One of the challenges for bathroom safety and mobility can be presented with traditional fiberglass shower surrounds. The problem with a typical single piece shower surround is that they do not have backing in place for gra bar placement and are set separated from the studs making it impossible to secure to the studs and impossible to mount grab bars with toggles or anchors, due to the weakness of the fiberglass which will fail quickly with this mounting style.
The main solution that we have provided to our clients in this case (short of upgrading to a more accessible style bathroom, or a fiberglass surround with integrated backing for grab bar placement), is the addition of a vertical grab bar pole (such as pictured on this post). We carry vertical grab bar pole systems that have horizontal locking poles or loops to provide additional support. These systems pressure fit to the floor providing a non-penetrating floor attachment, and secure onto the joists of the ceiling.
A word to the wise:
If you’re considering bathroom remodeling, some solutions are better than others. We can help make your bathroom safer, more functional, and better looking, in a way that can be more easily adapted for future needs. We provide interior design services, and tile options as well as plywood backed accessible shower and tub surrounds that provide better durability, and the option for adding traditional grab bars at any location.
If you’re interested in this solution for bathroom management and safety call BILD today to speak with a live accessibility expert at 888-482-2453 (BILD), or call us locally for a free extimate on grab bar solutions and other accessibility solutions at our Milwaukee showroom: 262-671-2032.