A shower installation can go wrong before the glass reaches the room. Measurements, support and door clearance all need to be checked in advance. Knowing those checkpoints helps you discuss the job with your installer.
Proper installation of your new shower door will ensure that there are no issues or problems down the line, such as safety hazards, water leaks, or issues with the door sealing.
Common glass shower door installation mistakes and how to avoid them
Mistakes during installation can create safety hazards or may lead to costly repairs. Because of this, it’s important to learn about the common mistakes many people make when tackling this type of complex shower door installation project.
Common mistakes with shower doors & enclosures
Installing frameless glass shower doors can add elegance and style to your bathroom. However, if you don’t take the time to install a shower door correctly, you may end up with a costly mistake that can be difficult to correct.
Taking inaccurate measurements
Taking correct measurements of your bathroom and shower is one of the most important steps you must take before installing your new shower glass door. Using a measuring tape, take careful measurements of your bathroom and shower layout. You need to ensure that the door will fit correctly and that there is enough room to open the door without it striking a wall or another structure.
Using the wrong hardware
Before you install a shower door, make sure you choose the correct hardware. The hardware should match the color or finish of other hardware in your bathroom and should be rated for glass. If you don’t use hardware that’s rated for glass it can cause major damage to the shower door.
Not leveling correctly
When you install a shower door, make sure the door is plumb and level. If the door isn’t plumb or level it won’t close or open properly, which can result in damage over time. To ensure that the door is plumb and level, use a level and adjust the door as needed.
Not cleaning the door
Before you install the shower door, clean each side of the glass with a mild commercial glass cleaner or soap and water. This will remove any dirt or debris which can adhere to the surface and cause damage over time. The glass should be dried thoroughly before installation.
7 questions to ask the company before they install a shower door
Frameless shower doors are only as good as the company that installs them. Before you decide to hire a professional to handle this type of complex installation, it’s important to ask them the right questions, such as:
- What does the installation process look like? A glass professional can walk you through the entire process, from designing and fabricating the glass door to installation, so you’ll know what to expect in terms of the timeline.
- What type of shower glass door will work for my bathroom? A glass expert will evaluate your bathroom and take measurements before they recommend a shower door for your unique bathroom space.
- Will I need to do anything to prepare for the installation? A shower door expert may recommend removing certain items from your bathroom, to prevent damage and to make the installation process easier and faster.
- How much will my shower door cost? A shower door contractor will sit down with you and go over the cost of your custom-made shower door based on the design, hardware, type of glass, and the complexity of the installation. They will provide an estimate, so there are no surprises and you can budget for your new shower door accordingly.
- Can I see past projects you have completed? A reputable glass professional will be proud to show you their work and will bring sample photos that will give you a clear idea of the level of quality they offer.
- How many years of experience do you have? Learning about the shower door company’s experience in the field can give you more confidence that they can handle any type of complex shower door installation project.
Shower installation and waterproofing: tips & common errors
One common mistake many DIYers make in shower glass installation is incorrectly installing the shower curb. The slope of the curb is a major aspect of successful water containment. A shower curb shouldn’t be level and shouldn’t slope toward the bathroom floor, away from the enclosure. Inexperienced shower door installers can make the mistake of installing the shower curb incorrectly so it slopes toward the bathroom floor, which can result in leaks under the shower door and substantial damage to your bathroom.
Choosing a frameless shower door
Installing a custom shower door can completely transform your outdated bathroom. However, you must choose the type of shower door that works with the existing decor and the available space in your bathroom, your budget, and your bathroom's layout.
You can choose a swinging or sliding shower door, depending on the size of your bathroom. A sliding door is a better choice for smaller bathrooms while pivoting or swinging shower doors are made for larger bathrooms.
If the shower door is for a high-traffic bathroom, you can choose frosted or textured glass, which can provide the level of privacy you need in a busy household. To create the illusion of a larger bathroom, opt for clear or low-iron glass, which will allow more natural light to flow throughout the space.
Choosing the right company to handle your custom shower door installation involves doing your research to learn about a company’s experience and their reputation in the industry.