Myth #1: A one-piece shower unit is easier to install than a three-piece unit.
Fact: According to Timothy O'Connor, Sterling's director of brand merchandising, multi-piece shower units are 30% easier to install than a one-piece unit. Sterling's improved Acclaim tub/showers and Ensemble oval baths/wall surrounds have a tongue and groove interlocking wall system that eliminates the need for caulk. The four-piece design allows one person to transport the unit into a house.
Remodeler views: Tim Britton, owner of Tim Britton Construction Services in Falls Creek, Pa., prefers one-piece units because he thinks they're easier to install. He says a multi-piece unit takes longer because he puts it together prior to installation and then has to take it apart and reassemble it in the opening and caulk the joints. But, he says, "multi-piece are necessary in some remodeling environments to get them into small existing bathrooms."
John DeCiantis of DeCiantis Construction, Stonington, Conn., prefers one-piece units because they don't have joints. "A caulk joint is another crevice for mold to grow," he says.
Myth #2: Multi-head shower units are difficult to find and install. It's also hard to find parts for these units because many are made in Europe.
Fact: According to Dale Archer, manager of Hansgrohe's training facility, the company makes many multiple-head shower products in Alpharetta, Ga. This makes it easy to order the units and find parts."
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