Planning for and Installing Frameless Glass Shower Screens
A frameless glass shower screen adds a touch of class and modernity to any bathroom design. It is made of large sheets of glass and features little or no metalwork or frames – the glass sheets are held to each other using metal brackets and hinges.
From simply functional rooms, homeowners today are getting more creative with their bathroom spaces, and having a custom frameless shower enclosure makes the perfect centerpiece for your shower.
However, before you can enjoy that classy bathroom, remember that careful planning and measurement is needed to get the exact fit during installation, or else your entire investment may go to waste. Read these tips to ensure you end up with the best fitting glass enclosure in your shower space.
What to consider when planning for frameless glass screens:
Weight – A square meter of 10mm glass weighs 25kg, so your walls and floors may need reinforcement in order to bear the weight. Brackets holding up the shower screens should be solidly attached to the wall. If you have stud walls, you will need additional studs behind the brackets. Never install the glass screens on lightweight walls like plaster boards.
Access – Consider the transportation of those large glass sheets through your house. Ensure that stairways and door spaces are large enough to fit the large and delicate glass panels.
Glass-care coating – If your water supply is hard, it may be difficult to keep your glass shower screens from developing water marks. You can choose glass panels that have been treated and made with anti-lime scaling. Find out from the supplier whether it is provided or if you need to pay extra.
Factors to consider when measuring shower screen spaces
Custom products – Frameless glass showers are created to fit the exact space you have. You cannot afford to make any mistakes when taking measurements. If you're not sure how to go about it, ask your supplier to send over a professional technician to take care of it.
Finishing – All measurements should be taken from finished surfaces, i.e. the tiling and shower tray should already be installed and leveled. The work should be complete and the area on which the shower screens will be installed should be accessible, clean and dry.
Site survey – Frameless shower enclosures require significant investment in money and effort. Go the extra mile and have a professional carry out a survey (usually costs extra) to avoid any costly errors. If you neglect to do this and provide wrong measurements, you'll be liable should the enclosure fail to fit.
Templating – if you want your shower screens to adopt a non-conventional shape, it is advisable to have a hardboard template made first in order to ensure the glass will be a perfect fit. The manufacturer/supplier can also offer templating services in addition to the site survey, at an additional cost.
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