Today, more and more Calgary homeowners are opting for glass shower doors over traditional curtains, and for a good reason! A glass shower door enclosure can have many benefits over a curtain.
Four Reasons We Love Glass Shower Doors
- It eliminates any cool, breezy drafts for greater comfort
- It gives the illusion of a bigger bathroom space
- It increases the value of your home
- It allows more natural light in
3 Signs You need a New Glass Shower Door
While high-quality glass shower doors are extremely durable and easy to maintain, over time, they may begin to chip, stain, crack, or rust. If you have a damaged shower enclosure, it’s important to call in a glass expert as they can best advise whether you need a simple repair or a full replacement.
Here are four signs that you might need a new glass shower door:
1. There Are Cracks Or Chips In The Glass Door
Just like with all glass, the glass the comprises your shower door is susceptible to cracking and chipping. This can be dangerous because, if the damage spreads, or becomes too severe, the entire door is at risk of shattering.
Depending on the size of the cracks, a glass technician can fill in small chips but more often than not, a chipped glass shower door will need to be replaced to avoid unnecessary damage and risk of injury to you and your family.
TIP: If you notice that your shower door has any chips, especially long and large cracks, you MUST get expert advice. Contact your local glass technician as soon as possible - they may recommend a small repair or a total replacement, depending on the damage.
2. Discoloured Glass
When you first installed your glass shower door, it most probably looked clear - perhaps it even shone or sparkled in the light. But how does it look today? Is the glass discoloured? Does it look cloudy and grungy?
Over time, you may find that your custom glass shower door doesn’t shine like it used to. This could be for several reasons, including:
- Moisture from the bathroom allows mildew and mould to grow, which can discolour the glass.
- Hard water stains and film buildup can negatively affect the appearance of the glass
- Without regular cleaning, soap scum and mineral deposits can collect on your door, causing it to look dirty and old.
3. Rust Or Corrosion On The Frame
The glass isn’t the only component of your shower door that you should worry about. It’s also important to pay attention to the framing, including:
- The door frame
- The hinges
- The track
These components are often made of metal and can be susceptible to rust since they’re regularly exposed to water.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
- look for patches or streaks of red and brown along the door’s track, hinges, and framework.
- take note of any flaking or missing pieces of the frame.
- talk to your glass professional IMMEDIATELY if you notice any of these issues and scheduled a door or framework replacement.
WHY YOU SHOULD WORRY ABOUT RUST:
If rust builds up on the metal and continues to expand, the metal could corrode and weaken. If the framing becomes too rusty, corroded, and weak, it won’t be able to support the weight of the glass door, and this may result in the door falling, breaking, and shattering.
Caring For Your Glass Shower Door
When properly maintained, your glass shower door will provide you with many years of trouble-free service. Below are just a few helpful tips to help you properly care for your enclosure:
- NEVER lift the glass by any towel bar or pulls, especially when mounted through the glass. This may weaken it and cause it to break immediately, or in the future.
- Squeegee the glass after every shower. This will minimize water spotting and make cleaning the glass much easier.
- Clean your glass with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent on a weekly basis. Make sure to rinse it off completely.
- NEVER use the following to clean your glass door: vinegar, steel or teflon pads, dirty or gritty rags, and mist-type cleaners that are non rinseable.
Call Today
At Diamond Glass, we offer a wide range of commercial and residential services including installation, repair, and maintenance of customized glass doors. All of our work is done using premium quality glass and installed with the expertise to suit your unique tastes and requirements. To find out more about our custom glass door services, including design, installation, maintenance, and repairs, contact our Calgary office today at 403-568-7086 or request a repair quote.
