Glass Shower Enclosure Issues and How to Handle Them

What are common frameless glass shower enclosure problems — and what can you do about them? Frameless glass shower enclosures have a fresh aesthetic that can upgrade your bathroom space from so-so to a spa-like standout.



Even though this type of enclosure has design benefits galore, accidents and issues can happen. Take a look at what homeowners need to know about common glass problems and solutions.

The Problem of Shattered Glass

Building codes and the Code of Federal Regulations' Safety Standard for Architectural Glazing Materials set specific rules and regulations for the manufacture and use of glass bathtub and shower doors and enclosures. These regulations require glazing materials that help to reduce the risk of breakage and injury. But this doesn't mean that a glass shower enclosure couldn't crack, chip, or shatter.

Frameless glass shower doors are made from a safety-glazed tempered glass. Tempered glass is a durable option that is made using a quick-cooling process. Instead of shattering into sharp shards, this type of glass breaks apart into less dangerous pellets. Even though the pellets aren't as hazardous as shards, they could still potentially cut or injure a person or a pet. This makes it important to repair a shattered glass shower enclosure as soon as possible.

While a minor impact could easily break glass that does not go through the tempering process, a shampoo bottle that slips out of your hands shouldn't shatter your shower enclosure. But over time, several seemingly small impacts could put stress on the glass and cause it to crack.

Left untreated, these cracks could grow, and the door could shatter. Along with this potential cause, glass shower doors can shatter as a result of improper installation.

The Solutions for Shattered Glass

You often have no quick fix for shattered glass shower doors. This type of damage is not something you (or even a contractor) can simply repair. Instead, you will need to replace the glass. The pellets that tempered glass shatters into are destined for the recycling bin or trash. The contractor cannot put these pieces back together or recreate your glass door.

Never walk on shattered shower glass or attempt to clean it without the proper protection. Wear thick-soled shoes and thick gloves or use a broom and a dustpan to avoid handling the glass. Do not attempt to vacuum the glass yourself. Even though this seems like an easy way to quickly collect the pellets, the glass could clog your vacuum or damage the internal mechanism.

After you clear the glass from the area, contact the contractor. The glass professional may ask to see pictures of the damage before they schedule an appointment. You will need to work with the contractor to choose a new enclosure.

If you were happy with the look of the old glass, they may offer to replace it with identical panes. But if your older shower is ready for an upgrade, discuss frameless enclosure design options before you agree to an estimate.

The Problem of Fogged Glass

Did you choose a frameless shower enclosure to create or add to a spacious, fresh bathroom design? Unlike curtains or frosted glass doors, clear frameless enclosures are completely see-through. This allows more light into the area and can create the appearance of added space in smaller bathrooms.

A foggy shower door is a common problem that can interfere with your bathroom's overall aesthetic. Shower door fogging happens when condensation forms on the glass. The warm steamy air your shower creates hits the cool glass, causing this issue.

The higher the humidity in the bathroom, the more likely it is that you will notice condensation and fogged glass on your shower doors. While fogging isn't a defect or evidence of damage, it is a potential problem that you can easily correct.

The Solutions for Fogged Glass

You have two main options to treat fogged glass: prevent the problem before it starts or treat the results. To prevent fogging, talk to your glass contractor about anti-fog coatings. These coatings are invisible to the eye, meaning they won't change the appearance of the glass. But the extra coating can reduce the amount of condensation that forms on the glass.

Other ways to prevent fogged glass include water temperature changes and ventilation. Cooler water will create less humidity or steam. This reduces or eliminates fogging. If cool showers are not an option in your household, you may need to upgrade the bathroom's ventilation system. The ventilation system pulls the steam up and out of the space, reducing the humidity level.

If these steps don't work or your shower continues to fog, treat the after-effects of the problem. Talk to the glass contractor about the type of cleaning solution or product to use on the enclosure. The professional can recommend options that will help to keep your shower clean and remove residential condensation residue. After you clean the glass, remove excess moisture with a squeegee or microfiber cloth. Avoid using a squeegee with a metal edge or handle. These types of squeegees can scratch the glass enclosure which will ruin the aesthetic and damage the glass. 

Do you need to install or replace your glass shower enclosure? Contact MS Glass Outlet for more information.