Q: Do you build Custom Shower Pans?
A: Yes, this is the most asked question we get. We have built solid surface shower pans from 1998 forward. This is one reason we have accumulated such a variety of options, experience has allowed Grifform® the opportunity to meet the daily challenges of the market place. Not every application is the right solution for a particular situation. Grifform® has developed solutions to satisfy these many varying challenges.
Q: Would you explain the differences between the Straight Wall, Square Wall or Coved Wall variations?
A: Our
Straight Wall sits flush beneath your choice of wall covering.
The
Square Wall joins seamless and square with the shower pan floor, offering that refined, yet classic look.
For the
Square Wall #1 and
#3 options sit flush with the wall covering of your choice. While the
#2 and
#4 varieties offer an attractive, revealed round-over edge.
The
Coved Wall flows seamlessly to the floor pan in an elegant angle, giving you that extra personalized touch.
The
Coved Wall #1 and
#3 options sit flush with the wall covering of your choice. While the
#2 and
#4 varieties offer an attractive, revealed round-over edge.
Q: How do I know the shower pan will fit ?
A: We will generate drawings based on your specific information, which you can compose in the product request form. Open the product tab on the home page and select an item by clicking on the item you wish to preview. Options will appear and information will allow you to enter dimensions specific and variations to your shower pan needs. Upon processing your order, drawings will be produced that represent what will be built to your request. The information you provide will also include the exact drain location which will make it possible to rough in the plumbing even before your new Grifform® shower pan arrives.
Q: How do I care for my shower pan?
A: Materials the Grifform® shower pan is constructed of is easy to care for and is described thoroughly in the DuPont™ Corian® care guide. The great feature of your Grifform® shower pan is that it can be cleaned with soapy water or ammonia-based cleaners and sponge or Comet® abrasive cleaner and a ScotchBrite® pad, without any worry about damaging the surface. Unlike any other shower materials, the cleaning renews the surface and will help it look like new. Soap film, dirty grime and body oils are easily cleaned without fear of damage and rinsed away. Because the material is non-porous it does not harbor bacteria or molds that makes it ideal for use in the shower and bathroom areas.
Q: Do I need a plumber to install a shower pan?
A: If you are building new, or doing a renovation a plumbing contractor can install your Grifform® unit with ease. There are no special tools or knowledge of our products required. Many homeowners and “Do-It-Yourselfers” have installed Grifform® showers for years without problem.
Q: Can I use tile, granite or materials like these for my shower wall surrounds?
A: Grifform® has designed our shower pan units to allow any number of materials to be used. Design variations have been engineered to allow for different sub floors, wall backers, setbacks and clearance requirements. Look at the possible variation details provided, you will find one that qualifies. Other special situations are likely and Grifform® will work with you to satisfy your requirements where possible.
Q: Can Grifform shower pans be used with granite, marble or tile walls?
A: Grifform® shower pans are design with the flexibility of being combined with a limitless variety of wall panel materials. Different variations and options provide a diverse combination of thickness and interface choices.
Q: Can I remove an existing shower pan without removing the existing wall surfaces?
A: The Grifform® shower pan can replace an existing unit without completely removing the existing walls by undercutting the needed space to receive the new Grifform® pan. After installing the Grifform® pan the new shower walls or panels can be installed over the existing walls to complete the installation. This has been recognized as a major advantage in both time and rubbish removal.
Q: Do you have different shower pan entry variations?
A: Grifform® has possibly the largest variation of
shower pan entry variations anywhere. Entries vary from the more traditional smooth, straight lined curbs or entries with overhanging top caps. Level joining floors are often referred to as no-egress entries while shallow raised ramps are called low-egress. Although these general types are customary, building to meet individual requirements are consistently needed and satisfied.
Q: Is the material used too slick to be used as a shower floor?
A: The Grifform® shower pans are constructed of solid surface material with a very gradual slope. These materials are reported not as slick when wet as other bathing product materials. Additionally, Grifform® can provide a slip resistant surface if requested on any Custom or Classic shower unit, and this special surface is provided on all Barrier Free options.
Q: How do I install a shower pan?
A: The
Grifform® shower pan is one of the easiest units available to install. The
installation guide will take you step by step through the process which can be done in just minutes in some cases.
Grifform® has engineered design features into each unit to provide for simple quick installation, and have designed them to accommodate a wide variety of wall surfacing material, should you choose to use wall materials other than Corian®.
Q: What type of sub floor does it require for installation of a shower pan?
A: The unit is designed for installation on frame or concrete slab construction. The Grifform® shower pan has all the necessary support built into the unit and needs only a level and sound floor. If those conditions need improvement, suggestions are provided and materials are recommended.
Q: What is the offset requirement for the shower wall?
A: This is one of the most commonly asked questions and perhaps the one with the most possible answers. Grifform® has designed the shower pan unit to be the most adaptable unit of its kind for the use of differing adjoining materials. As different materials are applied on the shower walls it changes the location of the pan to the wall when installed. You can follow the rough in guide that will direct you through how to determine the right placement for your choice of wall surfacing material.
Q: What is different about the Classic shower pan?
A: The
Grifform® “Classic” shower pan is built following the industry standard sizes, shapes and basic colors. Another commonality with most other stock shower options are the drains are centered which makes upgrading from fiberglass or acrylic showers much easier.
Grifform® Classic pans also provide tub replacement sizes in right and left hand models. Tub replacement is one of the most common upgrades in almost all renovation projects.
Q: Do you have non-obtrusive threshold options?
A: Grifform® has many different configurations that satisfy those having reduced mobility. However growing numbers are using this option just because they like the appearance and flexibility it affords them later. Many options are being employed now that were not considered necessary in the very recent past. Grifform® has embraced this growing need providing tub replacement units that are made specifically for this application with level and shallow ramping entries for easy wheel chair and walker access.
Q: Are there any options for extra slip resistant surfacing on shower or bathroom floors?
A: The Grifform® shower pans and floors are constructed of solid surface material with a gradual slope. Grifform® provides a slip resistant surface on all “Barrier Free” models as a standard specification. This surface treatment has been certified to be in conformance with ADA requirements.
Q: What is Slip Resistant Finish?
A: The
Slip Resistant Finish is a mechanical application into the Corian® surface. When adding a slip resistant finish to darker colors, the finished surface is slightly lighter. In our lighter colors it does not diminish any of the surface characteristics or maintenance properties. You can view some samples of the color variations
here. The application is certified and satisfies all necessary standards, as an ADA slip resistant surface. The finish is standard on all of our ADA accessible pans and available on all models, as well. Providing that extra peace of mind when it comes to shower safety.
Q: What is the difference between Drip Entry and No Drip Entry ?
A: The
Drip Entry has a broader top than the
No Drip Entry. Entry variations are based on a customer’s personal preference.
Q: What is the thickness of a shower pan floor ?
A: Height is noted on the cross section spec sheets per customer choice. Corian is ½” thick.
Q: What is the minimum recess ?
A: That is subjective and based on the relation of the drain to the entry usually 1-1/2” +/-__.
Q: What is a Sloping Entry?
A: The
Sloping Entry is also known as the No-Egress entry, this option puts the pan beneath the bathroom floor, for flush, easy rolling access in and out of the shower. It’s available on all models and usually found on our ADA pan models.
Q: What is a Ramping Entry?
A: With the shower pan on the bathroom floor, the
Ramping Entry makes for easy wheelchair and walker access, allowing for improved independence and mobility.
Q: What is a Trench Drain Pan?
A: The Grifform® shower pans have many different demands one is to prevent water to exit the shower without likely hood of possible accidental blockage. This can be more likely when garments or toweling items might be dropped inside the shower compartment. There is a greater potential for this kind of event happening in these ADA situations. For the added protection Grifform developed this system built of solid surface materials that is durable, inconspicuous and provides easy tool-less removal of the trench cover for easy cleaning.
Q: Are the shower products you build made for commercial applications?
A: Absolutely, Grifform® has furnished shower pans to many different industries. Some are Hospitality, Municipalities, Healthcare, the R.V. and Marine manufactures and even Offshore Drilling platforms. The robust design and solid surface material can endure the industrial demands of commercial applications.