Frequently Asked Questions
While opinions may vary, Frameless Glass Shower Enclosures are designed and constructed in many different ways to accommodate a variety of factors. The criteria we use for all of our design is a three step process in which we evaluate Safety, Functionality, and the Look and Feel our customers want to achieve, and in that order. Glass can be attached to a given substrate with Glass Clips, U Channel, or Bonding Adhesives. In some applications, the use of a Header is necessary for proper support. Doors can be attached using Hinges, or Pivots. Glass thickness is also a consideration in obtaining structural rigidity. Each customers particular design will also vary depending on the size and configuration of the shower opening, and the substrate to which it will be attached. Something to keep in mind…
There is NO standard height for any shower enclosure. There are important things to consider. It should vent properly and not build up excessive steam, if you don’t have a steam shower. It should dry out properly when not in use, thus reducing the potential for mold & mildew. It should be a proportionate height to the dimensions of the rest of the shower area, and room it is in.
When constructing a steam shower, the most common mistake we see is the ceiling is made too low, usually by use of a soffit over the shower area. While the common theory is to lower the ceiling to build up more steam, no consideration is given to eliminate steam when it’s not wanted and to dry out the shower when not in use at all. A low ceiling over a steam shower prevents or even eliminates the use of a proper size operable window, called a transom,(usually above the door), which can be opened for ventilation when steam is not in use, and to promote drying of the shower. When a shower cannot dry itself in a timely manner after use, mold & mildew will eventually occur.
In almost every case that we see this, the framing was not installed properly. Leaks usually occur and deterioration of the surrounding tile begins almost immediately. Either the walls, or threshold, or both are not plumb, and this was not compensated for by and inexperienced installer. We install special tapered fillers to compensate for these common out of plumb conditions. Every shower door we install is made to order for your particular opening, and must be measured for by us before any order is accepted.
There are glass coatings available which help repel hard water, and mineral stains. There are also many cleaning products which you can spray into your shower area daily to help do the same. Each has it’s limitations, and at the end of the day a good old fashioned inexpensive bottle of glass cleaner, and a clean cloth are all you will ever need. If you want your glass shower enclosure to stay clean, you will have to clean. Once a week is what we recommend at a minimum, and you should have no issues.
All contractors in the State of New Jersey are required by law to be licensed with the State of New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. To find if any prospective contractor is properly licensed, you can go to https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov. You will find our company listed under License #13VH03821900. If you don’t find others there, they are not State Licensed no matter what other types of Licenses they may claim to have. Buyer Beware…
