0 Wet Rooms Are Growing in Popularity

• Wet Room
• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 07-02-2023

Wet rooms are growing in popularity It’s a fact most likely borne out by your own customers’ enquiries and orders: demand for wet rooms is increasing. A recent survey by AMA Research reported that installation of wet rooms grew by 4%  and is likely to grow by up to 7% over the next two years. Why is this happening? As a nation, we’ve long been content with traditional bathrooms. Yet we’re now realising that wet rooms offer advantages to everyone – from physically able to elderly or disabled. Design-driven appeal Until recently, a wet room belonged to the more exotic builds on TV’s Grand Designs or was something you encountered in an upmarket hotel. At the other end of the scale, you might find one in a hospital or care home. The simple fact is a wet room is both aspirational and stylish, and safe and convenient. The UK’s ageing population might be reason enough to see a rise in the installation of wet rooms, with greater numbers of elderly and infirm people needing their practicality and easy access. But others also appreciate wet rooms’ space-saving layout and ergonomic efficiency. Increasing confidence Another contributing factor is that customers today feel more at ease with the idea of a wet room. Concerns about potential floods, leaks or damp problems have been allayed by the number of successful installations, achieved by builders’ increasing expertise and experience in this area, and the quality of solutions and materials stocked by merchants. Supplying quality The construction and effectiveness of key wet room products, such as floor formers and trays, is now proven and sophisticated. These days installers can take on a wet room job with confidence that materials will be fully up to the task, and designed to make the task as straightforward as possible. Varied and versatile There’s also a wider choice than ever before. With greater emphasis on style and appearance, there’s no longer any sense that installing a wet room, say for less physically able customers, should be a design compromise. Quite the opposite – those who may be physically or mentally disadvantaged can enjoy contemporary appeal and upmarket good looks, as well as comfort and convenience. The AMA report predicts the market for wet rooms will have grown by 34%.  That’s a significant expansion, and suggests that for many people, of all physical and mental abilities, the age of the bath and the conventional shower has passed, and the era of the wet room has well and truly arrived.

0 Wall Panels

• Wet Room
• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 05-02-2023

Last year we sold 1,000s wall panels and expect to see us install 1,000s more throughout 2023, so why should you be considering using these in your bathroom installations instead of, or even alongside traditional tiles? The biggest benefit to you right now is that you’ll be able to get hold of wall panels much easier this year, with the production of tiles slowing down thanks to the increase in global energy costs. However, there are plenty of other reasons why wall panels are becoming ever more popular in the UK, such as the reduced long-term cost, ease of installation, and the low amount maintenance required to keep them looking their best. So what exactly are wall panels? Scroll down to find out… Wall Panels Wall panels in our collections feature a WPS plywood substrate core coated with a laminate to provide a durable, waterproof finish that looks great and will stand the test of time. The printed paper design is impregnated with phenolic and melamine resins, dried and compressed to form a hard-wearing, high pressure-laminate coating. The plywood core also makes wall panels ideal in adapted bathrooms because the structural-grade material can support grab rails, shower seats, electric and mixer showers, screens etc. Many wall panels feature a straight edge finish, which means that when installing several panels across one straight wall, you’ll need additional profiles to seal the join between them. Origins wall panels are extra clever and incorporate a tongue and groove click system which provides a subtle, seamless finish, and is an alternative to installing two panels along the same wall with a straight joint profile.   Profiles & Extrusions Profiles help with ensuring there is the waterproof seal around the showering or bathing area. We offer a wide variety of profiles and extrusions, which can trimmed down to size as required, and should assist with any installation challenges you may face. Below is a selection of the profiles we offer; a range of bottom profiles is available to help create a neat join between wall panels and a shower tray or bath, vinyl safety flooring, and floor tiles.   H-Section   This will help join two panels together along a straight wall if you’re installing square edged panels. Internal Corner   This profile will allow you to join two wall panels together when they meet on an inward facing corner. External Corner   This will allow you to join two wall panels together when they meet on an externally facing corner. End Cap   If wall panels are not being installed across every wall, this will provide a neat finish for the panel end.

0 Why Dementia-Friendly bathrooms are a care home must

• Wet Room
• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 05-02-2023

As our population ages, dementia is becoming much more dominant. 163,000 new cases of dementia are diagnosed in England and Wales each year and 80% of care and nursing home residents have some degree of dementia or severe memory problems. The biggest challenge for homes is ensuring the environment is safe and comfortable.  Dementia impairs the senses and diminishes their perception of danger. Some rooms are typically safer than others; however the bathroom is one of the most challenging spaces for those with dementia, with many potential trip points, slip hazards, hot water outlets and confusing elements. Dementia sufferers are twice as likely to fall compared to others in their age group. Accessibility Bathrooms can provide level-access showers or wet rooms to reduce trip hazards and grab rails and shower seats for support. As people with dementia progressively lose safety awareness they become more vulnerable to scalds and burns. To reduce the risk of these kinds of injuries, we can provide our low surface temperature radiators. Also, our electric shower range includes SmartCare Plus, which allows carers to set the temperature with a wireless remote control. SmartCare Plus is also ideal for dementia sufferers who are prone to short term memory loss as it includes a special feature that automatically shuts down the shower after 30 minutes of uninterrupted use. People with dementia can have good long-term memory and will feel a sense of familiarity with traditional fixtures. Therefore, crosshead tap handles and lever handled toilet flush mechanisms are included in our range. Accessibility Bathrooms are one of the leading adapted living solution specialists and can ensure only the best care is being delivered to the rising number of residents with dementia. Our products can create a dementia-friendly bathroom that reduces the barriers faced in carrying out daily activities, greatly improving their safety and preserving their independence for as long as possible.

0 Wet Rooms vs Baths

• Wet Room
• by Accessibility Bathrooms
• 05-02-2023

The battle is on! Here at Accessibility Bathrooms we have looked into the benefits of both wet rooms and bathrooms, but which would be the better option? Whilst wet rooms are on the rise it’s time to ask the question: are baths necessary? If you answer no, would a wet room benefit you? Here is what we found out. What are the benefits? Care – Taking the needs of others into account, a wet room makes it possible for everyone to live an independent life. With level access in the room, it makes it accessible for wheelchair users and those that might need extra help getting into the shower. With this in mind, a wet rooms makes assisted care possible in the homes of those that need it and it increases the safety of disable users with its non-trip guarantee. Design – Stylish and stunning designs available means you are able to express yourself, creating your own individual room. With great space saving ideas their simplicity and practicality benefits you as the rooms look great and are also really easy to clean. Protection –Waterproofing your bathroom eliminates the risk of facing leaks in your home.  With a wet room, you get a 100% watertight guarantee meaning you no longer have to worry. But not only that by having a waste kit fitted below the floor you will be looking forward to the quick draining system that has been put into place. Installation – Professionally fitted wet rooms can be installed in any size room, meaning that before you start worrying you can’t have one fitted, think again. Able to maximise any size space (upstairs or down), you can look forward to bringing a simple but attractive feel to your bathroom. Value for money – Once fitted, an Accessibility Bathroom wet room has a guarantee which lasts the life time of the tiles used, meaning replacements won’t be needed.  One change that WILL be made, is to the value of your home. If you have a smart and stylish wet room, the price of your home could go up when it comes to selling. …and your winner, by unanimous decision is… WET ROOMS!