Shower Door Basics

Both doors slide freely back and forth.

Small metal strip across the bottom of the shower door that is usually attached directly to the threshold / sill of the shower or tub

The area in which your shower is located. It can also be made of acrylic, vinyl, tile, and other substrates

A panel of glass that does not move and remains stationary.

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

One door opens at a point connected with a hinged part attached to a side wall.

A coating that is applied in a thin layer to glass to help repel water; Spot Guard.

The measurements wall-to-wall at the top and bottom of an enclosure are not the same.

One door opens at a point, either connected at the bottom or top of a jamb.

The measurements wall-to-wall at the top and bottom of an enclosure are the same.

The distance from the center of a circle to its edge.

A type of shower door comprised of one stationary panel, installed closest to the shower head.

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.

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.

The area in which your shower is located. It can be made of acrylic, vinyl, tile, and other substrates.

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.

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.