Category Archives: Shower

Contemplating a new bathroom shower door? Interested in the sleek appeal of frameless shower door glass?

You’re in good company, as the global glass industry boasts a worth of around $67 billion. With the increasing popularity of these glass shower doors, it’s no surprise that many are choosing to incorporate them into their bathrooms. Before taking the plunge, it’s crucial to consider the optimal thickness of your glass shower door. This guide will walk you through the key factors to consider in making this decision.

Consider Your Budget 

First, you will want to consider your budget when diving into your shower door selections. Determine how much you’re willing to spend on a new shower door by researching the expected costs. Keep in mind that the thickness of the shower door glass can influence the installation expenses.

For instance, let’s compare two examples: a shower door with 1/4-inch thick glass and another with 1/2-inch thick glass. The latter may end up costing twice as much as the former. This price difference is worth noting while making your decision. To get a clearer picture of the prices for each shower door thickness option, prior to finalizing your choice, you can inquire with various sources. Some of these sources may include showrooms or retailers, contractors or installers, online retailers, glass suppliers, and even friends and family.

Think About a Frame 

Secondly, it is important to consider the presence of a frame when selecting your shower door, as it significantly impacts the required glass thickness. If you opt for a frameless shower door with thin glass, you may save on installation costs initially; however, it might not hold up well without the added support of a frame. The frame provides essential sturdiness, especially for thinner glass options.

Let’s consider a scenario where you envision having a luxurious, thicker glass door for your shower. However, you face a challenge as your current setup lacks a frame to provide the necessary support. In this case, your options might be limited, compelling you to explore the possibility of installing a sturdy frame to accommodate the desired thicker glass. Taking this step will not only enhance the overall strength and stability of the shower door but also open up a wider range of design possibilities to elevate your bathroom aesthetics.

Exploring various frame options will allow you to make an informed decision that meets your preferences and bathroom renovation needs.

Return on Investment

The return on investment (ROI) of glass shower doors can play a crucial role in your bathroom remodeling decisions, particularly if you’re aiming to increase your home’s resale value. While staying within your budget is understandable, it’s essential to recognize the preferences of potential buyers.

Opting for a more upscale bathroom look by investing in a thicker glass shower door can expand your options, even eliminating the need for a frame. This sleek and modern touch can attract buyers seeking sophisticated, high-end features.

In general, depending on the extent of your bathroom remodel, you can expect to recoup approximately 67% of the money invested when selling your home. Evaluating your target buyer demographics and their preferences will help determine whether the extra investment in the shower door aligns with their expectations and translates into higher market value.

Ultimately, the ROI for glass shower doors is an important aspect to consider when planning your bathroom remodeling project, striking the right balance between cost and the potential to increase your home’s appeal and value to prospective buyers.

Consider Your Home Structure

When considering the thickness of shower glass doors, it’s essential to evaluate your home’s existing structure carefully. The four walls supporting your shower must be capable of accommodating the weight and stress of the new shower door. Failure to account for this can lead to severe damage to your walls and potentially result in a more extensive and unexpected bathroom renovation.

If you reside in an older home that hasn’t received regular maintenance, it’s crucial to assess the overall condition of the house before proceeding with a new shower door installation. Installing a thicker glass door without verifying wall support could lead to significant damage throughout the bathroom, turning a simple project into a much larger undertaking.

To ensure a successful and stress-free renovation, it’s imperative to examine your home’s structural integrity before moving forward with the project. By doing so, you can avoid potential issues and enjoy a seamless installation process for your desired shower glass door thickness.

Considerations for User-Friendly Design and Safety

Finally, consider the users of the shower when determining the appropriate glass thickness. The level of thickness can impact the ease of use for different individuals. For instance, children and older adults may find it more manageable to handle a lighter shower door due to potential strength limitations. Additionally, aspects like grip handles and non-slip flooring contribute to user-friendly design and safety. By tailoring the shower space to the needs of its users; you can ensure an enjoyable and secure experience for everyone who utilizes the facility.

Choosing the Perfect Glass Shower Door Thickness

When deciding on the ideal glass shower door thickness, it’s essential to consider several key factors: the cost of each option, the necessity of a frame, the structural compatibility with your home, and the specific users of the shower. By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision that results in a shower door perfectly tailored to your needs, offering both functionality and aesthetics.

If you have any more questions or need further information, feel free to Message us here. Cut Rate Glass is here to assist you in making the best choice for your shower door.

Sleek, modern, and airy.

These are three words often used to describe frameless glass showers. If you’re looking for a design that enhances your bathroom and adds instant interior appeal, this is a great solution.

Gone are the days when bold, bulky frames were necessary to hold up your glass shower enclosures. Now, homes are letting their showers shine and eliminating the frame altogether. If you’re adding a new shower to your home or undergoing a bathroom remodel, we suggest looking into these contemporary designs.

On the fence? Today, we’re sharing six benefits of frameless glass showers and how to add your own!

What Are Frameless Glass Showers?

Before we dive into what makes these models so beautiful, let’s define what they are.

Put simply, a frameless shower door is made out of sturdy, tempered glass. While framed shower doors require a type of metal support to function properly and stay in place, these do not. Instead, they are strong and durable enough to stand up on their own.

While there are a few different ways to enclose a shower, including a shower curtain or a framed glass enclosure, frameless models are more streamlined and open. This gives the space a fresh and spacious feel, keeping it from appearing too closed in.

If you’re undergoing a new shower installation, it helps to understand the benefits that these types of showers can provide. Let’s take a look at a few of the reasons to incorporate this look into your bathroom design.

1. Available in Customizable Sizes

One of the smartest reasons to invest in a frameless glass shower is that you can customize your panes of glass to be any size or dimension that you need. This allows you to design your shower space exactly the way that you want it.

From elaborate, spa-like showers to smaller-scale corner designs, there’s no limit to the way you can transform your bathroom. If you work with an interior designer, you can uncover new and exciting ways to breathe new life into almost any space, expanding your possibilities.

2. Gives Your Bathroom Features Room to Shine

There are several elements that will take center stage in your bathroom. For instance, you might love your high-end designer tile or the specialty hardware on your lower cabinets. Or, you may have splurged on your bathtub or some great vintage artwork for the walls.

In any case, you deserve to show these items off! If the frame around your glass shower enclosure is too dark or bulky, it can be distracting. A frameless glass shower blends into the surroundings and allows all of the other special parts of your room to shine.

3. Doesn’t Hinder Light Flow

You use your bathroom for a range of activities, from getting ready in the morning to winding down with your skincare routine at night. For all of those tasks, you need plenty of unobstructed light.

Without a frame blocking the way, illumination from your overhead can lights or wall sconces can easily fill up the entire space. It won’t cast any strange shadows on the wall or create any type of dark corners. This is especially helpful when you’re inside the shower.

No one wants to scramble around looking for the soap or the shampoo bottle on the shelf. With a frameless glass shower, both natural and artificial light can easily fill the space and improve your visibility.

4. Less Risk of Mold and Mildew

When you have a frame surrounding your shower glass, water, and heat tend to accumulate on and around this surface, along with oils from your soaps and bath products. This can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, both of which are unsightly and can be difficult to clean. Exposure to indoor mold can also be damaging to your health.

The seals and caulking around the shower frame are especially susceptible to this buildup. With a frameless model, there’s less room for any type of grime to grow, which improves the overall sanitation of your bathroom.

5. Makes Your Bathroom Appear Larger

Regardless of whether your bathroom is oversized or on the smaller side, you always want to help it look as big as possible. One of the tenets of interior design is that the more open and airy a room is, the larger it will appear.

If you install a shower curtain or a frame around your shower glass, it cuts off the sight lines in the room. On the other hand, a frameless model allows your eye to travel directly inside and even through the shower, giving the illusion that it’s all one big, open space. Especially if you’re remodeling a compact shower design, frameless is best.

6. A Cinch to Clean

Let’s face it: No one particularly enjoys cleaning their shower! However, a frameless design can make this routine household chore a little bit easier.

Without a frame, you’re usually able to get the glass even cleaner by moving your squeegee or microfiber cloth all the way from one corner to the next. Plus, it’s easier to move once you’re inside the space, so you can clean the floors and walls of your shower, too.

If you love the look of a sparkling shower that isn’t marked by streaks, you’ll appreciate how easy this design makes it!

Learn More About Frameless Glass Showers Today

Now that you know a few of the top benefits of installing frameless glass showers, are you thinking about incorporating one into your next bathroom project?

If so, we’re here to help!

At Curate Glass, we specialize in a variety of glass projects, from window repairs to Sliding Glass doors. We also install beautiful frameless glass shower enclosures. Our team has the skills and experience necessary to transform your space and allow your personal taste to shine.

To learn more about our approach and turn your vision into a reality, go ahead and request a quote today!

Over half of all Americans planned to remodel a part of their home in 2021, with over half of them thinking about renovating the shower. If you are someone thinking about doing the same, now is the perfect time to invest in a new glass shower enclosure. Though are you aware of what this entails and the steps you should think about when planning for it?

Below are the eight most important shower glass enclosure tips and considerations you need to bear in mind. As you read through each one, make a mental note of the fact you need to think about them when shopping for enclosure ideas.

1. Does It Fit In With the Rest of Your Decor?

A new glass shower door is a blank section of your home. Many different designs could fit in your shower enclosure, each of which shows off different styles.

You want something which fits the color, mood, and tones of the rest of the room. You also want to ensure it fits the needs of those using it. If there is any possibility of others entering the room, for example, you are more likely to want to consider frosted glass.

You can even investigate tinted glass to match the color of the paint or tiles in the rest of the room. This works much better with frosted glass, as you then avoid the people inside appearing a different color from their natural tones.

2. Frameless or Framed Designs

In the past, all glass shower doors had a solid frame to prevent breakage of the glass. As trends have changed, we have started to see more frameless glass shower doors emerging because of how unobtrusive they are. You can consider installing one if you want the shower to not feel like it takes up as much space, as even a thin corner can feel like it fills an area.

The big difference in the frameless shower enclosure, though, is you will need thicker glass. This can mean you are paying much more for a similar-sized shower.

3. If It Is Hard-Wearing

The shower will receive a lot of use over the years. This is especially true if you have a large number of people in your family using it regularly. You want to know it can take the punishment of water wear, too.

Most shower enclosures you find these days are designed with this kind of punishment in mind. Their shower glass is robust, and you can even invest in some laminated glass if you want an extra layer of safety for you and your family.

The enclosures themselves have protection from water damage. Although many might require a small amount of maintenance over the years, it will not be much more than cleaning or oiling a hinge.

4. If the Enclosure Fits Your Space

Of course, there is no reason to put an enclosure in your home if it will not even fit in the space. You should be very careful when you measure the area and buy something that not only fits but allows people to move comfortably around it.

If you need smaller showers, we would recommend hinge doors. Sliding doors demand more space to recess into, so need a larger footprint before you can install them. Other options include accordioning doors or having no door at all, so long as the bathroom can accommodate it.

5. If the Glass Matches Your Needs

You should consider the type of glass you wish to install in your shower before construction starts. Of course, these days, all showers receive safety glass as standard to prevent accidents. If you wish to go the extra mile, you could even think about laminated glass, which prevents the glass from falling if shattered.

As mentioned before, you also have the option of frosted glass. You might want to also consider patterned or even decorated glass. These could receive work to make them appear in the same color or style as your tiling, paint, or your other decor.

6. The Type of Door to Match Your Wishes

There are options these days for many different kinds of doors for shower enclosures. As discussed above, the main decision you need to make is whether you go for a framed door or a frameless option. This can have a very large impact on how the whole enclosure appears.

On top of this, you need to think about which door handles you want to use or whether you want to go without them altogether.

7. Whether It Adheres to Your Budget

This may be one of the most important considerations you have to make to make sure you can get what you want or need.

You must ensure what you buy matches what you have to spend. If you are frivolous, you might not end up being able to get decor that matches the rest of the room.

8. Whether the Metal Matches Your Style

You need to think about the parts of the shower that are not glass surfaces. They are not only available in a range of styles but also in colors and textures.

Doors. What kind of finish do you want on your doors’ metal fixtures? Would you like them to match the taps in the sinks or have their own style?

Shower. What kind of shower are you looking for? Would you like an overhead one or one that increases water pressure?

Get the Best Glass Shower Enclosure

With the above advice, you can likely find a fantastic new glass shower enclosure to fit your style perfectly. If you are still unsure, though, or need to talk to someone who can install such an enclosure for you, we are only a phone call away.

Our Las Vegas-based experts can come and see the area where you need a new enclosure and recommend the best choices to fit there. They can then install it at a later time. All you need to do is give us a call, and we can start the process.

After a long, stressful day at work, nothing beats a nice, hot shower. But, as you are rinsing away the cares and tension of the day, your glass shower door shatters into what appears to be millions of tiny pieces. How did this even happen?

You can enhance the elegance of your bathroom design with the beauty of a glass shower door. A set of sliding shower doors, a swinging shower door, or a frameless glass shower are excellent ways to showcase your stylish shower.

However, like with any moving parts, these doors are not without flaws. The problem could be as simple as a loose screw or as serious as the glass shattering.

Hopefully, you will never have to deal with a damaged shower door, but if you do, it is important to know what to do and what not to do when dealing with a shattered glass door. Fixes can be simple or something more complicated. So, when working with glass, it is best to seek professional assistance.

Here are a few reasons why a glass shower door can break and what you should do if it happens to you.

Imperfections in the Glass

You may have heard about instances of glass doors shattering on their own. But what was the cause? In some circumstances, it can be due to the tempering process of the glass.

Nickel sulfide imperfections in the glass can cause spontaneous shattering. The inclusions can increase and produce stress over time, which can break under heat or other stress factors. However, these are rare situations that should not prevent you from installing a glass shower in your home.

Improper Installation

Glass shower doors can break when installed incorrectly. When you open the door, it may fall out of the hinges or slip off the track if not secure and in place. Damaged parts, like rubber stoppers or bottom runners, can also lead to the glass door breaking.

Regularly inspect your shower door glass to safeguard yourself and your family from the risk of shattering. You will need to ensure that the bolts and fittings on the frame and hardware are secure. Be sure to check the edges of your glass door for cracks or chips that could cause the glass to break.

It is also important not to slam your shower door and avoid using the towel bars or door handles as a safety grab. If you do this, you might put additional strain on the glass, weakening it.

Sometimes, It Happens

The tensile strength of a glass shower door gets altered during the heating process, which is also known as tempering. This provides the glass with more resistance to direct impact. But, it will also make it more vulnerable to a side impact.

To put it another way, if you dropped the glass door on its side, it would shatter in an instant. You probably haven’t dropped your glass shower door on its side, but it could have sustained damage by normal use.

This can result in minor glass fractures. While one fracture may not appear to be a lethal blow, many little cracks can develop over days or even hours, causing your glass shower door to shatter.

Imperfections, improper installation, and pre-existing damage can all cause your glass shower door to shatter. When having glass fixed or fitted, it’s always a good idea to go with a reputable and well-reviewed glass professional to guarantee the job is done right and the glass is of high quality.

Is a Tempered Glass Shower Door Safe?

In short, yes. Tempered glass is made to shatter into little fragments rather than large shards. This design is to protect the consumer by causing minimal injury should a shattering take place.

It is prone to breaking if pressure is applied to the edge of the glass shower screen or door. If your glass door does break, try not to panic. To minimize the risk of injury, avoid standing on the glass as much as possible, grab a towel, and exit the bathroom.

Remember, the design of the tempered glass is to break with minimal damage as a result. Tempered glass is also classified as a safety glass due to the heat treatment process. It’s the same glass that’s in your automobile and on your phone’s display.

When tempered glass cracks, it shatters into a slew of small fragments rather than in large jagged shards. Even if you get a few minor cuts and scrapes, it’s still better than the prospect of getting pierced by a large sharp piece of glass – especially when you are in the shower.

Steps to Prevent Breaking Your Glass Shower Door 

There are a few steps you can take to help reduce the rare risk of your shower door shattering:

• Inspect the edges of your shower doors for any signs of damage on a regular basis
• Have safety film installed on your glass door
• Avoid slamming the shower door and be gentle closing it
• Have repairs made as soon as possible if you find chips or cracks in the glass

Get It Fixed 

So, what should you do if your glass shower door breaks? If you’re in the shower when it shatters, put down a towel to keep from stepping on the broken glass. Get some help cleaning up the glass as soon as possible.

Once you’ve managed to navigate your way out of the danger zone, you need to call a professional. Your shower door can be replaced, so no need to worry about that. The glass pros know how to replace your door, and if you’re covered by a guarantee, it might not even cost you anything!

Leave It to the Professionals

It is best to leave your glass shower door repair or glass shower enclosure replacement to the experts. Don’t know where to find the nearest shower door professional? We can help!

We’re a group of experts who specialize in glass installation and replacement. We have the most competitive prices in Las Vegas, and we know that you will be pleased with our service, efficiency, and competitive rates. Contact us, or check out our Blog section for helpful information.

Did you know that bathroom remodels are one of the most common projects to date?

One of the most important decisions for designing a dream home is choosing the best shower. Thanks to its minimal and contemporary design, a glass shower is one of the most popular and trendy shower options for homeowners.

Are you considering renovating your bathroom? Take a look at these considerations for glass showers!

1. Cost

While planning your bathroom remodel, you should make a budget. In this budget, you should include the prices of the items you need, the cost of installation, and any compromises you are willing to make in case the budget runs out.

Glass showers look great, but they are one of the more expensive shower options. These showers come with a glass door or walls, which can add to the cost of the shower.

The price of this product is determined by its quality, which can vary.

In some cases, homeowners purchase a cheap shower that cracks after a few uses. Instead, you can opt for a shower with a glass door instead of walls to save money. The door only takes up a small amount of space, and it is easier to clean.

2. Design

A glass shower design can be as simple as a rectangle. The glass is usually on one side and left plain in these showers. A more creative design can consist of glass all around the shower, creating an elegant and modern look for your bathroom.

You should not choose a design that will take up too much space in your bathroom. Glass showers are ideal for small bathrooms and lack a lot of storage.

It can also make the space look bigger, as it does not crowd the area.

3. Durability

Glass showers are much more durable than their counterparts. Tiled showers will run into issues such as mold, mildew, and moisture that can cause damage to the shower and the bathroom.

With a glass shower, you do not have to worry about this. Glass is easy to clean, which means the shower will be less susceptible to mold or mildew.

Glass showers will last you for about 20-30 years.

4. Maintenance

The great thing about glass showers is that they require little maintenance.

After each shower, you can wipe down the glass with a damp cloth or clean off the water with a squeegee. This is all you need to do to maintain the shower, other than the occasional cleaning as you would any other shower.

If you have hard water that contains a lot of calcium, you might need to do the occasional deep clean with vinegar to clear off any buildup.

However, our cleaning experts suggest that a magic eraser can do wonders in cleaning off any soap scum and calcium.

5. Functionality

A glass shower may look great, but they are also functional. They are easy to clean, are protected from mold and mildew, and allow steam to escape, making it easier to breathe.

However, you should consider the placement of the door to optimize the functionality of the shower. If you install the door on the wrong side, it might get in the way of some other essential items in your bathroom.

If you don’t have a lot of space, you should consider getting a sliding glass door. You’ll maintain the beautiful sleek look without compromising its functionality.

One thing to point out with sliding doors is that it might be a little harder to get into the nooks and crannies. However, you’ll notice that it is a piece of cake with the proper tools.

6. Space

We’ve already mentioned that glass showers are great in small bathrooms a few times. But why?

Well, glass showers can make small bathrooms look bigger. This is thanks to the unobstructed view of the shower.

You can really see how much room you have to work within the shower with glass showers.

You can also keep the clutter outside of the shower and place the items in a cabinet or under the sink.

7. Style

The biggest reason why homeowners choose glass shower installation is for the style.

Glass showers provide a high-end look to any bathroom, not just the contemporary look. If you want a more traditional look, you can also opt for a framed glass shower.

When you have a framed glass shower, you can add a border or a pattern to enhance the look.

Glass showers are very versatile in terms of the styles and designs that they can incorporate. For example, you can have a simple shower with a single glass door or have two doors that both swing in and out.

You can also incorporate glass walls and doors with a tub. This is a great option for homeowners that want both the look and the functionality of a dual-purpose shower and tub.

You can also consider having a corner glass shower. This is also a great option for smaller bathrooms, as it takes up less space.

Installing a Glass Shower: Get It Right

The benefits of installing a glass shower are numerous. It doesn’t need to be difficult as long as you have the proper experience and know exactly what you’re doing.

However, if you are looking for professional services, take a look at our selection. At Cut Rate Glass, we offer various products and services that will satisfy your needs.

Please take a look at our services today!