River Rock Shower Floors are becoming increasingly popular among consumers. They offer the best combination of style and durability. However, there are several issues that people should be aware of before purchasing one of these beautiful floors.
People who have river rock showers often confront problems caused by minerals and other impurities that collect over time in the water supply and cause your shower head to leak. These minerals can be flushed out, however, using the professional-grade river rock shower cleaner.
Read on if you want to learn about possible problems that could arise while using river rocks as shower floors.
Common Pebble Tile Shower Floor Problems
The surface is not flat:
Some customers have claimed that their new shower floors were uneven or had dipped in them. If this happens, it’s because they did not install a drain properly. You can address this problem by installing a proper drainage system. Make sure your installer knows how to use tools like plumber’s putty so he won’t make any mistakes when doing the job for you.
Also, ensure that the installation team will take care of the entire project from start to finish. It may also help if you hire an experienced contractor who has done many installations in your area. This way, you don’t have to worry about anything.
There’s no good grip:
River rock showers come with different types of surfaces. One type comes in small pieces called chips which is ideal for smaller areas. Another option would be a large slab of river rock. In either case, the bottom must be smooth enough to allow water to flow easily without creating too much resistance.
When selecting a supplier, ask them what kind of material they recommend for finishing off the rough edges after installation. For example, some suppliers suggest epoxy resin, but others say concrete grout works better. Again, try to find someone who has experience working with such materials.
Water seeps through cracks:
A common complaint heard among homeowners is leaking at the base of their river stone walls. While most companies claim that their products are waterproof, some admit that leaks happen despite using high-quality materials. To avoid this issue, look for a company that offers leak proofing services.
If you live in a flood-prone region, you need to know that your house might get damaged due to heavy rain. So, always choose a reputable company that guarantees its workmanship.
Water damage occurs once again:
Once installed, riverside stones tend to shift over time, causing tiny holes throughout the entire floor. These little gaps cause leakage, which leads to water damage inside the bathroom.
Fortunately, you don t have to replace your whole shower since you can fix the problem yourself. Just clean out all debris around the drains and call a professional maintenance specialist specializing in fixing ceramic tile and marble floors.
The noise level is unbearable:
Many clients complain of noise coming from their newly installed river rock shower floors. Sometimes, it sounds like thunder crashing into the room.
Others report hearing loud thumps now and then. Whatever sound you hear means that something isn’t right. Contact your local building inspector immediately to determine whether you need to file a formal complaint against a specific contractor.
Poor cleaning results:
Most manufacturers require their customers to keep up maintenance routines during the first few years. After that period, however, you shouldn’t expect regular cleaning.
They should only be cleaned every two to three months. Failure to follow these instructions could lead to mildew buildup and other issues. Ensure that your provider does everything they promise to do.
Your investment goes down the drain:
Not everyone realizes that purchasing a natural stone shower floor costs more than buying one made entirely from tiles. Besides paying higher prices, there’s still another cost involved — replacing your old tile shower floor.
Since removing and installing natural stones takes longer, you spend more money overall than traditional ones. Even worse, you risk damaging the existing structure if you decide to rip out your existing floor before installing the new one.
The Bottom LineÂ
River rocks are widespread in bathroom showers; however, some people still have trouble cleaning the area around the shower. Most of the time, the problem is caused by dirt and debris that has accumulated over time. To eliminate the problem, use a soft brush to remove the buildup of dirt in your shower gently.
Take care not to scrub too hard, as this could damage the tile. If necessary, you may need to use a toothbrush to scrub around the edges and corners of the tiles. To remove stubborn stains, try using a mild liquid cleaner. If you prefer a more robust cleaning solution, consult your local hardware store to choose the right product.
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Pebble Tile Shower Floor Pros and Cons