Table Of Contents
Shower Design
Showers built for those with restricted mobility are referred to as roll-in showers or roman showers. They are designed to facilitate accessibility by rolling right into the shower using a shower wheelchair. This feature makes them a good choice for seniors and people with physical disabilities.
Since showering is more complicated and potentially hazardous for those groups, you must take extra precautions to make their showering experience more comfortable and safer. This article will look into the ins and outs of roll-in showers, including their benefits, the market types, and some drawbacks. Just read on to find out more.
Features Of Roll-In Showers
Most roll-in showers usually cover the walls and tub with polyester gel coats or acrylic. A polyester gel coat is sprayed over a mold and hardened, resulting in a shower with a uniform and constant thickness. Heat is applied to acrylic sheets, which are then vacuum-formed into a mold.
However, if the acrylic is stretched out more than is required, the material thins down and might lose form when heat is applied. Roll-in showers typically come with a complete plywood backing, which eliminates the requirement for drywall behind the shower and allows accessories to be fitted where the user wants them rather than where the wall studs are.
Since roll-in showers are designed for people who use a shower wheelchair, the shower cubicle should be spacious enough for a wheelchair to fit inside. To allow the wheelchair to roll over, most roll-in showers feature bevelled thresholds with a height of about 0.5 inches (12.7mm). Moreover, you can retrofit roll-in showers into bathtubs that are no longer in use.
One, three, or five-piece roll-in showers are available. One-piece roll-in showers do not have seams; however, they must fit into your home for installation. Showers with three or five sections are simpler to handle, and the components fit together to keep the shower from leaking.
Considerations When Choosing Roll-In Showers
There are specific aspects to consider while picking roll-in shower stalls, whether they are new construction or not. A roll-in shower should include all of the essential characteristics of a regular shower, as well as the following:
A grab bar
Grab bars are typically put horizontally on every wall in most roll-in showers. However, they can also be installed vertically or at an angle to assist the user.
A shower head
Shower heads installed on vertical bars are height adjustable and suitable for wheelchair users and those who are able-bodied. Handheld shower heads with a long enough hose are the most appropriate for use in roll-in showers.
Thresholds
These are shower sills that keep water out of the shower. The threshold should be roughly 0.5 inches (12.7mm) high and bevelled on both sides. However, thresholds with a thickness of fewer than 0.25 inches (6.3mm) do not need to be bevelled.
A shower seat
Shower seats or benches can be mounted on the wall for users who transfer into the shower regularly or have family members who like to shower sitting down. When not in use, these shower benches or seats attached to the wall can fold either up or down, depending on the type. On the other hand, if you have one that is free-standing, you can remove it and store it elsewhere.
When selecting a seat, look for one that is about 15′’ (38cm) off the floor and can support up to 250 pounds (113Kg). If you put a seat against the rear wall of the shower stall, it should be between 14′′ (35.5cm) and 15′′ (38cm) away from the adjoining wall.
Trench drain
A trench drain is a barrier that directs the water flow to the drain. It might be used in place of a threshold to catch additional water flow. A trench drain is frequently used instead of a threshold in newer construction shower stalls. Trench drains are essential as most roll-ins are constructed on an incline, allowing water to flow appropriately towards the drain.
Toilet
You can install a toilet in a roll-in shower; however, it must not obstruct easy access to the shower. To avoid blocking space, it should be installed in an open floor area as far away from the shower control, head, and seat as feasible. The suggested position in the clear floor space is on the opposite side of the seat. However, no other features should be on the clear floor space.
The Benefits Of Roll-In Showers
While most people install roll-in showers for accessibility reasons, they may also be used for several other reasons. Roll-ins have more advantages than just being barrier-free for simple access. Here are some of the benefits of a roll-in shower:
Safety
Roll-in showers come with grab bars, making them a space safer for people who use wheelchairs.
Improved accessibility
These showers can make the area more accessible to those with various impairments, not only those who require wheelchair accessibility.
Extra space
Roll-ins can provide you with extra space overall, whether you're optimising your space in a new building area or converting your site to accommodate wheelchairs.
Open floor plan
Installing a roll-in shower sometimes necessitates creating an open floor plan, which may give the space a more modern vibe. In an open floor layout, a bigger cubicle can also help accommodate families with small children by providing extra room for showering.
Types Of Roll-In Showers
When it comes to selecting the proper roll-in shower cubicle, you have options to choose from. Consider the following two types of roll-in showers:
ADA compliant roll-in showers
A conventional ADA-compliant roll-in shower is a three-wall shower stall that complies with all of the ADA's criteria. A shower seat may or may not be linked to one of the sidewalls. For a non-slip entry, standard showers should be situated in an open area with a smooth bathroom finish floor.
Roll-in/walk-in shower
The shower chair is mounted to a somewhat shorter wall with showers that alternate between a roll-in and a walk-in shower. On the back or sidewall, there may be a grab bar. You may meet ADA requirements with alternate showers.
Cleaning And Maintaining A Roll-In Shower
Cleaning and maintaining a roll-in shower is no more difficult than cleaning and maintaining a traditional walk-in or tub shower. However, you should adjust your cleaner based on the type of material your shower is made of. Do not use abrasive cleaners on acrylic or gel-coated showers, as they might scratch or dull the surface.
Instead, clean these showers using regular liquid cleaners. Almost any cleanser will work in a tile roll-in shower. With tile and grout, you can use more abrasive cleaners. However, if your shower has stone tiles, be cautious. They have a softer texture than porcelain. For all materials, if you are unsure about your cleanser of choice, try it in a discreet location first.
Clean the shower bar, grab bars, and showerhead using metal cleaners. You may use a metal cleaner to clean anything made of metal. However, you should avoid abrasive cleaners, which might harm the metal finish. Some roll-in showers have windows. On the glass, use a glass cleaner, and on the window frame, use any mild cleanser. If your shower has a sealer, such as caulk or silicone, ensure to use gentle cleaners on it.
Note: You can find cleaning instructions relevant to the model in the owner's handbook.
The Issues A Roll-In Shower Might Cause
Spillage of water
As previously stated, thresholds are required to prevent water from flowing from the shower pan and onto the bathroom floor. However, they aren't as efficient as the bathtub's edge, which effectively keeps water inside the area as you would have imagined. Even though roll-in showers have drains, water can occasionally leave the shower and make its way into your bathroom as there are no curbs. You can avoid slips and falls by installing a precision shower head.
Chilly showers
Water isn't the only item that can escape a roll-in shower's confines, as heat might escape while showering. Users of roll-in showers can add heated flooring to keep it from getting cold. While this may assist with the temperature issue, it also increases the cost of installing a roll-in shower.
Lack of personal space
The absence of a shower door is one of the critical distinctions between a roll-in shower and a standard shower. Shower doors are not included in the design because they would make it difficult for a wheelchair user to roll in and out of the shower. Although this openness can make a person feel vulnerable, a few alternatives are available. You can use a curtain rod to hang a shower curtain in place of a shower door. Installing a curved barrier wall is another option.
Why Should You Get A Roll-In Shower?
A daily shower, in our opinion, should be cherished rather than dreaded. One of the most pleasing aspects of our day is the warm, soft massage of water going over our hair and down our back. This reviving experience is taken for granted by most of us. Many people with mobility issues, on the other hand, often skip showering because it's too risky and time-consuming for a family member or caretaker to help them.
Roll-in showers may increase the safety, value, and general accessibility of your bathroom, whether it's new construction or not, making it easier for those with mobility issues. Therefore, if a roll-in shower sounds like something you need or want in your bathroom, why not employ experts in the disability bathrooms field and have one installed today. You can also seek funding from NDIS for the renovation of your existing bathroom to a more disability friendly room.
