Adding shower doors to bathtub is a perfect way to enhance functionality and appearance. Errors in the installation could damage the restroom, cause leaks, or poor quality. You need to do it correctly whether you want to stop water from splattering everywhere or have a polished, modern look. Our list of the most typical errors people make when adding shower doors to bathtub is compiled together with their alternatives to help you.
1. Selecting a Wrong Shower Door
Many house owners choose the wrong shower door for their bathtub design. Selecting the wrong shower door could damage aesthetic appeal, operations, and even space. Some shower doors are better than others.
What to Avoid?
- Before buying a shower door, first check your tub space.
- Avoid getting a frameless door if your walls are not completely straight.
- Avoid a swinging door if your bathroom is small.
What One Should Do?
- Sliding or bypass doors can be tried in small bathrooms.
- Select semi-frameless doors for both appearance and strength.
- Make sure the door you select matches the tub style as well as the bathroom design.
2. Ignoring Correct Measures
Neglecting exact measurements is among the biggest mistakes people make while adding shower doors to bathtub. A tiny mistake can result in doors that are not properly fitted. Hence, leaks and functional problems.
What to Avoid?
- Never assume typical dimensions match your bathtub before you measure.
- When measuring, make sure not to round up or down.
- Avoid rough estimates and guesswork.
What One Should Do?
- Use a tape measure to get exact height and width numbers.
- Before buying something, verify the measurements.
- If in doubt, ask a professional to check the measurements.
3. Skip the Waterproofing Step
Water leakage has been observed as a common problem when shower doors are not properly installed. Lack of correct waterproofing will allow water to penetrate cracks and ruin the structure, mold, and mildew.
What to Avoid?
- Check for appropriate seals before putting up the door.
- Don't use cheap or subpar caulking products.
- Never let small gaps unsealed. They often cause leaks.
What One Should Do?
- Around the edges and joints, use excellent silicone caulk.
- Make sure the rubber seals are fitted properly.
- Check and change all used seals on a regular basis.
4. Not Paying Attention to Support and Alignment
Crooked or unsteady shower door installation may result from bad support and misalignment.
What to Avoid?
- Don't install a heavy glass door unless you first strengthen the wall.
- Since it might cause crooked doors, always check if things are aligned when you set something.
- Take time when securing the door frame.
What One Should Do?
- Before you fasten screws, make sure everything is properly aligned.
- Especially for frameless doors, fortify the wall if needed.
- When fastening the door, always check manual instructions.
5. Neglecting Cleaning and Maintenance
Without thinking about the long-term maintenance needed to preserve their appearance and practicality, many home owners pick shower doors that are not fit for their bathrooms.
What to Avoid?
- For easy cleaning, don't go for textured glass.
- Stay away from strong chemicals that could ruin metal and glass surfaces.
- Regular cleaning is important as soap scum and hard water stains can accumulate fast.
What One Should Do?
- Go for easy-to-clean glass, treated or coated glass that does not accumulate water marks.
- Keep up the glass and frame with soaps that do not scratch.
- After every use, clean the doors to avoid dirt accumulation.
6. DIY Installation without Proper Knowledge
Adding shower doors to bathtub is quite a tricky task. Doing-it-yourself can be appealing at first but it often leads to major issues.
What to Avoid?
- Never expect setting a shower door is simple without reading the manual instructions.
- Stay away from skipping the process or missing steps.
- If you are not sure about any aspect of the installation, seek a professional.
What One Should Do?
- Read instructions meant for your shower door model.
- Get ready for the installation by having the appropriate equipment available beforehand.
- If required, ask an expert to guarantee the project is completed properly.
7. Not Accounting Bathroom Ventilation
Adding shower doors to bathtub can cause mold and mildew development, so good ventilation is absolutely necessary. Make sure you avoid these mistakes.
What to Avoid?
- Without proper ventilation, do not fit a completely enclosed shower door.
- Don't overlook need of a ventilation window or an exhaust fan.
- Make sure to have proper air circulation in the restroom.
What One Should Do?
- Make sure your bathroom is well ventilated to keep moisture levels down.
- If needed, run a dehumidifier to stop mold from developing.
- When possible, keep windows and doors open to let fresh air come in and circulate.
8. Skipping Door Swing Inspection
Many people overlook the swing and clearance of the shower door, which can result in annoyance and possible damage.
What to Avoid?
- Without first ensuring there is enough room, don't put up a swinging door.
- Don't place items close to the shower door that can obstruct motion.
- Every shower door works the same way is just a misconception. So avoid it.
What One Should Do?
- Measure the door swing's clearance requirement prior to set up.
- Pick sliding doors for small area.
- Make sure that furniture or fixtures close to the door will not restrict its movement.
To Sum Up
Although putting shower doors to bathtub is a great way to update your bathroom, avoiding these typical errors is necessary for a successful installation. From selecting the correct door to verifying proper waterproofing and alignment, every step is important. Doing things correctly will result a functional and elegant improvement that lasts for many years to come.
Furthermore, thinking ahead and taking all factors (including ventilation, door clearance, and potential maintenance) into account can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements. Being aware of these small things helps you design a washroom area that is practical, aesthetically appealing, and long-lasting.
