Shattered Shower Door
Convenience and Ease of Cleaning
Glass shower doors are convenient in many ways. They keep water in more effectively than shower curtains. They don’t omit the toxic smells that plastic curtains release. They don’t need to be replaced periodically like curtains and liners. They can easily be cleaned and don’t harbor mold like the curtains do.
Many people do not realize the convenience of having glass shower doors can be explosive.
What Kind of Glass are They Made of?
The doors are made of special tempered safety glass, required by federal, state, and local building codes and designed to break into small, relatively harmless shards.
Tempered glass is the safest of all types of glass. It’s designed to shatter into small pieces when it breaks which cuts down on the possibility of serious injury. This doesn’t mean tempered glass is completely safe, however, and it can still cut and injure quite seriously. You need to remain aware of the dangers of tempered glass and take adequate safety precautions.
Tempered glass is resistant to a direct impact, however if your shower door is hit on the edge it can become fractured and it will continue to get worse.
How do you Know if Your Glass Shower Door is Tempered?
Tempered glass, or safety glass, is formed by sealing two pieces of glass together with a clear resin. Look for the labeling stamped on the glass. Tempered glass is usually properly labeled to satisfy specific building codes.
What can Cause the Glass to Explode?
Most likely the glass had a flaw or the glass was under stress in the frame.
What Can Happen?
New Warnings About Exploding Glass Door
How can you Insure Your Safety?
Regular Inspection:
- Periodically check the shower door hardware to ensure fasteners remain secure. Tighten them if needed.
- Ensure moving panels are securely attached to the door system.
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Ensure moving glass panel is not directly contacting the wall or metal during operation. That means checking the panel alignment and making sure the bumpers and seals are in good condition.
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Inspect glass regularly for any chips or cracks, paying special attention to glass edges, notches, and around holes in the glass for hardware. If there is any evidence of a crack, replace the glass panel immediately.
Elderly and Small Children
Families with small children, elderly parents or pets might also consider the added risks of glass shower doors.
“Be Safe”
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Hi Cathy:
Informative as always. Sent this to my Dad on the Vineyard as he has a glass shower door in one of his bathrooms. Thanks for keeping us safe.
Dear Chris,
Thanks for sharing the blog with your father. I hope he finds the material helpful!
– Cathy
Hello Cathy.
This is not something that would have ever crossed my mind. My sister has glass shower doors. I’m seeing her later today, I’m going to tell her about this. Thanks a lot. Keep on sharing. We rely on your tips.
Dear Andy,
I hope you shared the information from this blog with your sister? Having a watchful eye will help. I believe you can’t be too careful.
– Cathy
We were getting a glass shower door and changed our minds at the last minute – this is good advice though, Cathy.
Dear Corinne,
When I bought my house some of the showers have glass doors and one has a curtain. I’m keeping a watchful eye out on the glass doors.
Glad you don’t have a glass door.
– Cathy
Makes me glad we don’t have glass shower doors, although they certainly would be easier to keep clean. Good tip as always, Cathy!
Dear Martha,
It is just one of those things that people don’t really think about. They feel just because the door is made of tempered glass that they have no worries? We can’t be too cautious!!
– Cathy
Wow! I didn’t know all of this. That’s some great information!
Dear Mary,
I’m glad that you are enjoying the blogs and finding them helpful.
I appreciate your support!!
– Cathy
That was so helpful Cathy. I really thank you for the ant repellents. I am going to try them in my kitchen now.
http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.in/2012/04/blooming-bud.html
Thanks for being one of my fans and are enjoying my blogs!!!
– Cathy
Well this info just confirmed what happened with our shower door. Hubby bumped the shower door going into shower( and not even hard) and it shattered. He was lucky as he had minor cuts on his body but it was not a good experience. I am thinking the door might have had a fault as it was installed recently as our place is new. The first shower door they were meant to have put in broke and it would not surprise me if this one was also damaged. Well now to buy a new shower door:(
Dear Tracy,
Wow! I’m so glad that your hubby only had minor cuts. He was lucky!! I really thought it was important to write this blog and share the possible hazards in the bathroom. Good luck with the new door!!
– Cathy