Shower Safe: Toughened Glass for Frameless Shower Screens

Just picture your bathroom transformation into a spacious, wet area to give you a walk-in showering area. Transom shower enclosures are in fashion now, making them look more contemporary and airy to amplify the natural lighting system of the shower. However, if you find yourself swaying with the pretty pictures that a particular car financing company is painting, then you ought to check what should be your most important consideration- safety. In the following article, you will learn more about frameless shower screen installation and why the use of hard-wearing glass is better than any other material for a stylish, safe and smooth shower.

Why safety glass matters in frameless showers

Bathrooms are one of the most risky areas of homes, most likely due to the slippery floor. A careless step or sometimes even brushing past the shower screen could result in a rather unpleasant rendezvous. At times, it is easy to picture waking up one day, only for many items in your home to fall to the ground as regular glass breaks into large, sharp pieces. That is why the codes governing construction in Australia and most other countries insist on the use of safety glazing for shower screens. Accident-prone glass is that which is tempered for it to break into small and less sharp pieces thus causing little harm.

What is toughened glass?

Now that we know what toughened glass is, what sets this type of glass apart from regular glass? Toughened or tempered glass, for instance, is a type of glass that has been subjected to a heat treatment process. The glass panels are first heated to a high glowing temperature of about 600⁰ C, and then they are rapidly quenched. This process provides the glass with a certain internal stress pattern which makes the glass much stronger and more immune to impacts than the normal glass.

Here's the science bit: toughened glass is especially standard in areas where it is most important since if this type of glass does break, and it rarely does, it breaks into small cubes. It significantly minimises the incidence of cuts and injuries; thus, it is ideal for frameless shower screens.

Benefits of toughened glass for frameless shower screens

Beyond the obvious safety benefits, toughened glass offers several advantages for frameless shower screens:

Peace of mind: The shower screen is made from toughened clear glass giving a feeling of security for example to families with young children or the elderly.

Increased durability: Toughened glass is less prone to scratches and chips than ordinary glass so there is less chance of your shower screen looking dull and tired within a few years.

Sleek aesthetics: Shower enclosures made of tempered glass are quite popular nowadays, providing the recipients with a modern, fresh look that responds to the minimalist trends in the context of the bathroom. The lack of thick frames minimises opportunities for any heaviness and cuts the circulation of a confined feeling.

Choosing the right thickness for your toughened glass

One needs to understand that not all versions of the ‘toughened glass’ are the same. It is important to understand that the parameter that signifies the ability of the glass to sustain pressure depends on the thickness of the glass. Here's a quick guide to choosing the right thickness for your frameless shower screen:

Framed shower screens: Frameless shower screen includes a thickness of 6mm of genuinely tempered glass whereas for framed shower screens 5mm of genuinely tempered glass is sufficient. From the frame, extra support in the form of a metallic slab runs parallel to the glass panel for enhanced support.

Partially-framed shower screens: The semi-recessed tempered glass screens, which are the ones where the glass is sandwiched within the frame and extends beyond the frame on one or more sides, demand slightly thicker glass. The partially-framed screen has a minimum recommended thickness for the screen, and within Australia, it ranges from 6mm thick.

Frameless shower screens: Of all the enclosures that are sold in the market today, the frameless shower screens needs the toughest glass, seeing that no frame is present to support it. There are local standards indicating that frameless toughened glass should not be less than 10mm thick. This makes sure that the glass can be used as expected for example when placing items on the glass, or when someone accidentally bumps into it, the glass would not break.

Pro Tip: However, while the lowest thickness can be 10mm, some homeowners decide to use even thicker toughened glass (12mm or 15mm) making the glass even safer and providing the room with a more luxurious look.

Finding a reputable shower screen installer

Now that you know the essence of using toughened glasses in shower screens, the next you need to focus on looking for a good and competent shower screen fitter. Solo selects an organisation that has previously worked with the particular type of glass commonly referred to as the ‘toughened glass.’ It is advisable to enquire whether or not the constructions comply with the Australian safety standards and building codes.

A qualified installer should be in a position to advise, measure, cut, and fit the toughened glass panels as per the set requirements. They will also be able to inform you more about such factors as the appropriate hardware and glass treatments depending on your particular case.

Conclusion: peace of mind with toughened glass

When you choose a frameless shower screen with the use of extra clear toughened safety glass you are getting both style and safety. Tempered glass provides safety and enhanced strength, all while giving your bathroom a luxurious and modern look. So when it comes to frameless shower screens remember, safety comes first. Toughened glass not only creates a feeling of luxury while a person is showering, but it also eliminates any risk or doubt.

Are you prepared for a new perspective with frameless shower screens in your bathroom? Select a reputable shower screen that offers services of shower screen installation in your region and begin designing your dream bathroom right now.