Glass shower screens are costly; there is no question about that. Hence, installing it should include utmost care. Thus, the best choice is to give the work to a professional. However, it is also a fact that shower screen installation will cost you more if you do that since you will have to pay for both the product and the professionals who will do it.
Now, if you are hesitant to pay extra for professionals, there is always the DIY style or method that you could do. Installing shower screens is no easy feat, but it is doable. With the proper DIY instructions, glass shower screen installation can be easy.
If you want to learn more about these DIY methods related to how to install shower screen panels, continue reading below.
Tools and Materials Needed
What You Will Need
Regardless of whether it is a framed, frameless, or semi-frameless shower screen installation, you will need the following tools to install your shower screens:
- Caulking gun
- Drill
- Gloves
- Hammer
- Hex key
- Hinges
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Silicon
- Spirit level
- Tape measure
- Wall brackets
How to Install Shower screens | Explained with Detailed Steps
Generally speaking, there is no universal answer for how to fit a shower screen. Why? Simply because not all shower screens are the same. Given this, their installation is quite the same but quite different too. In this article, we’ll tell you how to install framed shower screens and frameless shower screens.
How to Install a Framed Shower Screen?
If you plan to have a framed one like MyHomeware’s Wall to Wall Black Framed Shower Screen Pivot Grid Door and you are asking how to install it, please follow the steps below.
- Ready
Ready the area where you will work and the tools you need. Afterward, take the measurements and do the fitting of the screen to the tray.
- Work on the metal channels
Measure and select where to place the metal channels. Make sure that all levels are straight and aligned; use a spirit level in doing this. Afterward, draw a line from the floor to where the channels will be put, then screw the channel into place using the fixings provided by the manufacturer.
- Install the glass panels
Once the channel is fixed, you can start installing the panels. Make sure that you have somebody with you on this part since panels could be heavy. Secure the glass panels into the channel but make sure that they will not be in direct contact with the floor as it could damage them. You can use rubber silicon to protect the panels.
- Fit the bracing bar
The bracing bar is a critical component of your shower enclosure because it provides stability. Use the screws that went along with the panels in securing the bar to your shower glass, and then stretch it over to the wall. Afterward, make sure the bar is level with a spirit level before marking through the holes in the bar onto the wall to know where to drill. Drill where you designated the holes with the suitable drill bit and attach the bracing bar to the wall. This part is important since the bracing bar provides additional stability with the enclosure.
- Apply silicone and seal it
Place some masking tape near the metal passages in the shower wall. After that, use silicone to fill the space between the metal channel and the wall. Make sure the silicone is not too thick, no more than 3mm thick. Wait for some minutes, then pull off the tape. Allow some time for the silicone to cure.
How to Install a Frameless Shower Screen?
If you prefer a frameless shower screen to enjoy its striking aesthetic and easy maintenance, please follow these procedures to install it.
- Ready.
Clear the area and prepare the materials. If you are replacing an old shower screen, remove it, clear the waste, and dry out the surfaces.
- Measure.
Take the measurements. This step is important to prevent damage to the screen caused by incorrect bracket installation.
- Install the first glass panel.
Protect the panels from the floor by placing two rubber silicon blocks on the front of the brackets placed at the bottom of each panel. Keep a 2mm distance between the screen and the wall. Afterward, install the first wall bracket.
- Install the bracket.
Maintain a 200mm space between the bracket and the wall and an 1800mm gap between the second bracket and the floor. Check the alignment using a spirit level. Afterward, mark the screw holes to ensure that the panel is correctly positioned. Then start the drilling to insert the green plugs. After that, get some silicone and wrap it around the hole before placing the brackets on the panel and screwing it down.
- Install the hinges and put the door in.
Place the hinges using the hex key. After that, put the door through the hinges and tighten them using the same hex key. Make sure that the hinge panel forms a 90-degree angle with the wall.
- Install the return panel.
Align the panel vertically and flatly. In installing it, just repeat the steps you have taken in fixing the fixed panels.
- Seal it and install a plastic frame.
Apply silicone that is no more than 3mm in thickness from both sides. Then, get a plastic frame with a 45-degree angle from the inside and place it under the door. Doing so may help to avoid water splashing.
Conclusion
Fitting shower screens and later installing them is a simple yet complex task. The installation is not quite easy, and the things that need to be considered could be overwhelming. Regardless, it does not mean that you cannot do it. The best choice is still to hire a professional, but if you are cost-cutting, you do not need to ask a professional how to install shower screens because these clear framed and frameless shower screen installation instructions are good enough for you to try to DIY them.
FAQ about How to Install Shower Screens
Yes, silicone should be used to seal your shower screens. Unlike other sealing materials, silicone is not easily damaged. It also resists moisture, repels water, and makes watertight seals, making it excellent for a shower, an area that is always wet.
It is not recommended to silicone the shower screen on both sides (inside and outside) due to the chance of the water stagnating inside. Hence, it is usually preferable to use silicone solely on the exterior since water may leak through the profiles if applied in the insides.
Installing a frameless shower screen does not mean you will have leaks. These kinds of shower screens are made of high-quality thick glass that is up to the standard put by authorities. For reference, you can visit professional websites like MyHomeware that sell these products.