Shower Door Basics
Choosing the right shower door doesn't have to be complicated. To shop confidently, know these key terms.
GLOSSARY
-
Bypass
Both doors slide freely back and forth.
-
Dam Strip
Small metal strip across the bottom of the shower door that is usually attached directly to the threshold / sill of the shower or tub
-
Enclosure
The area in which your shower is located. It can also be made of acrylic, vinyl, tile, and other substrates
-
Fixed Panel
A panel of glass that does not move and remains stationary.
-
Frameless
There is not a metal frame attached to the glass panels, and what metal is visible, is minimal, for example our Contemporary or Mod track systems
-
Hinged
One door opens at a point connected with a hinged part attached to a side wall.
-
Hydrophobic coating
A coating that is applied in a thin layer to glass to help repel water; Spot Guard.
-
Out of Plumb – Not vertically straight
The measurements wall-to-wall at the top and bottom of an enclosure are not the same.
-
Pivoting
One door opens at a point, either connected at the bottom or top of a jamb.
-
Plumb – Vertically straight
The measurements wall-to-wall at the top and bottom of an enclosure are the same.
-
Screen
A type of shower door comprised of one stationary panel, installed closest to the shower head.
-
Semi-Frameless
There is not a metal frame attached to the glass panels, however there is a stronger frame that is still visible around the glass. A good example of this is our Traditional track systems.
-
Side Seals
Long plastic pieces that typically have a fin that not only aids with water retention but helps prevent the edges of the glass from contacting the sides of your enclosure.
-
Surround
The area in which your shower is located. It can be made of acrylic, vinyl, tile, and other substrates.
-
Tempered Glass
A strong, break-resistant type of safety glass. This glass has been heat-treated to withstand greater forces on its surface than annealed (un-tempered) glass. If broken, it will shatter into small granular pieces rather than jagged shards. Refer to the Glass Safety page for more information.
-
Threshold / Sill
The lip of the shower or bathtub base. The bottom of the shower door will be installed along this lip, so it is important to make sure it has enough clearance. Refer to our How to Measure Guide for more specifics.