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Why Mold and Mildew Grow in Tile Showers
If you’ve ever bathed in a tile shower infested with mold and mildew, that quietly grows in the grout lines and develops fungal colonies in the corners, you know first-hand how disgusting that experience can be. Trust me, if you could see the mold spores up close, as they actually are, thriving in that damp, humid shower environment, feeding on soap scum, body oils and dead skin, you would be more than grossed out, you might possibly get sick!
When mold continues to grow it produces allergens and irritants, which can lead to respiratory issues, coughing, or skin rashes if you are allergic, have asthma, or are immunocompromised. You can’t really kill the mold because it lives deep within the grout. If you treat the mold with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, you may kill off some of it on the surface, but it grows back in 24 to 48 hours.
The Problem with Grout in Traditional Showers
Grout is porous. It acts like a sponge and absorbs water, soap scum, and grime, which leads to colonies of disgusting mold that take over your shower. It doesn’t matter how many times you try to clean it, or what products you use, grout’s nature is to absorb, so it does.
Are Tile Showers Porous?
So, what about tile? Is it porous too? Well yes and no. Some tiles, like glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles, are non-porous, meaning they resist water and stains. However, natural stone and unglazed tiles are porous and can easily absorb liquids. But what do they all have in common? Grout. And where there is grout, there will eventually be mold.
How Acrylic Wall Panels Reduce Mold and Mildew
Acrylic wall panels for your bath or shower solve the mold and mildew issue by removing the grout lines found in traditional tile showers. They are designed to cover the entire wall space and are non-porous, so they prevent mold growth. Non-porous = no mold.
What Are Acrylic Wall Panels Made Of?
They are chic and clean, made from ABS backed acrylic. That means it is a composite material made of a thick, durable Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) core layered with a thin acrylic (PMMA) surface. That’s the fancy, technical term for saying acrylic provides a high-end, scratch-resistant finish, while the ABS provides robust impact strength and flexibility. In other words, it’s made of the same tough plastic used to make modern football helmets. A football helmet is solid ABS with a painted finish. ABS-backed acrylic takes that exact same helmet-grade plastic and fuses a glass-like acrylic sheet on top. If it’s good enough for the NFL, it’s great for your shower!
Acrylic Shower Panels vs Tile Showers
The panels are resistant to cracking (unlike tiles) and are super strong. They are also lightweight and easy to form, which makes them the perfect choice for easy installation. And easy installation reduces the overall cost of the shower. Installing tiles in a shower is time consuming and can easily drive up the overall price.
Acrylic wall panels come in a wide variety of patterns to meet almost every design dream. Marbleized finishes, smooth and textured patterns, laser etched designs, high gloss and matte options, faux tile and subway patterns. From classic to modern, they can be customized to fit your needs both aesthetically and functionally.
Are Acrylic Shower Wall Panels Easy to Clean?
Most important to many customers, they offer a low-maintenance stress-free cleaning solution of water and vinegar. No more endless scrubbing and harsh chemicals to remove the mold in the grout, because… it won’t be there!
How Long Do Acrylic Panels Last?
How long do they last? Well, you can safely say they will last until the cows come home. When installed correctly and maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommendations you can expect your acrylic wall panels to last a lifetime. Some manufacturers offer lifetime limited warranty. Always check the warranty on the product you purchase.
How Much Do Acrylic Showers Cost?
What do they cost? More than a Goldendoodle but less than a wedding. Like any custom product, you can choose all the bells and whistles or go with just the basics. A fair assessment would be:
- Basic shower remodel: $9,000-$13,000
- Mid-range shower remodel: $14,000 – $18,000
- Premium or larger custom shower: $19,000 to $22,000+
It’s also important to consider the size of the shower. A small stand-alone shower will be less than a regular tub to shower conversion. A tub to shower conversion will be less than an oversized shower. Final pricing depends on the shower size, layout, wall system, accessories, plumbing needs and customization options.
Is an Acrylic Shower Right for Your Bathroom?
So, if you prefer to shower without the mold and mildew, acrylic wall panels are the way to go when redoing your old shower. And now you know. Grout is OUT and Acrylic is IN!
Ready to Replace Your Moldy Tile Shower?
If you are tired of scrubbing grout lines and dealing with mold or mildew in your shower, acrylic wall panels may be a smart, low-maintenance solution. Burnett Home Improvement can help you design a beautiful bath or shower remodel that is easier to clean and built to last.
Written by Connie Saunders for Burnett Home Improvement
