Shower Doors | Northern Utah Glass

Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Shower Doors

Choosing the right shower doors for your bathroom shower is a matter of style, space, and practicality. It might be time to design the bathroom of your dreams, or maybe you just want to finish your bathroom shower quickly and affordably.

Whether either of those is true or you’re somewhere in between, you likely have questions. You might not know about all the types of shower doors, your glass shower door options, the sizing and measurements for your shower doors, costs, installation, etc.

Today’s blog provides information on all that and more. By the time you’re done reading this blog, you’ll be well-equipped to finish or upgrade your bathroom! Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about choosing shower doors.

Types of Shower Doors

You have quite a few options when choosing shower doors, which is excellent, especially if you have a goal in mind for how you want your bathroom to look. Your options include:

Sliding doors are ideal for wide-open showers or bathtubs with two or three panels.
Frameless doors create the illusion of more space due to the lack of metal on the exterior edges. This sleek, modern option uses strong tempered glass that doesn’t require extra support.
Framed shower doors come with a frame, often made of metal, that supports them. You’ll open or close your shower door within its set frame. Framed shower doors include different designs, such as pivot and hinged.
Steam shower doors are typically part of a steam room, but you can have them at home, too. A steam shower door is designed to trap all the steam inside the shower, so it doesn’t make its way into other parts of your home.
Custom enclosures are just that – custom. You can work with your glass company to design the perfect shower door for your bathroom. Custom enclosures often combine elements of different shower doors.

Glass Shower Door Options

Now that you know what types of shower doors are available, it’s time to look at what kind of glass you want for your shower door. The type of glass you choose is an essential element of your bathroom. Popular options include:

Clear
Low-iron (for superb clarity)
Obscure or opaque (lets light through while giving you some privacy)
Tinted (comes with a coating or film)
Textured/fluted (patterned or ribbed)
Etched (stripes and motifs)
Rain (waterfall or bubble effects)

You could have the same type of shower door in all your bathrooms, or you could choose to incorporate different shower doors to shake things up a bit. This is a great way to add variety to your bathrooms. Or, you might want a sleek, uniform look throughout your home. Either way, you can’t go wrong.

Sizes and Measuring

Your standard shower door will measure between 22 and 36 inches wide and 72 inches high. Just be sure it fits your shower since most showers slightly differ in size.

Measuring the space will protect you from purchasing a shower door that doesn’t fit your shower. Don’t sweat it if you have an unconventional size that doesn’t work with many shower types. That’s what a custom glass company is for – they’ll know what to do!

Costs

Because there are so many different types of shower doors, it’s impossible to nail down a specific price. However, we can tell you that several factors affect the price, including where you live. Believe it or not, prices vary for the same product in different states.

Other factors include the thickness and size of the glass. Naturally, you’ll pay more for a larger glass shower door. You’ll also pay more for thicker, sturdier glass.

Choosing Your Shower Doors

You’ll have your shower doors for a long time, so it’s essential to pick the right one. And that takes time! Don’t rush your decision. Consider your budget, the aesthetic you’re going for, and the practical factors of your individual bathroom.

If your space is small, pick a shower door that optimizes that space, so no one feels cramped. You’ll want a protective coating for your shower doors if you hate soap scum and limescale build-up. A sliding door might be your best bet if you have a combination tub and shower.

Get someone else’s opinion if you can’t decide what you want for your bathroom. A friend or family member might see things differently and have a great idea that you love. Or, you could consult with a professional glass expert who can recommend what would work best for your bathroom.

Installation

How you’ll install your shower doors depends on what type you purchased. Some are easier to install than others. But regardless of what kind of shower door you choose, you’ll need the same supplies, including:

Safety glasses
Measuring tape/pencil
Hack saw
Miter box or square
Level
Electric drill and bits
Screwdrivers and Allen wrenches
Caulking gun/silicone sealant

Plus, before diving into your project, you’ll want to thoroughly clean the entire shower to ensure no residue interferes with the installation of the shower door.

Once you’re ready to start the installation of your shower doors, be sure to follow all the directions that come with your shower doors. Skipping steps will prevent you from properly installing the shower door and could prove hazardous for your family. You don’t want that!

But even if you follow all the directions correctly, you might discover that it’s harder than you thought to install your shower doors.

Choose Northern Utah Glass for Your Glass Door Installation

That’s why you should call Northern Utah Glass for your shower door installation. With over 15 years of experience, we have the expertise you need to successfully and safely install your shower doors.

Northern Utah Glass serves Weber County, Davis County, and Salt Lake County, in Utah. We’re locally owned and operated and are here to help you pick the perfect shower doors and install them for you. Enjoy peace of mind as your new shower comes together! Call us at 801.528.2800, or fill out the contact form on our website.

Let Northern Utah Glass install your shower doors 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’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.

Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Shower Doors