How to Install a Shower Door
Sealed shower doors are quite easy to install. This article details some simple steps that you must follow to install a shower door.
Required Materials
Silicone
Masking tape
Required Tools
Masonry drill with full bit set
Hack saw
Miter box
Measuring tape
Pencil/paper
Caulking gun
Philips head screwdriver
Step stool/ladder
Step One: Preparation
Begin by removing the old shower rod and curtain. If there are screws and anchors holding the rod, remove them and fill the screw holes with glue. Make sure the glue is completely dry, before proceeding. If the screws are drilled into the tile, the tile may need to be removed and replaced. If you are replacing another shower door, make sure that all of the sealant is completely removed so that the new sealant has a clean surface to bind to.
Step Two: Measuring
Measure the length of the tub at the center of the tub ledge. This is where the door track will ultimately go. Once you have done the measurements, you can buy your shower door package. These packages are complete and come in many styles. As you shop for your door package, remember that you will be cutting 3/8″ off one end of the shower track, so that the vertical pieces of the track system can be easily slid into place.
Step Three: Tub Channel Layout
Lay the tub channel first. The channel should sit flat along the middle of the tub edge with the higher side facing out. If the tub edge is rounded use a file to modify the channel edges to meet the tub contour. Locate it making sure that the 3/8″ you have cut from one end is equally divided between each end of the track and mark/tape the channel to the tub with masking tape.
Step Four: Wall Channel Layout
Make sure that the walls on either edge are plumb and clean. If they are way out of plumb you may need a professional to fix the issue. Slide the channel into place around the tub channel trying not to move the tub channel out of place. If the edges of the channel do not match the tub curve, file the channel so that it matches the tubs curve. Make sure the channel is plumb and mark where the drill holes will be through the channel with a pencil mark.
Step Five: Drilling Masonry Holes
When drilling a hole through tile you do not want to start in a tentative way. Place the drill bit where the hole needs to be, and gently, but firmly drill the hole. To add a little protection from the drill bit slipping or the tile cracking try using a center punch to mark the hole location. Another good way to lessen the chance of the tile cracking is to place over the hole location an “X” made out of marking tape.
Step Six: Installation
Now, you should be ready to put the shower door together. Start by laying a good amount of sealant along the tub edge. Place and press the channel into its position, taping it as you do so. Slide the verticals into place with the sealant on the channel. Screw them well, taking care not to move the tub channel too much. Cut 1/16″ of the top bar off from one end and slide it into place after the channel sealant has dried. Remove the top piece and slide the doors into their positions.
Remember: The manufacturer will often include some installation directions in the shower door kit as well.