Frameless Glass Shower Screens

Why You’ll (Probably) Want a Frameless Glass Shower Screen

Are you renovating your bathroom or building a new home? Starting to look at your options for fixtures and features? If you’re big on style and love the clean, modern look, you’ll definitely want to read more about frameless glass shower screens.

I’ll run you through what to expect, the pros and cons, and then how to look after your shower screens so they stay looking brand new and fresh for years to come.

What’s a frameless glass shower screen?

A frameless shower screen is a panel of glass installed next to your shower to reduce the amount of water that ends up on the floor. Unlike other types of shower screens, the edges are unframed, and consist of smooth, rounded glass.

With these types of screens, you can choose either a fixed panel shower screen, or you can choose from a range of door styles and sizes, with different pivot types and angles to suit your space.

Usually, the glass itself is 10ml thick to ensure it’s strong enough to withstand regular usage and avoid shattering, but not too heavy. And fixings are kept minimal, usually with sleek metal fixtures to hold the glass in place, depending on the type of shower screen you choose.

If you go with a fixed panel shower screen, most shower screen installers will use silicone to connect it to your bathroom wall. But we prefer a different method. Instead of silicon, we usually use a 10ml wall channel to hold the glass in place. The reason we use this method is because we’re not really fans of using anywhere from 5-7l of silicon to edge your shower screens… it’s not the most attractive finish.

Instead, we find the wall channel gives you a sleeker, more high-end finish, and neatly bridges the 5-6mm gap between your fixed panel shower screen and the wall.

4 benefits of frameless shower screens…

There’s a lot to love about frameless glass shower screens! Here are four reasons why so many of our clients prefer them:

1. They’re really customisable

Frameless shower screens can be made to fit just about any space, small or large, bath or shower. And you can choose from a range of different door types… or no door at all, with a simple fixed glass panel.

2. They’re simple and understated

It’s tricky to predict what bathroom trends will come and go over the next 5-10 years, but simple and classic are always a safe option to future-proof your bathroom design. Frameless glass shower screens are a great minimalist look that allows other features in your bathroom to shine. Literally shine, if you’ve invested in some swanky shower heads and fittings. Or if you’ve got some amazing feature tiles you want to show off, you can let them take centre stage.

3. They’re super spacious

Clear, uninterrupted glass can make your bathroom feel more spacious and airy, with nothing to block the light or draw the eye. And nothing feels more luxurious and high-end than a big, spacious bathroom.

4. They’re easy to clean

When there’s no frame to collect soap scum or breed mould, you’ll probably get away with cleaning your shower screen less frequently. And since there are literally only two surfaces to clean, it’s an absolute breeze… a quick wipe and you’re done!

Are there any problems with frameless shower screens?

We’re HUGE fans of frameless shower screens (obviously), but they do have one potential downside. They usually cost around 50% more than their framed and semi-framed counterparts. The fact is, they’re a premium product with a premium price tag. They’re definitely not for everyone.

Frameless glass shower screens are undoubtedly the most visually stunning option for your bathroom. But if you’re on a budget, semi-frameless shower screens can make a great alternative. They cost less, while still offering a minimalist look.

How to look after your frameless glass shower screen

Keep your frameless glass shower screen looking like new (so clean it’s like there’s nothing there at all!) with these tips:

• Do a quick wipe over once a week with a sponge or squeegee (do it after you take a shower, while the glass still has condensation on it)
• You don’t need to buy special shower cleaning spray – just use a mixture of warm vinegar and dishwashing detergent
• Spray on your cleaning solution, then use a sponge to gently scrub away soap scum
• Don’t leave it too long between cleaning, as marks can dull the glass and get harder to clean off over time
• If you get some stubborn marks, don’t reach straight for harsh chemicals (especially if you’ve got kids around), instead, try using a magic eraser to wipe away the spots

If you’d like more tips, read our article on how to clean soap scum from your shower screen.

Over to you…

Do you have a frameless glass shower screen in your bathroom? If so, let me know your experience… what do you like about it? Let’s continue the discussion below.

And if you’re on the fence about the type of shower screen to choose for your new home or renovation, feel free to pop a comment below with your question or give me a call (08 6555 8370) and I’ll see if I can help.

Cheers,

Allan

Digitally printed glass splashbacks – top 2018 trend for kitchen renovators

What are digitally printed glass splashbacks?

Digitally printed glass splashbacks are splashbacks with a custom digital image printed on them. This could be any photo, a piece of art, a pattern, or something else. If you can print it, it can become your new kitchen or bathroom splashback.

Printed splashbacks are one of the most exciting trends for kitchen renovators and homeowners right now. It’s an opportunity to personalise the look of your space and create something that’s totally unique to your style, your experiences, and your passions.

We’re only just starting to see this trend appear in kitchens around Australia – it seems to be more prevalent overseas (particularly in UK). But we expect to see a lot more of it in the future, especially as Australian splashback providers start offering it as a core service.

Why they’re a growing trend in 2018

Like other types of glass splashbacks,glass splashbacks digitally printed ones are low maintenance and easy to keep clean. But they take things to another level because:

• The glass makes the image look extremely vibrant and lifelike
• You can really make a statement about who you are (or what sort of home you’ve created)
• You can choose an image that’s the perfect fit for your space and colour palette (you’re not limited to single block colours)
• You can use your own image that’s meaningful and personal to you

You can bring the outside in with local nature-inspired photos and designs

The process

Step 1: Choose your picture

If you want to order a digitally printed glass splashback, you need to start by selecting your photo or image. This image must be high resolution because it’ll be printed on a large scale and will likely need some resizing to fit the space.

Think about what kind of image will work in your space long-term. Unlike a picture frame, you can’t just swap your glass splashbacks in and out as you please! Good places to find pictures could be on high quality stock image websites, or you might use a favourite photo you’ve taken yourself. Or you might engage a local photographer or artist to take an amazing shot or create a special artwork just for you.

Step 2: Choose a local glass splashback specialist

Not everyone in your local area will offer this service, so you might need to ask around. Other names to mention when you’re looking for digitally printed glass splashbacks include:

• Photo splashbacks
• Printed glass splashbacks
• Custom printed glass splashbacks
• Graphic glass splashbacks

Looking for a Perth contractorPerth contractor to do your digitally printed glass splashbacks? That’s us! Take a look at our info on glass splashbacks or call us for a chat on (08) 6555 8370.

Step 3: Measurement

After you book in, you’ll need your space measured up. We always do a free measure and quote in our clients’ homes, where we create a template so we know the exact dimensions you need for your glass splashbacks. That way, each piece we order in and cut to size is the perfect fit.

Step 4: Production

You give us a digital copy of your chosen photo or artwork for your digitally printed glass splashbacks. Then we source and high quality 6mm toughened glass from our trusted suppliers. Finally, we arrange printing to the appropriate scale onto your glass splashback.

Step 5: Installation

At the installation, we make sure everything fits perfectly (and it usually does, thanks to

our template). Then we clean up our mess and leave you to admire your brand new printed glass splashbacks.

Popular ideas for custom printed glass splashbacks

You can get as creative as you like here (as long as you don’t mind your visitors judging your taste!), but here are a few popular ideas to help you start thinking about what your glass splashback might have printed on it…

• Cityscapes – perfect for a city apartment with a gorgeous view outside… bring the view inside too!
• Beaches – nothing says holiday home (or surfer den) like a beautiful big picture of your local beach running along the back of your kitchen benchtops
• Your local stadium – yes, this has been done by dedicated football fans… football teams, badges, and all
• Outback – we reckon Uluru with its burnt red tones would make an incredible splashback feature
• Macro photography – show your artsy side with a close up of a bee or a flower
• Food – after all, it is a kitchen… so why not feature a picture of your favourite food or beverage?
• Cool patterns – if you’re not into putting a photo on your kitchen wall, but you want something a little more interesting than a single colour glass splashback, this one’s for you

Abstract art – add a vibrant splash of colour to inspire you in your kitchen as you cook and create

Over to you…

Would you ever consider getting a digitally printed glass splashback for your kitchen or bathroom? If so, what image would you choose?

Leave me a comment below!

Cheers,

Allan

Exploding shower screens

In the news not too long ago, there was a spate of stories on shower doors shattering for “no apparent reason”, with the worst case seeing a young boy taken to hospital from hundreds of cuts all over his body. 

Usually when we think of dangers in bathrooms, we consider things like slipping on water or poisoning from chemicals in bottles, we don’t usually consider our shower screen and door. However, glass shower doors and enclosures aren’t perfect; in fact, they may be dangerous and shatter, seemingly without warning. Sometimes they do so when no one is even in the room (which is known as a spontaneous blow).

Fortunately, Australian federal codes require that glass shower doors be made of tempered safety glass. This means that when shattering happens, the glass breaks into many small pieces rather than large jagged pieces. While these smaller pieces are definitely less dangerous than non-tempered glass, lacerations can still occur. In addition, injury may be caused by falling shower hardware. In fact, there are a number of Australian Standards that govern these areas and a comprehensive list can be found on the Australian Glass & Glazing Association website. http://www.agga.org.au/consumers/glass-standards

It’s some comfort knowing that if a shower door does shatter, you probably will not be seriously injured but the question remains, what causes shower doors to all but explode without warning? According to an NBC News article, “It turns out that their greatest strength – safety — is also their greatest weakness. When glass is heated in the tempering process, its tensile strength is altered. While it becomes much stronger and resistant to direct impact, it becomes much more susceptible to a side impact. As a result, tempered glass dropped on its edge will readily shatter.”

This shatter-inducing side impact may be the result of a variety of things including the door being incorrectly installed, stoppers or fasteners being damaged, improper cleaning, or misuse by the owner. In addition, small imperfections in the glass can cause the shower door to shatter hours or days later without warning and without anyone even being around.

Does this mean you should skip on glass shower doors? Not at all. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

Use a Professional

Having your glass shower door or screen professionally installed will probably cost more than a DIY job. However, a professional installation will give you piece of mind (and potentially a warranty) that the work has been done to the highest possible standard.

Inspect at Home

While a shattering glass shower door can appear to happen for no reason at all, regular inspections can help you uncover any potential issues before disaster strikes. For example ensure:

•           Any moving panels are securely attached.

•           Any hardware is secure and tight.

•           Rubber stoppers or bumpers are in place and not worn down.

•           Glass is not chipped or cracked.

Use Properly

Always use your glass shower door for its intended purpose. For example, do not use the towel bar on the door as a safety bar for getting up and down. In addition, do not slam the door or use it roughly.

Source

It is easy to point the finger at imported glass, and there is certainly glass coming into Australia that does not comply with Australian Standards. This does not mean that all imported glass does not comply. In real terms there are many glass manufacturers who produce high quality materials that meet Australian Standards.  Pragmatically there will always be a handful of manufacturers who cut corners, however the onus is on the Australian Glass Importer to ensure compliance.  Whether the glass is manufactured locally or overseas it must meet the relevant Australian Standards, AS2208 and AS4666 in the first instance.

Correct Selection

The correct selection of glass takes into account the span, size, location and application of the glass, with careful considerations around wind loadings, safety and human impact risks. The incorrect glass selection is dangerous and can lead to serious injury.

In real terms, glass is a product that if not treated with respect can be dangerous. There are a number or important factors in the supply chain that must be maintained to ensure a safe home.  Although the appeal of the cheap price at the local hardware store may seem appealing at first, is it really worth the risk?

AMAC Showerscreens & Robes is committed to keeping you safe, only using glass that is manufactured to Australian Standards and ensuring that all shower screens are installed in the proper and safe manner.

What is better about small business

Here at AMAC Showerscreens & Robes, we pride ourselves on being a small, family run business. This means that the brains trust who runs the show is the same one who will meet with you for the initial consult and is the same one who will discuss your project in-depth and at length.

Small businesses have many advantages over their larger competitors. Much like trying to steer a cruise ship, larger companies are not as nimble and swift as small businesses. They are often hampered by their size, making changes tough and gradual. Small businesses can be much more innovative and try new things because we are not slowed by past experiences and accomplishments.

Other benefits of using a small business are:

The Business Structure

A small business is, by nature, very lean. There are fewer employees and fewer layers of management than when compared to larger corporations. Having fewer layers of management (let’s be honest, there is just one!) makes decision times much quicker, allowing for flexibility and adaptability that a larger company would not give you. It also means that the big boss here at AMAC knows each and every customer we deal with and each and every job that goes out our doors. We feel this allows for increased customer satisfaction.

Flexibility & Adaptability

Being small also means AMAC has the distinct advantage of changing our plan or tactics much faster than our larger competitors. We can bring our shower screens, mirrors and sliding wardrobe door products to the Perth market more quickly when there is only a few people involved in their creation. A larger company must involve many people and processes in product development, slowing the process and that gives AMAC a distinct advantage. We can also adapt our product, based on customer feedback, much more easily than a lot of our competition.

The Customer Matters

Being close to the customer is important for success in business, and a small business is frequently much closer to the customer than a large one. Here at AMAC we have no restrictions on the number of times we can meet with a customer and that means we can develop a better relationship with them. A large company has many layers and departments and often has procedures that prevents close contact with the customer, meaning you won’t feel like you matter. The fact is, a small business does less business, which means individually, each customer is much more important to a smaller business than they are to a large one.

You are a big fish in our small pond, not a small fish in their big pond.