Plastic bathtub screens

After completing the repair in the bathroom, we are always happy to proceed to the selection of accessories. Original in shape mirrors, fluffy mats, unusual soap dishes, bright bath curtains - all this creates comfort and originality. However, in order for the bathroom to be both beautiful and comfortable, it is important to choose accessories based not only on aesthetic considerations, but also on considerations of practicality.

A good example is bath curtains. The most popular are soft curtains made of waterproof matter. They are quite inexpensive, so many people like to change them every year, thereby introducing variety into the bathroom interior. But there is another type of bath curtains - glass and plastic partitions.

Today we will talk about plastic curtains for the bath: we will study both the advantages and disadvantages, as well as deal with the peculiarities of installation.

• Plastic curtains are considered more reliable protection against water droplets and hot steam, as they are firmly fixed to the base and do not have large gaps.
• This type of curtains for the bathroom is undemanding in care. Plastic curtain is well cleaned from contamination with mild detergents.
• Unlike its glass counterpart, the plastic curtain is perfectly safe to use. Even if it breaks during use (which requires considerable physical effort), the fragments will not be sharp and will not be able to harm you.
• Plastic curtain is good for its statics. Many people know the unpleasant feature of fabric bath curtains: when wet, they stick to the body. Plastic partition is devoid of this disadvantage.
• The plastic curtain creates a beautiful geometric framing of the bath, which is sure to please fans of strict forms. Made of transparent or translucent material, it brings additional play of light into the room, thus visually increasing its volume.
• Plastic is a very lightweight material, in addition, the construction of the curtains is quite simple, so it is easy to install.

• If we talk about the price, the plastic curtains are in an intermediate place between the curtains of polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride and glass curtains. Price tags for plastic models start at two to three thousand rubles.
• A bathtub screen made of fabric lasts one to two years - the period depends on the quality of the material. Glass curtains can last you for several decades (of course, with careful and careful handling). The service life of a plastic curtain is much longer than that of a fabric one, but less than that of a glass one.
• Plastic curtains are considered a budget option for bathroom design (compared to glass products), so many owners of partitions made of plastic complain about the unreliability and fragility of the construction. When buying, you should give preference to a proven, well-established manufacturer.
• During use, plastic products, as a rule, lose their original appearance: the plastic turns yellow, water and soap stains appear. To clean it, you will need to buy special cleaners.

Stationary Curtains - is a monolithic, fixed construction. It well protects the surfaces and equipment of the bathroom from splashing. It should be noted that those who prefer to take a shower rather than basking in the bath, this type of plastic curtains are unlikely to like - with careless movement, the design can be damaged.

Sliding curtains are the most popular type of plastic partitions, as they have a familiar and convenient design of a closet. They are perfect for small bathrooms, where every centimeter of free space counts. The only disadvantage of this type of curtains is the possibility of breakage of the roller mechanism.

Swinging plastic blinds are less popular, despite the fact that their opening-closing mechanism is much more reliable. First of all, it is due to the fact that our bathrooms rarely have enough space for the convenient operation of this type of curtains. If you still decide to install a bathtub screen, make sure that in front of it there are no fragile items - mirrors, glass shelves, etc.

Folding bath curtains are also called "accordion". This type of plastic partitions is designed especially for small bathrooms, because when folded, such a design does not take up much space. The number of flaps in the harmonica curtain can vary.

• When choosing a plastic curtain, you should always take into account the parameters of the bathtub itself. Since plastic models have a rigid design, they can only be installed on a standard bathtub. If you have a bathtub of irregular shape, the plastic partition will have to make an order or limit the curtain of the fabric.
• Choose a model of plastic curtain should be based on the size of the room. In small bathrooms will be inappropriate hinged design, and a fixed curtain in a large bathroom will be perceived as excessive minimalism.
• While in the store, check the reliability of the mechanism for opening-closing the flaps of the model you choose. It is important that the doors slide easily and effortlessly without making any noise.
• If you want the plastic curtain to last as long as possible, choose the simplest model: the less moving elements it has, the longer it will last.
• Before buying carefully inspect the product from all sides: the plastic panels should be straight, without warping. The coating of the surfaces should be even, with no scratches or chips.

Plastic bathtub screens are usually sold in a standard set: side mounting profiles, vertical frame elements, horizontal frame elements, leaves, a set of fasteners.

The mounting of the curtain to the wall and to the bathtub is performed in the following order:

• First, the frame of the structure is assembled. To do this, the horizontal supporting elements of the structure are attached to the vertical with self-tapping screws.
• Then the leaves are mounted in place. Usually the width of the sashes is different, so the installation begins with the narrowest one. Side profile is not installed yet.
• Next, make a marking on the walls and on the sides of the bath. To do this, usually use the side mounting profile. Use it to determine the height of the mount.
• The next step is drilling holes. It is necessary to make 4 holes in the walls - one at the top and one at the bottom on both sides of the bath.
• To the assembled frame, the side mounting profile is attached. Now the entire structure can be installed in place.
• Before proceeding directly to the installation of the curtain, it is recommended to treat the future joints with a silicone-based bath sealant.
• The assembled partition is set in place and fastened to the wall with self-tapping screws.
• Attach the remaining elements - handles, hooks, etc. Only then remove the protective film.
• In the final step, check the construction for leaks: to do this, go into the tub and direct the water jet from the shower at the joints. If you find leaks - once again run a sealing compound on the joints.