What is Frameless Shower Door? How to install it?

Frameless and framed shower doors are usually made of tempered glass and are usually treated for easy cleaning. The main difference between the two is the thickness of the glass. Framed shower doors are thinner in size because they rely on the frame to support the glass. Therefore, the frame itself is of multiple materials, namely aluminum. The installer then seals the glass into the frame to prevent any leaks.

Frameless shower doors, on the other hand, feature thicker panes because they don't have a frame to support them. To hold them in place, manufacturers use hinges, clips, or door pulls. They then used silicone to caulk these tools in the corners to seal the glass in place. As for preventing water from leaking outside, there will be a rubber extension on the bottom of the shower door.

The wave of minimalism in decor is all the rage right now. Keeping up with current interior design trends, you may have noticed the widespread popularity of frameless shower doors. They are especially prevalent in modern and contemporary bathrooms. The reason for such high demand is entirely due to the stylish and upscale elegance that these glass doors offer. So, if you are considering a bathroom renovation project, this is definitely the one for you. Here's how to install a frameless shower door.

Before you venture into installing a shower door, there are a few things to consider first. Not only will a plan help you overcome any difficulties, it will also ensure a successful installation.

Take precise measurements
This step is absolutely necessary. You will need to measure at least twice to make sure you have the correct size. Any frameless door that is not leveled correctly can crack. This is also to allow you to install the stand correctly to avoid any damage to the glass.

Measure the angle
The angles of the bathroom are important, so you'll want to measure those too. Remember that your shower should be designed at multiple angles, i.e. 90°, 135° or 180°. This is because most hardware normalizes to these specific numbers. Anything above or below will require custom equipment, which can make the project more expensive.

Walls must be perfectly vertical
When installing a frameless glass door, the last thing you want is empty nooks and crannies. So, to avoid this problem entirely, double check that your walls are perfectly vertical. If not, then you definitely need a filler bar to match it.

Sketch your project
The best thing you can do before jumping right into the installation is to sketch the shower. Include all measurements you have taken as well as side and plan views. This will help you be better prepared, while also giving you a rough idea of what everything should look like.

How to Install Frameless Shower Hardware
Start by cleaning the entire space. This includes installing the walls and floors of the cabinet. Then check whether the glass door is suitable.
Next, attach the hinge and handle to the glass plate. But don't fasten them too tightly so as not to damage or break the glass.

Take the shorter panel i.e. swing the door and put it into place. The panel will be water swept to prevent leaks. This water sweep consists of a strip of plastic or rubber glued to the bottom of the swing door. Then place the wooden shims on the floor.
Now take the longer panels and place them according to the swing door. Make sure the gap between the two is 1/16 inch from top to bottom. You also need to make sure the two glass panels are level.
Use a pencil to mark the hole where the hinge will be attached. Now drill the holes you marked and install the anchors. If the anchor's head is uneven, you can shave them off with a razor blade.
Next, take the shorter glass panel (swing door) and place it on the wooden shim. Line everything up correctly and remember the 1/16" gap. Now you can screw the hinges to the wall in perfect order.
Finally, add the water sweep to the bottom of the hinged door (i.e. the shorter panel).