Choosing The Right Glass For Your Shower Screen

As a leading shower screen supplier and glass installer in Sydney, J & J Glass and Aluminium understand that selecting the right type of glass for your shower screen can be a challenging task. Shower screens not only serve the practical purpose of separating the shower area from the rest of the bathroom, but also contribute significantly to the overall look and feel of the bathroom. Therefore, it is important to choose a glass type that not only meets your functional requirements but also complements the style of your bathroom. In this blog post, we will discuss the three most common types of glass used in shower screens for residential projects – ordinary float glass, toughened glass, and laminated glass – and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Float Glass Shower Screen

Ordinary float glass is a type of glass that is commonly used in windows and mirrors. It is also used in shower screens, although to a lesser extent compared to toughened or laminated glass. Float glass is made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin, which creates a flat, uniform sheet of glass. It is then annealed (cooled slowly) to relieve any internal stresses in the glass.

Advantages Of A Float Glass Shower Screen:

• Float glass is relatively inexpensive compared to toughened or laminated glass.
• It is easy to cut and shape, which makes it a good option for custom shower screens.
• Float glass can be tinted, painted, or etched to add a decorative element to your Sydney shower screen.

Disadvantages Of A Float Glass Shower Screen:

• Float glass is not as strong as toughened or laminated glass and is more prone to breakage.
• In the event that the glass does break, it can shatter into large, sharp pieces, which can be dangerous.

Toughened Glass Shower Screen

Toughened glass, also known as tempered glass, is a type of safety glass that is specifically designed to be more resistant to breakage than ordinary float glass. It is made by heating ordinary float glass to a high temperature and then rapidly cooling it with jets of air. This process creates a surface compression on the glass, which gives it its increased strength.

Advantages Of A Toughened Glass Shower Screen:

• Toughened glass is much stronger than float glass and is less likely to break.
• In the event that the glass does break, it shatters into small, relatively harmless pieces instead of large, sharp pieces.
• Toughened glass is heat-resistant, which makes it a good option for shower screens that are installed near heat sources like radiators or underfloor heating.

Disadvantages Of A Toughened Glass Shower Screen:

• Toughened glass cannot be cut or shaped after it has been toughened, so it is important to get the dimensions and cutouts right before the glass is toughened.
• Toughened glass is more expensive than float glass, although it is still a relatively affordable option for your Sydney bathroom.

Laminated Glass Shower Screen

Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that is made by sandwiching a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between two or more sheets of ordinary float glass. The PVB layer acts as a bonding agent, holding the glass together in the event that it is broken.

Advantages Of A Laminated Glass Shower Screen:

• Laminated glass is very strong and is more resistant to breakage than both float and toughened glass.
• In the event that the glass does break, the PVB layer holds the glass together, preventing it from shattering into large, sharp pieces.
• Laminated glass provides additional noise reduction and insulation compared to other types of glass.

Disadvantages Of A Laminated Glass Shower Screen:

• Laminated glass is the most expensive type of glass used in Sydney shower screens.
• The PVB layer can make the glass slightly less transparent than other types of glass.

Choosing the Right Glass for Your Shower Screen

Now that you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type of glass, how do you choose the right glass for your shower screen? There are several factors to consider, including:

Safety

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing glass for your shower screen is safety. You want to choose a glass that is strong enough to withstand the normal wear and tear of daily use, but also safe enough that it won’t shatter into large, dangerous pieces if it does break. Both toughened and laminated glass are good options for safety, but laminated glass is the safest because it is designed to hold together even if it does break.

Style

The glass you choose for your shower screen will also contribute to the overall style of your bathroom. Float glass is a good option if you want a clear, unobstructed view of your Sydney bathroom, while toughened or laminated glass can add a decorative element with tinted, painted, or etched designs. If you have a specific style or colour scheme in mind, make sure to discuss this with your supplier to see what options are available.

Budget

Another factor to consider is your budget. Float glass is the most affordable option, followed by toughened glass, and then laminated glass. However, it’s important to remember that investing in a high-quality, durable shower screen can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for repairs or replacements.

Maintenance

Different types of glass require different levels of maintenance. Float glass is the easiest to clean and maintain, while laminated glass may require special cleaning products to prevent damage to the PVB layer. Be sure to discuss maintenance requirements with your supplier to make sure you choose a glass that fits your lifestyle and cleaning habits.

Functionality

Finally, you want to choose a glass that meets your functional requirements. If you have a small bathroom, for example, a clear float glass shower screen may make the space feel larger and more open. If you have children or pets, you may want to choose a glass that is more resistant to breakage. Discuss your specific needs and concerns with your supplier to find the best glass for your situation.

At J & J Glass and Aluminium, we offer a range of glass options for Sydney shower screens, including ordinary float glass, toughened glass, and laminated glass. We work closely with our customers to understand their specific needs and preferences, and we can provide advice and guidance on which glass type is the best fit for their project.

In addition to the type of glass, there are other considerations to keep in mind when selecting a shower screen, such as the hardware and frame materials. At J & J Glass and Aluminium, we offer a range of hardware options in different finishes and styles to complement the glass and frame of your shower screen.

Conclusion

Choosing the right glass for your shower screen is an important decision that can impact the safety, style, and functionality of your bathroom. While there are several factors to consider, such as safety, style, budget, maintenance, and functionality, discussing your specific needs and preferences with a supplier can help you make the best choice.

At J & J Glass and Aluminium, we understand the importance of selecting the right glass for your shower screen, and we offer a range of glass options to meet the needs of our customers. Whether you are looking for a clear, unobstructed view or a decorative element to enhance the style of your bathroom, we can provide guidance and advice to help you make an informed decision. Contact us today to learn more about our range of shower screens in Sydney and to schedule a consultation with one of our reliable glass and aluminium experts.