Glass shower doors prevent drafts, make bathrooms appear larger, and improve lighting. This material can crack, posing a danger to your family and devaluing the shower. Below is some information on why these doors shatter, how to prevent breakage, and what to do if it happens.

What Causes Glass Breaks?

Glass shower doors created before 1977 may feature regular glass. This material is more likely to break, so the Consumer Products Safety Commission created a law that glass used in shower doors must be made out of tempered glass.

Today, glass doors use tempered glass, also known as safety glass. This material is heated or chemically treated to strengthen the particles, preventing them from breaking into large, sharp shards. If the door shatters, it falls apart into tiny pieces that are much less likely to cause injuries.

How Can You Prevent Future Breaks?

Bathrooms are damp, and everything from shower door track parts to screws and hinges can rust. If these parts fail, they may stop supporting the glass, which can fall and shatter. If you notice rusty hardware, contact a shower door specialist to replace the questionable part and ensure the system will support the glass. 

Use a squeegee immediately after showering to clean the glass. Doing this task before the water dries prevents soap marks, and increases the likelihood you will notice that the glass is damaged and needs attention.

What Should You Do If the Shower Door Shatters?

If you are showering and the glass breaks, turn off the water and lie your towel down over the glass for protection. Gingerly cross the room and get another towel to dry off, ensuring the bathroom door is shut to prevent kids and pets from entering. 

Get dressed and put on thick-soled shoes before mopping up the water and glass. Contact a shower door professional to create custom glass to replace the damaged area. They can assess the current hardware and recommend reusing or replacing it to keep your family safe.

Homeowners interested in shower door replacements should contact BGS Glass Service in Waukesha, WI. The company has been open since the 1970, offering mirrors, windows, glass, and plexiglass for residential and commercial use. Call the Arcadian Ave location at (262) 513-2806 or check the website for information on their custom glass services.