One of the most frequently changed parts of a home bathroom is the shower door. Typical models are constructed in such a way that the glass pane is held in place by a metal frame that allows the door to swing open and shut. Because these doors have movable parts, they are susceptible to wear and tear over the years. If your shower needs a new door, you may want to consider frameless shower doors as replacement options for your current configuration.
A frameless shower door is a heavy piece of glass that attaches directly to the walls around your bathing area. The gasketing is specifically designed to keep the water from the bath contained so that your whole bathroom does not become saturated with moisture. Instead of the normal metal rails used to hold the glass in place, the panes are supported by hinges or furrows in the floor and walls. Composed of heavy duty safety glass ranging between 3/8 of an inch and 1/2 inch thick, these kinds of barriers are built to last a long time.
Installing frameless glass shower doors in your bathroom can cost a little more up front than installing traditional models, but over the lifetime of the bathroom, the expenses can usually be recouped. Normal enclosure structures degrade over time because of corrosion and all the moving parts. On top of this, they also often contain rubber strips that help to prevent water from leaking out. Over the years, these rubber strips can erode and become infested with mold and mildew, causing them to have to be replaced. Also, solid glass panels are in high demand at the moment. Having them in your home keeps your house contemporary and can increase the resale value of your property.
For those homeowners who hate to clean, a frameless shower enclosure is the perfect solution. Normal screens require extensive cleaning to prevent unsightly mildew and mold from building up. In addition, it can be tough to clean all the nooks and crevices in the metal framing, which is also susceptible to accumulating water spots and mineral deposits. Having a door made of only glass requires only a quick spray with an all purpose glass cleaner and a rinse afterward. If you happen to live in an area that has hard water, you may need to use a stronger cleaner than can dissolve mineral deposits on the glass. An occasional coating of spray Teflon will help extend the period of time between cleanings.
Aside from the practical benefits of having glass shower enclosures, there are also aesthetic reasons as to why you may want to consider adding these kinds of features to your home. For instance, if your bathroom is decorated in a contemporary style, the absence of a metal frame can create clean, minimalist lines in your room. Also, because there are no hard, solid lines the pure glass structure can make your room seem larger than it is. Next, the glass itself can be specially crafted to meet your decorating needs. Some options that you can choose are frosted windows or etched surfaces, which can add a decorative touch to your room. You can also elect to have the panes tinted for more privacy.
Another benefit of having frameless shower screens in walk in shower wet rooms is that glass goes with every kind of decor. Since the glass is transparent, you don’t have to worry about how the metal of a traditional configuration would match with your present wall colors and flooring options. Not only this, but it can add some sparkle to your room, capturing the ambient light and making the room brighter.
If you are in need of a new door for your bathing area, consider installing frameless shower doors. Not only do they look great, but they’re in high demand and require little maintenance, meaning that they will last for years, while maintaining a current, modern look.
