Do the shower screens let any water out?

This is the question we get most, particularly from those who are unaccustomed to bathtub shower screens. Considering each of the four edges of the bathtub shower screen in turn:

  • At the open end: People often ask "doesn't the water escape at the open end?" The short answer is unless you have a power shower or very high water pressure, the amount of water escaping is minimal. There may be some mist but that's about it.
  • Above: The height a shower screen needs to be depends on the height of the shower head and pressure of the water – the higher the pressure, the higher the water will bounce when it hits the person showering. Most ‘off the shelf' sliding tub doors are 56-58 inches high, compared with our shortest shower screen which is 60 inches high. So, for typical bathtubs (around 15 inches high), any of our models will be tall enough to keep the water in. At 70 inches tall, our shower doors are taller than any other shower doors we've seen on the market.
  • At the wall: The hinge for the semi-frameless shower screen is different to that of the frameless shower screen. With the semi-frameless design, the continuous hinge will not allow water to escape as long as the joint between the shower screen and the wall has been sealed (using 100% silicone caulk). With the frameless design, the gap between the glass and the wall does permit a little water to escape. A plastic sweep similar to the bottom seal minimises the leakage but nevertheless it is not perfect
  • Below: The bottom seal is formed to guide water running down the glass back into the bathtub and also to prevent water from escaping under the glass. For the semi-frameless models an additional ‘filler' part, designed to fill the gap between the bottom of the hinge and the glass minimizes the amount of water escaping here (see photos below).

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Semi-frameless models only: What are the two plastic parts which come with the packet of fixings for?

  • The two clear plastic pieces fit into each end of the seal, as shown above. Their main function is to fill the gap between the pivot and the end of the seal (see photo above, center). There are two of them because they need to be handed, allowing for left of right hand installation of the shower screen. The second piece can be fitted to the other end of the seal for aesthetic purposes.

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Do I need to move the shower screen every time I enter or exit the tub?

  • No. If your tub is five feet long or more the gap between the shower screen and the wall is usually wide enough (two feet or more) to enter and exit the tub without having to move the shower screen.

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Does the shower screen ‘wobble' when showering (because it is not attached to the tub)?

  • No. The hinge is fairly stiff and the seal at the bottom of the glass is compressed against the top of the tub in the closed position (as shown in the photo, above left), helping to hold it in place.

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What size of tub do I need to have for this shower screen?

  • Our shower screens are designed to work with a tub which is at least five feet long.

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What are the EXACT dimensions and weight of the shower screen models?

  • The dimensions are as follows:

Frameless range

Model Height 60" 64" 70"
Glass Height 59.6" 63.6" 69.6"
Overall Height 60" 64" 70"
Glass Width 33.2" 33.2" 33.2"
Overall Width 33.5" 33.5" 33.5"
Installed Weight 61 lbs 65 lbs 71 lbs

Semi-frameless range
Model Height 60" 64" 70"
Glass Height 59.2" 63.2" 69.2"
Overall Height 60.4" 64.4" 70.4"
Glass Width 30.5" 30.5" 30.5"
Overall Width 33.5" 33.5" 33.5"
Installed Weight 56 lbs 60 lbs 65 lbs

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Which finish looks best?

  • This is a difficult one and largely down to individual taste! Things to consider when selecting the finish are:
  • The finish of your other fittings and accents. If you have polished chrome faucets for example then either the polished chrome finish (frameless range) or polished stainless finish (semi-frameless range) are complimentary, in our opinion.
  • The color of the walls around your bathtub. If you have white walls for example, you may wish to select which hinges to minimize the visual impact the hardware creates. On the other hand you may wish to show off the hardware…
  • The color of your tub, sink and toilet.

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How do I put the seal on?

  • The seal is a tight fit and can be difficult to push onto the bottom of the glass. Wiping the bottom of the glass with a small amount of dishwashing liquid makes it much easier.

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What kind of drill bit do I need?

  • This depends on the wall finish you have. For marble and ceramic tile, a tungsten carbide tipped drill bit is necessary. Ceramic tile in particular can be very hard and even the carbide tipped drill bits can get very hot while drilling so it is recommended to take plenty of breaks and allow the bit to cool (a spray of cold water can help). Only use hammer action with extreme caution as this is likely to cause tiles to crack. Practice drilling a spare tile if possible, to make sure your method will work.

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How far does the shower screen swing in/out?

  • The shower screen can swing all the way in or out (until it is parallel with the wall), unless something is in the way (e.g. the toilet). See photos below:

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Do I need to specify left or right hand?

  • No, the door can be installed on the left or the right.

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What's the best way to keep my shower door clean?

  • A regular wipe down after showering is a good way to prevent the build up of soap and limescale residue, especially if you live in a hard water area. A squeegee like this one is one quick and convenient way to do this, combined with a quick wipe of the hinge(s) with an old towel or similar. It's better to do ‘a little, often' to prevent build up.
  • A non-abrasive bathroom cleaner such as Lysol Bathroom Cleaner is recommended for periodic cleaning to prevent the build up of soap scum.
  • If you do get a build up of limescale, a 50:50 mix of water and vinegar can be used to break down the limescale, followed with a good rinse afterwards.
  • Occasionally remove the bottom seal and scrub it to remove any soap scum build up.
  • Don't use abrasive scrubbing cloths or cleaning agents, these may damage the finish.

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How should I keep the seal clean?

  • The seal should be removed every few months and given a thorough cleaning to prevent grime build up. Clean in the crevices using a soft bristled brush or soft cloth. It is possible also to clean down the middle using a thin strip of cloth and something to pull the cloth along with (e.g. an opened coat hanger or a long knitting needle) – make sure the cloth is firmly attached otherwise it will become detached from the wire and then be very difficult to remove. The seal is replaceable also, contact us if you need one.

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Can I replace sliding shower doors with a shower screen?

  • Yes, it is certainly possible to replace an old glass sliding tub enclosure with one of our shower screens. The holes where the old slider door assembly was attached to the wall will probably need to be patched but otherwise it should be no different than installing a shower screen to replace a curtain.

Where can I purchase replacement seals?

  • We keep a supply of replacement seals. The bottom seal costs $10 including shipping and a set of wall seals for the frameless model costs $10 including shipping. Please call us and we will happily take your order over the phone.

What are the hinge dimensions (frameless model)?

  • The hinge dimensions are as follows:
    - Back plate - 2" wide x 3-1/2" high
    - Back plate, distance between countersink centers, 1-3/8" horizontal x 2-3/4" vertical
    - Distance from wall side of back plate to pivot point - just over 1"
    - Hinge plates (which hold the glass in place) - 2-1/8' horizontal x 3-1/2" vertical

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