skip to main content

How wide a space between frameless glass shower door and glass

16 years ago

Have had frameless glass shower doors and adjacent stationary glass installed on three rectangular showers. Shower doors were cut narrowly and installed with plastic vertical stops to cover the gaps between the doors and the adjacent stationary glass- what a cheap way to try to avoid measuring problems. The gaps are between 1/4 and 1/2 inch wide. I made them pull off the plastic and am making them recut the doors. However, I would like to specify exactly how wide the gap should be. Is there a standard on this? Would appreciate any input. Thanks.

Featured Answer

tom_p_pa

16 years ago

Good for you, you did not accept that and they are getting redone.

If done correctly...you should (or can) get away with NO vertical plastic stops. I try to avoid anything that collects gunk and requires maintenance.

I measure and order all my doors and the gap should be 1/8"-1/4". Anything over 1/4" is too much for my satisfaction. 1/2" is totally pathetic.

When this gap is done correctly, you will find you do not need a plastic stop to prevent water from leaking out. If you use a sweep on the bottom, that will keep the door in place where it needs to be because it puts some drag onto the threshold.

Measuring takes time, a lot of time if done correctly.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

bobbif
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks so much Tom. Now I have a number to work with. But I have another question. Do I really have to do the sweep at the bottom? It seems that that would also require maintenance. On another shower I have, I took off the sweep and I just wipe up the little bit of water on the floor. Am I asking for trouble later on by not using a sweep?
Related Discussions
Frameless Glass Shower Door Swing Dilemma - Please Look and Help
Q
Comments (38)
with 3 young boys I really wanted a urinal in my house, space doesn't allow it and my husband thinks it's a terrible idea. When I dream about installing one I think of all the clean up it would save. Though my boys are being trained to clean up after themselves - I think my 89 yr old is pretty good at it but my 5 yr old and training 2 yr old are not nearly as efficient as necessary. I am one woman who thinks it's a great idea! Rachel
...See More
How big is your door in your frameless glass shower?
Q
Comments (8)
Thank you, everyone. As I review again my magazine pictures I'm beginning to think that the one's showing the fixed panels going to the ceiling are actually steam showers. One shows what appears to be a transom that is tilted open. Another has the door and both side panels all the way to the ceiling. If these aren't steam showers I can't imagine why the glass would be set up this way. At this point my preferred set up would be to have each of the panels at 14" wide and the door at 28". This way I could achieve symmetry, make DH happy, and be sure that the door wouldn't be in danger of hitting the controls when it swings in or hitting the towel bar when it swings out. This discussion will be really helpful when I talk to the glass company again. It's hard for me when I'm dealing with someone who has a lot of experience installing showers to convince them that my ideas are feasible. When are getting to the end of this house building project and I feel so worn down sometimes but you guys are great in lifting my spirits. Thanks again.
...See More
Frameless glass shower with U channel hidden between tiles?
Q
Comments (7)
There was a discussion about this in earlier -- I finally found the thread. Scroll down to where Chays starts posting. There you'll find some discussion of the "embedding" options + pictures of what Chays did. A truly beautiful bathroom. While it's not a steam shower, I don't see why there would be any problems. When our glass walls were being installed (with clips + silicone), I asked about the embedding option. The only issue the installer said he might have would be identifying leaks when they occurred. But he did not see that as a big issue. Hope this helps.
...See More
Question: Space needed to clean between vanity and glass shower
Q
Comments (6)
cplover- Ok...I remember you posting that in another thread. We're talking about the space between the vanity and the fixed glass (not the shower door). :-) I was recently in a modern hotel with a bathroom layout like yours, and the side of the vanity was literally butted against the fixed glass of the shower; as a result, there was no space to worry about. The edge of the vanity was simply caulked where it was against the shower glass. This design has the advantage of maximizing the size of the vanity top. However, if you don't like that design, I'd say you should go for as narrow a space as you can that still allows you to get your hand/arm in there.
...See More
natal
16 years ago
We haven't started using our shower yet, but the sweep seems like a minor thing to keep clean. Guess I'll find out.
tom_p_pa
16 years ago
You should be able to get away without the bottom sweep too. Test out the shower and see what works.

I do not use them in my home. I have several showers with french doors (2 doors hung by 2 hinges on each wall) with no sweeps or stops. I just wipe my floor up too. Not much water at all gets out. I am not crazy about the sweeps, they get gunked up in no time.
napagirl
16 years ago
bump ...
peted
16 years ago
So the initial question of this thread seemed to have been answeredÂso IÂd like to ask a question on the topic. My door and panel seem to be rubbing at the top. I have the installer coming out next week but am curious as to the cause. The door is drilled into the wall (studs) so maybe there is sagging of the panel??

Related Stories

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean a Glass Shower Door

By Bonnie McCarthy

See which tools and methods will keep those glass shower walls and doors sparkling clean

BATHROOM DESIGN Expert Talk: Frameless Showers Get Show of Support

By Lawrence Karol

Professional designers explain how frameless shower doors boosted the look or function of 12 bathrooms

SHOWERS 10 Stylish Options for Shower Enclosures

By Change Your Bathroom©

One look at these showers with glass block, frameless glass, tile and more, and you may never settle for a basic brass frame again

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tour: Wide-Open Views on a Narrow Canadian Lot

By Mitchell Parker

Expansive glass walls facing the street create openness, sun-filled rooms and closer relations with the neighbors

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: An 8-by-5-Foot Bathroom Gains Beauty and Space

By Mitchell Parker

Smart design details like niches and frameless glass help visually expand this average-size bathroom while adding character

BATHROOM DESIGN Shower Curtain or Shower Door?

By Lara Sargent

Find out which option is the ideal partner for your shower-bath combo

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: A Big Sky Country House Embraces Wide-Open Views

By Mary Jo Bowling

Generous glass opens this Montana home to the rugged scenery, while wood keeps the look warm and inviting

ENTRYWAYS Glass Doors That Welcome — and Protect Your Privacy Too

These front-door designs let in the light but keep your air-guitar performances safely in-house

DECORATING GUIDES Color Your Home's View With Stained Glass

By Charmean Neithart Interiors

Interiors get an enchanting perspective with stained glass windows, doors and fixtures that dapple the light

DOORS The Art of the Window: 12 Ways to Cover Glass Doors

By Jess McBride

Learn how to use drapes, shutters, screens, shades and more to decorate French doors, sliding doors and Dutch doors

Sponsored

More Discussions

Minimum space between backlit led mirror and wall

1

Need help collaborating on house

2

Need recommendations on paint color!

1

Bathroom mat colour suggestions

0

Kohler Levity Plus sliding bath door for Kohler Underscore bath tub?

0