What are the pitfalls of the liner in the bathroom

It is much easier to install an acrylic liner in place of worn enamel than to dismantle the bathroom. This solution saves both money and time. You can mount the insert yourself or use the services of professionals.

Types of Inserts

In the construction market, there are two types of acrylic liners, differing in price and quality.

Cast liners

The molded insert is made from a 7 mm thick acrylic layer. For this, a whole sheet is taken, heated and stamped to the required shape. Ideally, a liner is obtained that has all the qualities of an acrylic bath, but without external reinforcement from the old bath in the form of cast iron or steel.

Such liners have a longer service life, justifying their price. But you can purchase low-quality goods. Some manufacturers take sheets that are not thick enough, which are uneven when stamped. Such liners are fragile enough and may not withstand the weight of water.

Plastic liners

They have a lower price, as they consist of a layer of plastic and a thin layer of acrylic. The layers are bonded together quite firmly, but such liners are very sensitive to scratches and damage.

With careless handling, the acrylic layer is easily removed, for example, if you use aggressive cleaning or accidentally scratch the surface with a hard object. If damaged, an expensive repair or full replacement will be necessary.

Disadvantages of liners

Despite the low cost of the liner and its installation, as well as easy dismantling, there are significant disadvantages.

Acrylic is unstable to mechanical damage, which is not always possible to clean and polish. In the case of plastic liners, this will not help. Improper installation of the liner leads to the formation of a cavity between the old bathtub and the new coating, where moisture can accumulate and microorganisms get divorced. To completely transform the bathroom, you will also need to install a screen to hide the old cast iron.

Mounting Features

When installing acrylic liners, you need to be prepared for three main difficulties:

• Selection of materials for fixing the liner. Conventional polyurethane foam will not work, as it dries up significantly when it dries and can bend the acrylic surface. Materials must be moisture resistant, dense, with antiseptic properties;
• Sewerage connection. It is necessary to properly dock and secure the liner with a drain in the bathroom. When pressed hard, the material may crack and have to buy a new one. If loose, the liner will pass water into the cavity between it and the old bath;
• Finish in the bathroom. If the old bathroom was tiled, it will have to be removed and a new one installed after installation of the liner.