There are a number of glass types available for use in glass partitions. However, tempered glass is the best choice for shower partitions, and many people often wonder, are glass shower doors tempered? The answer is yes. Toughened glass, or tempered glass, is much stronger than standard glass and is widely available.
The product most commonly used for shower door construction is tempered glass. This glass goes through a process of heating and rapid cooling that leaves it much more durable than annealed glass. The edges of tempered glass remain quite vulnerable to breakage, but this product includes one more safety feature.
Toughened glass is the most common type of glass used in partitioning. This glass is taken through a heating process to toughen it, making it four to five times stronger and more durable than annealed glass. When a toughened glass panel is broken, it should break into small bits rather than large sharp shards.
Clear shower glass boasts the most popular and trendy designs. It suits every type of bathroom interior and can easily transform less-stylish decor into something modern. If you're thinking of completely renovating your bathroom, clear glass is your best choice.
For Custom made glass or Bespoke Frameless glass the glass is usually 8mm, 10mm or 12mm in thickness. For bath panels this can be 6mm in thickness. For off the shelf glass, the thickness can be as low as 5mm glass. We recommend that all shower glass starts at 8mm.
What Is the Standard or Typical Shower Glass Thickness? In most cases, typical shower glass thickness is 6mm with the reason for this being a combination of weight and durability.
3/8 of an inch is the minimum thickness for a frameless shower. This thickness will provide your shower enclosure with stability.
By and large, most frameless showers use low iron or regular clear glass. However, some customers prefer a more obscure privacy glass like frosted (acid wash) or a more decorative pattern. There are generally two reasons for this.
For the optimum window for your shower, consider materials such as vinyl, which resist water damage and are easy to clean. These materials not only ensure durability but also contribute to your bathroom's aesthetic appeal.
Tile Shower: Tile showers are renowned for their durability and can last 20 years or more when properly maintained. The key to their longevity lies in the materials used and regular upkeep. Ceramic or porcelain tiles are often chosen for their resistance to water damage and staining.
Frosted Glass for windows and shower enclosures
Frosted glass is created by the process of sandblasting or acid etching, which leads to the creation of a glass surface that is translucent and hazy. This makes frosted glass the ideal material for bathroom windows, partitions, and even shower enclosures!
For a full-height partition that requires a larger panel size, toughened glass of 10mm to 12mm thickness is preferred. Float glass of 8mm to 10mm is also considered if the panel size is small, usually in combination with metal or wood framing.
The partitioning is done with 8mm, 10mm or 12mm or laminated glass, tempered/thoughened glass or both tempered and laminated glass option. The glass is held in place by use of stainless steel wall to glass brackets or tiny aluminium channels.
Standard building codes require tempered glass to be used in shower doors and panels, which can be identified by a small etched logo in one of the corners.
We can do glass replacement on most shower enclosures. New glass can be used to replace scratched or hard water damaged panels.
Install a Vinyl or Fiberglass Window
Replace a moisture-prone wood window with a vinyl or fiberglass window. All parts of a vinyl or fiberglass window are water-resistant.
The vinyl material is a natural water repellent, meaning there are less issues to deal with when it comes to mold and mildew. While not as classy and elegant as cotton or other fabric shower curtains, vinyl curtains are definitely the most affordable and easiest to care for.
A rain glass shower door is a type of door that has a textured surface on the inside and a rain pattern on the outside surface. It provides better privacy than clear glass doors but requires more attention to detail when cleaning it.
Many homeowners steer clear of frameless glass shower doors as they're more expensive than their counterparts. The higher price is generally because these doors are made using thicker, sturdier glass. It may not be an option for those on a tight budget, but this upgrade adds value to your property.
Frameless shower doors do not “leak”. Although there are very small gaps in the hinges and on the sides of the door, it is highly unlikely water will pass though these gaps unless water pressure is directly pointed at these seams. This is not recommended nor covered under warranty.
The cost for our custom frameless shower doors generally starts in the low $1000s and can go above $3000 depending on how luxurious and spacious you want the enclosure to be. These prices include installation by a team of professional glaziers as well as our warranty.
Lowe's shower door installation costs start at $200 for labor alone, plus $250 to $750 for a framed shower door or $400 to $1,300 for a frameless door. Lowe's charges $35 for a detailed estimate, which applies to the installation cost.
The type of enclosure also makes a difference. Frameless showers, as the name suggests, don't have any framing, so it needs thicker glass to stay stable. The shower glass is what contributes to the structural integrity. The framing supports framed enclosures, so the glass can be less thick without being too risky.
Frosted or Opaque Glass
Frosted glass also hides fingerprints and soap better than clear glass. For a fully private shower door, select a coated glass option to create an entirely opaque surface.