An Introduction to ‘Frameless’ Shower Screens
Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we
receive.
What is a ‘Frameless’ Shower Screen?
The word ‘frameless’ is used to describe the overall visual
appearance of the
shower screen. This does not mean that no ‘frames’ are used. Shower
screens can be made up of hinging glass doors, glass panels that run
inline
with doors (In-line panels) and glass panels that are fitted at 90
or 135 degrees to the door or inline panel and return to the wall
(Return panels). All
hinged glass doors have polished edges with no framework. In some
cases
the edges have a translucent plastic water seal attached. All fixed
panels
(either in-line or return) are attached to the finished surface
(wall, floor,
shower tray, ceiling etc) by use of a silicone glazing sealant patch
fitting or a narrow, highly polished aluminium channel, which is
used to securely hold the glass and produce an effective water
retaining seal between the glass and finished surface.
Will my shower screen be 100% watertight?
The simple answer to this is no! An inherent characteristic of a
frameless
shower screen is the fact that there are gaps between the door and panels
as well as underneath the door and the hinges through which water
may
pass. These gaps may be closed, with good effect, by using
translucent
seals. Frameless screens are really suited to ‘wet’ environments
(i.e. tiled
floor etc) that are suitably prepared so that any small amount of
water that
does escape is not an issue. The slight disadvantage that may be
caused by
this is far out-weighed by the stunning visual effect achieved.
What is my shower screen made from?
All glass is 10mm thick safety glass, toughened in accordance with
AS1288
class A. All hinges, handles, brackets etc are made from brass or
stainless
steel and are ‘plated’ to match in chrome or 24 carat gold. All channels are made from
highly
polished aluminium.
What glass finishes can I have?
Glass is offered in a choice of clear or opal finishes.
Special designs
can be produced – please contact us for more information.
A special ‘anti-plaque’ glass finish can be applied to the surface
of the
glass. This helps to repel a build up of lime scale and makes the
glass much
easier to keep clean. for further information on this coating please
click here.
Is there a choice of handles?
Yes. As standard we supply an SSK40. You can
choose from a number of alternatives, details of which can be found
here.
What dimensions can my shower screen be made to?
All dimensions are quoted in millimetres (mm). Depending on the
configuration you choose, your shower screen can normally be made to
suit the space you have. Consideration must always be given to the
physical safety of the structure and the day-to-day operation of the
screen.
As a guide, the normal width of a door is 600mm with larger spaces
requiring an in-line or return glass panel to fit your opening. The
normal
height of a shower screen is 2000mm and an over bath screen is
1500mm.
Depending on your requirements, supporting shelves or stay bars may
be required or fixed glass panels may need additional support from
the ceiling. All of these details can be discussed at the time of
quotation. In addition, where walls are out of square or
you have
a ceiling that is sloped, we can have the glass cut to suit the
angle.
How should I prepare the area where the screen is
to be installed?
Please show this information to
your Builder
Your screen will be hand-made, specifically for you and as such;
great care
must be taken when preparing the area where the screen is to be
installed.
The following points MUST be observed:
All bases (shower trays, tiled floors, etc) should be horizontal
over the whole
length. If the base is out of level the screen may be difficult to
install and
remedial work may need to be carried out by your installer prior to
installation.
Please note that where your screen is being installed directly onto
a tiled
floor it is imperative that you consider any items below the tiles
(i.e. under-
floor heating, pipe-work etc) that could be damaged when the glazing
channels are being screw fixed into place. You should also be aware
that
the plastic seal on the bottom of the door works by the wiper blade
making contact with the tiles. Therefore it is possible that when
the tiles
are grouted, gaps may be left that water may pass through.
All walls should be upright, level and plumb. If the walls are not
upright,
level and plumb the screen may be difficult to install and remedial
work
may need to be carried out by your installer prior to installation.
Your shower screen is manufactured using thick toughened safety
glass
that is heavy. It is important that all walls (and ceiling where
appropriate)
are suitably prepared so that the installer can achieve a suitable
secure
fixing (for hinges, channels, stay bars etc) during installation. If
the wall is
a stud wall (as opposed to a solid wall) timber supports should be
located
behind the fixing points.
The minimum specification of these timbers
is
either 300mm x 300mm x 25mm squares where the hinges or stay bars
are fixed directly to the wall (the exact location of these is
governed by the
overall height of your shower screen – contact us for more info if
required)
or 100mm x 50mm x required length where glazing channels are fixed
directly to the wall (and ceiling where panels are being installed
full height).
Your dimensions should be taken to finished works. This means that
all
bases and walls should be in their finished condition (i.e. tiled or
marbled
etc) before Simply Showers™ arrive for measuring.
If you specifically require any channels to be installed before you
tile (so
that you can tile up to them to conceal them) all sub wall surfaces
must
again be fully prepared. Please note that this kind of installation
will require
additional visits by your installer to measure.
You must ensure that Simply Showers™ are fully informed, at the time
of the
initial visit to site to measure, of any items that you intend to
position after
either the measuring or the installation has taken place, that may
effect, in
anyway, the future operation of your shower screen (i.e. wall
mounted
towel radiators, WC’s, basins etc).
How do I proceed and how long will the whole
process take?
This is best answered in detail on the installation page by
clicking here
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