So you’ve finally decided to install a new shower door in your bathroom, but there are lots of things to consider. With different types of shower doors choices to pick from, such as frameless shower doors, thick glass, and standard door or semi-framed doors, it is difficult to choose the perfect shower door for your bathroom. There is another confusing decision, whether to hire professional services for the installation or go for the DIY installation method, which often crosses your mind, right? Going for the DIY option will come with the pleasure of saving money in the process. Installing a glass shower door is not a very complex task, but you will need to have some basic skills, precise tools, and attention to detail. This article explains some of the most important things to consider when installing a new shower door.
Decide Your Shower Door Style
Decide on the style of glass you prefer and also the design and opening mechanism of the new shower door. If you like privacy, select a glass with a pattern or texture. Look where the shower door will go. Do you have a narrow shower stall? Choose the sliding tub door. If you have a larger shower enclosure, choose the sliding shower door.
Organize Tools And Equipment
The tools you will need to install a glass shower door will vary depending on the model and the specific tools mentioned in the shower door installation instructions. You will need these tools to make the installation easier:
- Measuring tape
- Drill bits of different sizes
- Drill
- Mountain chain
- Pencil
- Low tack masking tape
- Levels
- Phillips screwdriver
- Transparent silicone sealant
- Sealing/Caulking gun
You will need to organize all of these tools and watch online tutorials to use them properly.
Removing The Old Tracks
Lift and remove the exterior door panel. Before installing the side posts of the new tub and shower door, you will have to entirely remove the old shower door and its tracks. For the side posts, cut a cutout for the outside of the rail and a cutout for the inside. Work slowly and carefully to avoid accidentally damaging the surrounding area. Working too fast can often result in more work for everyone involved in the project. If you think it is too difficult to remove old tracks, hire shower doors installation service, they will help you out removing old tracks.
Take Precise Measurements
Take careful measurements of the shower opening to make sure the shower doors fit the space. From the edge where the door will swing, measure the distance to plumbing fixtures or any other potential obstacle that could strike a door that opens outward. Any wall that is more than half an inch vertical by five feet will need a matching filler strip so that the door can be leveled. Sketch the shower in a front view looking down and in elevation or side view. It is important to measure and mark the correct points for installing the glass shower door. Apply duct tape to get a better view of your marks and be aware of how much space each section of the door will need.
Install Door Tracks And New Shower Door
Before you start installing glass shower door frames, consider dry laying the bottom rail over the edge of the shower and marking the edges. You will use this as a guide for the permanent placement of the shower door bottom rail which will be held in place with a quality silicone sealant. Dry fit the side rails of the shower door using a level to make sure they are in place and drill the anchor holes.
Now drill the pilot holes for the side rail fasteners. If possible, go ahead and insert anchor pegs. Use the right type of drill to punch holes in your bathroom tiles. Make sure the bottom track of the shower door is properly sealed.
Make certain that the side rails are leveled, moving up and down, otherwise, the doors will not work properly; Place a level against the rail and center the bubble so that it fits properly. Also, make sure you do this correctly to ensure proper installation of the door. The last step is to seal/caulk all joints where the door frames meet the walls. This will ensure that the entire shower enclosure is properly sealed to prevent water from entering the wall or frame trim.
