One of the best decisions that you will make when updating or renovating your bathroom is the decision of the glass bath screen. Needing to change a shower curtain or to undertake a complete renovation of the entire bathroom, a selected bath shower screen will help to improve the containment of the water, increase the hygiene and provide an immediate improvements in overall appearance of the space.
Glass bath screens are made to look smooth and modern as opposed to the usual shower curtains, which are in addition durable lasting. Nevertheless, as there is such a variety of choices to make, such as fixed panels and bifold designs, the various types of glass thicknesses, and frame designs, it may seem daunting to pick the best solution. This ultimate buyers guide is the one that tells you how to make the correct choice and be sure of it.
What Is a Glass Bath Screen?
A glass bath screen is a fixed or portable panel of glass that is attached around the side of a bathtub, to ensure that water does not splash onto the floor when a person is taking a shower. It makes your bath to be an improvement to a bath shower combination without need to install a complete shower enclosure.
With glass bath screen, the popularity of the screens is attributed to their hygienic nature, easy cleaning, and are much more durable as compared to fabric curtains. They also add to contemporary clean look, which is appropriate both in the modern and traditional bathroom design.
Types of Glass Bath Screens
The first thing in selecting the right screen is to understand the various styles that one has.
Fixed Panel Bath Screens
Fixed panel is made of a one-sheet of glass that is attached to the wall and bath edge. The design is so minimalistic and can be carried out in small bathrooms. This is due to the fact that it does not move thus it needs fewer hardware and can be maintained easily. Coverage is however, low and hence most effective when placed at the end of the bath, which is on the shower side.
Hinged or Pivot Bath Screens
The hinged bath screens have a glass panel which can swing inside or outside. This makes access to the bath easy to clean or bathe children. Hinged designs are extremely common in family bathrooms since it is practical. The selection of high-quality hinges is also necessary in order to guarantee the long-term performance and safety.
Bifold Bath Screens
Bifold screens are made up of two panels which can be brought together. The design is suitable when there is a small bathroom and the movement can be limited by the swinging panel. Bifold mechanisms usually increased water containment and flexibility; however, they depend on sturdier and high precision hinges for reliable performance.
L-Shaped Bath Screens
L-shaped screens are designed as shower bath combinations or corner settings, whereby they cover a greater area on both sides of the bath. They come in handy especially where extra splash cover is needed.
Walk-In Bath Screens
Walk-in designs involve the utilization of a bigger fixed panel to form a half-enclosure. These are fitted to bigger sized bathrooms and offer the luxury feel of a shower enclosure with open access.
Choosing the Right Size
Correct sizing is critical. A bath screen which is excessively small will leak out water and on the other hand one which is excessively broad may clash with fixtures or fail to fit in place.
The majority of the standard bath screens have a width of between 700mm and 1000mm and a height of 1200mm to 1500mm. Greater height choices have had greater splash protection.
Before purchasing, measure:
- Ø The dimension of the bath at the shower end.
- Ø The dimension between ceiling and bath rim.
- Ø The depth of the bath rim
- Ø Clearance at available door swing.
Wall alignment and level
This leads to accurate measurements, which avoid installation issues and redundant returns.
Glass Thickness Explained
The thickness of the glass is important in durability, stability, and feel of the quality of the same.
4mm Glass
Usually fitted to entry-level models, 4mm glass is lightweight however it might not seem substantial. It can be applicable as light or occasional.
6mm Glass
The most popular residential bathroom selection. It is strong, rigid and economical. In the majority of cases, the toughened glass with 6mm thickness is best used by homeowners.
8mm Glass
Plays much higher quality and higher structural integrity. It fits well in frantic families and semi-frameless.
10mm Glass
The 10mm glass is used in high-end frameless bath screens which offer a maximum level of solidity and visual impression. Because it is heavy, it needs heavy-duty hinges and brackets.
Hardened Safety Glass and Coating
Bathroom glazing in UK have to be in accordance with safety regulation. The manufacture of glass bath screens must always be made of tough (tempered) safety glass. This heat treated glass is much stronger as compared to normal glass and cracks into tiny and dull pieces when shattered.
Easy-clean coatings are fitted to a number of contemporary bath shower screens. These finishes result in a waterproof layer that prevents soap and water residues which lowers the limescale formation and makes it easier to maintain - especially in hard water regions.
Depending on the purpose, some higher quality options can be made with antibacterial or UV resistant surface options.
Frame Styles: Framed Semi-Frameless or Frameless
Framed Bath Screens
Fully framed screens are screens that have aluminium or steel profiles around the glass. They are highly supportive structurally and in many cases cheaper. Nonetheless, after some time frames may be covered with some soap residues.
Semi-Frameless Bath Screens
These forms decrease framing on-site, usually having support on one or two sides. They create the equilibrium between the contemporary aesthetics and the strengthening of the structures.
Frameless Bath Screens
Frameless designs are those designs that have heavy glass panels, which are held on the high-quality hinges and brackets instead of perimeter frames. They provide a clean and minimalistic appearance and are less difficult to take care of. The frameless bath screens are popular with the contemporary and high-end bathrooms.
For more information on this topic, see the article frameless shower screans.
Your Design to Your Bathroom.
The overall design of the bathroom should be accompanied with a bath screen. Consider the following:
Finish Consistency
Coordinate hardware completes the look with matching taps, towel rails and accessories. Popular are chrome, brushed steel and matt black.
Style Harmony
Frameless bathrooms pair well with minimalist bathrooms, whereas traditional bathrooms can also use framed or semi-frameless screens.
Colour Tone
Matt black makes a strong statement in the industrial or modern setting. Warmth and classic interiors can be covered with brushed gold and bronze.
Installation Considerations
Frameless screens or heavier screens are also to be installed in a professional manner. Key considerations include:
- Ø Type of wall construction and fixing method.
- Ø Apply silicones sealant carefully to prevent leaks.
- Ø Hinges and brackets with appropriate weight rating.
- Ø Custom solutions for out-of-plumb or uneven walls.
Poor installation may impact on performance and durability.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Totally screens of bath glass are easy to maintain.
Squeegee after each shower
The steps involved are similar to those of Clean Weekly with Non-Abrasive Glass Cleaner, except that weekly cleaning of the surface should be done with non-abrasive glass cleaner.
Avoid harsh scouring pads
Clean Limescale Dilute White Vinegar Cleaning Lime.
Check hinges and seals on a regular basis
Regular checkups ensure that they remain clear and prevent death.
Best Bath Screens in various Bathrooms.
Small Bathrooms
Make light and space out of a fixed or hinged semi-frameless panel of 6mm.
Family Bathrooms
Select 6mm or 8mm hinged sheets sports screens or 2 folded screens with easy clean coating and heavy duty hardware.
Luxury Renovations
Select a 10mm frameless bath screen, solid-hinged bath screen and similar finishes.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Form
- Ø Are the measurements precise?
- Ø Is the glass fully tempered?
- Ø Is the glass thickness appropriate?
- Ø Does the hardware finish match design?
- Ø Are the installation requirements clearly identified?
Making the Right Investment
It is a matter of balancing between pragmatics, beauty and budgets of choosing between the available choices of glass bath screens. Good components of its quality like glass which is thicker, strong hardware and durable colours will follow the good performance and beauty over the coming years.
A proper choice of a bath shower screen will help a lot to enhance every-day wellness and add value to the property. You can be able to make a solution that is working years later knowing all the available options and paying attention to what is safe, lasts longer and is uniform in the design.