I’ve had family and friends who prefer the sleekness of glass box showers. My sister loves her tub-shower combo so she can wash her dog. I have even marveled at open concept shower rooms that make you feel like you are relaxing in a tropical rainforest.
So what is the best bathroom layout and best showers to fight water damage?
The best choice depends on the installation, waterproofing, ventilation, and maintenance. Caulking and seals need attention, curtains need cleaning or replacement, and splashes need drying. A well-installed glass enclosure can help contain splashes, but no shower layout is universally best at preventing water damage.
A fully enclosed glass box shower, albeit with a proper side and bottom sealant, keeps water inside your shower where it should be. Unlike run-of-the-mill fabric or plastic shower curtains that can billow upwards and shift to the side, the shower door sweep on the sides and bottom of a glass shower create a more durable water barrier. With proper sealing, chances for shower-related water damage in your bathroom are significantly lowered, because it will be harder for water to travel to nearby walls, floors, and into cracks in baseboards.
Glass enclosures and shower curtains both need regular cleaning. Inspect glass-door seals and hardware, and clean or replace curtains according to their condition and manufacturer’s instructions. Neither option eliminates mold or leaks.
Do not fret if you already have a tub-and-shower combo and do not want to take on a full bathroom remodel. There are simple swaps you can make in your current bathroom without dropping thousands. One of the easiest bathroom upgrades is shower curtains with built-in magnets along the bottom seam. On compatible metal tubs, the magnets can stick to the tub, creating a stronger barrier to stop water from escaping from the shower.
If feasible, you can also buy a size up in a shower curtain. Measure the length of the side of your tub, and then add 5 inches to the length each way, widthwise. It is better to have too much curtain than to have the very furthest sides of your shower uncovered. However, do not buy a too long shower curtain. This can lead to puddling, mold growth, and tripping.
When looking at the type of shower curtains, if you do not have a glass box, invest in vinyl shower curtains. Vinyl is moisture repellent by nature so you will not have to get an additional liner. For extra drying, spread it fully open and ensure the curtain is lying flat. A curtain cannot compensate for poor ventilation; use an exhaust fan vented outdoors or seek professional advice about ventilation. As a bonus, vinyl also has lighter options than fabric, which can add more light into your shower.
Regardless of the bathroom layout you choose or already have, keeping an eye out for water damage concerns and maintaining regularly are the best things you can do to prevent water damage. Choose an enclosure that fits your bathroom and that you can maintain properly.
If the worst still happens, regardless of your bathroom layout, our IICRC-certified water damage restoration professionals will be ready to assist you 24/7. We have worked in countless bathrooms, all of different layouts, and can assess what your bathroom needs. With our moisture meters and our PuroClean QuickDry system, our goal will always be to complete your water damage remediation in the quickest time possible.
