Table of Contents:
Incorrect Measurements and Mis-Cut Tracks
Your Enclosure Exceeds Out of Plumb Range
Ready to Find Your Shower Door?
Proper installation of shower doors is critical for avoiding water leaks, and more importantly, preventing injury. Additionally, correct installation enhances the overall aesthetics and functionality of the shower space.
Correction installation the first time around will save you a lot of time, headaches, and money. Be sure to pay attention to these critical moments before purchase and during the installation process.
1) Incorrect Measurements and Mis-Cut Tracks
The last thing you want to do is get the wrong shower door because of incorrectly measuring your shower door space. Be sure to read the How to Measure Guide before purchasing your door.
Cutting the shower door tracks incorrectly is another typical error. As you will need to order a new one before proceeding, your installation will come to a screeching halt. We like to say measure twice, cut once!
2) Your Enclosure Exceeds Out of Plumb Range
Delta® shower doors are designed to be installed in a plumb enclosure for optimal functionality. A plumb enclosure means the width from the left to right side is the same measurement at the top and bottom of your space (where the track and glass panels will be installed).
If you happen to find your enclosure is out-of-plumb, do not fret, you may still be able to successfully install your Delta® shower door. To determine if you can install the door, subtract one measurement from the other. If the difference is less than 3/8 of an inch, installation can be completed.
To accommodate for out-of-plumb spaces, the roller assemblies will need to be adjusted accordingly (please refer to your installation guide for specific adjustments).
This typically involves adjusting one roller on the panel differently from the other so that the panel is parallel with the side wall it will be resting on.
Without adjusting the rollers properly or installing glass panels into a space greater than 3/8 of an inch out-of-plumb, gaps will be present between the panels and wall. This allows water to escape from the shower.
If you are having trouble finding a shower door to accommodate more than a 3/8 inch out-of-plumb condition, consider talking to a contractor for advice on what is best for your space.
3) Mishandling Glass Panels
Tempered glass is strong, but susceptible to shattering if not properly handled during installation. For key tips to avoiding a glass incident, review our comprehensive guide to Glass Safety & Installation.
4) Placement of Panels
Delta® shower doors are designed to be installed with the inside panel closest to the shower head. When the shower is in use, this layout prevents water from escaping between the panels. Installing the doors against this recommendation decreases water retention and leaks will occur.
5) Ignoring Stud Requirements
Having the proper stud location is important for the integrity of the shower doors and safety of those using them. Installing a Delta® shower door without mounting studs poses risks that could affect the structural integrity of the enclosure and shower door tracks.
The weight of the glass panels hanging on an unsecured track will strain the enclosure and tracks. This could eventually cause the shower door unit to fail or, potentially, the enclosure to collapse.
Ready to Find Your Shower Door?
Now that you’re familiar with the shower door installation, you can shop Delta® shower doors and find the perfect style, glass, and features to make your bathroom feel fresh for years to come.
Have more questions about our shower doors? See our FAQ section.
