Not a bad alternative to the usual ones curtains in the bathroom is a sliding glass curtain. It allows you to make a small room more functional by combining a bathtub and a shower cabin. How to choose it correctly and install it will be discussed below.
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Glass curtain designs
All glass shower curtains can be divided into the following types:
Sliding - are more suitable for small rooms, while they themselves are compact. They can move in one direction or both.
Swing – the design includes 2-3 sections. They are very stable, but require a lot of free space, since they open most often outward.
Folding – consist of several sections, therefore they are very fragile and require careful handling.
Screen – such curtains will be an ideal option for those who like a closed space, since they enclose not just part of the bathtub, but the entire one.
If we talk about what shape glass can be, then most often round (suitable for corner baths) or rounded. The choice is made depending on the interior of the room, that is, if there is a square sink in it, then the curtain should be chosen similarly.
What kind of glass is used?
If glass is chosen as the material for sliding blinds, it can be:
- completely transparent;
- with the application of a matte pattern;
- tinted;
- with inserts of various patterns.
When choosing frosted glass, you need to take care of additional lighting, since it partially darkens the space.
Pros and cons of glass sliding structures
Advantages of glass sliding curtains:
- varied assortment;
- the structure can be installed on any bathtub, regardless of where and how it is located;
- antibacterial layer;
- absence of rust and salt deposits with constant care;
- strength;
- compactness.
There are some disadvantages too.:
- the appearance of fat and salt deposits due to poor care of the curtains;
- complex installation – if you make incorrect calculations and measurements, the screen will move poorly along the guides and will eventually break;
- high price;
- make the room visually smaller.
Installation recommendations
If you decide install sliding glass curtains in the bathroom yourself, then you should pay attention to the following points.
- It is not allowed to fix the structure to walls made of gypsum boards and gypsum fiber boards; they must first be reinforced with a built-in element. Alternatively, you can use a metal corner or strip and install the profiles with anchor bolts.
- To avoid drilling into the tiles, it is better to install the frame before finishing.
- In order for the structure to last longer and be stronger, it should only be installed on a flat surface.
How to take care of it properly
Glass curtains will look like new and last a long time only if they are properly cared for. To do this, you need to:
- use soft sponges;
- wash structures with products intended for mirrors;
- if there are stains that won’t come off, soak them for 20 minutes, then wipe them with a soft cloth;
- It is prohibited to use abrasive products that can scratch the glass surface;
- clean the structure regularly;
- It would be a good idea to wipe the glass with a water-repellent compound so that water does not leave streaks and does not linger on the surface.
When choosing a sliding curtain for a bathroom, it is better to give preference to those designs that made of tempered glass, because they are more reliable, durable, strong and look impressive.
You shouldn't save money and buy curtains made from cheap materials, because after a couple of months the mechanism will fail and the appearance will become unsightly.
Installation of the structure
In order to independently install the structure, you need to prepare the following materials and tools:
As a rule, glass curtains come with instructions for its installation with a detailed description. Before starting work, it should be carefully studied and checked whether all the necessary parts are available.
Installation process
Step 2. The profile is marked and installed. It is necessary to mark the points for drilling holes with a tape measure. The vertical posts are applied to the walls and marks are also made. It is better to use a level in the work so that the marking is more accurate. After this, the holes are drilled.
However, if the walls are covered with ceramic tiles, it is necessary to take into account some nuances.:
- to avoid splitting, you need to step back from the edge of the tile at least 15 mm;
- do not use the same drill for both tiles and concrete;
- do not drill at high speeds;
- To prevent the tool from sliding on the tile at the drilling site, you can stick a piece of masking tape;
- use a carbide or diamond drill;
- It is better to drill at the joints.
Step 3. Blow out the dust from the resulting holes and insert the dowels. Then install the profiles, first the vertical ones, insert the upper one into them and fix it to the ceiling. Most often, the location of the upper guide is determined by indenting from the side of the bathtub by 120-140 cm. It is inserted into the side profiles and fixed. The lower one is fixed to the bathtub with sealant.
Since a roller mechanism is used to move the screen, it is necessary that it be made of high-quality material. In this case, the structure will be silent and durable.
In some cases, after installation, owners complain that the structure does not perform its functions. The reason for this may be the following:
- incorrect sealant application technology;
- disturbed geometry of the valves;
- installation on acrylic, metal or ceramic bowls without taking into account certain features.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Glass Shower Curtain
An equally important point is the width of the bathtub edge, since the guide profile must fit completely on it. Even if it is not provided for in the design, there is a guide connector that protrudes by 6-7 cm.
Of great importance is also thickness of the valves. For example, three-section curtains are most often made of 4-5 mm glass. This is quite sufficient for such a design, since each of them is in an individual frame. All the others are 4-6 mm thick, and sometimes 6-8 mm (frameless curtains).
Frequently asked questions
In this case, it is better to choose frosted glass. This will make the interior more refined.
Firstly, they are suitable for a bathtub of any size and design, secondly, they are more hygienic and, thirdly, they are of higher quality and retain their original appearance longer.
Since they are made of thick glass (4-8 mm thick), and it is also tempered, it is very difficult to break. Therefore, they can be safely installed without fear.
It is better not to install structures that reach the ceiling, since this will disrupt the free circulation of air in the room.
This option is the most optimal, since, unlike swing designs, where a child can get hurt on an open door, here the danger is reduced to zero.
