Dealing with Common Shower Enclosure Problems
Posted on: 16 May 2016
In the world of décor and glamour, shower screens are perhaps one of the leading inclusions in a bathroom that can attribute aesthetic appeal to these spaces. Whether framed, semi-framed, or frameless, these glass enclosures can drive the value of your home high while also giving you an appealing shower time. While many would wish to include shower screens in their homes, there are several common problems that may lie ahead if not installed properly. For a start, it would be best not to undertake shower screen installation as DIY projects considering the risks of damage to the expensive equipment, or improper installation.
The following is a rundown of some problems you can anticipate with shower screens and how to tackle or prevent them.
Leakages
Poor shower screen installation will likely result in water leaking either from the side panels or below the doors. When installing shower screens, you should ask the installer to consider water sliding down the side panels and under the door. If possible, there should be an adequate gap between the main bathroom floor and where the screens connect with the floor. Within this space, you can lower the floor and install grit drains. The water sliding down the siding panels will trickle down the siding and into the drain. For below-door leakage, a metallic strip with a rubber edge that runs along the length of the door is recommended. The metal strip stops water from leaking below the door while the rubber strip prevents floor scratches when the door opens or closes.
Glass stains
While glass shower screens look glossy and clear on installation, they will not remain that way forever—not without routine maintenance. Soap scum and calcium from hard water will deposit on the screens dulling the glass and leaving stains now and then. To be on the preventive side, however, there are several precautions one can take. For starters, squeegee the glass after every bath to ensure water is not left standing on the glass. You can also buy glass sealants that ensure water immediately trickles down the glass. Keep a spray bottle of vinegar and water in the shower which you will spray on the glass after showering routinely. Vinegar is a good cleaner to use on the screens. Finally, to avoid rapid stain development and dulling, it is a good practice to always leave the doors open after bath. Many people tend to close them and lock up all the hot moisture within the enclosure. Aerating the enclosure deters rapid build-up of the staining conditions.
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