Answers to 3 Common Questions about Shower Screens in the Modern Bathroom

Getting a shower enclosure is the modern alternative to separating your toilet and bathroom. Therefore, you make better use of space while preventing water from the shower area from getting all over your bathroom floor. There are many elegant solutions where shower screens are concerned, and your final decision should be driven by what is safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing (in that order). This article provides detailed answers to homeowners' common questions about shower screens.

1. Won't the glass break and harm the occupant if there's an accident?

Shower screens aren't usually made from regular (annealed) glass, but rather from tempered or laminated glass. Tempered glass is treated such that if it breaks, it creates harmless chunks with no sharp edges. Laminated glass is an even safer option because it's made out of two glass sheets bonded to a clear vinyl film in between. Even upon breaking, fragments remain in place because they are attached to the film. You can also reduce chances of breakage by installing sliding doors instead of wing doors (safer) and using thicker glass, particularly if your enclosure is semi-framed or completely frameless.

2. Is clear glass my only option?

Some homeowners shy away from clear glass because it becomes unsightly when soap and hard water spots form, and also because they may want a little more privacy for the enclosure. You can talk to your contractor about acid-etched frosted glass (like the one used on bathroom louvres), coloured glass, cast glass or patterned glass. These options are also great if you're going for particular aesthetics.

3. How can I get and keep it clean?

As stated, clear glass becomes unsightly if soap and watermarks are allowed to build up on it. There are several ways to prevent this, depending on your needs and budget:

• Keep it clean – simply wipe down daily with detergent and water, then follow up with a dry microfiber cloth. If you notice hard water or scum spots, you can use baking soda and white vinegar to remove the spotting. Leave the vinegar on for longer if you have stubborn stains. You can also use a lemon dipped in salt to clean the metallic frames.

• Treated glass – also called self-clean glass, treated glass has passed through ion-beam treatments to create a permanently sealed surface, with no pores for dirt or scum can adhere to. It is, however, very expensive

• Sealant – high-quality sealant can be applied to your glass before installation. It binds the glass, creating a surface that repels both water and oil

Regardless of the method you choose, it's easiest to wipe down the enclosure after every shower using a microfiber cloth. Also, avoid bar soaps, which have talc in them – an ingredient that is notorious for creating soap marks on glass.