How To Articles


How To Install A New Shower Door

By: Walter Sanderson

Common Mistakes:


  1. Selecting the wrong size
  2. Selecting the wrong style
  3. Installing doors inside out
  4. Failure to caulk properly
  5. Failure to use the correct caulk
  6. Failure to know when to call a professional



Special Note:  There are sliding and hinged models available, choose the one that's right for your specific application.  Always read the product directions carefully; the different manufacturers have different procedures for installation.

Materials Required:

Shower Doors
Kitchen/Bath Caulk
Tools Required:

Tape Measure
Hacksaw
Level
Drill
Drill Bits
Caulk Gun
Philips Extension Bit
Miter Box

Preparation for Installation:


  1. Measure the inside area for the shower door (subtract 1/16" from measurement).
  2. Now measure and the mark the track using the adjusted measurement.
  3. Using a hacksaw and miter box, cut the track 1/16" shorter for an easy fit. (You may be required to round off the bottom ends of the track using a file for showers that have rounded corners).
  4. Center the track in place on the shower or bathtub sill and secure it with tape.
  5. Put the side rails into place, and use the level to check for plumb.
  6. Mark the holes for mounting the jambs.


Mounting the Door Frame:


  1. Remove the curb and jambs.
  2. Mark the holes with an awl to make a depression for your drill bit.
  3. Using a 3/16" bit drill the holes (if your shower has tile walls you will need a tile cutting bit to drill the holes successfully, without cracking the tiles).
  4. Gently tap plastic wall anchors into place.
  5. Apply caulk inside the track, and carefully set the track in place.
  6. The track has weep holes for draining.  Keep them on the inside of the shower. 
  7. Set one side rail into place, and secure it to the wall with screws.
  8. Slide the header onto the other side rail, and slide the other end of the header onto the rail on the wall.



Installing the Door


1.  Install rollers onto the door by screwing them into place. The shower doors hang from these rollers allowing them to slide along the track.

Special Note:  This prevents water from getting through and onto the floor.

2.  Install the inside door closest to the showerhead.
3. Set the bottom of the door into the shower area. Push the top part into the track, and let it hang from the rollers. Hang the second door, and push both doors to one side. Set the center guide in place, and drill a pilot hole through the side of the tub. Secure the guide with a screw.
4. Place rubber bumpers over the screws in the side rails.
5.  Attach the handrail to the door.
6.  Caulk the corners where the sides meet the wall and where the track meets the sill.





Author Bio:

This article was written by Walter Sanderson, founder of this website, STL Home Rehabbers.  He has more than 15 years experience in rehabbing and remodeling homes.  For more information about him, you can check out http://waltersanderson.stlhomerehabbers.com/.


Article Source:  http://www.stlhomerehabbers.com/





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