Whether you’re redecorating your bathroom or simply replacing your shower curtain with a stunning new shower screen, chances are you’re probably wondering how to fit a shower screen, right?
Well, the great news is, it’s easier than you think…
Here at Me and My Glass, we know stylish shower screens are pivotal to achieving that perfect bathroom aesthetic. After all, we believe your shower screen deserves to take centre stage. That’s why we’ve put together a helpful step-by-step guide on how to fit a shower screen for you.
Some customers prefer to have the glass integrated into the wall or set within a channel between the tiles for a more discreet appearance. The key factor when it comes to a shower screen is the support. It doesn’t matter what materials are used, as long as the installation is secure and watertight. We’ve seen customers incorporate U-channels within the walls, achieving a seamless final look.
The U-channels extends by 25mm, so some customers opt for a flush finish without the visible aluminium U-channel.
Before you start:
Firstly, while not impossible, it’s worth noting that even the most confident DIYers will be wary of fitting a shower screen by themselves. As a result, we suggest always asking a friend or family member to help you when fitting a shower screen.
Additionally, a step-by-step guide on how to fit a shower screen wouldn’t be complete without ensuring you have all the correct tools ready before you begin. So, for a successful shower screen installation, you’ll typically need a:
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Spirit level
- Hacksaw
- Small file or sandpaper
- Electric drill and drill bits
- Wall scanner
- Assembly screws and wall plugs
- Screwdrivers
- Sealant caulking gun and sealant
Step 1. Positioning the U-Channel and Marking Up the Wall
Now, shower screens vary in size and style. However, typically, most shower screens are fixed with a U-channel fitting on the wall & floor.
We strongly advise against drilling or fastening a U-channel to the top of a shower screen, shower tray, or bath top, as this can damage the unit, and unwanted leaks can occur.
We always recommend using both a wall and floor channel where possible. The channel provides the glass with greater stability and a more secure fixing. While simply siliconing the bottom edge can create a watertight seal, it sacrifices the additional support that a channel offers. A shower screen can be installed either way—it just depends on the setup it’s going into.
The first stage of how to fit a shower screen involves positioning the shower screen’s u-channel (also known as a wall channel). Essentially, the U-channel is the fixed piece that fastens the shower screen to the wall, so it’s vital to line the bracket up with the edge of your shower tray.
Starting at the bottom, using a pencil, begin by marking where the screw holes will need to be drilled. Next, using the spirit level, ensure the U-channel is straight before marking the remaining screw holes on the wall.
Note: Me and My Glass will always supply your U-channel in advance while your shower screen is being manufactured. U-channels are not pre-cut, allowing you to tailor the size using the hacksaw to match your shower enclosure’s exact dimensions. You just need to use a hacksaw to cut to the exact size needed for the channel, then use a file to smooth down the edge that was cut.
Also, our U-channels also do not come with pre-cut screw holes, allowing you to customise their placement by drilling through the channel once the positional markings have been made.
Step 2. Drilling the Holes
Before you start drilling, always use the wall scanner to ensure there are no nearby electrical cables and pipes. Additionally, make sure you use the correct drill bit for the material you’ll be drilling into, such as tile, wood, brick, or concrete.
Next, on our step-by-step guide of how to fit a shower screen, drill the screw hole markings using the suitably sized drill bits before plugging each hole with a sturdy wall plug.
Step 3. Fixing The Shower Screen U-Channel To The Wall
Once the holes are plugged, now you can start securing the U-channel to the wall.
As the U-channel will bear the entire weight of the glass shower screen, it’s crucial to ensure that each screw is tightly fastened to the wall. Then, before installing the shower screen, check if the frame remains securely in place without any loosely fitted sections.
Step 4. Fitting The Glass Panel and Mounting the Bracing Bar
Position the unit carefully within the fixed U-channel before fitting.
First, you’ll need to create a 5mm gap between the glass unit and the shower unit base. This gap allows for the application of the silicone sealant afterward and can be done by stacking several business cards together or using plastic spacers.
As the glass shower screens can be heavy, it’s important to have help lifting and positioning it into place. Often, it’s easier if one person supports the weight of the screen while the other attaches it to the U-channel.
Once the shower screen glass has been installed, you can now fit the units’ bracing bars if required. Similar to preparing the U-channel fixtures, first mark out the screw holes before drilling and tightly fixing the support arms to the wall and shower screen itself.
Step 5. Seal Around The Edges
The final stage of our step-by-step guide on how to fit a shower screen ensures your shower enclosure remains completely waterproof.
Using the sealant caulking gun, carefully apply sealant to both sides of your new shower screen where it meets the shower tray, ensuring there are no gaps. After applying the sealant, leave it to dry for at least 24 hours before using the shower.
Acting as a waterproof barrier and additional fix point, once the sealant has dried, congratulations, you’ve successfully fitted your own Me and My Glass shower screen.
