Sliding Bath Shower Screens

The most common shower screen type found in bathrooms is the sliding door system. A sliding screen door unit consists of either two framed panels set within a track on the tub rim and then connected to another track either mounted on the ceiling or on a support bar. The two panels slide separate of each other and can be slid to either side of the tub or closed to create a watertight border for the tub. Sliding door systems also come in frameless models which use fixed glass panels on either side of the door panel to provide support.

Folding Bath Shower Screens

Folding bath screens are preferred in smaller bathrooms where an enclosure mechanism is needed, but space is also enough of an issue that the system also has to be able to be compacted as much as possible when not in use. A folding system consists of two or more hinged panels, made of plastic or glass, that can expand to completely enclose a shower area. When the shower is not in use, the panels can be folded onto one another and rested against the wall, taking up a minimal amount of space.

Curved Bath Shower Screens

Curved bath screens are unique in the fact they don’t extend the full length of the tub. The screen is hinged onto the wall and extends outward, curving down from the top, to cover approximately one half of the tubs longest side. This partial enclosure covers just enough of the tub area to prevent any water spillage while the shower is in use. This design is ideal for people who don’t care for the full enclosure styles and want a more minimal screen.

Between the three main types of bath shower screens, nearly any size or style of bathroom can be accommodated.

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Are Glass Shower Screens Safe?

One of the primary concerns consumers have when selecting glass shower screens is its safety factor. We all know what a typical pane of glass looks like when it breaks and the thought of that happening to a shower screen while you were in or near it can be frightening. Glass shower screens, however, are made from thick tempered safety glass. Tempering is a process that takes a normal pane of glass and exposes it to high levels of heat in order to increase the compression of the molecules in the glass while also increasing its impact resistance. Aside from being much harder to break than traditional panes of glass, the main benefit of tempered glass is the fact that, if broken, it will not separate into large jagged edged pieces. Instead, tempered glass breaks into smooth, pebble-like fragments with a substantially lower threat of injury.

Glass Screen Design Options

Another consumer benefit of glass shower screens if the fact that they can be made in a variety of appearances. The glass can be transparent, providing an open feel to the bathroom. Glass screens can also be slightly frosted, giving them a somewhat opaque appearance and adding an increased level of privacy to the bather. Acid etching can also be sued on glass to create intricate designs that blend clear and frosted glass in various patterns or images.

Glass shower screens are not only affordable and practical for use in any size bathroom, they are also a beautiful fixture than can be customized to meet a consumer’s style and function preferences.

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What Are Curved Shower Screens?

Curved shower screens are basically panes of glass, curved down wards at the top, affixed to a hinged from which is attached to the wall of the tub. The screen rests on the upper rim of the tub and usually covers about half the distance or less of the tubs longest side. The screen typically opens outward and can lay flush against the wall if there is enough free space. Because they are usually made from transparent glass, even when in a close position, they still allow the entire tub area to be visible and appear as an open area.

Why Are They Popular?

One of the most popular aspects of curved shower screens is their aesthetic appeal. Unlike the straight angled folding screens, curved screens possess a very elegant form that can add a certain warmth to a bathroom space. They also appeal to consumers who only want their shower or tub partially enclosed, even when in use. The way most shower systems are designed, there isn’t always a reason to have a full enclosure to prevent spillage. Like other glass screens, they are also popular because of their transparent nature which prevents the room from feeling blocked off. Made from tempered safety glass, they screens are durable and long lasting and the frames they are set in can be customized to match any decor or color scheme.

A curved shower screen provides an elegant means to partially enclose a shower area in an affordable and effective manner.

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What is a Folding Shower Screen?

A folding shower screen is essentially one that is divided into two or more hinged panels. When fully opened, the screen is designed to cover all or most of the exposed area around the shower. This keeps the water within the shower area and away from the bathroom area surrounding it. When the folding screen is opened, each panels lays flat against one another when the hinges are moved into the closed position. This allows the screen to be compacted into a much smaller area and, essentially, folded out of sight.

Why Are They Popular?

A folding shower screen is ideal for an area that needs to remain functional, while also being able to maintain an appearance of openness when not in use. Even for larger bathrooms, folding shower screens can be designed with multiple panels designed to cover a much larger area and still be able to fold away when not in use.

Folding shower screens are easy to maintain and come in an assortment of styles. The frames and hardware on the systems can be found in a variety of metals and other durable materials. The doors themselves can be made from heavy-duty plastic or tempered safety glass. Whether you choose the plastic or glass option, the panels themselves can be clear, frosted in order to provide a higher level of privacy, or even etched with decorative designs.

Folding shower screens are the perfect system for consumers who want a functional product that can be simply moved out of the way when it is not being used.

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What are Frameless Shower Screens?

Frameless shower screens are a sophisticated and affordable replacement for shower curtains and framed shower doors. They are made of a thick and durable tempered glass and supported by a series of two or more fixed glass panels. The screen itself acts as a door that leads in and out of the shower, creating a watertight seal when it is closed. The edges of the door, as well as the panel the door sits in, are lined with a thick silicone gel that helps to ensure a tight seal. Each panel is adhered to one anther with a durable silicone adhesive that also acts as a water barrier. Door hardware and supporting brackets are mounted directly onto the glass panels.

Why are They so Popular?

Frameless shower screens are quickly gaining in popularity due to their unique transparent appearance. This allows a shower unit to be fully enclosed while also appearing to be fully open. This feature is ideal, especially in smaller spaces, because it eliminates the section of the room being blocked off by a traditional shower screen. The open appearance of the shower unit creates a more open feel within the room and allows it to be seen for its true size.

What are My Design Choices?

Frameless shower screens can be customized for a variety of room sizes and designs. Corner units are typically two to three panels while wall units usually range from three to five panels. Hardware can be selected in a variety of metals, colors, and finishes to match any room.

Frameless shower screens are the perfect choice for small bathrooms that need to appear larger or even larger rooms that are designed to retain the appearance of their increased square footage.

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What Is a Screen Seal?

A shower screen seal is essentially the component of the screen that connects to the wall, tub, or floor, closing any gaps and preventing water from leaking out. The seals are present on any surface of the shower screen that is not permanently affixed to another surface. Seals can be made of rubber, plastic, silicone, or any other similar semi-flexible substances.

What Types of Seals Are Available?

There are basically two types of replacement shower screen seals on the market. Most do it yourself consumers prefer the track system, or clip on system. This method uses a rubber or plastic track that clips on the the panel surfaces. Similar to a windshield wiper, the track includes a flexible lip that folds against the surface the panel is in contact with in order to prevent water leakage. A clip on track system is easy to install and essentially universal since the tracking can be cut to fit any size panel it needs to. A track system is the more affordable option, but needs replacing more often than the second choice.

The second type of seal, which is much longer lasting, is a silicone edging applied to any exposed surfaces that need to meet with another surface to create a watertight seal. When the two silicone coated surfaces meet, a seal is formed which holds in water. The downside of silicone edges are that professional application is usually recommended and the cost is slightly higher than a do it yourself track system. The upside, of course, is that the silicone edging will last much longer than the track system.

If you prefer to do your own maintenance at a lower cost on a frequent basis, the track system is ideal. For consumers who would rather pay a professional to install their system, pay a slightly higher amount, and have to deal with maintenance less often, they should consider silicone seals.

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Many shower screens slide open, but there are some that fold open instead. There are different kinds of folding shower screens on the market. These can be see-through or opaque, and made of glass or an assortment of other materials. Folding screens can fold up into just two panels, or into several. Some folding shower screens can be folded up and removed when not in use, keeping the area between the edge of the shower or bath-tub and the wall clear. This is another way to make a smaller-sized bathroom appear larger. Among the screens that are not removable, some are made to fold inward and rest against the inside of the shower, again making the area around the shower seem larger. There are also folding shower screens that fold up like accordions, making them very easy to work with and again, allowing for that open space. These are especially good for people who may have a hard time because of age or disability dealing with a door that needs to be removed or folded inward.

For a shower-bath combination, there are different kinds of screens. Bath shower screens will be fitted to take up the smaller space between the edge of the bath-tub and the top of the frame. Since a bath-tub has to take up room and there is no getting around the side of the tub being up all the time, a screen that can be removed or folded inward may be a good option.

Shower screens can be plain or decorated. Completely undecorated, frameless, glass screens are the best for making a bathroom appear large. If that is not one of the things that you need to consider, then you may prefer a decorative screen. These can be more expensive, but can certainly add a lot to the bathroom. Where in the bathroom your shower is located can also help you decide what type of screen will be best. If the shower is visible right when entering the bathroom, you may want a more decorative one, as it is the first thing you or your guests will see. Some showers are not immediately seen, so you may want to go with a cheaper, non-decorative model, and decorate the rest of the bathroom instead.

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