Acrylic Shower Warping: What Causes This and How to Prevent It

You’re on the brink of seeking out shower remodels near me, but you’re still considering exactly what you want from a shower remodeling company. You’ve heard a lot of good things about acrylic shower systems, but you’ve also come across anecdotes about acrylic shower problems. Some homeowners have even mentioned acrylic shower warping, and that’s giving you a lot of pause.

At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we don’t just install acrylic walk-in showers or acrylic tub and shower combos. Our robust post-installation service plan means that when problems arise down the road, we address them. Is warping a common problem with acrylic showers? While acrylic shower warping isn’t common, it can happen. Read on to learn more about:

• Hidden water damage

• Shower base problems
• Shower wall adhesive failures
• Acrylic shower warping FAQs

Water Damage Behind Your Shower Walls

Acrylic shower panels that seem to bulge in the center are often a telltale sign of hidden water damage. It could be that the sealant has worn down and is letting water slip through the cracks between the panels. It could be that you have a pipe leak behind the shower walls. In either case, water is reaching those inner layers.

The best case scenario is that water is getting trapped between the acrylic panel and the vapor barrier, and the bulging is resulting from the adhesive breaking down. The worst case scenario is that the water has reached the support beams and caused the wood itself to warp.

Can you prevent this type of water damage and warping? Proper installation methods ensure that the sealant, adhesive, and other waterproofing components will last for several years, if not the entire 15–20-year lifespan of your acrylic shower. Plus, a reputable company will come out and repair any waterproofing issues that you notice before they get out of hand.

Shower Base Problems

Imagine a three-dimensional cube. Now imagine that the base of the cube is slanted downward. What does that do to the remaining sides of the cube? It causes them to slant downward, as well. Now imagine that instead of this hypothetical cube, we’re talking about your shower.

In older homes where everything has started to settle, you’re going to notice a slope in the floors. If your shower installer doesn’t account for that slope and create a level surface for your shower base, your shower walls will either be installed at an odd angle or the bottom edges won’t be flush with the base. The former can exert pressure on the panels that, over time, can cause warping. The latter can cause the type of water damage discussed above.

Can you prevent shower base problems when installing a new shower? Your installer should account for any unwanted slope in your bathroom, creating a level surface with that nearly imperceptible slope towards the drain that ensures proper drainage. A strong base provides lasting support for acrylic wall panels.

Shower Wall Adhesive Failures

Acrylic shower walls are very durable, but they’re also slender and lightweight. If the layer of adhesive that secures the shower wall to the vapor barrier starts to fail, gravity can start to take effect with or without the help of water damage.

If adhesive stops working, you’ll typically notice problems around the edges of your acrylic shower wall panels. They may start to curl slightly inward, away from the wall. In rare cases, you might notice warping in the center, indicating that the edges are properly adhered, but the center is not.

Can you prevent this type of shower wall adhesive breakdown? Once again, it all starts with proper installation techniques that create a flush connection between the acrylic panel and the backing layers. An experienced acrylic shower installer will use the right adhesive, apply it evenly, and ensure that it cures properly before clearing the shower for use.

Questions People Also Ask About Acrylic Shower Warping

Before we wrap things up, let’s cover a few frequently asked questions about acrylic shower warping.

Can Temperature Fluctuations Cause Acrylic Shower Wall Warping?

If you live somewhere like Iowa or Illinois, where winter weather is volatile and temperatures often plummet well below freezing, you may be worried about the impact of temperature fluctuations on your acrylic shower. After all, other types of plastic tend to change shape when they’re too hot or too cold. Won’t acrylic shower walls do the same thing?

For all intents and purposes, the answer is no. Acrylic shower walls are strong enough to withstand the type of temperature fluctuations the typical household will undergo, no matter how cold your outside temperatures get or how hot you like your showers.

Can Harsh Chemicals Cause Warped Acrylic Shower Walls?

Acrylic showers are known for their easy maintenance. However, you should also know how to properly clean your acrylic shower, including what not to use, such as:

• Bleach: can cause acrylic shower discoloration and surface weakening
• Ammonia: can cause etching and reduce glossiness
• Acetone: can dissolve or permanently damage acrylic

In theory, you could probably cause warping if you used a large amount of acetone or bleach to clean your acrylic shower day after day, but it isn’t likely. That said, harsh chemicals do cause additional unwanted effects and should be avoided.

How Long Do Acrylic Showers Last Without Wear and Tear?

Acrylic is one of the most durable shower wall materials at the mid-range price point, with an average lifespan of about 15-20 years. That said, you will notice some wear and tear in that time, particularly in a primary or high-use bathroom.

Things like fading or surface scratches can appear, but with the right maintenance, your acrylic shower should look like new for at least 10 years. The best thing to do is clean your shower regularly (at least twice a month) using mild cleaners and soft, non-abrasive cloths. If you notice damage that isn’t your run of the mill wear and tear, contact your shower remodeling company for repairs ASAP.

How Does Acrylic Compare to Other Shower Wall Materials?

Acrylic shower walls are durable and long-lasting, but no shower wall material is 100% damage-proof. Fortunately, proper installation and quality products can go a long way toward preventing issues like warping, while gentle maintenance can keep problems like fading and scratching at bay.

At ZINTEX, we’ve been working with acrylic tub and shower walls for over two decades. How does it compare to other materials? Find out in this guide.