Stage 14
There are a variety of shower screen designs and configurations so the installation of your new shower screen will depend on which design your choose. In our experience frameless glass shower screens seem to be the most popular choice so below we have outlined a frameless glass shower screen installation process. At this point we should also say that you will be dealing with large glass (safety-glass) panels so unless you are completely sure you can do the job properly we recommend you get a specialist showerscreen supplier to complete this part of your DIY bathroom renovation for you.
On the other hand if you are confident enough to install your shower screen yourself then read on.
The glass panels of the shower screen are supported by chrome floor and wall brackets so the first step is to use a tape measure and a spirit level to mark the centreline of each glass panel (both floor and wall) where the brackets will go. Mark the screw holes for the brackets while at the same time ensuring they are clear of any water pipes or electrical wiring under your tiling. Your shower screen supplier should also provide you with the appropriate spacing of the glass support brackets. Again we stress that these are large heavy sheets of glass so maximum care is required and as always SAFETY FIRST.
Attach the chrome brackets by using a 6mm ceramic or diamond drill bit to drill the marked holes to a depth of 30mm. Best results are obtained by applying an even pressure at low drill speed. Insert plastic plugs into each hole. Attach the brackets using the screws but make sure you loosen the grub screws (see photo) so that you can easily slide in the glass panel. These screws will be tightened when your shower screen is in place.
The next step is going to require you to lift the glass panels and slide them into the brackets. We strongly recommend that you use approved glass lifting gloves and always keep in mind that you are handling a large sheet of glass so unless you are 100% certain that you can complete this step safely and securely se suggest you get a shower screen specialist to install your shower screen. Remember SAFETY FIRST.
Okay, so your chrome brackets are now securely fixed to your floor and wall. We recommend that you put down a rubber mat so that your glass does not make contact with the floor tiles. Now CAREFULLY lift the panel into the chrome floor brackets and SLOWLY slide it into the wall brackets. Once the glass panel is in place tighten the grub screws but make sure you don’t overtighten them as this may break the glass.
Installing The Shower Door.
This can be a very tricky procedure and is perhaps the most common mistake made by inexperienced DIY renovators. Like the rest of the shower screen installation exact measurements are paramount. Near enough is nowhere near good enough. It’s either going to be exact or not at all.
The hinge brackets are attached to the hinge panel which is a narrow glass panel attached to the floor and wall as per the previous step. Once the hinge panel is in place and secured you should then apply silicone to ALL the gaps between the glass panels and the walls. Use a special plastic spatula to make sure the silicone is pushed in to completely fill the wall / panel gap. Now use the rounded corners of the silicone application spatula to smooth the surface of the applied silicone. Now secure the chrome hinges to the glass hinge panel. Slide in the glass shower door and tighten the grub screws. You will more than likely need an extra person for this step but again we stress that you are handling large glass panels so remember, SAFETY FIRST.
