How Durable Is a Fiberglass Shower Unit?

Manufacture

• Fiberglass is made from glass fibers matted into a blanket and saturated with resin. Shower units are made in the same way as fiberglass boat hulls. Manufacturers cover a steel mold with a gel coating followed by chopped glass fiber and resin, which are pressed onto the mold and into the corners using a grooved roller. Sections of the steel die are heated to cure the fiberglass shape and bond the gel coat to the surface of the unit.

Durability

• Thin fiberglass may be brittle and crack easily. A higher quality, thicker fiberglass is more durable. Cracks commonly appear in stress areas, such as corners and the base of the shower. Shallow stress cracks usually don’t need repair, but a deeper crack may cause a leak. Correctly installed, a quality shower unit has a lifespan of several years. Often, the shower unit is installed before the wallboard, tile and flooring, and is not intended to be removed or replaced.

Repairs

• Repair serious cracks using epoxy or a fiberglass repair kit, available at your local hardware store. If you are able to access the back of the shower unit, you will need to do less in the way of cosmetic repairs. If not, you will have to either live with an unsightly repair or go to the effort of smoothing the repair and matching the gel coat. Keeping your shower unit in good condition will prolong its life and increase its durability.

Type of Unit

• Shower units typically sell in single-piece inserts or multi-piece inserts. The single-piece inserts are usually installed in new homes before the framing of the house is complete. These are more durable than multi-piece inserts because there is little risk of water damage resulting from inadequate joints. For the home renovator, however, the multi-piece insert is often the only option for getting the unit into the building. In such cases, the installer must pay particular attention to the sealing of the joints.

Installation

• The installation of the shower unit contributes to the durability through providing adequate floor and back support in the form of foam insulation, wood or loose fiber. This will minimize the stress on the shower floor and other pressure areas, such as a seat or step. Reduced stress means less likelihood of damage and a longer lifespan.

Guarantee

• Fiberglass shower units carry guarantees of one year, but this only applies if installed by a professional. Under ideal circumstances, a fiberglass shower can last 10 to 15 years, but is likely to become rough and dull over time, making it difficult to clean. (Refs 5)