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Frameless Shower Door FAQs

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Frameless shower doors have become something of a standard feature in on-trend homes, condos, and renovation projects. It makes sense — clean, minimalist design is all the rage, and there’s no better way to outfit an understated shower than with frameless glass.

Structurally, frameless glass shower doors require some special considerations beyond what anyone would expect for a framed glass door. Let’s go over some frequently asked questions about this unique hardware.

What is a frameless shower door?

A frameless shower door is made from panels of tempered glass that stand without metal supports. They lend a cool, clean, modern feel to bath areas without bulky, unnecessary fixtures.

Standard inline frameless shower doors are made using a glass door panel that is connected to one or more panels on at least one side of the door. When arranged at a straight 180 degree angle, they form a barrier that keeps water in the shower without unnecessary visual obstruction.

Do frameless shower doors leak?

When installed correctly, frameless shower doors don’t leak. While the construction of an inline frameless shower will feature very small gaps at the hinges and on the sides of the door, water won’t pass through these gaps in any significant way unless water pressure is directly pointed at the seams. In other words, a frameless shower door won’t leak any more than a framed door would.

To ensure a frameless door is correctly installed, designers and glaziers should be aware of the appropriate accessories for the shower door system being installed. For example, installing the proper wipes and seals will help to keep bathroom floors dry (and customers happy).

What kind of frameless shower door hardware and accessories do I need?

The quality of the hardware you select is dependent upon both aesthetics and functionality. With less structure to attract the eye, frameless shower door hinges and handles become more noticeable, so it’s particularly important for them to be aesthetically appealing without detracting from the clean, simple design of the door. Additionally, high-quality hardware is less likely to rust, corrode, weaken, or allow glass slippage over time.

Some of the more obvious hardware you’ll want to consider includes hinges, door pulls, and towel bars. Depending on the type of door, you may also need U-channels and/or clamps (aka clips) to complete the installation, and freestanding glass shower stalls may require a header to promote stability if the hinged door isn’t attached to a wall. As previously mentioned, accessories like wipes and seals are also important for installing a functional, leak-free shower.

If you have any questions, be sure to contact an experienced shower hardware expert.

Conclusion

Modern glass shower enclosures add class and sleekness to any bathroom design. The understated and complete look of a frameless shower door with a towel bar can boldly refine the aesthetic of a project, while still providing function.

For even more practicality, consider a sliding or gliding system with a frameless look. The Harmony Gliding Shower Door System, for example, features minimalist hardware and sleek design, creating a frameless look that is much more aesthetically pleasing than traditional framed sliders.

Morse Industries is the leading expert in frameless shower door installation and hardware. We’ve been delighting customers for nearly 40 years, and we’re here to provide you with our industry knowledge so you can choose the best products for your project.

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