Tub shower glass panel with door - help!

8 years ago

Just finished a bathroom reno and removed the curtain and rod. On top of the tub had installed a custom glass shower screen, one fixed panel 24" wide by 60" high, attached is a hinged door that is 14" wide and 60" high. The fixed panel is attached by 2 clips to the wall and one u clip on the bottom to the tub. There is clear silicone caulk. We've showered and all seems well, except when we open the door (which is necessary to reach in to turn on the water if you prefer to preheat instead of jumping right in, lol) the fixed panel sways a bit! I was told this is normal. Used a good, experienced glass company that was able to custom make the sizes I needed (the online shower screen panels with the doors would have had the door hitting my toilet, so we went with custom). Yikes! I'm going to ask my GC to come back and take a look too, but wondering if anyone has any thoughts on the matter. Unfortunately after this was selected/designed a friend told me that shower doors explode and now I'm feeling nervous with choosing a glass screen. Love the look though!!!!

Featured Answer

millworkman

8 years ago

With frameless yes you will get a little bit on movement especially with the door hinged on the fixed panels. In applications like that I prefer to see a 1/2" fixed panel and a 3/8" door. The fixed panel will be a bit more rigid and feel more stable. Just my .02...............................

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Comments (9)

chiflipper
8 years ago
What thickness is the glass? Sadly, many people rely on the "glass guy" to select the thickness...and he will always pick the thinnest glass allowed because thinner equals a lower price-point. Ditto with the number of fasteners. The stationary glass panel should never flex. You could have specified a "half moon" cutout in the stationary panel, allowing you to reach and set the controls before opening the door. Again, your glass guy either didn't know enough to offer you that option, or he was afraid of losing your business if he explained the extra cost involved.
renobathfinally
Original Author
8 years ago
We used 3/8 tempered glass. Cost wasn't really an issue with us so I don't think he was worried about that. I've seen online the ones that you can purchase from Costco/Home Depot have a stabilizer arm but that is super ugly. Wondering if I should ask about that?
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chiflipper
8 years ago
3/8 is good. If I am understanding it correctly, the panel must support the weight of the glass door and the hinges? That is quite a bit of weight, and stress, on the fixed pane. The fixed pane should not move / flex in any way. If it does you need more supports on that fixed pane, both on the wall side and at the bottom.
renobathfinally
Original Author
8 years ago
OK. thanks for your input!
Judy Tolin
8 years ago
We just remodeled our bath and put one panel glass in and left the other side open. We like it much better, opens up the bathroom more and the water doesnt splash out like we expected.
chiflipper
8 years ago
I agree with millworkman on the preference for 1/2 inch on the panel...but the deed is done.
millworkman
8 years ago

renobathfinally, how wide is your shower door. You state 14" but surely that cannot be correct.
Jerri Blank
6 years ago
@Judy Tolin - what is the width of the glass panel you attached to your tub? We're now looking to install the same kind of thing but need help figuring out a size that is comfortable to turn on water from the outside but also effective for keeping water inside. Thanks!