If you look inside your bathtub, what do you see?
If you’re like most people, you’ll see a shower curtain that has definitely seen better days. There might even be shades of black, purple or even pink coloring the bottom of your shower curtain.
Shower curtains get moldy: it’s nearly inescapable, since bathrooms are the perfect place for mold to grow. You can try to slow the growth of mold by keeping your bathroom fan running after your shower is finished or by spraying down the shower curtain periodically with a cleaner; however, you’re going to have to replace your shower curtain many, many times over the years.
In addition to the yuck factor, shower curtains have another big disadvantage: they may be bad for your health. A 2008 study found that the PVC (a type of plastic) in shower curtains can emit toxic chemicals that have been linked to liver and central nervous system damage. While the study wasn’t definitive, it’s certainly something to think about when remodeling or redecorating your bathroom.
You might believe that, if you have a bathtub, you’re stuck with a shower curtain. But that isn’t the case! If you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom, consider a framed or frameless glass shower enclosure. Keep reading to find out why.
Why Choose Glass
Glass shower enclosures offer a number of wonderful benefits:
Beauty: Glass is an increasingly popular material in bathroom design: it is modern and elegant, elevating the look of any bathroom. The shower is one of the first things that you see when you enter a bathroom: why shouldn’t the shower enclosure be beautiful? Furthermore, because glass is transparent, it also creates a feeling of space and openness in the design—great for small bathrooms.
Durability: The glass used in home remodels is also incredibly durable. Glass shower enclosures are made of safety, or tempered, glass. This type of glass is extremely resilient: it’s the same type used in car windows! There’s no need to worry that the glass will shatter and cause injuries: even in the extremely unlikely event that something happens and the door breaks, tempered glass is designed to break into small, dull pieces.
Cleanliness: Glass is much easier to clean—and keep clean—than a regular shower curtain. A glass shower enclosure can be cleaned with a glass cleaner or with a DIY mix of ingredients you already have in your kitchen (like vinegar or baking soda and dish soap). If you keep a squeegee on hand and use it regularly, you can go much longer between deep cleans.
Framed vs. Frameless: Which Is Right for You?
Framed and frameless shower enclosures have their own advantages and disadvantages: the right one for you will depend on your personal taste, needs, and budget. Let’s talk about each type.
Framed Shower Enclosure
A framed shower enclosure is the more budget-friendly option. This is because the frame provides strength and support, allowing slightly thinner and lightly glass to be used. The frame—usually made of metal with rubber seals—are also more functional than the frameless variety. The enclosure keeps the water in, regardless of where the shower head is pointing.
However, a framed shower enclosure can be seen as less elegant than the frameless kind. (Of course, this depends on your preferences.) It also comes in fewer sizes and shapes. Finally, it is slightly harder to clean because of the frame.
Frameless Shower Enclosure
A frameless shower enclosure—because there are no frames to get in the way— is seen as the more elegant, open option. It is also more customizable: it comes in any size or shape, allowing for maximum customization.
This type of enclosure is more expensive than the framed type: because there are no frames, the glass has to be thicker and heavier, with polished edges. The lack of frame also makes this type more prone to leaks: the door has to move, which means there has to be a small gap. (To avoid leaking, the shower head should point away from the door.)
Whichever option you choose, we’re sure that you’ll be thrilled with your more beautiful, functional bathroom.
If you’re ready to upgrade from your old shower curtain, we are happy to help. We’ll answer your questions and provide a free quote for your project. Contact the glass experts at Jack’s today.
