Your glass shower door is one of the most important parts of your bathroom. Apart from being a prominent fixture, it makes your bathroom functional by creating a separate bathing space while increasing the value of your home.
But what if it starts giving you trouble? Stubborn stains, cracks and difficulty opening and closing it are red flags that it’s time for a replacement. Instead of wasting your time on glass door repair, it may be time to buy a new one entirely.
If you’re not sure whether you need a glass shower door replacement, look for the following signs.
When Should You Replace Your Glass Shower Door?
Is your glass shower door showing signs of wear and tear? If these signals are impacting the functionality of your shower door and the appearance of your bathroom, it’s a likely indicator that you need to replace it.
1) The Appearance of Cracks or Chips
One of the most prominent signs of a not-so-functional glass shower door is visible cracks or chips. If neglected, the damage can spread and become so severe that the entire door could shatter. Instead of temporary solutions like filling the fissures with resin, your best bet is to replace it to avoid unnecessary damage and risk of injury.
2) Outdated Design
An old-fashioned glass shower door in a stylish bathroom can be a bit of an eyesore. It may have been in vogue when you put it in, but now it’s outdated and should be replaced. A new glass shower door will not only give your bathroom an updated look but increase your home’s resale value. And selling a property with the latest interior designs and accessories is easier than selling one without.
3) Rusty Hardware
Even a frameless glass shower door has some metal fittings, like those on handles and hinges, and they will rust eventually with regular exposure to water. If rust builds and continues to expand, the resulting corrosion will weaken the door’s fit over time. Replace your old door to prevent it from collapsing.
4) Discoloured or Stained Glass
Everyone loves a new, sparkling clean glass shower door, but mould and dirt will gradually, accumulate because of moisture and soapy water. This generally happens if it doesn’t have a protective coating. As a result, the glass becomes discoloured and difficult to clean when combined with hard water stains. If removing soap scum buildup and tough stains aren’t worth the inconvenience and time, make sure the new door has a protective coating.
5) Leaks
One of the main functions of a glass shower door is to keep water within the shower area. If you notice puddles on the floor after a shower, it’s a sign that the gaskets and seals aren’t in good shape. This escaped water can damage the floor over time and pose a slipping hazard. To avoid costly bathroom repairs, buy a new glass shower door.
6) Noise Opening and Closing the Door
Is your glass shower door making noise while opening and closing? This is a sign that the frame and track have worn out. If left unaddressed, the door will crack so replace it before it’s too late.
How to Maintain Your Glass Shower Door
Once installed, it’s important to keep your new glass shower door in shape. This prevents early signs of wear and tear and extends its life. Here are a few cleaning hacks to maintain it.
- Clean your new door with a squeegee after every shower. This prevents the accumulation of soap scum which provides a damp environment for mould and mildew to thrive. Start cleaning from one top corner and drag it down the glass while exerting slight pressure.
- Put a 3:1 mixture of distilled water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray this homemade cleaning mixture on the glass and let it sit for five minutes. Then wipe off with a lint-free towel or rinse with warm water.
- Keep your bathroom well-ventilated to prevent mould and mildew growth. Leave the shower door open when the shower area is not in use to allow air to circulate, release humidity and aid in water evaporation.
- Use a toothbrush to clean between the metal tracks as the creases are a prime target for soap scum. This will also prevent the buildup of hard stains, mould and dirt.
- Get a dryer sheet slightly damp. Scrub it down the glass to soften soapy water stains and lift them off the glass.
Bathrooms are high-moisture areas. That’s why glass shower doors become an easy target of rust, mould and mildew. They also weaken the seals between the glass and metal fixtures, thus resulting in leaks and noise. Eventually, replacing the door becomes a must. If you notice these red flags, the time has come to install a new shower door. Make sure you buy it from a reputable glass company in to ensure you get a high-quality product. Also, follow the maintenance guidelines mentioned here to keep your glass shower door sparkling clean.