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.
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.
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).