If you’ve just installed a new shower, the next step to keep your floor nice and dry is to get a shower screen. With several options available, it is worthwhile knowing which option is correct for your bathroom and personal preferences.
In this blog, we’ll look at everything you need to know about shower screens, including functionality, installation, upkeep, and cost.
What are Shower Screens?
So, let’s start at the very beginning – what is a shower screen, and what function does it provide?
Shower screens, also known as shower doors, are made up of a glass panel, or series of glass panels, alongside metal fittings and act as a door/barrier between the shower water and the rest of the bathroom. Because this kind of fitting requires more durability than other types of glass fitting, shower screens are typically made of incredibly strong tempered glass.
Why Choose Shower Screens Over Simple Curtains?
Although shower curtains have been used for this purpose, shower screens are far more effective in protecting your bathroom from water splashes, while adding a clean and modern feel to the space.
Shower screens also allow more light to circulate the room, giving your bathroom a brighter, more open look and ensuring your bathroom never feels dark and uninviting.
Different Types of Shower Screens
When it comes to choosing the right option for your bathroom, there are a few different options available that cater to a variety of bath or shower shapes and room sizes.
The two most popular choices available are:
Static Screens
As the name suggests, static shower screens are fixed in place, provide a clean, minimalist feel, and are incredibly easy to clean and maintain.
Hinged Screens
While maintaining the simplicity of a single screen, hinged screens allow you to open and close it, similar to a door, and provides an increase in functionality and practicality for easy access.
What’s the Average Cost of Shower Screens in the UK?
Shower screens can range from £350 to over £2,000. These prices depend on many different factors, including the frame, materials used, or whether they’re custom built for you.
Cost Factors to Consider When Buying a Shower Screen
When choosing a shower screen that’s right for your budget, there are several important factors to consider.
Framed or frameless
One of the first cost factors you’ll likely consider is whether you’re going to choose a framed or frameless shower door.
We won’t go into the pros and cons of each in this article, but you should know that frameless screens cost an average of 10 – 15% more than their framed counterparts.
Materials
Whether it’s the type of glass or the metal fittings, costs will be determined by the quality of the material, and the material that best matches your chosen style aesthetic.
While cheaper options may be attractive, it’s important to remember that products at a marginally higher price point may save you more money in the long run as they help avoid water damage and refitting costs.
Custom built
It’s important to consider whether your shower requires a custom built shower screen. You may have to opt for a made to measure screen if your bathroom has design or space restraints that ready-to-buy screens can’t accommodate.
However, those with a slightly higher budget will often choose a custom made shower screen as there’s far more flexibility on offer. Whether you’re trying to match an existing colour scheme or simply want the item to be unique, choosing a custom shower screen is a great option.
Installation costs
Choosing the right person for the job may also play a role in setting your budget for a shower screen. While relatively inexpensive to fit, installation costs may vary depending on the shower screen and contractor used.
When soliciting labour work, select contractors with experience and expertise to ensure your shower screen is fitted correctly and at the right price point for your budget.
If you’re located in Scotland’s Central Belt, we offer a professional, reliable, and affordable shower screen installation service. Interested? Get in touch with our team today by clicking the button below:
Are Shower Screens Safe?
Shower screens are considered to be very safe, even in the event of an accident.
They’re four to five times stronger than regular glass, with tempered glass shower screens being purpose-built to withstand impacts from accidental slippages, as well as rapid heating from hot water and steam.
In the very unlikely event that a shower screen does break, the tempered glass will shatter into small, rounded pieces, making it far less likely to harm anyone than standard glass.
Are Shower Screens Easy to Install?
We recommend hiring a professional tradesman to install your shower screen, as although it is considered a straightforward process, it is important to get right.
While it is impossible for any fitting to be completely watertight, hiring a professional means that leakage is far less likely, and will save you money on any damage that may be incurred from a less secure fitting.
However, if you are confident in your DIY abilities, or have some previous experience fitting shower screens, then this can be a viable option.
If you choose this option, make sure you have considered all necessary safety precautions, and have any tools and equipment you might need.
How Should You Clean a Shower Screen?
Cleaning your shower screen couldn’t be more straightforward, and as with most cleaning jobs, prevention is always the best approach!
After shower use, remove water droplets using a squeegee or cloth. Additionally, using a shower cleaning spray can help prevent the build-up of condensation, while keeping your bathroom window open after showering can also be effective.
If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, an extractor fan can also be a suitable option.
However, should you start to notice any build-up on your shower screen, good old soap and water should be suitable, while white vinegar mixed with water can be used to get rid of tougher stains like limescale.
If you’ve recently added or are planning to add a shower to your bath fitting, keeping the space around your fitting nice and dry with a quality shower screen is a straightforward way to ensure that vulnerable points such as flooring and personal items aren’t at risk of water damage.
Shower screens are a great addition to your bathroom. They don’t only make the room brighter and more inviting, but they’re also safe, affordable, and easy to maintain!
If you’re interested in learning more about our range of shower screens, click the button below and you’ll be redirected to our page dedicated to shower screens:
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