Northern Utah Glass

formerly Andrew's Glass

(801) 528-2800

northernutahglass@gmail.com

7 Things to Consider When Looking for a Glass Shower Door

7 Things to Consider When Looking for a Glass Shower Door

When it’s time to consider remodeling the bathroom or even when building your home, you should give special care to your glass shower door.

While not the focal point of your bathroom, the shower door makes up a significant portion of your home’s aesthetic. The right shower door can make or break your bathroom design, so give it special care. 

Here are a few things to consider when looking for a glass shower door.

1.Height and measurement

The first thing you should consider in your bathroom is the size you can afford to allot for the shower door. Though a seemingly trivial matter, you shouldn’t overlook this crucial step.

Your glass shower door should have enough vertical clearance to allow anyone to use it. 

Understand how much clearance you have in your bathroom to give to your shower. An improperly sized shower space can make personal hygiene an uncomfortable chore. 

Make sure the design you choose for your shower doesn’t sacrifice area space for aesthetics. Your shower needs to have the correct dimensions. 

If you don’t feel like you have enough room for a good door, consider skipping the door altogether with a barrier-free design!

2.Space for the shower and door

As an addition to allotting the appropriate amount of space to your shower, you need to consider how much space you are going to need for your shower door. 

Many make the mistake of not allowing enough room for the shower door to swing out or slide back fully. This can create unexpected expenses to address the problem or unconventional fixes.

If you plan to put a shower right next to your toilet, sink, or cabinet, be spatially aware of how much room your door will need to open and shut fully. 

Additionally, choose a door design that isn’t too bulky and doesn’t crowd your shower space. You wouldn’t want to feel claustrophobic every time you shower!

3.Shower Door Opacity and Design

In the design of your bathroom, give due consideration to your desire for privacy.

Do you feel the need to ensure you can’t be seen when showering, even if you live alone? Do you like the enclosed feeling of being contained in an opaque container, sealed off from the world?

The design and opacity of your glass shower door should be selected before you have it installed. The added expense of removing a door and texturing the glass can throw a wrench in your design budget.

Consider these design options before installing your door:

Clear Glass Doors

Clear glass doors are generally the least expensive option for your shower door. They can serve as a base template for further design modifications or be used independently.

Low Iron Glass

Regular glass doors aren’t as clear as you would think, especially as their thickness increases. 

The thicker the glass, the greener the tint will appear. This is due to a high iron content throughout the panel. 

Tinted Glass

If you’re into minimalistic designs, then having a texture or veneer on your shower door probably doesn’t sound appealing. 

Instead of adding a new element to your glass, change the tint instead. You can use the tint to match the vanity, floors, and the rest of your aesthetic. Choose the color and grade that will best fit your style.

Etched and Blasted Doors

Another popular way to add design features to your bathroom is by changing the texture of the glass. This option is more expensive than a veneer but superior in quality and look to veneers. 

Etched and blasted doors alter the glass directly through engraving a design or through sand-blasting one side. The results vary depending on how you customize it. Generally, however, this is often used as an alternate way to increase the opacity of the door while adding a stylish flourish and maintaining quality.

4.Design Continuity

Consider the overall design before settling on a single option when designing and building your bathroom. There are several different layouts, pallets, and styles for your bathroom. Choose a door that blends into the overall layout of the bathroom.

5.Hard Water and Cleanliness

If you haven’t installed a hard water filter or live in a very humid place, you should consider how easy it is to clean your shower. 

Hard water stains will quickly coat the interior of your shower. If your shower is made of clear transparent glass, you’ll be able to distinguish the hard water spots on your shower clearly.

In humid areas, you’re more likely to see spots of color in the damp corners of your shower caused by fungus. While not everything that grows in humid environments is dangerous, it can be unsightly. You’ll want something that can be easily cleaned.

6.Lighting

Know how each section of your bathroom will receive light. You don’t want to be showering in darkness!

Be sure your shower has its own lighting fixture or has enough transparency to allow you to see while in the shower. This is an easy step to overlook, so make sure you don’t!

7.Ease of Installation

Whether you are doing a personal project or hiring a crew to do all the heavy lifting and installation, you should consider how easy it is to install the shower door. 

This is merely to protect you against accidents and injury. The heavier, bulkier, or more complicated the door, the greater the likelihood that you or someone on your team will damage something or sustain injury. 

The problems can worsen if you live in a home full of tight corners and small doorways. While the shower design you hope will make a good fit for your bathroom may look good in concept, it may fail in its practical application.

Call Northern Utah Glass for Great Showers

If you need to install a new shower in your home, check out the designs at Northern Utah Glass! Some options will work for almost every concept.
Contact us now to see about getting a glass shower door for your bathroom.

How the Right Entry Doors Can Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal

When someone is looking at a house, their eyes are naturally drawn to the entry doors. If you imagine yourself moving into a new location, you want to picture yourself walking up to the door. You want your door to make a good impression.

The Benefits of First Impressions

Whether you are selling a home or just want your home to look better, focusing on the front door is a great way to make a positive first impression. Their eyes will be set on the entryway whenever anyone approaches your home. Whether you want the attention there or not, the front door is the goal of the approach.

If you want to make an excellent first impression on anyone coming into your home, focus on the front door. Real estate agents often suggest replacing an outdated door before selling to increase the entire house’s curb appeal. In the grand scheme of things, touching up your door is a minimal way to increase the appeal of your home. So, hold off on repainting the house or replacing the siding and focus on a more minor and more affordable upgrade.

Your Front Door and Selling Your Home

When your house goes up for listing, one of the first things a potential buyer will see is the front door. Your front door draws the attention of potential buyers. It will be displayed on every listing site your house goes under and on every picture ever shown to potential buyers. 

It is true online and in reality that to sell a house, the buyer must get through the front door.

Replacing your door is an expense you can get back in home value. The National Association of Realtors found that replacing the front door of a home added a high rate of appeal among potential buyers. They estimated that a seller could expect to see about a 75% return on investment for replacing the front door; this means that home buyers value the entire home higher and are willing to pay more just by replacing the front door.

You can do other things with a house to make it more appealing to buyers. You can replace the garage door, rework the front yard, repair the exterior, and replace the siding. Comparatively, replacing the door is a small cost. At the very least, if purchasing a new door is not an option, giving it a fresh layer of paint may offer a similar appeal to new buyers.

Making Your Home More Welcoming

A presentable front door will do more than just add monetary value to your home; it will feel more inviting to guests. 

The first step in making visitors feel more comfortable coming into your home is freshening up the front yard leading to the door. This area has the potential to communicate your home’s warmth and friendliness before visitors even make it into the entryway.

A presentable porch accented by a beautiful door can set nervous guests at ease, allowing them to feel more welcomed. 

The color of your front door can set the mood for how you want guests to feel when entering the house.

Some examples are:

  • White – Classy and Unassuming
  • Black – Modern and Traditional
  • Blue – Relaxed and Friendly
  • Yellow – Energetic and Welcoming
  • Red – Affirmative and Energetic

Using the right colors and door designs, you can set the mood of your home long before guests make it inside.

Accenting Your Home’s Style

If you want an inexpensive way to redo the exterior of your home, replacing your front door is an excellent place to start. There are plenty of door designs to choose from to accentuate your home’s style. 

The material you choose to make your door from, the way it incorporates natural lighting, and the style the door is constructed after will establish a unique tone to your home. 

Wooden doors with smaller windows look more rustic, and metal doors with paneled windows look more modern. If you want to alter the interior of your home, changing the amount of natural light coming through the front door can be the difference between old and classy to sleek and modern.

There are more options than just a single door. You may find that you want more natural light coming into the front space. A french-style double door can allow in much more light than any single door can. If a french door isn’t your style, you may want to consider installing a door with sidelights. This style contains your entryway in a single door but allows more light to travel into your home.

Improving Energy Efficiency

Having an energy-efficient door doesn’t have a noticeably visible appeal. The appeal of an energy-efficient door is better appreciated on paper as tenants see their energy bills decreasing.

Most of the energy loss in homes is due to poor insulation around doors and windows. Replacing your front door with a new door with better insulation will help marginally decrease your energy consumption, lowering your bills. So, not only will your home feel less drafty, especially in the room closest to your front door, but your wallet will feel less of an impact too!

This strategy may not dramatically impact the amount you pay every month for energy. Still, the accrued savings over time may be enough to pay off the investment of a new door altogether.

New Door Styles With Northern Utah Glass

If you want to save yourself the time and expense of detailed renovations of your home, consider investing in quality entry doors from Northern Utah Glass instead. 

A good front door can increase your house’s curb appeal to potential buyers and visitors. Investing in quality entry doors is also a great way to give your home a new feel. 
Contact us today to find out how you can get a high-quality door today!

When it comes to the exterior of your house, the front door is one of the first things people will notice. So here are some of our favorite choices.

The front door is where you will welcome guests and visitors into your home. So today, we’ll cover the top three options for your home’s entry door.

What to Look for in an Entry Door

There are several factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a new entry door. First, the function of the front door is of utmost importance. Whatever material it is made of, the front entry door needs to withstand harsh elements, like rain, snow, and wind. The heat from the sun is another factor. Of course, the front door also offers protection from potential intruders and a barrier to outside pollution and noise. Properly installed, the front door and surrounding weatherstripping will also ensure a well-insulated home, providing better energy efficiency for your home. Besides the door’s function, you also want it to look beautiful and tie into your home’s aesthetic. 

The Top 3 Best Entry Doors

The best entry doors can provide both form and function for your home. Here are the top 3 types of entry doors you’ll want to consider.

1.Steel

Nothing tops the durability and security of a steel entry door. Steel is stronger than fiberglass or wood, and it does not warp or crack. Any dents that show up can easily be fixed by using an auto-body repair kit to pull and putty. Steel doors are also one of the most affordable entry door options. There is a wide range of options for the finish on a steel door, including a polyester finish, vinyl cladding, or even embossed wood grain.

2.Fiberglass

An excellent choice for humid or harsh climates, fiberglass-composite doors are nearly maintenance-free. They can easily mimic the look of wood by using wood-grain texturing. You can choose a door with a stain to v match various wood tones, such as walnut, cherry, or oak. While the surface molds, the framework of a fiberglass door is often constructed of wooden stiles and rails. The voids within the framework are typically insulated with polyurethane foam, providing excellent energy efficiency. 

3.Solid wood

Wooden doors will always be a classic choice for your front entry. Solid wood is hefty and provides a sturdy front door with a more traditional look. There are various woods that can be used to craft an entry door, from inexpensive composites to higher quality firs or walnuts. Wood can be painted or stained any color, and the typical frame and panel construction allows for variations in weather. 

Let Northern Utah Glass Help You

No matter which of these three best entry doors you select for your home, Northern Utah Glass is here to assist. We offer Therma-Tru doors in any of the top 3 choices of door: steel, fiberglass, and wood. The front door is one of the few opportunities to add decorative glass in most modern homes, and our great selection will provide you with plenty of options. With over 15 years of experience in Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake County, you can depend on us for quality products and installation. Give us a call at 801-528-2800 or contact us online today!

 

At the center of form meeting function, shower doors are a common bathroom fixture that can totally make a space. This bathroom staple is not exempt from aging, however.

Whether your shower door is dated, faulty, or you’re simply craving a new look, replacing it is a top consideration. Can the glass on your shower be replaced? Why would you want to change it? What kind of process is it? Let’s take a look at all the ins and outs.

Is It Possible to Replace a Glass Shower Door?

You might be wondering what options you have for changing the glass in your shower. The good news is that it is very doable to replace the door on your shower. Depending on what style of door you have, this could be a simple or more complex process. First, the old door and surround must be carefully and completely removed. Once the door and panels are out of the way, the caulking around the jambs and the bottom track must also be removed. Depending on what style of door you are installing once the old one is removed, you may be replacing the jambs and bottom track to accommodate the new glass. On average, the whole process might take a professional glass installer just 2-3 hours for a typical glass door, but this can vary widely depending on the size and style of the shower.

Why Should You Consider Replacing Glass Shower Doors?

There are many reasons you might need to change the door or other glass components of your shower, and they aren’t all aesthetic reasons. 

  • Cracks in the Glass. Any time cracks appear in glass, it’s bad news. Cracks are a tell-tale sign that the glass is beginning to deteriorate, and it is only a matter of time before the whole pane of glass breaks. The nature of glass is that cracks in the surface can gradually become larger over time and affect the overall integrity of the glass. Eventually, this could lead to the door of your shower breaking or even shattering, a major safety concern.
  • Rusty frame. Once rust begins to show on your shower frame, it’s time to think about replacing it. A sign that things are aging and deteriorating, rust can also be an annoyance, causing the door to glide less smoothly.
  • Outdated style. Framed shower glass is more common in older showers and can quickly make a bathroom look dated. Modern frameless shower enclosures can quickly elevate a bathroom from mundane to spa-like. You can also create a customized look by opting for clear, tempered, frosted, or rain glass.

Trust Northern Utah Glass to Professionally Replace Your Shower Doors

No matter your reasons for replacing the glass in your shower door, you will want to rely on a professional to get the job done right. When you call Northern Utah Glass, you can expect quality glass, expert installation, and beautiful design. Whether you live in Ogden or Farmington, we provide excellent service throughout Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake County, Utah. For a free in-home estimate, give us a call at 801-528-2800, or contact us online today!

If you are looking for a way to create a timeless home exterior, solid wood entry doors are the way to go. 

Entry doors are one of the most prominent features of a house, and set the tone for a welcoming appearance. With the many styles and types of doors available on the market these days, you’ll want to select one that captures the character and style of your home. Keep reading to find out how a solid wood door can create the perfect entrance to your home.

What Are Solid Wood Doors?

Not all doors are created equal, and there are a few common types to choose from. A solid core door, for example, can be composed of engineered wood, or even a mineral core, with a wood veneer applied to the exterior. As the name implies, a solid wood door is literally made of just wood, with the exception of the door hardware. Typically, a door made from solid wood is crafted using a frame-and-panel technique. It is extremely rare for a door to be made from a single slab of wood, as finding a piece of wood large enough for an entry door would be very hard to come by. Additionally, a single slab could lead to warping or cracking. The most common choices of wood for a solid wood door are pine, oak, or maple.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Solid Wood Entry Doors?

There are compelling reasons to use solid wood doors for your front entry, as well as a few drawbacks. Here are some things to consider:

Pros:

  • Great sound blocking, particularly with hardwoods such as oak or maple
  • Solid 
  • Substantial
  • Some fire resistance
  • Historical authenticity
  • Increases resale value of the home

Cons:

  • Warping or expansion can occur
  • More expensive
  • Needs to be finished or painted, and maintained

The Timeless Value of Solid Wood Doors

For a very long time, solid wood was the only option for an entry door. Historically, homes have had solid wood doors, making this option the best choice for historical authenticity. The options are nearly limitless when choosing the design and style elements for your solid wood door. Many times, these doors are custom made, allowing you to choose moldings, trim pieces, panelings, glass, and stains to match the style of the rest of your home. Even the choice of wood can reflect your house’s character, such as a knotty pine or cedar for a more rustic look, or teak for something more modern. While something as simple as painting your front door can instantly boost your home’s value and appeal, replacing it with a solid wood option can make your home stand apart as a one-of-a-kind.

Let Northern Utah Glass Transform Your Front Door

Updating your home with solid wood entry doors can immediately transform the appearance of your house. Using solid wood doors creates a timeless appeal that will continue to look great for decades. At Northern Utah Glass, we offer Therma-Tru doors in a wide range of styles and options, along with professional installation. Give us a call at (801)-528-2800 or contact us online today to schedule a consultation! We serve various counties in Utah, from Weber and Davis counties down to Salt Lake County. 

As we go through our daily activities and errands, many of us use commercial glass doors without even thinking about it.

The storefronts of our favorite shops, the cozy table overlooking the street in our go-to restaurant, or the sleek entry of a new office building—each of these features commercial glass. If you’re opening one of these places of business, or even remodeling, you might be wondering how to go about installing commercial glass. If that is you, read on.

What is Commercial Glass?

Commercial glass is formed using a six-step process to create a soda-lime-silica combination glass. Different applications of glass will also have additional chemicals added to change the property of the glass. In much the same way that different metallic compounds can be added to molten glass to create the colors of stained glass, iron and chromium can be used to create green-tinted commercial glass.

The main difference between commercial glass and residential glass is the thickness, with commercial being thicker. Where the typical residential glass thickness is 1/8”, commercial glass is usually ¼” thick, but can be as much as 1” thick. Some common types of commercial glass applications are tempered glass, float glass (clear or tinted), laminated glass, and coated glass. High impact security glass is another option that can withstand more pressure than the other types of glass, which is ideal for areas that experience heavy storms.

When to Use Commercial Glass

One of the main benefits of using commercial glass in a building is increased light. The value of natural light in a building is virtually undisputed, with one study showing that commercial real estate with no windows leases for 20 percent less than spaces with windows. Using commercial glass doors also allows customers to see into your business, creating a welcoming and inviting entrance.

Additionally, properly installed glass doors are low-maintenance and will last for years. You can easily clean them, and they don’t require any painting or staining like wood or metal doors might. Most commercial doors of glass are framed with aluminum as well, adding to their durability and ease of maintenance.

Glass Doors Installation

Unless you’re a better than average DIYer, installing a commercial glass door is best left to the experts. For one thing, these doors are often custom-made to fit both the application and the location of the project. Some pre-assembled glass doors are available, but even these will require carefully positioning the door; checking the existing wall to make sure it’s both plumb and square; mounting the door; caulking and sealing; checking for light leaks; and so on. Glass doors are heavy, and require more than one person to lift and install them properly, as well as the proper equipment to prevent breaking the glass.

Call in the Pros at Northern Utah Glass

If you’re ready to add commercial glass doors to your space, you can rely on the expertise and experience of our teams at Northern Utah Glass. Based out of Ogden, Utah, we provide installation and repair services in Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake counties with a focus on safety and customer satisfaction. For a free quote or in-home estimate, contact us today!

Most cleaning is straightforward, but what should you use to clean acrylic shower doors? Read on for some tips and tricks.

Information on Acrylic Doors

If you have an enclosed shower, you likely have a shower door made of either glass or acrylic. Acrylic is one of the most transparent materials because it consists of clear plastic, which is why it’s often used in aquariums. It is lighter than glass, and cracks rather than shatters. Furthermore, it is more prone to scratching than glass, which will cloud the surface over time without proper care. It’s important to use the right materials when cleaning your shower door and avoid cleaners that might scratch or discolor the surface.

Which Products Should I Use to Clean My Doors?

A mild, acid-based solution is an excellent choice when it comes to cleaning acrylic. Stick to commercial products that are safe for your shower door, such as non-abrasive ones that will not mar the acrylic’s surface. You should always check the label of a cleaner to make sure it is safe for acrylic, ABS, polystyrene, or plastic.

Avoid abrasive cleaners that contain harmful chemical compounds, such as acetone. If you want to go the DIY route, you can make a homemade cleaner using the following:

  • 2 cups of water
  • ½ a cup of distilled white vinegar
  • A squirt of dish soap

Mix these together and pour into a spray bottle.

Safest Way to Clean Your Doors

Spray or apply the cleaner of your choice to the acrylic’s surface, then gently buff it over the shower door. It’s best to use a terry cloth towel, soft cloth, sponge, or nylon scrubber when cleaning, again avoiding anything abrasive. Once the entire surface is generously coated in cleaning solution, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes; this allows the solution to break through grime, soap scum, hard water, and build-up that may have accumulated.

Use fresh water to rinse away all the liquefied dirt and build-up, then go over any remaining spots with the cloth, sponge, or even a toothbrush. Rinse again with clean, hot water. You can then use a soft dry cloth or a squeegee to remove water from the surface of the clean acrylic shower doors and avoid water spots. Keep a squeegee in your shower to remove water after each shower to prevent the doors from getting dirty as quickly.

If you examine your shower doors and find scratches, you can try gently buffing them out using a resurfacing gloss approved for acrylics. Remember to read labels to ensure that you’re using the right products for the job.

Contact Northern Utah Glass

If you have tried to clean acrylic shower doors to no avail and need to replace them with glass, contact us. Our experts have over 15 years of experience and serve Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake counties. Give us a call for a free quote or request an in-home estimate.

Shower doors can transform the look of a bathroom and are effective for ensuring water can’t leak onto your floor; however, they may need adjusting after a time. If your shower doors need a little help with staying on track, without the added stress and cost of replacing them, scroll down and read on DIY shower door adjustment.

Adjusting Shower Doors

There are typically three types of shower doors, sliding doors, hinged doors, and frameless doors. Here are the steps for adjusting each of these types.

Sliding Shower Doors

If you have a sliding door, good news! These types of doors are the simplest to repair and adjust since they run on a door along a track. These doors can start sticking or not glide as smoothly as before, so fixed them immediately can save issues in the long run. 

Here are the eight steps to adjusting sliding shower doors.

1. First, check to see if the roller on the track is a problem or if it’s more complex. If it’s just the roller that slipped off the track, just lift the sliding door and put it back.

2. Before starting, place a drop cloth down to protect your shower from scratches. Now, unscrew the guide rail from the bottom of the shower track..

3. Lift the sliding door out of the track and tilt the door in or out to remove it. Now, remove both doors so you can observe any problems.

4. Clean both the top and bottom tracks to remove any grime, soap scum, or rust in small areas.

5. Locate the rollers in the track that are positioned on a slanted opening and adjust them. Raise or lower the door by moving the roller up or down in its slanted cutout.

6. Loosen the screw and move the roller to the desired location, making sure any other rollers are in the same locked position to keep doors even.

7. When the roller has been adjusted and tightened, it’s time to replace the doors and screw the bottom guide rail back in place.

8. Now test the doors to ensure they slide smoothly.

Ensure your rollers are the same type all across the guide rail. They are either round edge or flat edge. Inspect each one to ensure they’re the same type and that the roller is not cracked or showing any signs of defect. 

Hinged Shower Doors

Hinged doors are commonly glass doors with a framing system around them and. They’re hinged to the wall or another framed section. Again, these doors are reasonably easy to fix when becoming stiff. Before trying to adjust them, inspect them to see if the shower doors are rigid or other issues such as damage that may require a door replacement. If it’s been gradually sticking more, then using something to help it glide smoothly may be all that’s needed.

Here are the Steps to Adjust Hinged Shower Doors.

1. Tighten the hinges attached to the wall.

2. Loosen and remove the hinge screws and the shower door.

3. First, clean the screws with white vinegar.

4. Spray the hinges with WD-40 to help loosen them up.

5. Finally, replace the shower door and tighten the newly cleaned crews.

Lift or lower your hinged shower door by moving the rollers in the top, to allow the door to swing higher into the opening To lower the door, do the following:

1. Move the hinge down so you can adjust the door to the right height.

2. Ensure you clean up any adhesive or caulk when moving the hinges.

3. Once you move the hinge, apply a fresh coat of the sealer if you want.

4. Let the adhesive or caulk dry before using your shower or allowing any moisture to penetrate the hinges.

Avoid taking a shower or using your handheld shower head until completely dry. 

Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless showers and shower doors are thicker than framed doors, therefore, resulting in sturdier glass. Most of the pre-made frameless doors can be adjusted by about ½ inch. If your shower door is having issues with fitting in the track, you can adjust it rather than trimming it down. 

Two issues are associated with frameless shower doors: a shower door doesn’t match up with your shower head correctly and ill-fitting shower doors, due to wear and tear. For the former, it’s as simple as replacing the shower head. In the latter, you just need to fix the door by tightening or replacing the clamps.  

Here’s how to adjust the loose clamps on your frameless doors.

1. Open the door partway and prop it on a wedge. Level it where it should be.

2. Loosen the top and bottom clamps, so they go back to their original upright positions.

3. Remove the clamp and apply some Loctite Heavy Duty Threadlocker onto it; this keeps the clamps from stripping and helps preserve them.

4. Replace the clamps and tighten the screws in it, ensuring you clean up any excess Locktite.

5. When the Locktite dries, remove the wedge holding the door up and test the door to ensure it holds.

 

Need to Replace Glass Shower Doors?

If you’re ready to replace or upgrade your shower doors, contact Northern Utah Glass. We offer beautifully-crafted glass that’s topnotch quality, so contact us for a free quote or schedule a free in-home estimate.

 

When installing a frameless shower door, you may need a header, which is metal support at the top of the shower that attaches to a wall and keeps the shower stabilized. A support header, therefore, takes off some of the tension to prevent the weakening of the glass-to-glass connection over time. 

Let’s discuss more in-depth about frameless shower doors and the need for a header.

 

What is a Frameless Shower Door?

A frameless shower door is just what it sounds like—a shower door that has no bulky frame. It is the most popular, but the most expensive shower door. A header is built from frame-free glass, but also includes a metal header across the top of the enclosure. It creates a clean and seamless look for a modern-style bathroom. 

 

There are many custom styles available, with less metal to corrode, easier to maintain and offers many glass options. However, with a frameless shower door, it still needs a support bar, if the shower isn’t attached to the wall. This could result in a complicated installation process that can be more costly.

 

When and Why a Header is Required

There are several reasons why a header is needed for a frameless shower door. A header might be required if there’s no wall to hinge a door from, and is used when a fixed glass panel is hinged to an adjoining glass door, thereby carrying the weight of the shower door. 

 

It could be a matter of structural integrity and safety—if you hinge a door from a stationary panel, it mustn’t exceed the maximum width allowed. Each time a glass shower door is pulled open, it pulls on the attached glass panel, so a header protects the shower and you and your family from glass shattering.  It also protects from water leakage. However, a door can often be hinged from a stationary panel of glass to eliminate a header. Headers aren’t necessary if the glass door attaches to the wall.

 

Other Options

To ensure your frameless shower is attractive and doesn’t look like a framed one, contractors can design the shower with a support bar, which is lighter top support that reinforces the fixed glass panel. The requirements of the supports are determined by measurements, weight, and thickness of the glass, as well as the weight and strength of hinges and clamps. These minor alterations to the design could eliminate the need for a full shower header.

 

Types of Shower Door Headers

The types of shower door headers vary from traditional headers to stabilizer bars and u-channels for steam units. 

 

Header Bar 

A standard header for frameless units is designed so that the flat or round profile can be visible from the outside. If it’s deemed you need a header for your frameless glass shower, each side of the shower needs to have a header bar for a two-sided Neo Angle. If you have a three-sided Neo Angle, it needs three bars. A corner bracket is required for each corner of the header. 

 

Glass-to-Ceiling Stabilizer Bar

This can be a great option for customers who don’t like the traditional header bar that goes along the whole perimeter of the top of their glass. It’s also helpful when hinging off a glass panel since you typically can’t hinge off a stationary panel that is wider than 22”. With this system, you can hinge off a stationary piece of glass up to 48” wide.

 

Glass-to-Wall Stabilizer Bar

This system is preferred over the glass-to-ceiling version since it’s less intrusive as far as it almost hides behind the glass. With this option, you can run the bar to the ceiling or an adjacent tiled wall.

 

Glass Vs. Metal Headers

You can install a metal or glass shower header; however, a glass header requires clamps on either side, plus a hinge for the door, whereas a metal header doesn’t. A metal header is a thin strip that goes up and along the top of the shower, but the thickness depends on your preference. It’s stronger than a glass shower header, so keep that in mind when deciding which type you want to install.

 

Need help? Contact Northern Utah Glass

If you’re looking for a customized frameless shower that provides for an all-glass design that minimizes the look of a frame with a header, give Northern Utah Glass a call. To get a free quote and schedule a FREE in-home consultation and estimate, please reach out to us today.

 

If you’re thinking of installing shower doors on a new build or remodeling your bathroom, there are many options from which to choose. Whether you want a classy look or modern design, shower doors increase the beauty in your home. See if adding shower doors add value to your home, as well. 

Added Value

Any remodeling you do will indeed increase the value of your home. Shower doors, individually, add functionality and attractiveness to your bathrooms, which increases the resale value of your home. On average, a bathroom remodel adds anywhere between 60.2% and 67.2% to a home’s value.

Let’s talk about what types of shower doors add the most value.

Shower Door Styles

There are several different styles to consider, depending on your preference. One thing to remember is adding a shower enclosure helps to open up the bathroom space, so it appears larger. Here are some shower door styles to consider.

Frameless Enclosures

This type of shower door uses heavy tempered safety glass and limited hardware that provides a modern, clean look and is excellent for a bigger bathroom that adds dimension. A frameless shower enclosure allows stone, tile, or other attractive features of the shower’s interior and can be rectangular or hexagonal, depending on the size and budget restraints. Frameless glass is also easier to clean than framed glass doors.

Framed Enclosures

Tempered glass framed shower doors offer a more waterproof enclosure than a frameless door and can be wrapped in aluminum that’s colored to match the overall decor of your bathroom. Framed doors are more affordable, as well.

Semi-Frameless

A semi-frameless enclosure offers the strength and economic advantage as framed options, plus allows the exposure of glass edges. This creates a beautiful, attractive appearance.

Sliding Vs. Hinged Doors

The traditional design is that of a hinged shower door, but the more modern look includes adding a sliding door. It offers a more practical option in a smaller space and a vital water barrier from the shower to surrounding areas. Choose from a variety of options that include styles, sizes, and hardware finishes that match with your decor.

Steam Shower Enclosures

There are a few options when it comes to choosing steam shower enclosures: custom-built or prefabricated, all-in-one units. You can have a custom-built steam shower that’s tailored to match your bathroom space perfectly. Choose from clear glass to showcase your shower, or if you prefer, choose rain glass for a more discreet look. Include different amenities, such as lighting, a sound system, and foot massager in a small compact design, and have a piece of heaven. 

Accessibility

Another way to add value to your home is by making your bathroom more accessible. A shower door that is flush with the floor allows easy usage by wheelchair users. By 2040, 21 percent of the U.S. population will be seniors who will be looking for homes that offer easy access. Adding accessibility to your bathroom can increase your home’s value, if you choose to sell, or can accommodate your needs if you are in that age group. 

What to Consider Before Installation

Before installing a shower door, consider the following:

  • Measurements: Have an expert measure the shower area to ensure correct measurement before installation.
  • Configuration: This is important to know since the makeup of your walls and surrounding will influence the volume of weight that can be supported with a new fixture.
  • Shower Heads: Choose a shower head that won’t spray outside the parameters of the shower wall.
  • Ventilation:An expert needs to evaluate the ventilation in your bathroom to ensure no mold, mildew, or moisture buildup occurs.

Remodeling Statistics

Interestingly, approximately 62 percent of people who remodeled a part of their home felt more joy than those who didn’t, according to the National Association of Realtors Research Department (NARI). Taking on projects is often worth the investment and time. NARI reports that after remodeling, a whopping 75 percent of owners have a greater desire to be in their home, with sixty-five percent having an increased enjoyment in their home. Fifty-six percent feel happy, and 39 percent feel satisfied when they see their completed project with a typical Joy Score of 9.6. 

A further 77 percent feel a significant sense of accomplishment when they think of their completed project, with 36 percent of owners reporting the single most important result from remodeling is better functionality and livability. Seventeen percent say durable and long-lasting results, materials, and appliances, with the same percent reporting beauty and aesthetics.  

Contact Northern Utah Glass

Are you ready to remodel your bathroom and add elegant and functional glass shower doors? If so, we’d love to talk with you about your options to fit with your style, needs, and budget. Give us a call today and let us upgrade your bathroom for a sleek and modern look.