A shower glass door may create the mood in your bathroom and give it a sleek, modern appearance. Glass doors are more hygienic and less likely to grow mold than shower curtains. Additionally, glass doors are simpler to maintain and clean. Glass doors are luxurious and will, therefore, increase the value of your home if you wish to rent out or sell.
Glass shower doors come in a variety of types. However, each type has potential advantages and disadvantages of its own. When making this decision, the following are the critical considerations;
- Style
- Budget
- Privacy
- Ease of cleaning
Glass Shower Doors and Their Pros and Cons
1. Clear Glass Shower Doors
Clear glass shower doors are the most common shower glass doors. They are transparent but with a slight green tint. However, most people fail to notice the hue of the glass. Clear glass shower doors are available in a variety of textures, and they also complement any décor.
The transparency of these doors allows you to view both inside and outside the bathroom. However, this may be good or bad, depending on your situation. The transparency also creates the impression that smaller bathrooms are expansive.
Pros
- Modern Style
Glass shower doors have a modern aesthetic, therefore upgrading your house.
- Easy to Clean
Cleaning glass shower doors is simple. Additionally, it’s easy to see dirty stains or traces on the glass. Squeegee the water off the glass after every use to avoid dirt accumulation and glass discoloration glass. Regularly clean the glass with a window cleaner to prevent cloudiness.
- Timeless
Doors made of clear glass are versatile and go well with any bathroom design. A clear glass door will give it a modern look if considering a bathroom renovation. Additionally, this design will always continue to look sophisticated.
- Lighting
Forget dull, dark showers since clear glass doors let in all the light.
Cons
- Lack of privacy unless in a master en-suite
- Attracts smudges and fingerprints
- More expensive compared to other alternates
2. Low-Iron Shower Glass Door
Except for the clearer tint, this glass door resembles clear glass shower doors. To improve clarity and remove the green tinge, manufacturers use low-iron mixtures. When it comes to color matching, this aspect is crucial. If you want your bathroom background exposed, low-iron shower glass is a better option. Your showers will also be brighter as more light gets into the bathroom.
Smudges, spots, and fingerprints are way noticeable on low-iron glass doors. Therefore, homeowners need to clean the door regularly. As for privacy, this shower glass provides no cover.
3. Textured Glass Shower Doors; Frosted, Rain, and Hammered Glass
These doors work well if you live with others but desire a nice private bathroom. There are plenty of different distinctive textured alternatives available.
Manufacturers use acid or sandblasting to etch one side of the glass to make frosted glass. Therefore, a sheer glass door that’s more private. However, the opaqueness of the glass will make the space appear smaller though cozier.
Rain glass is a standard option for shower doors and has texturing on one side. These doors enable more light to enter because they are not frosted. Rain glass doors also offer more privacy due to the texture of the glass. Unlike frosted glass, rain glass doesn’t collect dirt. Rain glass also conceals watermarks and fingerprints. This lovely and distinctive-looking glass creates a spa-like atmosphere in the bathroom.
Hammered glass is another common type of textured glass with regular indentations on one side that resembles hammered metal. These doors offer some privacy while still allowing for plenty of light.
Pros
- A variety of designs and patterns are available.
- The glass creates a unique, distinctive flair
- The glass gives more or less privacy depending on the design. However, there are other ways to increase privacy besides these shower glasses
Cons
- Difficult to clean, especially the textured side, as soap scum can build up in the pits
- Depending on the style, it might be an expensive alternative
4. Tinted Shower Glass Doors
Tinted shower doors allow you to see through the material. However, the darkness of the tinting reduces the amount of light that passes through them. Tinted shower glass will give your bathroom a distinctive, modern look.
The color selections offer several options ranging from light to dark tints. The darker the coloring, the more privacy the glass provides. If you have an older or more rustic home, use black and grey colors to avoid ruining the vintage appearance.
Pros
- Available in a wide selection of colors
- It provides a unique look
Cons
- Potential difficulties when renovating with different colors
- Some colors are more prone than others to showing buildup or scratches
Types of Shower Doors
The final selection is the door type, which comes in several styles. Here are some of the options available;
a)Â Â Â Â Â Sliding Shower Door
With limited space, a sliding shower door is often the best choice. It is more modern than a shower curtain, but the frame will need frequent cleaning.
b)Â Â Â Â Â Fixed Shower Glass
A shower screen easily fits into small spaces and is more stylish than a sliding door. Your shower must be wide enough for access because it has a bi-fold construction that folds in to open and close.
c)Â Â Â Â Â Swing Shower Door
Because it swings open like a standard shower door, this kind of door might not fit in a small bathroom. Since there is no frame, it is modern and simple to clean.
Framed or Frameless Shower
The choice of a framed or frameless glass door is the last one you must make.
Framed Doors
Framed doors have defined and sealed edges and doors that keep water from leaking. However, without regular cleaning, it can collect dirt and mold. Framed shower doors have a standard structure and size. Compared to frameless glass, they are less expensive and easier to install.
Pros
- Cheaper alternative
- More effective in stopping water leaks
Cons
- Less accessible design alternatives
- Challenging to clean
Custom Frameless Doors
Custom frameless doors are available to accommodate your shower area. The shower is easier to clean due to its unhindered glass panels, and there are fewer hiding areas for soap scum and buildup.
With frameless, there are fewer options for completely enclosing your shower. If not properly installed, water may leak onto the floor. However, this isn’t a problem if the bathroom area is larger or has a walk-in door.
Frameless designs cost more because of the glass’s thickness, size, and complex installation. You will also need strong nuts and bolts to stabilize these doors.
Pros
- Many customizable choices are available
- It is easier to clean
- A fantastic improvement that increases return on investment
- It can enlarge the appearance of your bathroom, which is excellent for smaller areas
Cons
- Costlier alternative
- Less resistant to water leaks
Conclusion
You now know the factors to take into account for your bathroom renovation. At NYKB, we’ll give you more bathroom remodeling tips so you can get what you want. We also make custom shower glass doors for your new shower/tub to fit perfectly. You can also get a free consultation to clarify all these. Contact us for the installation of traditional to modern shower glass items.