Around fifty years ago the only choice of material for roll top baths you could have was limited to cast iron and china. Recently the options available for baths have changed in the last fifteen years as the plumbing market has produced so many new products using new materials. This means that not only new materials can be used by new shapes and designs are emerging, so the choice for your bath tub has now become a more complex one.
One very popular style of bath is the roll top; roll top baths are free-standing with edges that have curves at the top. This distinctive look is considered sleek and very classic and often appears in historic homes as it is believed that they are accurate for how baths used to be. Traditionally they would be made from cast iron and it is possible today to purchase them in the same material.
Cast iron roll top baths are still made in very much the way they were a century ago, molten iron is poured into a mould that is the shape of the bathtub and once it has cooled the mould is simply removed. A layer of porcelain enamel is then fused onto the iron in a high temperature oven and this layer will then become as hard as glass. The finish of a new tub will look fantastic and the only difference between a tub made now and fifty years ago is that there are more designs available so you can bring the old up to date.
The one problem that people aren't keen on with roll top cast iron baths is the fact that they are extremely heavy, so you may find complaints with your plumber that has to install it. However recently a product has been designed that offers the same durability as an iron tub but only weighs half the amount of cast iron. This product is known as Americast and is made from predominately from metal with a porcelain finish on the top but foam on the underside. The foam is good for those that like to soak in a hot bath at the end of the day as the foam acts as an insulator and will keep the water warmer for longer.
When choosing your bathtub remember there are many more options available, it is now possible to create a modern update on the traditional. Equally if you want to keep it vintage then it easy and not expensive for an old bath to be re-enamelled and brought back a new lease of life.
Author Resource:
Dominic Donaldson is a designer with many years of experience in the bath industry. Find out more about Roll Top Baths from TC Bathrooms.Distributed by Content Crooner
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