If you’re considering an upgrade to your dingy shower curtain, a glass shower is a fantastic option. Glass is durable, beautiful, and relatively easy to maintain. It can also make a room look bigger, making it ideal for small bathrooms. But you might be wondering: how long do glass showers last?
Today, we’re answering this common homeowner question. Keep reading to learn how long glass showers last and what you can do to make your shower last longer.
How Long Does a Glass Shower Last?
When properly cared for, a newly installed glass shower can last decades—about 30 years, in fact! This is great news for homeowners. Of course, no one wants to go through the time and expense of redoing their shower enclosure every few years.
But what do we mean by “properly cared for”?
Unlike your shower curtain, which quickly gets moldy, glass is a much more durable option. However, glass does require a little maintenance to last as long as possible—particularly if you live in an area like Kentucky that has hard water.
How Can You Make Your Shower Last Longer?
Glass shower enclosures that are neglected may end up with corrosion on the glass and rust on the metal elements of the enclosure, shortening the lifespan of the shower.
When hard water is left to sit on glass, over time, the minerals within corrode the glass. This results in glass that is permanently filmy, spotty, and stained. When water is left to sit on the frame, eventually, rust can form on the metal.
To avoid these problems, there are a few things you can do.
One of the best options is anti-corrosion shower glass. Anti-corrosion shower glass has an invisible coating. This coating is a fine layer bonded to the glass surface that makes the glass hydrophobic, repelling water, oils, and soaps. This makes the glass easier to clean and—most importantly—prevents corrosion, discoloration, and staining over time, since the coating prevents the grime from reacting with the glass.
You might also consider installing a home water softener. This option is more expensive but eliminates the minerals that make water hard and corrode your glass. (Incidentally, soft water is also better for your skin and hair.)
If your budget doesn’t allow for either of these options, that doesn’t mean you are doomed to a short-lived glass shower! A little TLC is enough to keep your shower looking great for a long time. We recommend cleaning your shower regularly with a cleaner designed to remove hard water. It’s also a great idea to squeegee your shower down after every shower. (We hang the squeegee in the shower.) This quick step eliminates excess water and minerals on the glass and any metal.
Redesigning Your Bathroom?
If you’re considering a glass shower for your new bathroom, look to Jack’s Glass!
We can help at every stage of the process, from design to installation. (Be sure to check out our Shower Design Tool to see options and get a quote.) We’re happy to talk through your options and help you bring your design vision to life.
Our local, family-owned and -operated business has been helping Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky homeowners with their commercial glass, auto glass, glass shower and window needs for nearly 80 years. Call us today at our Elsmere, or Covington, locations to talk to a glass shower pro!
