Choosing the Right Shower Pan.....

A shower pan....are there really different types? The answer is YES and it is very important that you understand the difference.If you live in a home that is 8 years or younger there is a 70% chance that you have solid shower pans in your showers. The two most common solid pans are acrylic or cultured marble which are non-porous materials. A solid pan will have a 2-3 inch lip around the edge of the pan....meant to keep water in the pan. It is connected to the drain and there is no liner or special product that goes in or around the pan. It is an inexpensive way to install at the bottom of a shower stall. It is definitely a less expensive short cut for a builder.The downside to a solid pan is:• 90% of these style of shower pans leak because where the pan and tile wall meet is where there is caulk or grout. Regular maintenance is mandatory in order to avoid a leak.• If your drain backs up, water will stay in your pan because of little or no slope - pan is almost flat• Solid pans are often made with a rough abrasive that is difficult to cleanOn the flip side there is the Tile/Shower Liner type of pan. Once a shower is framed, concrete is poured and sloped to drain. A shower liner is placed with a product similar to an inner tube. It is placed on the floor and up the wall but if there is a pny wall or bench seat then it would go up over that area. This is another preventative measure.The upside to a tile/shower liner is:• Customized - better slope for water to drain from the shower floor• The liner is additional protection....protects against water• Bottom of shower is more attractive – customKeep in mind that insurance companies no longer cover shower pan leaks because they are considered maintenance....so if you pay for the right kind of pan upfront you won't be paying to replace it later.About Us: The Viking Craftsman Inc, award-winning contractor, combines true craftsmanship with personalized service. Specialties include additions, kitchens, bathrooms, home theaters, and outdoor living spaces in Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Richardson, Allen and Dallas, Texas.