointed out why small details require special attention and do not tolerate negligence.
It is better to purchase an expensive item once, but with a maximum service life.rather than regularly visiting the store for spare parts. In order not to be mistaken with dimensions and geometry where they are important, you need to take with you to the store either the used parts, or the corresponding measurements, sketches, photographs. Anything that will facilitate a quick selection based on evidence and save you from confused wandering among the shelves and long consultations with the seller.
You need to carefully evaluate the material from which this or that little thing is made. Assess the most important requirements that should be put forward to it, and, based on them, analyze the available proposals.
The main thing is to be pragmatic and well understand the true purpose of your visit to the plumbing equipment salon.
Do not forget to pick up all the necessary elastic bands, stoppers, two-way adjustments. Sliding fittings and brackets.Before installation, all schemes should be prepared, which includes a continuous variation.
Manufacturers
For ease of perception, it makes sense to divide the entire range of manufacturers into two categories: premium class and economy class. Neither one nor the other has definite advantages. The products of each of them are aimed at their target audience of consumers. This, in turn, serves as the basis for the selection of equipment, materials and production technologies. In both segments, there are a number of brands that can be relied on for the quality of their products subject to the agreed terms and conditions. As an example, three representatives from each group are highlighted with the distinctive features of each of them.
Expensive accessories:
- MWE (Germany) - stylish, handmade;
- Metalglas (Italy) - compactness, great attention is paid to tightness;
- Sadev - design.
The whole trinity is united by such a feature as a wide range of all types of products.
Economical options:
- USAF (Taiwan) - versatility;
- Orman (Russia) - low prices and durability;
- Casma (Italy) - ease of installation, reliability.
Among high-quality manufacturers, one can also highlight:
- "Titanium";
- Erlit - made in China;
- Pauli, Eago made in Turkey.
Advice
Many professionals advise to adhere to certain rules when choosing high-quality accessories.
- It is advisable to choose products from trusted manufacturers of accessories.
- Pay close attention to the moisture resistance of your chosen model. If this characteristic is absent, then the accessory can be very susceptible to corrosion.
- Take a close look at the main parameters of your future purchase. Choose the best option for you.
Perhaps the main slogan and advice, which was useful to glean from all the material, would be the following: “There are no trifles in life or in the soul! ". This should be guided by starting an update of your plumbing equipment.
For information on how to install a shower stall with your own hands, see the next video.
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