Six Mistakes To Avoid When Installing Glass Shower Screens

If you are renovating your bathroom and want to replace or upgrade the shower screen, there are lots of options that will really enhance the appearance and functionality of your bathroom. However, it is important to plan the installation process carefully to ensure that it’s safe and durable. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Using the wrong thickness of glass

The type of glass that you use is crucial for the best functionality and safety of the screen. Building regulations specify which type of glass should be used for shower screens, and the minimum thickness required for the size and style of the enclosure. 

The glass must be tempered so that it can withstand impacts and will not shatter into dangerous sharp fragments should it break. It could also be laminated with a central UVB layer, which will hold the glass panels in place even if they do break. 

Not using the appropriate fixings

Once you have got the choice of glass sorted, the next step is to use the right fixings. A popular way to hold a glass shower screen in place is with a U channel. They are available in a variety of colours and sizes, and can be combined with silicone to join the screen with floors or walls. 

Other components that can be used to hold shower screens in place include clamps, clips or brackets. Always ensure that the fixings you use are the appropriate size to hold the glass in place and provide adequate support. 

Remember that glass can expand and contract in response to temperature fluctuations, and if there is no allowance for this, it could be at risk of developing stress fractures or even cracking. Leave a small gap between the glass panel and hard surfaces such as floor and wall tiles to allow for expansion, and use flexible rubber spaces to keep the glass stable.

When using screws to fasten brackets and so on into place, take care not to over tighten them because this can stress the glass and may even cause it to shatter. 

Occasionally, the structural support may not be strong enough, particularly if you are joining a very large and heavy screen to a stud wall. It may be necessary to put reinforcements in place or rethink your choice of screen before proceeding. 

Choosing the wrong door style

If you are installing the screen as part of a shower cubicle with a door, consider the practicalities. If it is a hinged door that opens outwards, check that it has enough clearance space to open without knocking into other fixtures and risking damage to the glass, or obstructing the route to the bathroom door. 

A more convenient option for most bathrooms is a sliding shower door, because you don’t have to worry about clearance space and they can help the room feel larger. The doors can even be curved to fit into a corner cubicle, or even frameless for an ultra modern sleek look.  

Not aligning the doors correctly

The correct alignment of the doors is crucial to the success of the project, so it’s essential to take your time and ensure that they are straight, slide or swing smoothly, and close tightly to avoid leaks and excessive wear and tear on the fixings. Use a spirit level rather than relying on guesswork, and have someone help you hold the doors in place as you fix them.

Not applying sealant

Silicone sealant is used to seal the edges of the screen where it meets the walls and floor. This prevents water seepage and stops dirt and debris from building up underneath the screen. It can be a difficult task to apply sealant neatly and you may not feel it is necessary, but it is important to prevent water damage and mould.

Use a high-quality mould resistant sealant that is specifically designed for bathrooms and is waterproof. It is available in white or clear options, depending on if you want an unobtrusive finish for darker coloured materials, or an opaque white to join lighter colours. 

Rushing the measuring up and ignoring instructions

If you are carrying out a DIY project in your spare time, understandably you will want to get the job done quickly. However, be patient, measure up carefully and follow the manufacturer’s instructions step by step. This will help to avoid any painful mistakes that are costly and time consuming to put right.