Design Tips

TIP 1

Do not design curbs that approach buttresses at an angle. "Hinge Bind" may occur, making it impossible for the door to operate.

Always design curbs so that they approach buttresses at a 90 degree angle.


TIP 2

Very tall stream shower openings require a secondary piece of glass (transom), or the soffit can be framed lower to fill the gap.

Framed products over 78" require transoms. Frameless products over 84" require transoms.


TIP 3

Mind your Seats and Curbs!
Follow these installation guidelines to ensure proper drainage and avoid problems down the road.


TIP 4

Take the right angle to cut cost.
Use 135º angles wherever possible. In most cases you'll save money.



TIP 5

Shower soffits must plumb down precisely footprint to the of the lower curbs. Failure to address this issue will produce disappointing results.


TIP 6

Never position body sprays opposite an enclosure door or other opening.

Always position body sprays so that they are directed towards tiled walls.


TIP 7

Don't Lose Your Temper!
Tempered glass panels cannot be made in dimensions less than 3 1/2".



TIP 8

If you are planning a frameless enclosure, do not use raised, decorative tile on any part of the door swing area.



TIP 9

Don't Use Glass Tiles!
Drilling necessary during the installation process inevitably results in cracking.


TIP 10

Overhangs near door closings create problem gaps, resulting in leakage, unsightly fillers or worse... a return visit from an irritated tile installer to remove the overhang!


TIP 11

Shower Curb Pitch

Out-pitched curb spills water out onto the bathroom floor.

Too much pitch causes door gaskets to bind or chafe resulting in premature wear.


Dead level curb results in standing water... a sure catalyst for mold and mildew.

Pitch between 3/16" and 1/4" is ideal for shedding water back to the shower drain.


TIP 12

The face of any rise where a swing door closes should be perfectly plumb; otherwise a costly pattern cut door may be required.


TIP 13

Avoid "Icicle" Panels
When a buttress wall or tub deck ends with a small continuance of glass that notches over and down, the result is a brittle glass "icicle" that may require a separate lite of glass (with an unsightly seam) or a bulky metal build-over.