STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  —  Warning: Don’t use your home’s newly installed or renovated shower — if you want to keep it looking like new.

The devastation caused by moisture to shower areas is a headache for homeowners and commercial property owners alike. It takes only a brief time for a once-beautiful private oasis to morph into a disgusting life-size petri dish of mold, mildew and threatening micro-organisms.

“Everybody has a disaster when it comes to their shower,” said Tony Vanario, president of Richmond Tile & Bath, Staten Island, N.Y.

“However,” the home-improvement expert added, “It doesn’t have to be that way. The wedi® company offers a total package of solutions for mildew-wary consumers. The wedi® system provides an opportunity to construct entire bath systems in a totally waterproof environment; even the structural materials are waterproof.”

Once the wedi® products are installed, mold and mildew no longer pose a threat.

“Conventional plasterboard, water-resistant ‘green’ wall boards, adhesives and grout are food for mold and mildew,” Vanario explained. “Remove the food, and mold and mildew have nothing to feast upon; problem solved.”

In response to homeowners who suffered flood losses due to the rain storm of March 12, Richmond Tile & Bath is offering some relief.

“Bring us photos of your storm damage between now and the end of June, and we’ll provide you with deep discounts on ceramic tiles and waterproofing products, such as wedi® backerboard, and many others,”  Vanario said.

Established in 1973, Richmond Tile & Bath has grown to become one of the nation’s leading retailer’s of top-quality tile; shower systems; massage and soaking tubs; luxury-plumbing faucets; bath furniture; mirrors; fixtures; medicine cabinets; a host of wellness-oriented products, such as therapeutic home spas and whole-home water-filtration systems, and much more.

Well-known for offering state-of-the art products that are often unavailable elsewhere, Richmond Tile & Bath’s 30,000-square-foot warehouse and showroom location offers the world’s very finest brands, and displays them in home-like settings.

For additional information, Richmond Tile & Bath may be reached at 718-317-8500 or via its Web site, www.richmondtile.com.