Shower Glass Enclosures FAQs
Shower glass enclosures add a touch of elegance to any bathroom. Our Shower Glass Enclosures FAQs for Minneapolis homeowners answer your top questions about these modern upgrades. We explain the differences between glass options, installation timelines, and care tips in clear answers. Read on to see how a glass enclosure can transform your shower experience and what to consider when adding one in the Twin Cities.
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What’s the difference between framed and frameless shower doors?
Framed shower doors have metal or rubber framing around the edges of the glass panels. This frame provides strength to the thinner glass (usually 1/8″ to 3/16″ thick) but also gives a bulkier look. You’ll often see frames in chrome or brass, which can date the style. Frameless shower doors use thicker tempered glass (3/8″ to 1/2″) that doesn’t require a full frame for support. They have minimal hardware—just hinges and small clips or channels—so they create a clean, open look. Frameless doors tend to be easier to clean (no track for grime to collect) and show off your tile work beautifully, which is why they’re popular in updated Minneapolis bathrooms. Frameless can cost more due to the thicker glass and precision installation, but many feel it’s worth it for the modern aesthetic and easier maintenance. Both types can be custom-fit; the choice often comes down to budget and style preference.
How is a custom shower glass enclosure installed?
Installation starts with precise measurements. After your tile shower is completely finished, our glass specialist comes to measure the opening down to the millimeter. The glass panels are then custom-fabricated (cut and tempered) to fit your space exactly. This process can take a week or two. Once ready, we schedule the install. We’ll bring the panels to your home (carefully – these are heavy!). For frameless enclosures, we attach hinges to your wall (ensuring we hit studs or use anchors) and possibly a track or clips for any stationary panels. We then lift and position the glass, securing it with the hardware. We add clear silicone sealant along edges to prevent leaks while keeping it unobtrusive. Frameless doors often have a sweep gasket at the bottom to keep water in but still let the door swing. The actual installation on-site usually takes just a few hours – typically 1 to 3 hours depending on complexity. Once installed, we adjust everything to ensure doors swing smoothly and seal correctly. We then recommend you wait about 24 hours before using the shower to let all sealants fully cure. And voilà – your bathroom instantly feels bigger and brighter with its new glass enclosure!
How do I keep the glass clean and free of water spots?
One of the best habits for clear glass is to squeegee after each shower. It only takes 15 seconds and removes the water droplets that would dry into spots or mineral deposits. In Minneapolis, our water can have minerals (hard water), so this step really helps. You can also apply a glass protectant like Rain-X (yep, the same stuff for car windshields) every few weeks; it causes water to bead up and roll off more easily. Some glass comes with factory coatings or you can opt for products like EnduroShield® which permanently bonds to the glass to repel water. If you have that, just follow the maintenance guidelines (usually still involves squeegeeing, but cleaning is even easier). For regular cleaning, a non-ammonia glass cleaner is safe, or a vinegar-diluted solution to cut soap scum. Avoid abrasive scrubbing pads as they can scratch or dull the glass or its coatings. Also, keep your bathroom ventilated – good airflow will help water evaporate faster and reduce spotting. If you ever do get buildup, saturate a towel with vinegar and let it sit on the spots for a few minutes to loosen the scale, then wipe clean.
Are there different styles of shower glass I can choose from?
Yes, beyond just framed or frameless, there are many customization options. You can choose clear glass for an open, modern feel that shows off your tile (most popular right now). If you want more privacy or style, frosted or obscure glass might be for you – it lets light through but blurs detail. Patterned glass is another option; it has textures or designs (like rain pattern, fluted, etc.) that give a decorative touch and some privacy. There’s also tinted glass (gray, bronze, blue tints) which can complement certain color schemes. For hardware, you can select finishes that match your bathroom fixtures: chrome, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, etc. The shape of the enclosure can vary too: neo-angle for corner showers, sliding bypass doors for tub/shower combos, or even a partial glass panel (walk-in style) if no door is desired. In Minnesota, we often do steamy shower enclosures that go all the way up to the ceiling (for those who love steam showers) – in that case we include a transom or vent. When you work with us, we’ll show you samples and pictures of various styles to help decide what fits your taste and bathroom design.
How long does it take to get a custom glass enclosure installed after measuring?
From measure to install, it typically takes 1 to 3 weeks. The measuring itself we do right after your tile work is done. Once we take those measurements, we send the specs to our local glass fabricator (we often partner with a Minneapolis-area glass shop like Hopkins Glass, known for quality). Fabrication of tempered glass can take about a week for standard setups, maybe up to 2-3 weeks if it’s more complex or if there’s a high volume of orders (like pre-holiday rush). If you chose special glass (tinted, thick low-iron ultra-clear, etc.), it might lean towards the longer end. Once the glass is ready, installation is scheduled, and as mentioned, the actual install is usually done in a day or less. So, if you plan your remodel timeline, figure you’ll have a gap between finishing the tile and having the glass in place. Many clients use a temporary shower curtain in that interim if they need to use the shower – not pretty, but it works until the glass arrives. We do our best to coordinate everything for minimal downtime. Always feel free to ask us for a time estimate when selecting options; we can give you the current lead times we’re seeing.
Can I install the shower glass myself?
While some handy folks might feel up to the challenge, we generally advise against DIY for custom glass installations. The glass panels, especially frameless, are heavy and expensive – one slip or bump can shatter a panel (they are tempered for safety, but still). Also, the precision needed for mounting hardware and ensuring everything is plumb (perfectly vertical) and level is quite high. Professional installers have specialized suction tools, levelers, and lots of experience manhandling these big glass pieces safely into place. Improper installation can lead to issues like leaks around the door, uneven gaps that cause the door to not close right, or even stress on the glass that could make it crack later. If it’s a standard off-the-shelf door kit for a basic shower, that’s one thing – many homeowners can do those with some help. But for a true custom enclosure, you want it done right. We include expert installation in our glass enclosure packages. Considering the cost of the glass itself, it’s wise to have pros do the install to protect that investment. We also provide a warranty on our installations, so you’re covered in case anything goes awry. Peace of mind is a big benefit here.
Will a glass enclosure make my bathroom feel colder (or hotter)?
This is an interesting question we get occasionally. A glass enclosure, especially a frameless one, can actually make your bathroom feel larger and more open, since your eye isn’t cutting the room into sections with a curtain. Temperature-wise, while you’re showering, some feel a glass shower can be a tad cooler than a fully enclosed plastic or tiled stall because glass doesn’t insulate as much as a solid wall – you might notice a bit of a draft if the bathroom itself is cold. However, many people don’t feel a significant difference, especially if the bathroom is kept at a comfortable temp. One trick for cold Minnesota winters: we can install a heated bathroom lamp or suggest radiant floor heating (if you’re remodeling the whole bathroom) to keep the space toasty. Conversely, in summer or if you take hot steamy showers, a glass enclosure can actually contain the steam and warmth better than a flapping curtain, so you might feel warmer while showering. If you choose a steam shower (fully enclosed to ceiling), the glass will be part of maintaining the heat, and you’d only vent it when you’re done. Overall, the aesthetic and functional benefits usually outweigh any minor temperature perception differences. And if you’re ever chilly, a fluffy towel and bath mat are easy remedies!
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