Check List for Installing a Clear Glass Shower Door

Clear glass shower doors are available in two types.  A frameless clear shower door has minimal metal framework around the glass.  It will require heavier glass and more expensive hardware.  You will need to buy your unit from a reputable manufacturer.  Accuracy in the making of the clear shower door is paramount. If the unit is even slightly off, it will not install properly.

The frameless door does give an elegant sophisticated feel to your bath.  It is also ideal in making the small bathroom appear more open.A framed clear shower door has a metal framework around the glass door, making it more sturdy and durable. If you have children in your home, it might be your better choice.  It also weighs less, is more cost efficient and may be easier to install for the novice.Here is a check list to make sure you get the job done right the first time.

 

The very first thing you need to do is decide what clear shower door model unit you want to install. In order to make a decision you will need to:
• Figure your entire budget for the project.  Review the following items needed and tool list below. If you will need to buy tools; figure those into your budget. Decide how much money you have to spend on the clear shower door itself.
• Research the available clear glass shower units that fall within your budget.
• Purchase your clear shower door unit.
• Plan on allocating at least a two day period you can devote to the installation itself (exclude any preliminary time necessary to purchase the shower door and do preparation work)

Items you will need for installation:1. Clear shower door and frame you have chosen2. Canvas drop cloth to protect the work area.3. Glass cleaner and paper towels for clean up after installation.  Rubbing alcohol to remove caulking after installation.

Tools you will need:
• Four foot level
• Twenty five foot tape measure
• Caulking gun and clear caulk
• Automatic Punch
• Ten inch single cut file
• Ratcheting screwdriver with #2 Phillips and straight bits
• Plastic mallet
• Drill bits-3/16 masonary,7/32 and 3/16 twist bits
• Utility Knife
• Electric Drill
• Hack saw with TPI blade
• Wet/Dry Vac for clean up.

Before beginning installation of you clear glass shower door you will need to:
• Measure the width of the shower opening in at least three places: threshold, up to 5 feet, and halfway in between.
• Any wall that's more than ½ inch out of vertical over 5 feet will need a matching filler strip so that the door can be made plumb.Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing your clear shower door unit!