Sometimes, people ask if sliding shower doors are outdated? When compared to what they can do, it may seem unfair to judge them as one. This reason is why this article would include emphasis more on sliding doors for a shower and its importance. Hopefully, you’ll know the right size to opt for at the end.
WHY SLIDING SHOWER DOORS INSTEAD OF LOW BUDGET FIXED ONE?
Sliding shower doors are also called Bypass shower doors. They move from one side to another, as there are tracks at its two vertical sides and bottom. These glass doors are available in two forms – Framed and Frameless doors.
Top reasons to install Sliding Shower Doors
- They are the perfect choice if you have a small bathroom. This door would help you save space optimally.
- It makes use of handles that are strong and durable. You won’t have to spend maintaining them because they don’t break easily.
- Either side of a shower becomes open; thus, you don’t have to worry about entry or exit.
- Its aesthetic appearance is a loveable feature, especially if it is frameless. It receives light impact and makes sure it spreads across the bathroom in a gentle, pleasant way.
Low Budget Fixed shower doors, on the other hand, are designed not to swing open like the former. As they are, hinges are drilled on the sides of the doors. Thus, they are also called hinged shower doors. They are two types also available – Framed and Frameless door.
Top reasons to install Hinged Shower Doors
- This door has a wide opening, and that is what makes it safe. It only has one entry and exit point, i.e., it opens out at least 90 degrees. People can decide to add side panels, depending on circumstances surrounding the use of the door.
- Since it is hinged, it could blend perfectly to the wall. This blending could give it an aesthetic appearance and add features to the shower/bathroom.
- Most importantly, maintenance is proper. It is easy to clean and maintain.
Framed Doors: Budget-friendly and ensures minimal water leak
It is a budget-friendly door which is fully-sealed. The installation process of this shower door isn’t so complicated, and there are many styles available. However, there are chances that you will have to pay more attention to maintenance, or else, it would shatter. Also, its aluminum frames are susceptible to corrosion. Asides that, it is the right choice of shower doors.
Frameless Doors: For elegance style and enhanced bathroom space
This shower door has an immaculate appearance, which is what makes it unique. There are several glass options and custom styles available for this kind of sliding door. The cons to it are that it is difficult to install, compared to framed doors. Also, it uses rubber gaskets and silicone caulked, which may cause water leakage. It is also an ideal option for sliding shower doors.
It could be a little confusing knowing what to choose for your home, but the answer lies in what you expect. In terms of maintenance, a frameless sliding door should work just fine. Installation could be a problem, but that is not yours to worry about. So, if for anything, a frameless sliding door will be recommended. This choice gives you a better chance of beating fixed doors in features and quality.
Based on all of these, sliding glass doors are better and recommended than low-budget fixed glass doors because they are suitable choices for small bathrooms. Typically, your bathroom doesn’t have to be big enough before you can make use of it. Also, it saves space and reflects light, making the place look lovely.
WHICH SHOULD BE THE RIGHT SIZE?
If you are going to pick a sliding shower door, then you should choose the right size. Not just anything would go with your bathroom, especially if you are going with the frameless type. You need to consider both height and width.
Generally, most shower doors are 79 inches high; however, you should pick a sliding shower door between 45 to 47 inches in height. On width, it depends on how wide you want the door to be, considering the width of the bathroom. Width between 57 to 59 inches is perfect.
THE RIGHT THICKNESS OF SLIDING SHOWER DOORS
When picking a sliding shower door, the thickness also matters. Now, it is not the thickness of the glass itself, but the panels. Without the panels proving a little more strength to hold the double entry/exit glass, it may shatter easily. That is why the right thickness of sliding shower doors is between 3/8 inches to 5/8 inches.
HOW TO PRECISELY MEASURE RIGHT SIZE AND THICKNESS OF SLIDING SHOWER DOORS
First of all, it may seem overwhelming choosing a sliding shower door to use, but you should understand that there is more to it. Asides choosing between a framed and frameless sliding shower door, you need to consider the size and thickness of glass. Only with them will you be guaranteed safety.
The appropriate sizes and thicknesses of standard sliding shower doors are 45 x 57 x 3/8 inches or 47 x 59 x 5/8 inches.
How do you then measure them precisely?
Well, that is where you need the help of someone who installs glass. Such a person would take measurements and pick suitable choices on the market. However, if you want to purchase them yourself, you need to measure the width and length of the bathroom. Measure between the top and bottom for length as well as one side to another for width.
When you are done, check out websites that offer all kinds of glass doors, including sliding types. Choose from whatever choice is available based on the measurements you have taken, as well as features available.
Maintenance of Shower door
Rain-x was made to be used on vehicle windows but this can work to help get rid of soap scum on your glass sliding shower doors. Rain-X holds off water, as a result, this can reduce the rate at which soap scum builds up on your glass sliding shower doors. Using Rain-X for this purpose is a cheap way to keep your glass sliding shower doors looking clean.
- Sprinkle a few squirts of Rain-x on the glass shower door.
- Rub off with a clean towel. Sprinkle Rain-X on the entire Glass door and rub off with the towel until the glass door is completely dry.
- Test to see if it works by spraying the glass door with water.
- The water should roll into beads and roll off the glass shower door.
- Now you can enjoy weeks of clean glass sliding shower doors without soap scum.
CONCLUSION
Sometimes, you just need to add an extra feature to your bathroom. What better choice do you have than sliding shower doors? By now, you should know what to go for and how to pick a suitable option based on dimensions, i.e., size and thickness.
holds off water, as a result, this can reduce the rate at which soap scum builds up on your glass shower doors. Using RainX for this purpose is a cheap way to keep your glass shower doors looking clean. Sprinkle a few squirts of Rainx on the glass shower door. Sprinkle RainX on the entire Glass door and rub off with the towel until the glass door is completely. Frameless shower doors often require the use of thicker glass in order to stay in place without the sturdiness of a frame. Because they can weigh 80 to 100 pounds, according to Smith, frameless shower doors also require sturdier hardware, such as solid brass, to hold them in place. Water spots and soap scum build up quickly on a glass, shower door.
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