The Difference Between Frameless and Semi-Frameless Glass Shower Doors

Frameless and semi-frameless glass shower doors are a popular choice for bathrooms and bathroom renovations today. They’re sleek, open up the space and are much easier to keep clean than shower curtains. Aside from the name, there are some differences between frameless and semi-frameless shower doors in Santa Fe, NM that may help you choose between them.

Construction, cleaning and budget

You might have guessed that the major difference between semi-frameless and frameless glass shower doors is their construction. Semi-frameless glass doors typically have metal to reinforce the hinge side of the door, sitting within a metal frame around the door, and are open glass everywhere else. This is as opposed to having metal all the way around the edges, like entirely framed metal doors, or no metal at all. They’re lighter than frameless doors and easier to adjust, but the downside is that having additional metal means having more surfaces for mold to develop.

Frameless glass shower doors only use metal on the hinges, which makes the space look considerably larger by reducing the visual separation between the shower door and the stall. Some use u-shaped metal channels, headers or clips to create structure, but their presence is minimal. Since there is less metal and framing involved, frameless glass shower doors are easier to customize. They are constructed with thicker glass, which is sturdier, but may also increase their price. They also need to be very precisely cut, and even then, they’re difficult to make completely watertight. Gaps between the shower door can result in water spilling out into the rest of the bathroom.

Shower aesthetics and price

When it comes to aesthetics, many homeowners love the look of completely frameless glass shower doors because of their open, airy feel, as well as how easy it is to keep them clean. They’re especially great for showing off beautiful tilework inside the shower stall. Their minimal appearance is great for modern bathrooms. However, because they use thicker glass, they’re not only more expensive, but the glass may also have a slight tint to it. The installation is more complicated, so the cost of labor will increase as well.

Semi-frameless glass shower doors in Santa Fe, NM, on the other hand, are far more budget-friendly, because they use quarter-inch thick glass. On the other hand, if you’re in love with the look of frameless doors, they may seem old-fashioned in comparison. They’re also a bit harder to keep clean, and the metal may corrode over time.

Whichever type of glass shower door you choose, you’re sure to create a beautiful haven in your bathroom. You’ll be glad to say goodbye to that shower curtain for good!

If you’re thinking about installing a frameless or semi-frameless shower door in Santa Fe, NM, contact the team at Santa Fe Glass & Mirror for a consultation. We’ve been serving commercial and residential clients in the Santa Fe area for over 20 years, with a strong track record for customer satisfaction. We look forward to assisting you soon!

Categorised in: Glass Shower Doors

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