When renovating or maintaining a bathroom, choosing the right shower door seal is crucial. The right seal will not only prevent moisture from escaping, it will also protect your bathroom from the threat of mould, mildew and water damage. However, with so many different types of seal on the market, it can be confusing to choose the best one for you. In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of choosing the right seal for your shower door!
1. Measuring Your Shower Door
Accurately measure the height, width and thickness of the door
Door height
Use a measuring tool, such as a tape measure, to measure the height of the shower door. Make sure you measure once on the left, once on the middle and once on the right side of the door, as some doors may have small differences in height in different parts of the door. Record each measurement.
Width of the door
Again, use a measuring tool to measure the width of your shower door. You will usually need to measure the top, middle and bottom of the door as the door may not be perfectly vertical and the width may vary slightly.
Door thickness
Measure the thickness of your shower door to ensure the seal will fit properly. Door thickness is usually measured in millimetres or inches. This is an easy detail to overlook, but it is important to ensure that the seal you choose is appropriate for the thickness of the door.
Type of shower door or enclosure
Different types of shower doors or enclosures may require different types of seals. Here are some common types of shower doors or enclosures:
Swing doors: Swing doors usually have a central rotating shaft and require special floor seals to prevent water dripping out.
Sliding doors: Sliding doors require side seals to prevent water from leaking out the side of the door.
Opening doors: Some shower doors open outwards, this type of door needs to take into account the direction the door opens and the position of the seals to ensure water does not leak out.
Type of shower wall: If the shower is made of glass, tiles or other materials, make sure the seals are compatible with these wall materials to provide an effective seal.
2. Determine the Type of Seal Required for Your Shower Door
Bottom seal
Features: Bottom seals are seals located on the bottom of shower doors. They usually have rubber or silicone strips that create an effective seal that prevents water from leaking out of the bottom of the shower door. These seals also prevent water from dripping onto the bathroom floor, preventing damage to the floor.
Applicability: Bottom seals are suitable for a wide range of shower door types, including swing, sliding and opening doors. They are ideal for preventing water from leaking through the bottom of shower doors.
Side Seals
Features: Side seals are seals used on the sides of shower doors. They are usually made of a soft material, such as rubber or silicone, which creates an effective seal and prevents water from leaking out the side of the door.
Suitability: Side seals are suitable for sliding and opening doors, particularly when the door is closed, where they are effective in preventing water dripping out.
Undercut Seals
Features: Undercut seals are typically fitted to the bottom of the shower door, touching the shower base or floor when the door is closed. They have a flexible wiper strip that prevents moisture from entering the gap at the bottom of the shower door.
Suitability: Undercut seals are suitable for pivot and swing doors and are usually fitted to the bottom edge of the door. They provide additional watertight protection against water droplets.
3. Consider shower door seal materials
PVC seals
Features: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) seals are often an affordable option, are easy to find and offer excellent water resistance. They are durable and easy to clean.
Suitability: PVC seals are suitable for most types of shower door and are a good choice for those looking for an economical solution.
Rubber seals
Features: Rubber seals are commonly used for floor and side seals as they have good elasticity and sealing properties. They are effective in preventing moisture ingress.
Suitability: Rubber seals are used in areas where a strong seal is required, such as floor and side seals. They are suitable for a wide range of shower door types.
Silicone seals
Features: Silicone seals are generally very durable and have excellent water resistance. They are also very flexible and adapt to different shower door shapes.
Application: Silicone seals are suitable for shower doors that require a high degree of flexibility and water resistance. They are commonly used for under-scratch seals and side seals.
4. Consider seal quality and durability
Choose high quality seals
Give preference to seals from reputable manufacturers, as they usually undergo rigorous quality control and testing to ensure the performance of their products. These seals may be slightly more expensive, but usually have better durability and reliability.
Seal durability
Seals must be able to withstand the effects of moisture, temperature changes and cleaning agents. Make sure the seal you choose is durable enough to last a long time without wearing out or fading.
UV resistance properties
If your shower is exposed to sunlight, it’s important to choose a seal with ultraviolet (UV) resistance, which will prevent the seal from becoming brittle or fading due to prolonged exposure to sunlight.
Anti-mould and anti-bacterial properties
Shower environments are often wet and prone to the growth of mould and bacteria. Choosing a seal with anti-mould and anti-bacterial properties will reduce the growth of mould and bacteria and keep your bathroom cleaner.
5. Choose the style and decoration of the seal
Seal styles
Seal styles are usually categorised into different shapes and designs to suit different decorative styles. For example, you can choose a flat seal, a seal with a decorative pattern or a seal with a mirror effect. Make sure the style you choose matches your bathroom décor.
Seal colour options
Seals are usually offered in a variety of colour options to match the colour scheme of your bathroom. You can choose a seal that matches the colour of your shower door, tiles or walls for a consistent look.
Clear seal strips
Clear seals are a popular choice because they don’t detract from the overall look of the bathroom. Clear seals are suitable for a variety of décor styles as they will not clash with other colours or patterns.
Decorative effects
Some seals have additional decorative effects, such as glossy or reflective coatings, which can add to the modern look of a bathroom. These decorative effects can provide a unique look but can be slightly more expensive.
Customise length and shape
If standard gaskets don’t meet your needs, some manufacturers offer bespoke options, including gaskets of specific lengths and shapes. This ensures that the seal fits your shower door and bathroom perfectly.
6. Installing
Pre-Installation Preparation
Before installing the seal, ensure that the surfaces of the shower door and shower enclosure are clean, dry and free of grease or dirt. Cleaning the surfaces will ensure that the seals adhere firmly.
Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions
Each seal may have specific installation methods and procedures, so it is important to read the manufacturer’s installation guides. These guides usually contain detailed instructions, illustrations and recommendations.
Use the correct tools and materials
Make sure you use the correct tools and materials to install the seal. Typically, you will need scissors, razor blades, a glue gun, cleaner and sealant.
Test seal performance
After installing the seal, carry out a water test to ensure the seal is working properly. Close the shower door, turn on the tap and allow water to flow around the shower door, observing for any leakage of water droplets. If there is any leakage, the seal may need to be reinstalled or adjusted.
Avoid improper cutting
If the seal must be cut to fit the size of the door, make sure it is cut flat without leaving any cracks or gaps. Improper cutting may result in water leakage.
Attention to corners and seams
Pay particular attention to the corners and seams of the sealing strips to ensure that they are tightly sealed without gaps. These areas are prone to water leakage.
7. Maintenance and service
Cleaning the seals
Regular cleaning of the seal is essential to maintain its performance. Use a mild detergent and a sponge or soft brush to gently scrub the seal to remove deposits, bacteria and mould. Make sure the seal is thoroughly rinsed with clean water and dried.
Avoid using harsh detergents
Avoid using strong acid or alkaline cleaners as they can damage the seal material, making it inelastic and brittle.
Check seal performance regularly
Check the performance of the seal regularly, especially in areas where the seal is susceptible to damage or wear, such as corners and joints. If damage or cracks are found, the seals should be replaced immediately to ensure watertightness.
Preventing the growth of mould and bacteria
The growth of mould and bacteria can be prevented by using an anti-mould and anti-bacterial cleaner or seal cleaner. This is important to keep your bathroom clean and hygienic.
Replace seals regularly
Gaskets don’t last forever, so regular replacement is necessary. The life of seals varies depending on the material and use, but they should normally be inspected every one to two years and replaced if necessary.
Conclusion
Choosing the right shower door seal is essential to maintaining a dry and tidy bathroom. Remember that the choice of sealant not only adds to the functionality of your bathroom, but also enhances the overall appearance. Follow this guide to ensure your bathroom stays dry, free from water damage and you can enjoy a safe showering experience. If you need more advice or have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact George Bathroom. Good luck with your bathroom renovation!
