Custom glass shower doors provide an effective way to boost the appeal and elegance of your bathroom instantly. However, before installation can begin, there are several things to consider.
For example, do you prefer framed or frameless glass doors? Do you want thicker glass, and should the door swing open or slide? Making these important decisions about your custom shower doors is just one step in the process. The tricky part is the installation, which is why you should always leave it to the pros.
Keep reading to learn about some of the top considerations to make when having custom glass shower doors installed.
Glass Thickness and Width
The glass shower doors being installed must be a specific width to support the hardware fully. Every panel needs to be a minimum of 4.5,” and the shower doors should be between 22” and 36”. The thickness of the glass is another important consideration. It must be safe, sturdy, and fully supported by the hinges installed.
Traditional glass panels used for the shower are around ½”; but for the swinging shower doors, a 3/8” glass is often used. One of the biggest benefits of thinner glasses is that the hinges will last longer, which means they are not as taxed when used.
Clips and Hinges
The clips and hinges used for the installation process should not be mounted right to standard glass. The pressure and weight on the glass may cause it to break.
If the shower glass cannot be attached right to the wall, installers can hinge the shower door off a stronger and thicker panel of glass.
The Swing of the Shower Door
When thinking about how the shower door will swing, there are a few things to keep in mind. According to the international residential code, it is necessary to have the doors open outward. If they do not, they are considered in violation. The door can swing both inward and outward; however, not just inward.
Outside, the shower door needs to be a minimum of 30” to help ensure it can fully open. If the bathroom does not have this amount of space, then choosing a sliding glass door may be best. Some of the other door options that you must decide on include the framing for the shower. You can choose between frameless or framed shower doors, and each one comes with unique installation needs.
Pipes and Electrical Wiring
One of the main challenges of installing a custom shower door is making sure that no pipes or electrical wiring are going through the wall in the same location where the shower hardware will be installed. If this is not considered, the hardware may damage the pipes or wires, causing damage or a dangerous situation.
When it comes to installing a shower door, there are an array of factors that must be considered. Working with professionals is the best way to ensure the right steps are taken and that the door meets or exceeds your needs and expectations.
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