How to Replace Your Shower Door in 4 Steps
Revamp your bathroom by replacing your old shower door. At Gatsby Glass, we can transform your bathroom in no time by adhering to the best practices on how to replace a shower door.
Choosing Your New Shower Door
Before removing your existing shower door, you should select a new one. Set a budget and choose a door that matches your existing decor. To guide you, we compiled a list of the most popular shower doors below.
Types of Shower Doors
The three most common types of glass shower doors are frameless, framed, and sliding models. Let’s examine each type of shower door in turn.
Frameless Shower Doors
The sleek design of frameless shower doors creates a spacious, open feel. Manufacturers make this kind of shower door with tempered glass. Without any frame or support around the edges, frameless shower doors prove easy to clean and maintain.
Framed Shower Doors
Framed shower doors usually have an aluminum frame and tempered glass panel to ensure user safety. A framed shower door offers a traditional look with your choice of finish and color.
Sliding Shower Doors
Sliding glass shower doors feature two operable doors with a smooth gliding mechanism for seamless entry into your new shower enclosure. Their stylish design will also improve your bathroom’s overall aesthetic. Sliding door panels contain a glass or plastic window with a metal shower door frame to provide stability.
Materials and Finishes
Manufacturers typically use glass, acrylic, or metal when making a shower door panel. You can find aluminum or stainless steel frames with chrome or brushed nickel finishes. Aluminum is lightweight and affordable, whereas steel is durable and expensive. Chrome finishes offer resistance against corrosion but brushed nickel maintains its appearance longer.
How to Replace Shower Door in 4 Steps
Most shower door replacement jobs can be accomplished in four basic steps. However, a lot of work goes into each stage of the process. Let’s look at the tools needed and the steps taken to deliver a flawless glass door replacement.
Tools We Will Use
Before replacing a shower door, the following tools should be gathered:
- Screw gun to expedite
- Tile drilling drill bits
- Level
- Screwdriver
- Tape measure
- Silicone caulk
- Putty knife
- Utility knife
Step 1: Preparing for Shower Door Replacement
Before replacing your shower door, we must prep your bathroom by removing all items from your shower area, including shampoo bottles, loofahs, and soap. We wear protective gloves and safety glasses to protect ourselves from sharp edges and other hazards. We will need ample space to work and move around in your bathroom.
Step 2: Measuring Your Shower Enclosure
Replacing your shower door requires precise measurements of the opening to your shower enclosure. We will measure the opening height, width, and depth. Then, we will check the plumbness (the quality or state of being plumb or vertical) of each wall to guarantee your new shower door fits well and functions as it should.
Step 3: Removing Your Old Door
We will remove all of the screws, nuts, and bolts that hold your old glass door in place. We often use a drill to expedite the task. After we remove all fasteners, we gently pull the door away from its frame. If your sliding doors have tracks, we take extra care when removing them before scraping off any leftover sealant.
Step 4: Installing Your New Shower Door
How your shower door is installed will vary based on the model you select. Discover the most popular shower door types and their installation processes below.
Frameless Shower Door Installation
When we install a frameless shower door, we may need to drill holes for the wall anchors. We will use a level to ensure proper alignment when attaching the glass panels to the wall. After we install the door, we apply silicone caulk between the U-channels and the walls and floor. Homeowners must let the caulk dry for at least 24 hours.
Framed Shower Door Installation
To install a framed door, we position the frame with shims (a thin strip of material used to align parts) to ensure it is level before attaching the hinges with screws. We connect the door handles and latch set after hanging the door. Finally, we verify that the door opens and closes smoothly and make adjustments if necessary.
Sliding Shower Door Installation
We install your sliding shower door by securing its tracks with screws and anchors. We affix rollers and carefully glide the door onto its tracks. Then we test the door to confirm it opens and closes as intended.
Common Issues During a Shower Door Replacement
While replacing your shower door may seem simple, professional shower door installers often encounter minor issues during the replacement process. Let’s look at some of the challenges we might face when replacing your shower door.
Uneven Walls or Floors
One of the most common issues we might face when replacing your shower door is an uneven surface. If we do not fix it, it might result in leaks or impede the shower door replacement process.
We may need to use sandpaper, builder’s mud (a mix of concrete sand, Portland cement, and water), or shims to level the walls or floors. If we find minor unevenness, we can sand the surface down. Moderate and severe cases will require shims and builder’s mud.
Maintenance Tips for Your New Shower Door
After we replace your shower door, you should maintain it to increase its longevity. Follow these tips to keep your shower door in tip-top condition.
How to Keep Your Shower Door Clean
Maintain a spotless shower door and prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Clean your door regularly using a mild soap or water-and-vinegar solution. Then, wipe it with a soft cloth or sponge and rinse it with water.
Preventing Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew like to grow in damp areas like bathrooms. Prevent mold and mildew by keeping your bathroom well-ventilated. Also, use a squeegee to remove all excess water from the door after use to discourage mold and mildew growth.
Gatsby Glass | The Shower Door Replacement Specialists
Replace your shower door to improve the look and feel of your bathroom! At Gatsby Glass, we replace many shower doors of various types and sizes every year to give our clients the luxurious sanctuary they have always wanted. Call us at 866-GLASS-64 to schedule a consultation with one of our shower door experts today!
