Mounting shower curtain rods to fiberglass shower enclosures
By Shala Munroe
Fiberglass shower surrounds are common because they are inexpensive waterproof options. However, they can present a problem when trying to install a shower curtain rod. Drilling into fiberglass can crack or break the fiberglass if not done properly, and fiberglass is hard to repair if you drill a hole in the wrong place. Tension shower curtain rods are a good choice if you don't want to drill any holes in your fiberglass, but if you want to install a more permanent curtain rod, use the correct type of drill bit.
Measure the height of your shower curtain. Hold the shower curtain rod in place approximately 2 inches higher than the length of your curtain with both ends against the fiberglass shower surround. a level above the rod and make sure it is straight. Mark the end screw hole locations on the fiberglass with a grease pencil.
Remove the shower curtain rod. Place tape over each mark, then transfer the mark to the outside of the tape so you can see it clearly. Hold the shower curtain rod up if necessary to make sure that your marks are always accurate.
Press a drill with a brad point bit against the first mark. Drill directly into the fiberglass to create a hole. Do not push the drill into the fiberglass; let the drill do the work and dig the hole. fiberglass isn't thick, so you don't need to drill far. Repeat with the other screw hole marks. Remove the masking tape.
Slide a toggle bolt through each screw hole at one end of the curtain rod. Turn the toggle wings on the backs of the bolts, on the wall side of the curtain rod bracket.
Have a friend hold the curtain rod in place. Drive the toggle bolts through the fiberglass with an electric screwdriver, stopping when you feel resistance. Do not overtighten, or you may crack the fiberglass. glass. Hand-tighten with a screwdriver to ensure the bolts are secure. The wings of the toggle bolts extend along the back of the fiberglass as you tighten the bolt, extending the surface to create a stronger grip.
Repeat with the bolts on the other side of the shower curtain rod.
Tips
If your fiberglass shower surround has plywood behind instead of an open space between the surround and the wall, use wood screws instead of toggle bolts to connect the curtain rod to the plywood.Warnings
Although the toggle bolts hold the shower curtain firmly, they may not support the weight of a person. Do not hang on the shower curtain or use it to pull yourself out of the bath; you may break it fiberglass.Biography of the writer
Based outside of Atlanta, Georgia, Shala Munroe has been writing and editing since 1995. Beginning her career at newspapers such as the Marietta Daily Journal and the Atlanta Business Chronicle, she recently worked in communications and management for several non-profit organizations. organizations before buying a florist in 2006. She earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Jacksonville State University.
