A sliding glass shower door is a popular choice for contemporary bathrooms. They not only make the most of the space, but they give the bathroom a sleek and modern look. However, safety issues can be a concern with sliding glass doors, as a heavy glass panel moving back and forth under water and slippery surfaces can cause discomfort. However, there are a variety of security precautions that can be taken to ensure the safety of your sliding glass shower door. This blog will dive into how to keep a sliding glass shower door safe, secure, and maintained for the long run.
Are Sliding Glass Shower Doors Safe?
Yes, sliding glass shower doors are safe. Although sliding glass shower doors can be safe, a few steps must be taken to ensure optimal security. First and foremost, it’s essential to invest in high-quality tempered glass and hire an expert installer to get the job done right the first time. A proper installation will ensure the tracks and rollers are carefully placed in a position to prevent wobbling or sticking, and the door will be correctly attached to the wall. Additionally, the proper installation maintains the quality of the shower door, preventing any potential safety issues.
It’s also essential to participate in the maintenance of the doors to reduce the risk of breakage or shattering of the glass. Regular cleaning and the addition of security features are encouraged to ensure next-level safety in your bathroom. Moreover, you can look for shatter-resistant glass, as many sliding glass shower doors obtain this added layer of protection from tempered glass.
How to Secure Your Sliding Glass Door?
Securing your shower sliding glass door can help provide additional security and put safety measures in place. There are many ways to secure your sliding glass shower door, including the following:
- Install sliding glass door lock
- Add a safety film
- Perform regular maintenance
- Hire an expert installer for proper installation
Install Sliding Glass Door Lock
Installing a lock is one of the best ways to secure a sliding glass door safe. There are several types of locks available, including keyed locks, thumb turn locks, and foot bolts to prevent the shower door from being opened from the outside. However, it’s important to carefully follow the packaging’s instructions or hire a professional if necessary, as certain types of locks may require drilling through the glass or shower door frame.
For example, a glass door foot bolt is a common option for a secure shower sliding door because it’s easier to use than a key or thumb turn lock, which requires more effort. To lock the door, simply push your foot down on the foot bolt. This type of lock comes in various dimensions and designs to match the shower door’s aesthetic. Foot bolts can be installed by an expert or as a do-it-yourself project with the correct tools and instructions.
Add a Safety Film
It can be alarming to acknowledge that you may be vulnerable to potential shower glass dangers in your bathroom if the shower sliding glass door isn’t protected. A safety film is a common solution, as many homeowners place this clear and thin film on the glass’s surface to keep it safe from damage. If an accident were to occur, the safety film acts as a protective layer by stopping the glass from shattering and causing any injuries.
Common shower glass, such as fluted glass or even tempered glass, can tear from elements under stress that are out of your control, causing it to break. For a safety film to be effective, it must be specifically made for use on glass shower doors and follow safety requirements. It is recommended to call a professional glass shower door installer to install a safety film to ensure the film is applied properly to be effective in preventing potential injuries.
Regular Maintenance
Although regular maintenance for a shower sliding door can be overlooked, it is important to check for any signs of damage to prolong the longevity of the quality of the sliding glass door. By checking the tracks, rollers, and screws for any signs of damage or wear allows you to address any issues as soon as they arise. Leaving a damaged shower door can lead to safety hazards, such as the shattering of glass or leakages to cause a slippery floor.
Regular cleaning also helps to remove any buildup of impurities, such as soap scum or water, that can weaken the durability of the glass or the frame, which is key for maintaining the security of a shower glass door. If these substances aren’t eliminated, they can lead to damaging the glass or frame over time, possibly resulting in chips or cracks that weaken the glass shower door’s structure. Regular upkeep also enables you to check the door for any wear or damage indications so you can take timely action.
Proper Installation
A sliding glass shower door must be installed properly to stay put in place. A door that is improperly installed can move or even come loose from the wall, posing a risk to the household member’s safety. Therefore, it is crucial that you contact a professional for assistance.
The professional installer will start by measuring the shower area for accurate size glass panels. Next, the installer will drill holes in the wall to place the side rails. The glass is then cut to the proper dimensions, and secured in place, by connecting the panels with the required mounting hardware with hinges or brackets. After the glass panels are carefully inserted into the frame and are firmly attached to the mounting hardware, the glass door is sealed around its structure to prevent potential water leaks.
Overall, a properly placed sliding glass shower door adds long-term functionality to your bathroom while at the same time ensuring security and safety. It also adds character to your bathroom by giving it a modern look and adding value to your home to attract potential buyers.
Contact Glass Ninja for All Your Glass Shower Doors Needs
Glass Ninja is your choice for any glass shower door installation with top-end products and installations. Our expert team of project managers and installers is ready to help you with your next shower glass project to ensure you get a high-quality, secure, and modern glass shower door. We’re here for you to help you find which type of glass is right for you.
Call us today at 1-833-344-5277 for safe glass shower door installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A modern bathroom can benefit greatly from the addition of sliding glass shower doors. Sliding glass doors provide convenient access to the shower and are made with durable materials. For safety reasons, it is important to maintain shower doors, including cleaning the hardware and inspecting for potential damage, such as cracks in the glass.
While not all sliding glass doors leak, they may develop leaks over time, particularly if they are not properly sealed or maintained. Regular maintenance and inspection are vital in preventing water leaks in shower sliding doors and ensuring their safety and security.
Both sliding shower glass doors and French shower doors can be secure and safe. Ultimately, French shower doors can be safer but can also be more expensive. Sliding shower doors can require more effort to keep secure, but they can be made safer by adding security features like safety film.
There are a few potential disadvantages of sliding shower glass doors. Sliding glass doors may take more effort to clean and maintain than traditional shower curtains or hinged shower doors. The sliding mechanism can also wear down over time, leading to difficulty opening and closing the door.
