IÂm trying to choose hardware (hinges, D handle/towel bar combo, brackets or maybe u-channel) for my STEAM shower that is being built, fixtures are Oil Rubbed Bronze. IÂm hearing that some manufacturers make powder coated aluminum for their oil rubbed bronze (Agalite being one of them - IÂm told the powder coating wonÂt hold up over the long run), others anodized bronze, others some other treatment over brass ??? IÂm totally confused. The worst part is the only shade of Oil Rubbed Bronze IÂve seen that reasonably matches the Oil Rubbed Bronze hardware in my bathroom (shower fixtures, door knob, towel hangers, lamps, faucets, etc.) are the powder coated surfaces IÂve seen. Anything other than powder coated IÂve seen essentially looks black itÂs such a very dark bronze that itÂs hard to tell from black and definitely wonÂt match anything I have (IÂve seen CR LaurenceÂs oil rubbed bronze and whatever hardware Holcam uses for their anodized bronze both of which essentially look black). So can someone illuminate me if using powder coated hinges, brackets (or u-channel) and D handle/towel bar combos is a BAD idea for a steam shower? Or does anyone know of a manufacturer that makes non-powder coated hinges/brackets/u-channel/handles in an Oil Rubbed Bronze that doesnÂt look black? Thanks in advance!

I would suggest he move fwd and in the end will likely be the only one to notice... BTW Nice DIY steamer ill bet there is a sealed slip joint up there?? Good point to touch on ...The cost of compromising the initial waterproofing efforts can be a real concern when pulling tiles to re-set. Moreso with the liquid membranes..and downright risky in this steamer scenario.

Dream, In your original question, you were looking for a separate volume control. This allows you to control the volume of water coming out of the shower head. A theromostatic valve manages the temperature of the water. It allows you to set a temperature and just turn on the shower and the water will always be at that temperature. If you have a pressure change, in a thermostatic shower, rather than changing the temperature, you get less water but the temperature is constant. I am not sure why it would be more to install than a pressure balanced valve though. The functionality is in the valve and the installation is the same as a pressure balanced valve. The cost of a Thermostatic valve is more than a pressure balanced valve. I will post a video once I find it from a hansgrohe explaining the valve set up in the bathroom. I found it useful to understand the functionality.

The only way to answer your question is to see the cavity behind the trim plate. specifically how its vaporproofed and then see that all the residue was removed from caulk properly allowing silicone replacement to bond correctly and not trap caulk residue. The vaporproofing should be tied in behind trim as to not rely on an outer bead of silicone and in so trusting that trim kit itself wont allow vapor to pass into wall cavity . It would take an onsite asessment to verify A >Good to go.:)