Considering a Frameless Glass Shower for Your Home? Weigh the Pros and Cons
Whether you're building your new dream home from the ground up or you simply want to breathe new life into your current abode, creating a unique bathroom environment can really make a difference in how the space looks and feels.
So if you're considering adding a frameless glass shower to any bathroom in your home, first consider the pros and cons of doing so. And if you still have questions after reading through our tips below, feel free to give us a call so we can address any additional concerns you may have.
Pro: They Boost Property Value
Eventually, you may want to sell your home. By installing frameless glass on your shower, you can quickly increase your property's value and make it more appealing to potential buyers. Frameless glass enclosures add make bathrooms feel chic and elegant. And since bathrooms are one of the most looked at areas of a home (next to the kitchen), investing in quality glass for your shower can pay off in the long run.
Even if you intend on making your current abode your forever home, frameless glass doors on your shower will still enhance the bathroom's aesthetic, making it feel more luxurious and unique.
Con: They Can Be Costly
Because frameless glass provides several benefits, which we detail below, they tend to cost more initially. Likewise, if you choose a thicker glass for your shower enclosure, this feature tends to be more expensive than other shower coverings. Typically speaking, frameless glass shower doors can run near $1,000.
Pro: They Are Customizable
Another great benefit to adding frameless glass to your shower? The glass is completely customizable. You can order it to fit your enclosure's exact dimensions, which makes a more watertight structure, and you can even request a specific shape for the glass.
Likewise, frameless glass is perfect for uniquely shaped features in your shower. For example, if you'd also like to include a bench inside the shower, you can request the frameless glass door fit around that extra feature. Or if you want to make your shower look truly unique and timeless, request a French door-style option for your space. There are essentially few limitations on what frameless glass can accomplish.
Con: They Can Shatter If Not Cared for Properly
Like all glass structures, frameless glass doors can shatter easily if you're not careful. Even with a thicker alternative, it's still glass and is a fragile material. One of the most common ways you can shatter your frameless glass is by slamming the doors shut or pushing them forcefully against the wall in your bathroom.
If your home experiences sudden changes in temperature or the humidity levels change drastically, the glass can shatter. And all of that broken glass poses a safety hazard to you and any members of your household.
Pro: They Can Reduce Mold and Odors in Your Bathroom
Cleaning traditional shower enclosures and coverings can be time-consuming — and you may not even be able to clean the entire space effectively. Specifically, tracks and seals for sliding shower doors trap in moisture and lead to mold growth, which can then cause odors to linger within your bathroom.
Frameless glass, on the other hand, has no seals or tracks on them, preventing mold and its associated odors from permeating your shower. Likewise, frameless glass prevents rust and corrosion from eating away at the metal tracks, resulting in fewer repairs and replacements needed over time.
It's worth noting, though, that because frameless glass doesn't require tracks and seals, they're more likely to leak or allow water outside of your shower.
Con: They Can Be Tricky to Install
As mentioned above, you can completely customize frameless glass to fit your needs, space dimensions, and any other requirements. However, installing this fixture is more complicated than installing a traditional enclosure covering.
Thinner glass is a little easier to manage because it's slightly lighter in weight. But the overall structure requires metal guides along the side to place the glass correctly, and thicker glass also requires clips to ensure proper installation.
Pro: They Make the Space Feel More Open
Typically speaking, adding more glass to any space gives the illusion of more space. Because frameless glass is fully transparent, it opens up the space in your bathroom and also helps light move more freely throughout the space. And if you opt for a taller cut of glass for your enclosure, the eye will travel upward more naturally, giving the illusion that the space is much larger and loftier.
However, they do reduce the amount of privacy you have, unless you opt for strategic etching on the glass.
The team at MS Glass Outlet has nearly three decades of experience in the glass industry, and we'd be honored to help you with any of your glass needs, whether they be for frameless glass shower installation or auto glass repair. Whatever your needs, our professionals are ready to assist.
