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Showering to shout about
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The British Bathroom has seen some remarkable changes in recent years and no more so than in showering – particularly in shower units and controls, which tend to be the most technically advanced products in the bathroom.
But in shower trays and enclosures, too, there has been important product development. The shower has seen rapid and continuous market growth as consumers revel in the showering experience.
Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association, takes a fresh look at this important product category. “Product development in shower enclosures has been quite dramatic in the last couple of years,” says Orgill, “and our staff at the BMA are always delighted to see how cleverly and carefully BMA members bring new ideas to market. Innovation creates excitement and stimulates sales and the rapid development of the shower enclosure can only be a good thing for merchants and installers who are keen to drive sales during the economic downturn.”

A wide product choice
There is a broad range of enclosures now available and these can suit almost any bathroom situation. The majority of sales are for products ‘off the shelf’ but many manufacturers offer a ‘made to measure’ service by building enclosures and screens to order, with particular dimensions to meet site conditions.
Some enclosures are constructed ‘fully framed’ with the glass panels totally contained. Others are designed to be ‘minimalist’ with semi-framed or even frameless construction. Frameless enclosures look sleek and glamorous but require much thicker glass to ensure rigidity and safety in use. All glass is required to conform to the relevant British and European Standards.
Frames are available in polished or chromed aluminium, satin silver or gold effect, and white. Some have water seals picked out in a dramatic black colour to add to the designer style.
More upmarket enclosures are fitted with chromed and fully adjustable hinges but consumers should not choose only by their looks, they should also be careful to ensure that the hinges are well engineered and tough enough to fully take the weight of a heavy glass door.
The choice of product may be governed by the user’s budget, but experience has shown that buying cheap may not be the best idea. Enclosure prices vary according to complexity of style and materials used. Choosing the least expensive may turn out to be more expensive in the long term.

Steam Cabins
Some enclosures are equipped with a fully fitted roof and thus form a totally sealed unit which is suitable for use as a steam cabin and multi-function shower.
Steam cabins have become really popular and can now be found in many of the manufacturers portfolios. They can be seen equally in upmarket bathroom boutiques, in builders’ merchant showrooms and in DIY and home improvement stores. Consumers like them and the experience they create. Steam cabins can be great for people with certain medical conditions and so are a genuine healthcare bathroom product. They can both stimulate and relax – depending on the settings used. They can play music or radio and can change the lighting according to the users preference in stunning chromatherapy options.
The fully functional steam and shower cabin is no longer regarded as luxury. They fit in the space of a standard enclosure, are becoming increasingly affordable and are now playing a major part in bathroom renovation.

Installation and Maintenance
As with all technical bathroom products the correct installation of the enclosure and its accompanying shower tray is paramount to a leak free and trouble free life. Installers are encouraged to read the specific manufacturers fixing instructions – it really is worth it in the long run.
There are also generic installation principles to adhere to. Shower trays have got to be level and enclosure walls have got to be plumb. Doors need to open smoothly on their hinges or their runners, and tiles walls should be water tight to prevent long term damp problems.
Regarding cleaning, again manufacturers advice is best but generally gentle and non-caustic materials should always be used if damage to the enclosure does not ensue.

Find out more
‘Shower Enclosures’ is one of the BMA’s ten ‘Generic Industry Guides’ and this particular guide was recently revised, completely. Industry experts have ensured that the new shower enclosure guide is bang up-to-date, impartial and accurate.
The guides form part of the BMA’s Bathroom Academy and can be downloaded from the academy microsite at www.bathroom-academy.co.uk The all new shower enclosures guide is currently offered free of charge as a downloadable pdf document for use at home or in the office and is recommend reading for all in the bathroom industry.
The very latest BMA manufacturers’ brochures can be ordered direct on the BMA website and sent quickly to your door, by post. Click on http://www.bathroom-association.org/brochures.asp
Further Information
For further information please email info@bathroom-association.org.uk or
telephone 01782 747123 and visit www.bathroom-association.org

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