Understanding what makes a frameless shower different from a framed unit is vital to determining whether this style is right for your bathroom renovation project. Let’s take a look at what makes frameless showers stand out from among their framed counterparts.
The most obvious difference is that frameless units are built without aluminum framing. These frame-free structures are instead characterized by caulk joints and small metallic clips and hinges. The absence of framing gives the stall a very sleek and minimalistic appearance. When clear glass is used, the effect is light and airy, and your shower tile is kept in sight without being blocked by sections of framing or obscured by privacy glass. In fact, these are some of the reasons that most homeowners choose clear glass for their frameless shower enclosures.
Besides being void of a frame, frameless showers are always constructed from heavy tempered glass. This thicker glass – 3/8” or 1/2” – gives the enclosure stability and rigidity. In addition, the shower glass will be stronger than ordinary glass due to the process of intense heating and fast cooling that it undergoes during the manufacturing process. The use of this thick glass gives the enclosure a bold and impressive look. Also, the door panel itself feels quite substantial when it is built from heavy, frameless glass.
Door options for frameless shower enclosures are:
The third common door style – bypass – is not available on fully frameless units. Due to the tracking in which the parallel door panels slide, bypass units always have framing at least around the perimeter of the enclosure.
Many homeowners do prefer swinging doors anyway. They offer a high-end look and feel, and double swinging doors create a wide and convenient entrance to the stall. The caveat is that you need enough open floor space outside the entrance for the door or doors to be able to safely open outwards, since today’s building codes ban shower doors that only swing inward. In this dilemma, shower door customers can turn to the rolling “barn style” option. Due to their gliding door operation, these frameless units share the space friendly aspect of bypass shower doors.
Still another difference between framed and frameless shower doors is ease of cleaning. Frameless glass enclosures have fewer nooks and crannies where soap scum, mildew, etc. can so easily accumulate. The simplicity of their design make frameless showers easier to care for, especially when smooth glass, such as clear or tinted, is chosen. Keep in mind, though, that the cleaning of any frameless or framed glass shower door will be easier if you opt for ShowerGuard glass. The surface of this glass is sealed during manufacturing to eliminate the pores where corrosive and unsightly elements build up on standard glazing. ShowerGuard glass does cost more, but it will stay clean longer and be easier to care for!
Last but not least, frameless and framed glass shower doors have diverging price points. Frameless doors are more expensive because of the thicker glass necessary for their construction. Since glaziers can responsibly use thinner glass when framing is present, framed shower enclosures stand as the more budget-friendly option. That being said, many homeowners feel that if they are investing in a shower upgrade, they want the most stylish and convenient option available. In spite of the bigger price tag, many Northern Virginia residents are adding luxury to their bathrooms in the form of frameless shower enclosures.
Whether you want a shower with framing or no framing, ABC Glass and Mirror, Inc. of Manassas Park is here with the quality products and top-rated service you deserve. Still unsure about whether frameless or framed is right for your home? Just give ABC a call at 703-257-7150 and schedule a free in-home consultation with one of our knowledgeable shower door experts. Our estimator can show you samples, answer questions, give tips based on industry experience, and take the measurements we need to give you an estimate. We follow up with an email quoting you a price for the item or items you are interested in. We hope you’ll give us a call today and partner with us in beautifying your shower area!
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