Is It Time for a Shower Upgrade?

Do you love your shower? Most of us spend about ten minutes (at least) in the shower each day. That’s over an hour a week, or over two full days per year, standing in that same small space in our home. So chances are, as you’re standing there shampooing and soaping, you might realize the time has come to consider a shower upgrade.

Shower upgrades are less expensive than you might think. They truly transform your bathing experience into a luxurious, relaxing, and enjoyable experience—and isn’t that something we all need more of? Here’s how to tell if it’s time to upgrade your shower.

Why Consider a Shower Upgrade

There are many reasons to consider updating or upgrading your shower. First of all, about half of Milwaukee homes were built in the years between the Great Depression and WWI. For the suburbs like Waukesha, Brookfield, and even Ozaukee County, expansion took off in the 1960s and grew quickly through the 1990s (and beyond).

What does that mean for your shower? Well, it means that trends in showers have come and gone over the years. In fact, before the mid-20^th century, many homes didn’t even have showers—only bathtubs. Believe it or not, showering is a relatively new trend in the grand scheme of things.

If you own an older home, it may have at least one bathroom with only a bathtub or where a tub fixture has been converted to allow for showering without a full shower. You may also have one of those showers or tubs in a lovely pastel shade that was ubiquitous throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and even into the 1980s.

In short, in homes that are over a decade or two old, showers may be outdated or even non-existent. Even newer homes may have less-than-optimal showers. During the construction of planned communities, many contractors try to use the least costly materials. For some, that means showers that are cheaply made acrylic and quick to show wear and tear.

If you’re reading this and starting to give your shower the side-eye, here are some signs that it’s time to upgrade your shower. Weather Tight offers shower updates and tub-to-shower conversions for all our customers in the southeastern Wisconsin region.

Mold, Mildew, and Rot

It sounds, well, gross to think the “clean space” in your home is full of mold and mildew, but with showers, mold is a common occurrence. You have the perfect storm of moisture, heat, and hard-to-clean nooks and crannies where mold can thrive.

Mold, mildew, and fungus often look orange, brown, green, or black. You might notice a few spots in the corners of your shower or tub. Older grout and caulk often provide a comfortable breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Even cleaning and scrubbing the shower (or replacing the caulk) doesn’t entirely address the issue. Wait a few months, and it will reappear.

So, what can be done to prevent shower mold and mildew? The truth is that mold, mildew, bacteria, and other hazards in your shower aren’t just unsightly; they can present serious health hazards, no matter where they appear in your home. They can trigger allergies, cause respiratory issues, and even lead to skin infections. If you have a mold problem, it’s time to upgrade your shower.

At Weather Tight, we completely remove the existing shower. Unlike some shower improvements and “upgrades” that are really just cover-up jobs, we start from scratch. Acrylic “drop-in” shower replacements can leave mold and worse lurking underneath. If you’re going to upgrade your shower, you want to do it right.

Our shower updates are available in cultured marble or with a grout-free subway tile look. The durable gel-coat finish of our subway tile is modern, beautiful, and, best of all, easy to keep clean. You won’t need to worry about mold and other issues with a durable new shower.

Shower Damage

While not quite as dire as a shower space with mold or rot, a shower that’s damaged or difficult to clean is also less than ideal. After a time, the tile can chip and degrade. Hard water can start to discolor and stain your shower and tub. Acrylic can crack, dent, or worse.

Shower doors can be another aspect of your bathroom wet space that’s a hassle. If your door features hard-to-clean corners and ledges, consider a shower upgrade. Some shower doors don’t stay closed, leak, squeak, or are just not attractive.

What’s that? Your shower only has a curtain? One that you have to replace at least every year, if not more often, right? Yes, you can wash shower curtains, and some people prefer the look and ease of a curtain. But if you long for a beautiful, easy-to-clean shower door, we have options.

Doors aren’t required for all our shower upgrades and designs, so it’s up to your preference. But if you’d like the convenience of a door, we offer privacy and clear glass options with a limited lifetime warranty. These shower doors will work and last.

An Unsafe Shower

As years go by, we all get older. Suddenly a high shower step or a slippery floor goes from merely being an inconvenience to becoming a full-on health hazard. Your shower should be a place to relax, feel comfortable, and practice self-care—not a place to fear.

We offer many age-in-place updates for your shower that can make it easier to do your daily bathing. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone in your household has mobility concerns, some simple shower updates like bench seating, handrails, and a low threshold can make a world of difference.

Older showers or tub-shower combinations may require you to take a big step in and out. In addition, bathtub residue can make the floor slick, slippery, and dangerous. A shower upgrade with a few safety features helps you maintain independence and safety.

We’ve talked to many people who are concerned that bathtub and shower safety updates are unsightly or may lower the value of your home. The truth is the opposite—bathtub and shower safety updates make your home more appealing to all. We can add attractive safety and convenience features to your new shower that looks beautiful and modern.

Finally, Shower Aesthetics

Looks aren’t everything, but if you’re sick of that Pepto-Bismol pink or baby blue shower, it might be time for a shower update. Even though vintage and retro looks can appeal to some, the timeless look of cultured marble or subway “tile” will have a longer-lasting style.

The most beautiful shower spaces are clean, fresh, and bright. These spaces are welcoming. With a few décor changes to the rest of the bathroom, you’ll be able to follow the trends without needing another shower replacement in the foreseeable future.

If you want a modern upgrade with colored tile, we can accommodate you. We offer an array of custom solid color options in the Sherwin-Williams color wheel. But, no matter what you choose, the modern design of your updated shower space will bring your bathroom forward to fit the styles of today and tomorrow.

Cultured marble shower updates are available in 15 unique colors. A solid cultured stone product ensures that your shower will stay beautiful, easy to clean, and simple to care for years and years. Both our subway tile look and cultured marble shower updates are available for showers and shower-to-tub conversions.

If you’re ready to make the most of your shower space (and fall in love with your daily routine again), consider a shower update from Weather Tight. Add value to your home with a beautiful, affordable shower update.