In today’s modern and luxurious bathrooms, glass shower doors and enclosures are all the rage. They permit homeowners to showcase sophisticated stonework, intricate tile patterns, and lavish shower fixtures in their bathrooms. Glass enclosures has many options in itself. Today, we at M&M Glass would like to share the basics of glass enclosures.
What is the Best Glass for Shower Doors?
Specially built for safety, shower glass is tempered glass, that is heated and then rapidly cooled. This process makes the glass much stronger than ordinary glass and if it breaks, it responds differently. Tempered shower glass breaks into small pieces that interlock with neighboring pieces, so it doesn’t easily fall, instead of shattering into sharp, dangerous shards. From a minimum of 3/8” to a thicker but more expensive ½” choice, shower glass is available in varying thicknesses. The ½” glass may be needed to prevent bowing if you have a particularly tall shower enclosure or door. Because they feel it gives an overall impression of strength, some people choose ½” glass, especially when used in a frameless enclosure. However, a consideration of the installer is the weight of this thicker glass against your tile walls.
Are there Different Types of Shower Glass Finishes?
A variety of patterns and finishes can be provided for the glass itself on your shower door and enclosure. In addition to helping mask the fingerprints and water stains, patterned glass options can offer additional privacy as well. Including some that look like rain, bamboo leaves, glaciers, and scrollwork, shower glass manufacturers offer many other different types of patterns. Another option that allows you to add decorative patterns or even company logos onto you shower glass enclosure is etched glass, or sandblasted glass. Also, options include colored and tinted glass. To give the appearance of a picture window, there are even shower door options that come with mullions inside them.
What is Better Frameless or Framed Shower Doors?
You will need to choose either a frameless, framed, or semi-frameless enclosure in order to support your glass shower.
Framed Enclosure. Some form of aluminum or composite finish around the glass is made into a framed shower enclosure. To enhance any décor, such as bright, vibrant, polished brass, mirror-like finishes, popular brushed nickel finishes, and even painted finishes such as black or white, framed shower enclosures, like glass options, come in a variety of finishes.
Frameless Enclosure. To support its outer edges, a frameless enclosure, on the other hand, does not rely on any metal. As it comes in a variety of colors and finishes, it held together by metal fasteners and hinges.
Semi-Frameless Enclosure. Since it still provides an unobstructed view of the tile and interior of the shower, semi-frameless is an enclosure that has a more noticeable frame around the outside edge of the shower but not around the shower door itself.
Glass, Mirrors & More in Norwalk, Buena Park, Rossmoor, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, Irvine, Corona, Norco, Ontario, Upland, Pomona, West Covina, El Monte, Brea, Chino, Fullerton, Anaheim, La Mirada, Los Angeles, Westminster, Yorba Linda & Greater Whittier, CA
One of the most popular options for homeowners today is crystal clear shower glass on a frameless or semi-frameless enclosure. Any of these can enhance your bathrooms’ style and décor. If you are looking to install or replace your glass shower enclosure in the Greater Whittier, California area, call in the experts of M&M Glass and let us assist you.
