How to install shower doors: Shower Door Installation: How to Install Shower Doors

alexxlab

Shower Door Installation: How to Install Shower Doors

Not handy? No problem! Installing a shower door is a simple DIY project that even the most inexperienced individual can accomplish by following a few easy steps. Learning how to install a shower door is possible for anyone with enough patience. A second set of hands can make this whole process much simpler.

This May Also Interest You: How to Clean Shower Doors

To learn how to install a shower door, all you need is the correct tools and some uninterrupted time to complete the task. The most important aspect of the installation is ensuring the doors are properly aligned. Here’s our step-by-step guide.

Tools and Materials

To prepare for the installation, you’ll need to gather the correct tools:

  • Level
  • Measuring tape
  • Hacksaw
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Wall anchors
  • Caulking gun
  • Clear silicone caulk

Is It Hard to Install a Shower Door?

Compared to other home improvement tasks, installing a shower door is a fairly straightforward job. It just requires you to be precise in your measurements. A glass shower door is a luxurious addition to any home, and with a bit of patience and precision, you can install one yourself in no time.

How to Install a Shower Door

To install a sliding shower door in your home, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the door you purchase. There is a simple step-by-step process that applies in most cases. Gather the required tools, set aside a few hours and get ready for a shower door upgrade in your bathroom. Here’s what to do:

1. Determine the Door Size

You’ll want to start by figuring out what size door you need. Measure the width and the height of the shower opening. To measure the width of the door, you should measure it in three separate spots: top, middle and bottom. This is critical in case your walls are not perfectly straight. Choose the shortest of the three measurements as your width. Then, measure your door height.

2.

Protect the Shower Floor

Before you begin any actual construction, place a drop cloth over your shower floor. This will prevent any debris from falling into the shower and clogging your drain.

3. Position the Wall Track

If you have a shower door with a fixed panel and moving panel, always hang the track for the fixed panel first. Do this on the side farthest away from the showerhead. This will make it easier to get into the shower without spraying water all over your bathroom.

Place your wall track where you want it and use a level to ensure it’s plumb to the wall. If your wall track has pre-drilled holes, use a pencil and mark the positions on the shower wall. If not, measure where you need the holes to be and mark this position on the wall and the track.

4. Drill for Wall Anchors

Use a drill with a quarter-inch bit to drill holes for wall anchors. If you’re drilling into tile or ceramic, it’s best to use a masonry bit. To avoid rusting, use stainless steel screws to secure the wall track. If you insert your screw into the wall and hit a stud or framing, you won’t need to use an anchor. However, if your holes are drilled in a location where there is no framing to screw into, you will need to use heavy anchors. Typically, these will come with your shower door kit.

5. Insert or Hang the First Door Panel

Assuming you have a shower with a fixed door panel and a sliding or pivoting door panel, hang the fixed panel in the wall track you installed. Temporarily secure this panel at the bottom with the sliding door guide. Use caution as you proceed because this door is not fully fixed.

6. Cut Top Support Bar to Size

Your top support bar may come in a longer size than you require, so you’ll need to measure and cut it to fit. Once you’ve measured so that the holes will align, you can cut the support bar using a hacksaw.

7. Level the Support Bar

Use a level to ensure your support bar at the top is not crooked. When the is bar level, make a mark on the wall with a pencil below the bar so you know exactly where to attach it. Ensure your support bar is also plumb with the glass shower door panel you’ve already temporarily installed.

8. Drill Holes and Secure

Using the pencil marks as a reference, drill the appropriate holes into the shower fiberglass or tile and then secure the support bar.

More Related Articles:

  • How Much Does a Shower Remodel Cost?
  • Making It Rain: How Much Does It Cost to Install a Shower?
  • How to Replace a Showerhead
  • How to Clean Shower Tiles
  • Pay Attention to That Mold Behind the Curtain! A Shower-Curtin Cleaning How-To

9. Pre-Drill Holes for the Bottom Sliding Door Guide

Once the top bar is secure, you can mark and drill the appropriate holes for permanently attaching the sliding door guide along the bottom. Add some caulking to the holes before you insert the screws to create a waterproof seal. Secure the door guide.

10. Hang the Sliding Door

With a secure frame, you can now hang the sliding door. This step will vary depending on the shower door kit you’ve selected. You may need to install a second wall track on the other side at this point. In some cases, you can simply hang the door on the top support bar.

Some sliding glass doors may not have a wall track on the moving side but rather a water seal that will allow the door to be flush with the shower wall and prevent water from leaking out. In that case, follow the steps provided by the manufacturer.

11. Seal With Caulking

Use clear silicone caulking along all the fixed components of the shower to create a watertight seal. You should let this dry for roughly 24 hours before using the shower.

Be Aware of Variations

The method to install shower doors will vary depending on their configuration. Some pivoting or sliding glass shower doors will require you to install a bottom track rather than a sliding guide, or you may need to screw the wall tracks and top bar together for additional stability. Follow the manufacturer’s directions closely to ensure you’re taking the correct steps for your specific shower door.

Can I Just Replace My Shower Doors?

Replacing a shower door is easier than installing a new one, especially if your replacement door is the same size as the old one and you can use the existing frame.

If your replacement doors are a different size than the existing ones, you will need to remove the old door jambs and install new ones, similar to the process outlined above. A clear glass door replacement can offer a modern, updated aesthetic from an old frosted-glass look.

Since we’re all home now more than ever, being prepared for unexpected home repairs with a plan from HomeServe is important. Having a plan in place gives you peace of mind knowing that you can simply call our 24/7 repair hotline for covered breakdowns. See what plans are available in your neighborhood.

5 Easy Steps to Install Glass Shower Doors (DIY)

Installing a shower door by yourself is quite fun when you have a great helping hand, exact tools, and a proper guide. The amazing thing about this project is that you can do it by yourself having just some basic knowledge of tools and equipment.

Some shower doors are available in the market with a pivot. These shower doors have pre-scored marks and holes, which speeds up the process of installation. Grabbing a helping hand for installation is highly advised because the glass shower doors can be heavy and fragile.

However, if you don’t feel DIYing it, you can simply ask for a professional’s assistance to install your shower doors.

Quick links:

  • Benefits of glass shower enclosures
  • Why you should switch from traditional shower curtains?
  • Is it possible to DIY this?
  • Steps to install glass shower doors properly
Why installing glass shower doors is a good idea?

While searching for options to create a sensational bathroom outlook or to remodel already existing features, you are probably confused – whether to adopt traditional curtains to secure privacy or go with the modern trends of installing glass shower doors. Obviously, you have some specific requirements and are fully aware of the changes you need in your bathroom décor. But, hold on! Whether you choose shower curtains, open walk-in bathrooms, or prefer shower door installation; you must go through all the facts to make the right decision.

Here, in this in-depth guide, we’ll explain in details the benefits of shower doors, why this would be a better option for your bathroom décor, and compare shower doors with shower curtains. We’ll also explain the step-by-step process of how you can install a shower door in small spaces as a DIY project.

Benefits of glass shower doors

Shower doors are getting more popularity because of their bundle of useful traits. You can decorate your shower areas with curtains as well. However, before making any decision take a look at the facts below:

  • Glass shower enclosures help to illuminate the entire bathroom by reflecting natural/artificial light.
  • It creates a sense of spacious and large bathroom.
  • Keep adequate ventilation and atmosphere by installing a glass shower door that separates the entire bathroom from the shower area.
  • Stay away from wet and messy bathrooms, lock the water and steam inside your shower areas and enjoy a mess-free dry bathroom.
  • Arguably, the more important reason is, it looks pretty. When you separate your shower from the entire bathroom, it creates a sense of privacy and elegance.

Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

So, should you go for glass shower enclosures or traditional shower curtains?

Well, as far as turnabout between shower doors and shower curtains is concerned, we always recommend going for the shower doors.

Here’s why.

You may like traditional shower curtains, as they look pretty as well as take care of your privacy. But, how do you like seeing every time after a shower, water keeps dripping from the shower curtain and turning your bathroom wet and messy?

Not much, right?

This is one of the key reasons why people are switching to glass shower screen instead of shower curtains. Shower curtains usually darken the bathroom and give the bathroom ambiance a clumsy feel. It cuts down the light and allows little light to pass through. Also, in many cases, glass enclosures help save more water as it does not absorb too much like curtains. Although you may find shower curtains with different colors, shades, patterns, and designs, long-term usability matters most at the end of the day.

Image by undefined from iStock

Installing glass shower door – can it be a DIY project?

Of course!

Even if you’re handling a small space, you can install a glass shower door. With an easy-to-install kit, installation of a glass shower enclosure is a pretty straightforward project. Anyone with basic knowledge of standard tools and equipment can handle the project solely.

However, if you are inexperienced with such tools and the usage, DIYing a shower door might not be a wise call for you. Even for small spaces, you need to have some basic knowledge of tools and bolts. And suppose you are planning to install a glass shower enclosure for a larger space like the bathroom attached with the master bedroom. In that case, you must consult a professional to avoid any damage or injury.

Is DIYing a glass shower enclosure too complicated?

Not exactly.

To avoid any difficulty while installing a shower door, make sure to buy the pre-scored traditional shower doors. They will make the process relatively straightforward and simple. However, installing frameless shower doors is a bit more complicated than a conventional shower door. Lately, get a pair of extra hands to help you out. You’ll need it eventually.

Image by Jason Finn from iStock

Quick tips for installing shower doors in a small space

If you’re planning to save some money and install your shower door by yourself, go ahead with the project (again, only if you have experience in handling basic tools and kits).

Small spaces are easy to handle as compared to larger areas. They make the DIY project simple and easy. The first thing you need to know is the precise measurements of your bathroom. Installing a customized shower enclosure can be a little tricky, so try to avoid it. Use the pre-made shower doors with the calculated hinges and scored holes. It will help you and speed up your DIY project.

Step-by-step Guide to install a glass shower door

By following these 5 simple steps, you can easily install the glass shower door by yourself:

  1. Measure the space accurately
  2. Drill the holes on the wall
  3. Hold the stationary glass panels together
  4. Attach the swing door panel to the side rail
  5. Install the shower door sweep on the bottom

Here’s a quick visual to give you a clearer idea.

Tools required to install the glass shower door

Before starting the installation, you need to gather all the required tools. All these tools materials are common items in your house, so you don’t have to go overboard and purchase these separately. It will save money and keep you busy in a positive way. DIY projects always lift the mood and keep the negative thoughts at bay.

  • Hammer
  • Steel screws
  • Screwdriver
  • Wood shims
  • Tape
  • Measuring tape
  • Anchors
  • Silicone sealant
  • Power drill
  • Drill screws

Step-1: Measure the space accurately 

First, you have to measure the space precisely. Keep in mind that any inaccurate measurement can cost you a lot of trouble and money. To avoid any trouble afterwards, you need to score the precise measurements beforehand so that you can carry out the project without any trouble.

Image by KristianSeptimiusKrogh from iStock

Step-2: Drill the holes and set the side rails

Drill the holes on the sides of the walls where the side rails need to be placed. After drilling, rub the silicone at the threshold piece. Make sure to adjust and place the side rails in the proper place. In the pre-drilled holes, put a plastic anchor. After placing the side rails, use screws to attach the whole thing.

Step-3: Use rubber spacers to hold the door

The rubber spacers are used to increase the distance between two objects that should be fastened together. With the help of rubber, spacers hold the stationary side of the door. With these rubber spacers, you can lock the water inside the shower door and allow easy opening and closing.

Step-4: Attach the swing door panel to the side rails

Place and slide the stationary panel of the door along the threshold. After this, attach the top and center rail to the side panel.

With the help of a shim, press the glazing strip into the channel on both sides of the door and say goodbye to leakage worries! These glazing or seal strips help to prevent air as well as water leakage.

Please note: The shim must not be of metal.

Step-5: Fasten the hinges to the bottom rail

Bring the swing door first, and then attach the hinges to the bottom rail. Press and hold the door and snap it into the place.

Here’s a great video (courtesy of Fab Glass and Mirror) of the full process:

Wrapping up

Installing a shower door by yourself can be done with some basic knowledge of tools. Again, remember to take precise measurements before starting your project. Use pre-scored traditional doors instead of frameless or framed shower doors to avoid any complications. If all steps are followed correctly, the task should be within a couple of hours.

And now, you have a fantastic replacement for traditional shower curtains to brighten your bathroom. Have fun!

Featured image by HausPhotoMedia.com on Unsplash

Like this:

Like Loading…

Installing a glass door in the shower – the advantages and disadvantages of the design, the main stages of installation

24 March 2022

Views:
4075

Reading time:
6 minutes

Content

Advantages and disadvantages

Types of doors

Fittings

Installation of shower doors

Installation of a shower enclosure

Briefly about the main

Installation of plumbing fixtures does not always require the help of professionals. The installation of the shower door can be done by the user. It is important to follow the sequence of actions, as well as to do the work carefully and carefully.

Glass doors provide various functions in the bathroom

Advantages and disadvantages

Glass doors are popular with many customers. They perform not only an aesthetic function, but also protect surrounding objects from splashes of water, allow you to separate the place for water procedures from the rest of the room.

Compared to plastic models, glass models have some advantages:

  • Pretty simple installation, requiring the presence of some additional elements.
  • Long service life with good care.
  • Resistant to humidity, temperature extremes, various chemicals.
  • Interesting appearance.

View our range of shower enclosures and doors in our e-shop . To select a model taking into account certain parameters, it is worth applying a filter.

Manufacturers offer different options for glass doors

Despite the advantages, there are disadvantages. Glass models can still break if used incorrectly. But if the door is made of tempered glass, then the fragments will not have sharp, but rounded edges, so the person will not damage the skin. If you do not provide quality care, then stains and stains may remain on the doors. It is also worth noting that the cost of such options is higher than the cost of plastic counterparts.

Despite the presence of small disadvantages, glass doors are purchased quite often.

Types of doors

There are several different mechanisms for opening and closing the doors. The main ones are the following:

  • Swing. The most common, however, require free space in front of the structure to use.
  • Pendulum. They resemble the previous version, there is no need for a door frame, you can open it in different directions.
  • Sliding. They work like doors in a closet, move along special guides with the help of rollers that are attached to each sash.
  • Foldable. They are an analogue of a screen. They are very beautiful and original in appearance, but difficult to install, so they are not widely popular.

Sliding models are most often installed in shower enclosures because they are convenient and do not take up space.

It is necessary to select high-quality fittings for mounting glass doors

accessories

The installation of a shower door can only be carried out with certain fittings. Installation requires the following accessories:

  • connectors – needed to connect glass structures to each other;
  • rods – to increase the rigidity of the racks and protect against shape change;
  • various locks, handles;
  • hinges if needed;
  • special parts that increase the seal;
  • roller guides;
  • rollers.

Important! Parts may be metal or plastic.

Installation of shower doors

Shower doors can be installed by the user. The package contains instructions for performing work. It is necessary to perform all actions carefully and carefully. It is important that at the end of the door not only provide the necessary tightness, but also move freely – open and close.

In the shower enclosure, the parts are placed in the front frame. The procedure does not require a large number of tools – most often a Phillips screwdriver and a drill are enough.

Installing the glass doors will require a set of some tools

Installing glass shower doors requires several steps:

  • Carefully remove all parts from the packaging and check that they are complete. Then screw the special rollers onto the doors – as a rule, there should be two elements at the top and bottom. Don’t forget to install plugs.
  • Fasten the handles to the door, check that they are tight.
  • Install special guides on the frame of the shower enclosure, along which the sashes will move.
  • Carefully guide the rollers into the upper profiles, then do the same in the lower section. On the lower rollers there is a special button, by pressing which you can quickly put the door on the guide. Some products come with a special lubricant that must be applied to the rollers before installation.
  • The next step is to install special water cutters and magnetic seals, then place rubber fenders.
  • After all the elements have been placed, the doors need to be adjusted so that the elements slide smoothly and close tightly.

The installation of the doors on the shower cabin is completed, in the future only high-quality care and careful use of the entire product is required.

Shower enclosures can be assembled by yourself without the help of an expert

Shower enclosure installation

To install a glass shower door, prepare the necessary parts and tools. Perform the following work:

  • Assemble a frame from a metal profile. It is important to check the location of the vertical racks with a level.
  • Apply markings under the holes for attaching the frame.
  • Prepare holes in the walls. The work should be done carefully so as not to destroy the ceramic tile – it is highly fragile.
  • Plastic dowels are placed in the prepared holes.
  • Silicone sealant is applied to the frame, after which it is installed in the selected place. After the whole structure is fixed with screws.
  • If the doors are hinged (hinged), then they are carefully fixed in the structure (having previously fixed all the necessary parts on the frame).
  • If the sashes are sliding, then initially it is necessary to fix the guides and rollers, and then to carry out the installation of parts.

The installation of a glass shower door ends with a complete adjustment of the operation of the device. It is important that nothing interferes, and the flaps open and close smoothly.

The assembly of glass structures must always be carried out with care and precision. It is important to check all connections and fastenings for reliability. The seams must be sealed, otherwise water will penetrate outside the booth. When installing a shower enclosure, it is recommended to take care of the side on which the door will be placed – this will prevent water from entering the room if its level on the floor rises significantly.

Caring for a glass door does not require special skills and efforts, you can use special tools and wipe the structure with a dry cloth after each use. It is important to check the condition of the fittings several times a year, if necessary, replace all failed elements.

Briefly about the main

Installing a glass shower door is easy, the main thing is to have a complete set of necessary fittings and tools. When carrying out work, you must follow all the steps and be careful. After installation is completed, it is necessary to check the tightness of the connection and the correct opening / closing of the wings.

Why did you decide to install a shower enclosure, what type of door did you choose? Will you do the installation yourself?

Author

Andrey Davydov

Speciality:
Consultant

All articles

Share

Share

Our site uses cookies to improve site performance, efficiency and user-friendliness. By continuing to use the site akvahit.ru, you agree to the use of cookies.

Installation of rollers on the shower door: how to change the rollers

Replacement and installation of spare parts Posted on

It’s possible. If carefully and with knowledge of the case.

Suppose you bought rollerblades and brought them home. Haven’t bought yet? Then you have to google for 1.5 hours, dig in the cockpit and finally find out which videos you need. But there is a much easier option: send us a photo of the broken video, we will figure it out for you and in 5 minutes we will select a video that fits all the characteristics.

So, now you are the happy owner of the right rollers, and then you have to somehow install the rollers on the shower door. And don’t break the glass. Spending money on plumbing for small things and still waiting a couple of days? I don’t feel like it / it’s expensive / my wife has been sawing for a week and so on (underline as necessary).

We tell you how to replace the rollers on the shower doors yourself. Neatly, point by point and without unnecessary nerves. Read.

  • How to remove the casters from the shower enclosure?
  • How to install casters in a shower enclosure?
  • How to adjust the shower cabin castors and how to lubricate them?

How to remove the casters from the shower enclosure?

The main task of the rollers is to ensure that the leaves move smoothly. And if your shower door does not close well, the problem is in the rollers. In conditions of high humidity, the roller mechanism will quickly rust if it is not taken care of. Rust accumulates and interferes with the operation of the mechanism.

Different rollers are removed, put on and adjusted differently. But in any case, you will have to remove the door from the shower cabin. Before that, lay something soft and non-slip on the floor (mat, film, blanket) – you put the removed glass door there. The glass of the shower cabin is durable, but is afraid of end impacts. We recommend not to take risks.

If you have eccentric rollers (single or double), they are easy to remove. All eccentric rollers work in the same way, the same rollers are placed at the top and bottom. So just turn the cams all the way down and then pull the door out.

This is what single rollers with an eccentric might look like.
There are many models of eccentric rollers on the market for different shower enclosures.

To remove the door with tension (push-button) rollers, you must first loosen the adjusting screws in the upper rollers. The lower rollers have a locking button, but if the upper rollers are well tensioned, the door will not come out of the profile if you simply press the button. Therefore, first weaken the upper ones, and then move on to the lower ones.

Example of upper double tension rollers

One of the models of lower pusher rollers

Hold the upper part of the sash and press the buttons on the lower rollers until they click. If you did everything right, the door itself will jump out of the guide and remain hanging on the upper rollers. Lift the door, pull it out and carefully place it on the prepared soft surface.

Now we remove the decorative caps / plugs, unscrew the fasteners and disconnect the old rollers. If there are rusted parts that cannot be removed, gently break them into small pieces with pliers.

Next, you need to clean the glass from dirt and rust. An ordinary detergent is suitable for this, but without an abrasive (abrasive particles will scratch the glass). Rinse glass and wipe dry. And also do not be too lazy to remove grease and dirt from the guides. Clean thoroughly as deposits will prevent the door from opening smoothly. Now let’s move on to installing new videos.

How to install casters in a shower enclosure?

If you have rollers with an eccentric, you don’t have to think about it. But with tension, be careful. Sometimes inexperienced plumbers put the lower rollers up (these are the ones with the button). But you don’t have to do that. Rollers installed in the wrong place will not last you even a month, or just do the door from the profiles will fly out. So remember: we put the tension roller with the screw up, and down with the button.

Next, unscrew the screws located in the back of the roller housing. Then carefully remove the fasteners one by one and put the roller on the glass so that the bushings enter the holes in the glass. We align everything and fasten, but do not tighten it much, otherwise the glass will crack.

Assembly of the upper and lower tension rollers

Assembly of the eccentric roller

Now you need to put the door on the shower cabin. Here we go in reverse order. First, lift the door and insert the upper rollers into the guide, and then insert the lower rollers and snap the buttons. On rollers with eccentric fastening, simply scroll the eccentric to its lowest position and also first insert the top and then the bottom of the door.

How to adjust the casters of the shower cabin and how to lubricate them?

After you have installed the door, you need to tighten the adjusting screws on the upper rollers. So you can adjust the tight fit of the valves. When you have achieved that the doors close without a gap, check that the lower rollers are firmly in the guides and that the door moves freely.

For eccentric rollers, we recommend turning the eccentric to the middle position. With a strong tension of the eccentric, the door will hardly walk along the guides. If it is weak, the rollers will dangle and may pop out of the lower guides.

Be sure to lubricate the inner surfaces of the guides. This is necessary, since over time the factory grease in the guides is washed out, as a result, the new rollers will begin to wear out the profile and will soon break themselves. This happens especially quickly with the lower guides.

Moisture resistant silicone grease is best. It creates a water-repellent protective layer, prevents contamination and protects the roller mechanism and guides from the influence of hard water. In such water, the level of calcium and magnesium salts is higher, they settle on the parts after the moisture dries and destroy the mechanism faster.

You can extend the life of your rollers by taking good care of them. It is necessary to regularly monitor that fine debris and limescale do not accumulate in the guides. For cleaning, do not use aggressive household chemicals, this will only increase the wear of the rollers. To protect the mechanism from corrosion, it is necessary to lubricate all the rollers in the shower cabin once a month.

We also recommend checking the adjustment of the rollers from time to time (especially if you have eccentric ones installed). With proper installation and proper care, the rollers will serve you for several years without any problems.

Sometimes there is a situation when only the wheel breaks, and the roller body remains intact. If you have rollers with removable wheels installed, such a repair will cost you much less: it is enough to order wheels for the roller separately.

Casters with fixed and removable wheels are available in our shop, made of modern wear-resistant and impact-resistant materials, in sets of 8 pieces and individually. All our rollers are equipped with waterproof bearings with a long service life. The wheels have a silent ride, the dimensions of the rollers correspond to the factory ones. All products are guaranteed for 1 year.

Contact us and we will find the right size roller for you in metal, plastic or brass parts.

Or just send us a photo of the broken roller, we will quickly find the right one for you!

Roman

Roman is a recruiting specialist. Knows everything about showers and hydromassage equipment. Picks up parts from a photo with the agility of a Jedi, quickly responds to your comments. Write, he loves it, don’t upset Roman.