A shower screen is a glass panel that acts as a protective barrier between your shower bath and the rest of your bathroom. It fits snugly between the wall and the edge of your bathtub, preventing water from splashing out onto your bathroom floor.
It's definitely more effective than shower curtains in preventing water from splashing out of your bathtub and ending up on the bathroom floor. Although a shower screen is a slightly more expensive option, it will last much longer than shower curtains and look infinitely classier.
Most shower screens offer some type of manoeuvrability whether that's the ability to swing on the hinge or completely fold it away. Screens that swing inwards or outwards make cleaning and accessibility much easier. However, you need sufficient space for the screen to swing, which isn't always available.
So, let's have a look at how to install a bath screen
Fitting the Shower screen:
Shower screen installation is relatively straightforward, providing you are competent at DIY, especially drilling into tile. Remember that shower screens fittings aren’t designed to be completely watertight so there’s always a chance that some water will escape. Be sure to apply silicone sealant where indicated to reduce the chances of water spillage.
- Make sure that the bath is level and that the walls are vertical and square.
- Position the wall channel on the wall, using a spirit level to make sure that it is upright. Always fit the wall channel to the highest point on the bath side.
- Mark the position of the fixing holes, then remove the wall channel.
- Drill with a 6mm masonry bit and plug using the wall plugs. For other types of wall structure alternative fixings may be required.
- Position the wall channel on the wall and partially install the fixing screws.
- Apply silicone sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions along the length of the wall.
- Fully tighten the fixing screws, making sure that the wall channel is upright.
- Carefully lift the bath screen into position. Adjust the bath screen until the seal correctly touches the bath, creating a seal to prevent water leaking through.
- Drill two 3mm holes in the bath screen frame and through into the wall channel at the bottom and middle positions only, with a 3mm HSS drill. Install the plastic washer and the screw and tighten the screws.
- If there is a gap between the edge of the moving panel and the foam seal, push the top corner of the glass until the gap closes.
- Drill the remaining 3 mm hole with a 3 mm HSS drill. Install the plastic washer and the screw. Tighten the screw and fit the concealing caps to all three screws.
- Make sure that the seal is still correctly positioned on the bath. Remove the rod from inside the seal.
- Apply sealant in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions along the inner surfaces of the bath screen.
- Fit the plastic covers to the top of the extrusions.
- Allow the silicone sealant to cure for 24 hours before use.
