Whether you are adding a glass shower door to your bathroom for the first time or replacing an old unit, you want to be sure you understand that three basic types of door we offer. Each option has its own unique features, and being aware of the differences among them is what makes it possible for you to choose the door that “works” with your bathroom’s size, set-up, and overall style.
Swinging Glass Shower DoorsSwinging shower doors are valued by many of our clients. We use hinges to attach a tempered glass door panel to a fixed piece of glass or a tiled wall. Depending on the size of the bathroom and the shower, as well as homeowner preferences, we will install one or two swinging doors. Advantages to these doors include an appealing look and the fact that they can be made from frameless, semi-frameless, or framed glass. The main point of caution with swinging doors is that is crucial to have enough clearance around the shower enclosure for them to open without barricading or colliding with another fixture.
Swinging glass shower doors can be built from glass of various types and thicknesses. ABC Glass and Mirror, Inc. offers glass choices in the following categories:
This range of possibilities helps you design a door that meets your goals for both beauty and functionality. The thickness of your glass will depend primarily on whether the door is frameless, semi-frameless, or framed, since heavier glass is needed when framing is reduced or eliminated.
Bypass Shower DoorsAnother popular shower option is a bypass shower door system. These enclosures have two frameless door panels in side-by-side tracks. There is a thin metal frame around the perimeter of the unit, so the enclosure overall is semi-frameless. Bypass doors are great space savers, since they require no extra clearance in order to open safely. Bypass shower doors have been in use for decades, a testament to their versatility and convenience. It is important to note, though, that fully frameless construction is not possible on a bypass unit. However, like swinging shower doors, bypass doors can be fashioned from glass of different styles and thicknesses.
Last but not least, we offer rolling “barn style” shower doors that blend features of the other two types. These enclosures offer gliding door operation reminiscent of a bypass system, but they have just one door panel, and it rolls along a header near the top of the unit. As it opens, the glass door passes in front of the fixed wall of glass beside it. In addition to the fact that they operate differently, these rolling doors are special in that their entire enclosure is frameless, an option that was once only available for swinging doors.
See also: Frameless Glass Shower Door Guide
Do you have questions about these different types of shower doors? Are you wondering what glass style is most appropriate for your bathroom? It’s easy to get all your questions answered and learn more about the products and services we offer. Just call our office at 703-257-7150 and schedule a free house call from one of our glaziers.
ABC Glass and Mirror, Inc. has earned the trust of homeowners in the greater Northern Virginia area for a decade and a half. Our commitment to customer satisfaction, high quality products, and professional team members makes us a great choice for all your glass needs. Whether you want a simple framed shower door or a huge frameless enclosure, your project will receive the care and attention it deserves. Call ABC today to learn more at 703-257-7150. Or contact us online!
