What makes Fiber-Fab bathtubs,shower stalls and jetted tubs different
than most? Quality. From superior raw materials and construction to the
best in service and warranty, Fiber-Fab products surpass the others in
quality.
When choosing a fixture for your bath,there is more to consider than what
meets the eye. The quality and quantity of the raw materials that go into
the manufacturing process determine the durability, longevity and beauty
of the tub or shower in the years ahead. While some manufacturers may
offer lower costs by reducing the amount or grade of raw materials used,
Fiber-Fab maintains higher standards that result in the greater value
of a beautiful, long-lasting, trouble-free bath fixture that will provide
years of service.
The Difference Text in PDF
Supporting Base
Every tub and shower manufactured by Fiber-Fab has a special support
base laminated to the bottom,providing strength and a consistently level
surface.
This unique feature prevents weak and spongy floors that could result
in squeaking and eventually cracking.The support base eliminates the need
(and expense) to grout under the fixture during installation.Although
labor intensive and costly, the benefits of the support base are well
worth it to the end consumer.
Structural Composite Walls
The composite walls of Fiber-Fab fixtures have an increased laminate
stiffness. With the use of a sandwich construction technique,a special
coring material is laminated between two layers of fiberglass laminate.This
process can increase strength and stiffness by a factor of seven times
over noncored laminates, as well as a higher impact resistance and twice
the insulation value of all-glass laminates.Some manufacturers use cardboard
or a low density foam as a filler in an attempt to emulate quality fixtures
Full-Sized Fixtures
Fiber-Fab does not miniaturize its fixtures to cut costs. The walls of
the showers and tub/shower combinations are full-sized. When a shower
door is installed on a Fiber -Fab fixture, the door fits and the side
jambs do not protrude above the walls.
Highest Quality Gel Coat Finish
Gel coat is the smooth surface you see when you look at a Fiber-Fab shower
stall or combination tub/shower.The quality of the gel coat finish is
determined in part by the kind of gel coat and the thickness applied to
the surface.Fiber-Fab uses the best isothalic sanitary ware gel coat possible
and applies the required thickness of approximately 18 mils.The result
is a satin smooth,durable finish that will be easy to clean and maintain
for the life of the fixture.Other units may not have that satin feel,indicating
a less expensive ortho-isoblend of gel coat and more difficulty with cleaning
and maintenance. Other manufacturers may attempt to shave pennies by applying
approximately 3 or 4 mils of gel coat and then back that with a homemade,low
grade slurry in order to achieve the required thickness of 18 mils. This
may adversely affect the longevity of the unit.
High Resin-To-Filler Ratio
High Fiberglass-To-Resin Ratio
HIGH RESIN-TO-FILLER RATIO
Another factor for a quality fixture is the resin-to-filler ratio. According
to industry standards, Fiber-Fab maintains an extremely high resin-to-filler
ratio of 65% resin to 35% filler. Some manufacturers increase the amounts
of the less expensive filler to as high as 60% to reduce costs, resulting
in a unit that is weak and brittle and more susceptible to cracking during
transporting, installation and use. While it is necessary to fill resins
with some gypsum in order to meet required ANSI fire standards, too much
filler may result in a less durable product for the consumer.
HIGH FIBERGLASS-TO-RESIN RATIO
All gel coated and acrylic products are traditionally reinforced with
a combination of fiberglass, polyester resin,and fillers. The ratio of
fiberglass to resin determines quality and cost. Fiber-Fab maintains a
fiberglass-to-resin ratio of approximately 1:4; some manufacturers try
to reduce the ratio as low as 1:10 or below in an effort to save manufacturing
costs. The higher ratio maintained by Fiber-Fab produces a stronger, longer-lasting
unit that will hold up to years of use and give the consumers full value
for their investment dollar.
Service And Warranty
Fiber-Fab’s policy is to provide the best service possible and
to back up its warranty. Even with the highest quality raw materials and
construction, sometimes things can go wrong or maybe you just have a question
about your Fiber-Fab fixture. That’s when the quality of service
and a warranty that means something are important. All in all, units that
cost half as much as Fiber-Fab’s units can actually end up being
more expensive when you consider what you are getting (or not getting)
for your money. The Fiber-Fab difference of quality raw materials, construction,
service and warranty means a better bath fixture and a better value for
your dollar.
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