Tips for Choosing Shower Doors

Plus, shower cabins are multifunctional devices that make it possible not only to perform hygienic procedures but also to enjoy spa procedures (hydro massage, different types of showers) and a sauna, while the technical characteristics, ease of use, and durability largely depend on the type of shower doors.

Types of Shower Doors

Hinged Shower Doors

Hinged shower doors open outward to either side. There are two types of pivot doors single and double-leaf. Double-leaf doors can also be unlocked inward. The single doors usually open into a room. Hinged doors are fastened to hinges, the advantage of which is durability and resistance to physical impact: the hinges will not pop out, will not be damaged, even if the door is pushed with force.

Hinged shower doors can be square, rectangular, semicircular, or oval. A hallmark of hinged doors is their versatility. They are equally aesthetic and functional for corners. The main disadvantage of hinged shower doors is that they require space to open, so they are not often used in small rooms.

Sliding shower doors

Sliding shower doors open similarly to wardrobe doors. The canvas is equipped with flaps that move along special guides. The number of flaps usually ranges from 1 to 4. The fewer flaps, the more free space remains in the cab. However, this design will be less durable than an analog with a large number of sashes.

Hinged shower doors are more reliable. Sliding options, in turn, are optimal for small bathrooms, since they do not require a lot of free space for opening. When choosing sliding structures, choose those that are equipped with metal roller elements, since they are characterized by a greater margin of safety than plastic ones.

Folding shower doors

This option is also good for small rooms since the opening is carried out by turning one sash. Depending on the model, the sash can only rotate in one or both directions. There are also structures equipped with several doors that fold in parallel directions and in this form resemble an open fan.

Despite the ergonomics, such models require free space, since when opening the sash they should not come into contact with other elements of the bathroom.

Revolving shower doors

Revolving shower doors are attached to the static sections of the panel in the edge zone of the car with magnetic hinges. The standard swing diameter of the shutters is 1.2 m, although there are models with a smaller diameter of 90 cm.

Cabins with rotating doors can be framed or frameless. A feature of frame shower doors is thinner glass and lower strength characteristics. Frameless models are more reliable and therefore more expensive.

Shower doors can be made of the following materials:

• Strained glass. During the production process, the glass is heated to high temperatures, after which it cools down instantly. The result is a material that is resistant to mechanical damage, moisture, and temperature changes. Even if such glass is damaged, it will not cause cuts, since the fragments do not have sharp edges.
• Triplex. Triplex is an expensive type of tempered glass. However, the higher price is fully justified by the improved technical characteristics. It is 2-3 layers of glass with a special material interposed between them. In case of damage, the fragments do not fly away but remain on this layer. All glass models are straight and curved, in the shape of a semicircle.
• Organic glass. The organic glass looks like a hardened version of regular glass, but it has a smaller margin of safety. In addition, with careless handling, chips and scratches appear on its surface. It also has the disadvantage that it can be easily ignited.
• Plastic. Plastic doors are based on polystyrene, which determines the low weight of the doors, their smaller thickness, and ease of maintenance. More expensive models are coated with polymer compounds, so that water droplets quickly flow off the surface, leaving no streaks or streaks. Impacts and careless use may cause cracks, dents, and other damage. The plastic door is not suitable for lovers of hot showers, as well as for models with a steam generator or a sauna, since the plastic can deform under the influence of high temperatures.

Shower doors can be solid and translucent, tinted, or patterned. The pattern can be applied in several ways: by sandblasting, by means of photo printing, or by applying a pattern with special waterproof dyes.