Sliding shower doors feature a sleek, modern design that fits seamlessly into any bathroom aesthetic.
The space-saving aspect of these doors makes them a top choice for compact bathrooms. Hence, limited square footage shouldn’t be an issue, as these doors maximise both functionality and appearance.
Explained below are quick steps on how to install a sliding shower door, along with common mistakes to avoid during the installation process.
- Tools and Materials You’ll Need
- Step-by-Step: How to Install a Sliding Shower Door
- How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sliding Shower Door
- Common Mistakes to Avoid During Installation
- Maintenance Tips for Sliding Shower Doors
- FAQs About Installing a Sliding Shower Door
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Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Keeping the following tools at hand will save you time during installation.
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Spirit level
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Caulk gun
- Silicone sealant
- Utility knife
- Hacksaw
- Rubber mallet
- File
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Plastic shower sweeps
- Wall plugs
- Waterproof tape
- Plastic shims for levelling
Step-by-Step: How to Install a Sliding Shower Door
A sliding shower door operates on tracks and rollers (sliding carriages). So, two people are needed for its installation to ensure perfect alignment.
Step 1: Preparation
Wear safety goggles and gloves. Use a spirit level to ensure the shower tray is level. Ideally, the tiling work should be completed.
Verify if the walls are sturdy enough for drilling holes and fitting the shower door frame. (Plasterboard or stud walls may not be suitable for certain types of frames.)
Check the position of water pipes and electrical cables in the wall before drilling.
Step 2: Assemble the Frame
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Measure and cut the frame sections to the correct size before assembling them. Place the bottom and top rails for the rollers in the right position.
Step 3: Fasten the Frame to the Wall
Drill holes in the walls and floor, and secure the frame with screws. To ensure a watertight closure, attach magnetic seals.
Step 4: Apply Silicone Sealant
Apply silicone sealant along the surface of the wall and the edges of the shower tray where the channel will be positioned.
Step 5: Set the Sliding Shower Door in Place
Lift the shower door and place it on the rollers in the top and bottom rails. Fix the rails to the frame and check if the door slides smoothly within the frame.
Step 6: Final Touches
Screw the handle to the sliding door. Install shower door stoppers and apply sealant around the perimeter of the shower enclosure to create a watertight seal.
Test the smooth opening/closing of the sliding shower door and make any necessary adjustments.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sliding Shower Door
The labour cost to install a sliding shower door will vary between £150 and £200, depending on the exact location of your home.
The actual cost may be higher if you want to remove an existing shower door and replace it with a new one.
The DIY cost is the amount you invest in the tools and materials. This could be around £50 if this is your first DIY project, or £0 if you have already completed several DIY projects.
The downside of the DIY installation is that you might not get a perfect finish and end up with issues like leaks and damage to the door.
A professional installation will be expensive but guarantees a watertight fit without any damage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Installation
Using thinner glass: Thinner glass is cheaper. However, for optimal functionality and safety, all other factors being equal, the thickness of the glass shower door should be 8mm or 10mm, rather than 4mm or 6mm. Glass of higher thickness can withstand any inadvertent impacts during installation better.
Not following the manufacturer’s instructions: Each sliding shower door comes with a precise set of installation instructions. Overlooking these can result in misalignment, potential damage to the door, and improper installation.
Not aligning the sliding door correctly: Ensuring perfect alignment is crucial to the success of your DIY project. Don’t rely on guesswork, but use a spirit level to ensure the floor is level. Also, make the correct markings before drilling.
Not leaving a sufficient gap between the glass and the rails: Temperature fluctuations inside a shower enclosure can cause the glass sliding door to expand and contract slightly. Therefore, allow a gap of a few millimetres between the glass and the rails during installation.
Not applying a mould-resistant sealant: Standard silicone sealants are susceptible to mould, especially in damp environments. Only a sealant formulated with antimicrobial agents contains specific chemicals that can prevent the growth of mould, mildew, and harmful bacteria.
Maintenance Tips for Sliding Shower Doors
Handle the glass door carefully:
Although the sliding shower door is made of tempered glass and sturdy, you should handle it with care and not force it. Slide it gently to prevent damage.
Clean the tracks and rollers:
In addition to wiping the glass regularly, you must clean the tracks and rollers. Use vinegar or a mild liquid detergent to remove debris, soap scum, and mineral deposits from the tracks.
Gently scrub the rollers with an old toothbrush.
Apply the right lubricant:
Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the rollers. Ensure the lubricant is distributed evenly by sliding the door back and forth.
Periodical inspection:
Check the rollers for wear and damage, and replace them if they are worn out.
FAQs About Installing a Sliding Shower Door
1. Is it hard to install a sliding shower door?
Installing a sliding shower door is not an overly complex task. It’s typically considered a manageable DIY project, but it needs two people to place the glass door into position correctly.
If you have experience with projects like installing glass shelves, you can handle this one as well.
2. How long does it take to install a sliding shower door?
A standard sliding shower door installation by professionals will typically take 3 to 4 hours. A DIY project, however, will take much longer.
3. Do you install a shower door before tiling?
No, a shower door is typically installed after the tiling is complete. This allows for easy water flow management and provides a better waterproofing seal.
Shop Sliding Shower Doors
Bathroom City stocks an assortment of sliding shower doors. The ultra-sleek and chic design of this key bathroom accessory will add a touch of luxury, creating a stylish showering space.
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