So you know what a new shower, but you are not sure which direction to go. If you have made it here, you are well on your way to building your dream shower.
Semi-Frameless
Modern master bath with large glass shower
Let’s look at some of the differences.
- More Frame/Metal
- As you can see from the image, Semi-Frameless does have a frame along the edges. The advantage of this is that your shower enclosure is pretty watertight. The disadvantage – more frame.
- 1/4″ Glass
- Since there is a frame along the bottom, we are able to use 1/4″ glass.
- The 1/4″ Glass? Cost. This is the main reason Semi-Frameless shower doors are more affordable than a Full Frameless Shower Enclosure. Full Frameless Shower Enclosures will use 3/8″ or 1/2″ Glass.
- Why can’t we use 1/4″ Glass on Full Frameless?
- Great Question. 1/4″ Glass cannot support itself for a shower. The height and width of the glass will break.
- Why can’t we use 1/4″ Glass on Full Frameless?
- Watertight
- Full Frameless Shower Enclosures are very tough to make completely watertight. We are opting to remove all the frame, which does create gaps between where the door meets the stationary panel and the door meets the wall. We do use plastics/vinyl to minimize water leaking out, but there will be some water that will find it’s way out.
- Semi-Frameless Enclosures have a metal strike that meets the door and the stationary panel and along the hinge side, which makes a Semi-Frameless Enclosure as watertight as we can get.
- Budget
- Semi-Frameless will most of the time be a more affordable option. Using 1/4″ glass and faster installation drives the investment down.
More Questions? Call 636-922-3569.
