On horizontal surfaces like half walls, the glass is installed in an aluminum channel which is bonded down to the tile or marble with a 3M VHB high-bond tape and silicone. High-strength bonding tapes are a proven alternative to screws, rivets, welds and other mechanical fasten-ers. Unlike screws or rivets which join materials at a single point, the 3M bonds the entire surface and spreads any stress load across the entire length of the joint.
The best part of the shower enclosure is the custom glass element. Not only can you design the size and shape of your shower but the glass options offer you a variety of styles, from the open look of clear to distinctive artistic patterns, including beveled and etched glass. Whether you decide to attempt a project yourself or hire a contractor to do it, insist on using safety-tempered glass.
Safety-tempered glass is five times stronger than ordinary glass. When broken, it is also designed to crumble into small granular chunks instead of splintering into jagged shards. The granular chunks are less likely to cause personal injury in an accident. Look for low-maintenance glass coatings. For example, Basco offers a glass coating called AquaGlideXP which is an ultra-protective coating that bonds with the glass to increase sheen and luster and prevent spotting, soap scum and mineral deposits.
The best part of this coating is that it reduces maintenance by percent. I have this coating in my own shower and can attest that after two years of four daily showers, this glass remains clear and scum-free.
You do not need to use chemical glass cleaner to clean it. All it requires is to spray it with water and wipe clean. At my house, we use a squeegee after the last shower, and an occasional wiping with a micro cloth.
You need to decide on how you want to enter your shower. Whether you choose a sliding door, swinging door or door-and-panel, make the decision that provides the easiest access. For example, if you are building for accessibility you will want to look at the sliding door option. It easily glides out of the way and eliminates the clearance that a door swing requires. In order to have a sliding glass door, you need to plan on having an area for the door to slide into.
Most companies offer diverse enough selection to meet and satisfy even the most discriminating consumer. You should consider matching your trim, handles and hinges to your shower and faucet finish. Glass is priced per panel and based on size. I highly recommend having an installer who specializes in glass enclosures perform this installation.
Most local distributers will key out your request to their network installer who will handle the measuring and install your glass shower enclosure. The installation of a custom glass enclosure will add a level of quality and class to your bathroom like nothing else.
Facebook Twitter Youtube Pinterest. More from EHT:. Installing a Glass Shower Stall Encolsure. Rather than adding a glass shower as an afterthought to a remodeling project, you should incorporate its design into the outset of your plan. The heavy weight of the glass might even require additional framing beneath the floor.
Types of Glass Enclosures Semi frame-less and frame-less glass shower enclosures have been around for a while and have always been associated with a timeless look of quality and classic design. Planning The process of planning, choosing and installing a custom glass enclosure can be an educational experience. The glass installer needs to measure or create a template after the tile, marble or stone is already set in place.
In fact, Mr. Rohde, now in his nineties, still goes in to work to make an appearance. Design the Shower First The best part of using a custom glass enclosure company is that you can create any type, size or shape shower you want, and then have the glass made to fit it. Pitch all thresholds and half-walls into the shower for drainage.
Even experienced remodeling contractors call a specialty installer when it comes time to hang the glass enclosure. This is a project best left to experienced professionals. On horizontal surfaces like half walls, the glass is installed in an aluminum channel which is bonded to the tile or marble with 3M VHB high-bond tape plus silicone.
Here are some considerations: Install solid blocking in the walls for the glass door and wall panels to be securely anchored. Install this blocking from the floor to the ceiling. Do the floor joists need reinforcing? Where will you enter the shower, and where should the showerhead go? Glass panels cannot be cut to match a bow in the wall. Ensure that your walls are flat. Design your shower so your showerhead and body sprays do not splash directly onto a door or glass seam.
Placement of these items is important to prevent leaks. Note: Often the showerhead can be moved but not the door location, so share your plans with your contractor. It typically takes screws to successfully mount most glass shower doors. Suction up and dispose of any loose metal shavings after drilling.
Attach the door to the jamb. Sink the screws into the holes from bottom to top to finish mounting the door. Make sure each screw is nice and secure, but not overly tight. The frame should be able to support the weight of the door without any wobbling or extra movement. Test the shower door.
When closed, the handle-side of the door will also sit firmly against the header rail and strike-side jamb. If the hinges meet with resistance at any point or you notice excessive squeaking, it may be necessary to check the tightness of the screws or inspect the flush, plumb, or level of the base track and hinge-side jamb.
Part 3. Install bumpers in the side jambs. Most sliding shower door installation kits come with bumper stops—small, blunt pieces of rubber or plastic that prevent the door from colliding with the strike-side jamb when it's closed. These can be attached by simply sliding them over the fastening screws before securing the strike-side rail in place. Others may use 2 or 3, spaced at regular intervals wherever there's a screw hole in the rail.
Attach hanger brackets to the tops of the door panels. Identify the 2 mounting holes on either side of the upper edge of both panels. Fit a plastic separator clip over each hole, then slide the metal hanging brackets over the separators.
Insert bushings into the holes from the outside face of the door, then secure them on the inside face using blind nuts. Repeat with the other door panel. If the rollers that allow the door to slide open and shut aren't built into the hanging brackets, you'll need to attach them separately using 1. Attach the rollers to the hanging brackets. Align the holes in the rollers with the mounting slots at the top of the brackets.
Insert the included bolts or screws through the rollers and secure the ends with nuts. Tighten the bolts or screws by hand until you can no longer turn them. This will allow the doors to glide open and closed in opposing directions. Mount the doors from the header rail. Lift the inside panel into the inside of the header rail, making sure the rollers on the hanger brackets are set into the grooves on the underside of the rail. Guide the bottom edge of the door into the base track and check the alignment there as well.
Then, hang the outside panel on the outside track of the header rail. Slide both doors from one end of the base track to the other a few times to confirm that they track properly. This coating is designed to protect the surface of the glass from continual exposure to the water in the shower. It also hides the appearance of streaks and water spots to make them less noticeable. If the doors aren't moving the way they're supposed to, remove them from the frame and reposition them until you get the alignment right.
Part 4. Install the door fixtures. Sort through the accessories that came with your shower door installation kit and remove all handles, pulls, hooks, and towel racks. Attach these pieces using the included screws and hardware. Give each a gentle tug to test their stability. You also have the option of shopping around for different fixtures or having them custom made to your personal specifications, though this may require additional drilling.
Fill in remaining gaps or cracks. This will seal any tiny openings that may be invisible to the eye and prevent water from leaking through when you run the shower. Allow the sealant to dry overnight before running the shower.
Still, thorough sealing is a good precaution to take if you want to be certain that the construction of your new enclosure is totally watertight.
Test for leaks. A good way to see whether the closed door creates a tight enough seal is to turn on the shower and aim the water directly at the door. If there are any defects, you'll notice the water seeping out from the sides or along the bottom within a few moments. Apply additional sealant to the frame anywhere you see dripping or overflow. If water is escaping between the door and base track, consider attaching a separate drip tray to catch and redirect what would otherwise end up on the floor.
Eric Shipe Home Improvement Specialist. Eric Shipe. You can, but contact a professional if you feel unsure at all. Since you'll spend time in your bathroom every day, a professional can ensure that everything looks and functions perfectly. Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0.
Check for pre-scored marks and instructions, which help make the installation process simple and smooth. Also, review how to use different tools and kits. Installing a shower door can get tricky, so it's important to know what you're doing and how to follow instructions correctly. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Outfitting your shower with a glass door is a project that can be completed by 1 or 2 people, often in as little as a couple hours.
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Simple additions like glass shower doors can go a long way toward upping the resale value of your home.
Be sure to polish your new shower door regularly using a streak-free glass cleaner to erase smudges and hard water stains. If your bathroom features a combination shower and bathtub, it will be necessary to tear out the tub and install a raised threshold before you can put in a swinging glass door. Any mistakes you make will quickly drive up project expenses. You Might Also Like How to.
How to. More References Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview. About This Article. Co-authored by:. Co-authors: 6. Updated: June 18, Categories: Showers. Article Summary X Installing a glass shower door is an easy enough project that most homeowners can tackle themselves.
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