Category Archives: Shower

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!

In 2020, Americans spent an average of $13,000 on home projects – 50% more than they did in previous years.

Almost 30% of those renovations were bathroom upgrades! Are you looking at that moldy shower curtain and wondering whether it’s time to upgrade your bathroom, too?

The answer is yes. There are many types of shower shapes and designs to suit different styles and needs.

Learn more about the types of shower enclosures in this must-read guide.

Quadrant Shower Door

A quadrant shower door is a popular enclosure style with a partially round frontage. This style is perfect for smaller bathrooms as it takes up limited space.

Sometimes bathrooms have an unusual layout which becomes a challenge during a home renovation project. The quadrant shower enclosure is the ideal solution. It can fit in tight corners without compromising on style or comfort.

Square Shower Enclosure

The square shower enclosure offers a stylish and modern look without taking up too much space.

Because the shape is a perfect square, you have more options for doors and frames. For example, a matte black door frame would complement an all-white bathroom.

A square shower enclosure can be installed against any flat wall. Don’t worry if you have a smaller space. This type of shower will fit snug beside the tub, too.

Rectangle Shower Door

If you want more space, then go with a rectangle shower enclosure. Instead of a curved glass front, your shower will have two or three walls of glass in a complete rectangular design.

There are many benefits to choosing a rectangular shower enclosure. They include extra shower space, no size restrictions, and a complete choice of doors and frames.

For a more relaxing shower experience, the rectangular shower enclosure is for you.

Tile and Glass Shower Enclosure

When it comes to creating a luxurious bathroom, don’t be afraid to mix and match materials. Instead of a full glass enclosure, opt for a mixture of tile and glass.

For example, try having three marbled tiled walls and a single glass screen to create a warm neutral backdrop.

Or combine deep blue-colored wall tiles in a double walk-in shower with a partial glass shower screen covering each shower head.

Hinged Shower Door

Homeowners often struggle to decide on what shower door to install. Hinged glass shower doors are a popular choice for their ability to swing outwards to open.

This creates a large opening and safe entry for parents, seniors, or people with mobility issues. They’re also easier to clean and maintain and provide a minimalist aesthetic to any style of bathroom.

A hinged shower door is a perfect choice if you have the space.

Sliding Shower Enclosure

If your bathroom doesn’t have space for a hinged shower door, you might like to choose one that slides. Sliding doors save space and create the illusion of more space.

They’re also easy to clean and maintain. Better yet, they can prevent water from spilling onto your tiled floor.

Sliding doors are customizable to any shape and size and affordable for homeowners sticking to a tight budget.

Walk-in Shower

As the name suggests, a walk-in shower allows you to walk straight in and avoid the awkward process of stepping into the tub.

Walk-in showers are a popular design choice for master ensuites as they have a touch of luxury and create a spacious sanctuary.

With a walk-in shower, you are flexible in picking the dimensions of your enclosure, unlike a shower/tub combo which comes in a standard size.

Tub Enclosure

But fear not, the tub enclosure isn’t going anyway. People with smaller bathrooms often combine the shower and tub to save on space.

For people with children, having a bathtub is essential. As they grow up, they can choose to have a bath or a shower.

One of the many downsides to having a tub/shower combo is using a shower curtain. You don’t have to worry about mildew and mold again with a glass tub enclosure.

Dual Entrance Shower Enclosure

Couples rejoice! The dual entrance shower enclosure is ideal for contemporary homes with spacious bathrooms.

Dual entrance enclosures offer a spa-like experience with a real luxurious feel. Better yet, if you’re remodeling to sell your home, you’re in luck. Dual entrance enclosures can add value to your home.

In terms of practicality, dual shower heads allow two people to get ready simultaneously. And better yet, two shower heads will make cleaning twice as easy.

Frameless Shower Enclosure

More people have been choosing to invest in frameless shower enclosures in recent years. That’s because there are many benefits to a frameless shower.

They allow natural and artificial light to flow into the space and improve visibility. Frameless shower doors can make a space feel larger. Plus, there is less chance of mold build-up.

And last but not least, they’re easier to clean and come in any size or shape.

Different Types of Shower Enclosures Explained

The type of shower enclosure you choose should fit your space, match your style, and has all the functions you need.

When it comes to your new glass shower enclosure, it pays to choose the right company for the job.

Cut-Rate Glass is your Las Vegas glass shower enclosure specialist. We only use the highest glass quality to bring the wow factor to your bathroom.

With so many types of shower enclosures available, we can help you decide which enclosure is suitable for your space. We also offer free in-home estimates and installation services.

Request a free quote today! Let’s help you get the bathroom of your dreams!

It is estimated that we spend over two years of our lives in the bathroom.

Thanks to bulky tubs, foggy shower doors, and the messy look of shower curt, as it sometimes feels far from an inviting atmosphere. Add in the number of germs and bacteria, and it’s hard to see why anyone would want to spend any time in the bathroom.

You might be surprised at the impact your choice of shower doors can make on the look, feel, and cleanliness of the entire room.

With the addition of frameless glass shower doors, you can create a room that provides a refreshing start to your day or an oasis for relaxation.

Whether you’re making decisions for a brand new house or getting ready to upgrade your bathroom to an elegant space, we’ve got everything you need to know about frameless glass shower doors right here!

Framed vs. Frameless Glass Shower Doors

Understanding the difference between framed and frameless shower doors will help you make the best decision for your budget and your bathroom.

When it comes to the type of glass, tempered glass is usually used for both framed and frameless doors. For framed shower doors, a thinner piece of glass can be used since the surrounding aluminum framing provides needed support.

With the absence of framing, frameless glass shower doors require a thicker piece of glass. The combination of clips, hinges, and caulk joints with the thick glass pane provides stability.

For the most stylish and aesthetically pleasing shower door, frameless doors win every time. However, that’s not the case when it comes to budget. Framed glass shower doors are more common for a reason: a lower price tag.

Don’t let price tags scare you away from an impactful bathroom upgrade. Not only do bathroom upgrades increase the value of your home, but you could see a return on 64% of the cost of a bathroom remodel.

You’ll discover another difference in framed vs. frameless glass shower doors when it’s time to give them a wipe down. With fewer crevices, cracks, and corners, you’ll spend less time scrubbing your frameless shower doors.

This doesn’t just mean your shower will feel and look cleaner, but it will also be less likely to house bacteria and germs that are unavoidably lurking in the bathroom.

If you’re thinking of saving money by forgetting shower doors altogether and opting for a more stylish shower curtain…you should think again. It’s been proven that shower curtains can hold 60 times more microbes and bacteria than your toilet seat.

You won’t regret spending a little more money in exchange for easier maintenance and the stylish looks that frameless glass shower doors offer.

It’s All in the Details

In addition to the many benefits of frameless glass shower doors, they also offer an array of options when it comes to the type of glass you can choose.

For clean, minimalistic looks, you can’t go wrong with simple, clear glass. This option will allow the most light to come in, accenting the beauty of the shower’s tile.

If you like a little more privacy than clear doors give, you can choose from rain or satin etch designs, but no matter the glass you choose, frameless glass shower doors make any room appear larger and more open.

The options for frameless glass shower doors don’t stop at types of glass: you’ll need to pick between swinging or sliding glass doors.

Swinging or hinged doors are a better option if you’re tight on space. They offer versatile mounting options and can be attached to another piece of glass or directly to a wall.

If you prefer the look of sliding glass doors, space is a major factor in being able to use them. Sliding doors require the use of two usually full-size panels that are attached to a track and bypass each other to open.

A great bonus of sliding doors is the option to access the shower from either side, perfect for those showers with dual showerheads.

A more uncommon option is pivot shower doors. They offer the benefit of being able to open your shower door in or out. They are not the cheapest option but might be a great solution for your specific space.

Lastly, don’t forget to choose the color for your hardware. With hardware options in chrome, brushed nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze, you can achieve the exact look you want or easily match the pre-existing hardware in your bathroom.

Impacts on Price

There are several factors that impact the final price of your frameless shower doors, but we don’t recommend cutting corners here.

The available DIY shower door kits are an extremely tempting way to save pennies on your project. If you choose to DIY, you’ll be limited to the pre-sized pieces of glass and also risk improperly installing or sealing your doors.

Since improperly installed shower doors can lead to mold, mildew, and costly water damage, frameless glass shower door installation is one part of your bathroom upgrade that should be left to professionals, even if it is more expensive.

When you choose to trust a professional with installation, you can feel good knowing you have optimized your space with a custom-made frameless shower enclosure.

In addition to the size and shape of your space, your choices for glass type, hardware, and door style will all contribute to the price on the final invoice.

Frosted glass is going to be a little higher in price than clear, but that added bit of privacy might be worth the extra money. Also higher in cost are sliding doors. They save you on space but do cost a bit more than hinged or pivot doors.

Since all frameless glass shower doors have unique features, it’s impossible to know exactly how much they will cost. It’s best to speak with a professional and get an accurate estimate. If you’re located in the Las Vegas area, we’re here to help with a free in-home quote.

The Perfect Shower Does Exist

It’s time to say goodbye to your outdated, germ-filled shower curtains and framed glass doors.

By replacing them with stylish frameless glass shower doors, you can simultaneously increase the value of your home and give yourself a relaxing place to catch your breath.

With options for every size and space, we’re confident we can create the perfect look for you. Check out our project gallery and start planning your dream bathroom today.

You have a hard day at work, and the week itself hasn’t been much better. You grab the book you’ve wanted to read, your favorite drink, and set out to soak. But you can’t get comfortable in your old bathtub and cut the night short.

Flash forward to Monday morning. You and your partner are rushing to get ready for work. The two of you are bumping elbows, sliding past each other, and making a mess – there isn’t enough space for both of you.

So what’s the solution to these two problems and others? A bathroom remodel! That’s right; it’s time for a new bathroom!

Before you jump into a renovation and start ripping out fixtures, get some inspiration! Here are the ten bathroom designs trending right now in 2021!

1. Soaking Tubs

One of the keys to relaxing is a hot bath after a long day. But the standard tubs don’t always lend to having a good soak. That’s why deep, soaking tubs are sticking around this year.

Freestanding tubs have been on the rise in recent years. But the flat-bottom style is gaining popularity over the clawfoot and decorative models. The sleek silhouettes work well in most bathrooms with any design.

Paired with unique fixtures, this can be a stunning feature of your bathroom.

2. Hardwood Tiles

Throughout your home, hardwood floors probably reign supreme. However, it’s not always smart to take that feature into the bathroom. Water from the sink and shower can warp hardwood floors, creating a future replacement project.

Never fear, though! If you love the look of hardwood floors and want them to continue into the bathroom, try tiles that look like hardwood. Usually made of porcelain or ceramic, these tiles have the color and gaining of traditional wood.

These tiles are durable and moisture resistant, which makes them perfect for the bathroom. But their hardwood look means you won’t have to give up your style.

3. Floating Vanities

Bathroom designs are skewing more contemporary, as shown by the floating vanity’s rising trend. These features create an open and airy design that looks sleek. Though contemporary, these vanities can work with any bathroom style.

Floating vanities are mounted to the wall and leave the floor space underneath bare. And this style allows you to customize the look of the cabinets, the counter, the hardware, and faucets to fit your aesthetic exactly.

Add two sinks to give you the extra room to spread out in the mornings.

4. High-Tech Features

Right now, we’re living in the digital age. So, of course, there has to be technology in the bathroom. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, then you have to include a few high-tech features.

How about a smart toilet? These have touch-free flushing, self-closing lids, and self-cleaning technology. They can also reduce the amount of water you use with smart flushing.

Build Bluetooth speakers into the ceilings or walls to seamlessly play your music while you shower. Add a control center where you can set your floors or shower to your ideal temperature.

5. Large Glass Showers

Open and airy is one of the main features of tending bathroom design. If you’re planning on a shower remodel, consider floor-to-ceiling glass shower doors. These feel sleek while opening up the design to make the room feel larger.

You can make your shower design even more on-trend by incorporating metal frames to create a grid pattern across the doors. These add a touch of industrial or rustic elements to an otherwise modern feature.

6. Lot’s of Storage

It’s easy to forget about storage when you’re in the middle of a bathroom remodel. But you’ll be happy in the end if you dedicate a few square feet to it in your bathroom.

A good rule of thumb is to add in more storage than you’ve taken out. This doesn’t mean doubling the size of a linen closet. In fact, you can and should spread the storage throughout the bathroom.

Try having a closet for cleaning products, a rack of towels, in-wall shelves for toiletries, and a ledge in the shower for bath products.

7. Wall Tile Designs

Tiny mosaic tiles have ruled the bathroom for years, but their days are numbered. Current bathroom trends say that unique wall tile designs are the choice in the future.

This trend is all about making a statement when you walk into the bathroom. Arrange large tiles to create feature walls in the shower or behind the vanity.

Geometric tile, large tiles, colored tiles, and patterns like herringbone are all hits in 2021 and beyond.

8. A Little More Color

For years, the black and white interior design ruled the glossy pages of magazines. But in recent years, homeowners have added more color, especially in the bathroom.

Incorporate brighter colors with tiles, painted murals, and bathroom decor. You may even want to paint your vanity for a pop of color. Or, if you’re really bold, go for a colored tub.

Pale pink, dark green, and rich orange are all currently trending colors.

9. Back-Lit Mirrors

Your mirror is essential in your morning routine. And though you may not think there’s a way to improve it, you might want to take a look at back-lit mirrors. These lit models create a sleek look and turn a mirror into a design feature.

Back-lit mirrors create ambient light, don’t have a glare, and can be a nightlight when dimmed. Use them to highlight a featured wall or create a focal point in your bathroom.

10. Patterned Tiles

Plain white subway tile isn’t going out of style anytime soon. But in the meantime, patterned tiles are on the rise with bathroom trends. These tiles will add some visual interest and movement to your design.

Try geometric-print tiles, stars, and florals for your walls and floors. Art deco-inspired tiles are also on the rise to give your bathroom a bold yet timeless look.

Get Inspired by These 2021 Bathroom Remodel Trends

You spend a lot of time in the bathroom, from getting ready in the morning to relaxing at night. If you’re going to spend so much time in one place, the design should be beautiful.

If your bathroom no longer works for you—aesthetic or utility-wise—it’s probably time for a bathroom remodel. Use these trends to inspire you to design the bathroom of your dreams.

Is a glass shower in your new bathroom design? Talk to our experts for a quote on your project today!