Category Archives: Shower Doors

Blog, Shower Doors

How Safe are Frameless Shower Doors?

Making the switch to frameless shower doors will change how you view your bathroom. The frameless look is something that fits every style. Before you make the switch, you may ask yourself how safe are frameless shower doors? 

Are frameless shower doors safe is a common question asked by many people before having them installed. Frameless doors are made from tempered glass which is less likely to break compared to laminated or annealed glass doors. This glass is fabricated in ½ inch and ⅜ inch thickness. The chances of frameless shower doors breaking are very low, but the chance is always there. 

Tempered Glass Strength

Compared to laminated glass, tempered glass is four times stronger and has a minimum surface compression of 10,000 pounds per square inch. If laminated or annealed glass were to break, it would leave long shards and jagged pieces of glass that could easily cause injury. When tempered glass breaks, if it breaks, it leaves small, more rounded pieces of glass that reduce the chance of injury by a wide margin. Tempered glass breaks this way due to the heating and cooling process that is used to manufacture it.

Safety glass can also be used for frameless shower doors and it’s manufactured by heating annealed glass at around 1300 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s then placed on a roller table, rolled through a furnace, and then rapidly cooled. This is more commonly known as ‘quenching’.

Tempered glass is manufactured by submerging glass in a bath of potassium salt. This causes an exchange between sodium atoms with potassium atoms which results in a stronger glass. 

If any modification were to be made to glass, it has to be done before either of these processes. Drilling holes or any other modifications would cause the glass to shatter.

Stronger Glass, Stronger Options

While safety glass is more resistant to breakage, it is still possible to break it. Tempered glass is also much more resistant to shattering but it can shatter eventually if struck by a concentrated blow using a hard object.

Although these types of glass can still break, the chances of this happening or slim and it typically will never happen unless purposely done. 

Get Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless shower doors are constructed using the strongest glass around. These shower doors are even safer than the ones you have currently. If you want shower doors that look great and will never break, CFG Shower Doors and Closets are here for you. Visit our contact page if you have more questions. 

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Blog, Shower Doors

Is Your Water Type Ruining Your Glass Shower Doors?

There’s nothing better than new glass shower doors. The new, sleek look can make your bathroom appear brand new. After a few weeks, however, you start to notice that your shower doors are beginning to fade and develop a mineral film. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. People all over experience this problem. This film is caused by the hard water that you’re producing in your home. Hard water isn’t something that you caused, it generally occurs depending on where you live but there are ways to prevent it. CFG Shower Doors and Closets is here to help you combat hard water stains and keep your glass shower doors looking like new. 

Hard Water Vs. Soft Water. What’s the Difference?

Depending on where you live, the type of water you get can differ. People in the midwest and parts of the south usually struggle with hard water in their systems. Hard water is caused by a high amount of minerals in the water. These minerals are mostly calcium, magnesium, and lime. Water does not start out hard. It starts soft, meaning less than 1 GPG (Grains per Gallon). As water runs through the ground, it begins picking up different minerals making it hard (more than 10.5 GPG).

Hard water can be a tricky problem to deal with since water softeners can lead to other problems with your water. The main issue is that hard water leaves a film on your glass shower doors and can become a larger problem if left untreated. Soft water comes with its own problems. Soft water has high amounts of sodium since water softeners can’t remove sodium. This is better for your showers but it can lead to your drinking water tasting salty and can be unhealthy to drink for long periods of time. 

Removing Hard Water Stains on Your Glass Shower Doors

When removing hard and soft water stains, traditional water, and soap can be more damaging than beneficial. Try using commercial lime or calcium removing spray. These sprays were made to deal with these exact types of stains.

For hard water spots, try rubbing the shower with a dryer sheet. Dryer sheets are able to remove built-up calcium without scratching or damaging the glass door. 

For those stubborn hard water spots, spray lemon juice on the door and then rub a solution of vinegar and baking soda on the door with a soft cloth. Once complete, rinse and dry the glass and you’ll see right through the glass like it’s new. 

In order to prevent these stains, wipe and dry the shower door after every use. Think about investing in a clear choice protective coating to reduce these stains. Water softeners can also be used just make sure to use them carefully. 

Switch to Glass Shower Doors Today!

CFG Shower Doors & Closets is ready to help you make the switch to glass shower doors today! These amazing shower doors will make your shower and bathroom appear brand new. Contact CFG Shower Doors and Closets today or come visit our showroom. 

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Blog, Shower Doors

When Should I Replace My Shower Door?

Consider this: there’s plenty of places in your home that garner more foot traffic than others. This includes places like the kitchen, garage, closets, etc. You tend to pay more attention to these areas, making the necessary repairs and upgrades through the years as needed. You may not realize it, but there’s one high traffic area that desperately needs your attention: your shower. 

You and your family use the shower multiple times a day every single day of the year, which means it sees its fair share of wear and tear as the years go on. It’s easy to disregard the importance of maintaining and upgrading your shower door as it only has one function. But as time goes on, there are some telltale signs for when you absolutely should remove your current shower door system. Some of these include:

Cracks and Chips

Just like anything else in your home, shower door systems that have been installed for years wear down over time. Bumps and minor damages can lead to cracks and chips in the glass. The moment you spot these forming, it’s a sign that you need to take immediate action. While you could pay for a technician to make repairs, you’ll only be putting off the inevitable of more cracks/chips forming. Leaving a shower door with cracks and chips untreated can lead to a very dangerous circumstance where the glass shatters. 

Instead of trying to temporarily patch up your glass shower door system, we strongly consider making the switch to a new shower door. Typically shower door cracks indicate a shower door that’s become brittle with time and has reached the end of its lifespan. A new shower door will save you on costly and constant repairs, as well as revamp your entire bathroom from top to bottom.

Rusting/Corroding

While many shower door frames are treated to withstand the wear and tear of water wearing down the metal, shower door frames can rust and corrode over time. The constant onslaught of water from the shower head pounding the frame. If you’re noticing rust occurring on the metal portions of your shower door frame, it’s time to replace your shower door. Framed shower doors were highly popular back in the 90s and early 2000s, however today many people are making the switch to a frameless shower door system. Free of metal except for its hinges that hold it in place. 

 Leaks Forming Outside The Shower

If you’re stepping into a puddle the moment you step out of your shower, you likely have a leak occurring. Water can easily escape from an older shower door, especially one that’s poorly maintained. The whole point of your shower door system is to keep water in the shower area, so if you’re seeing water outside there’s a glaring issue. The moment you spot this you should be making plans to make the switch to a new shower door right away.

Don’t let your shower door fail you right before your eyes and contact the experts at CFG Mirrors & Doors. We have the experience, knowledge, and people needed to installed a brand new stunning shower door in your home. Reach us online or give us a call at (561) 989-8373

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Blog, Custom Glass, Shower Doors

Framed, Semi-Frameless, Frameless: What’s the Difference?

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of installing countless custom shower enclosures for customers across South Florida. We’ve noticed that many homeowners want a frameless shower door in their bathroom, however they tend to confuse it with both framed and semi-frameless shower enclosures (both of which NOT being what they actually wanted). 

Updating your bathroom with a custom shower enclosure is quite a project, so it’s important to get exactly what you’re looking for the first time so you’re not searching for another installer a few months later. Before inquiring about a custom shower door, you should know the difference between a framed, semi-frameless and frameless shower doors. 

What Is A Framed Shower Enclosure?

Traditionally, a fully framed shower door and enclosure is designed utilizing a metal frame that surrounds the glass panes. All edges of the glass are covered by the metal frame, with the door itself typically fastened with pivot or piano hinges. While there are options for different types of metal accents for the frames and hinges, you’re typically limited in your styling and hardware options. With that said, framed shower enclosures are great for limiting the amount of water that escapes your shower pan.

What Is A Semi-Frameless Shower Enclosure?

While not fully framed in metal and not fully glass, semi-frameless shower enclosures are a hybrid of the two. The majority of the enclosure is fitted with a frame, however key areas such as the door are left to give it that frameless touch. Semi frameless enclosures are some of the most common shower types being installed in new construction homes today. They are fitted with the same type of metal framing that is used in framed shower enclosures. Semi-frameless shower enclosures offer a cost-effective solution for those interested in a more modern shower space for their bathroom. 

What Is A Frameless Shower Enclosure?

A frameless shower enclosure is exactly that: a shower enclosure that uses absolutely no metal frame to hold it in place. Heavy glass is supported by extra-strength clamps that hold the glass without having to use a fully encasing frame. Widely popular for their overall appearance, frameless shower doors are what every homeowner is looking for. Modern and sleek, frameless shower doors are unrivaled in their appeal. It’s minimalist design allows the rest of your bathroom’s accents to shine through, while also making it appear bigger than it actually is. 

What Custom Shower Enclosure Is Right For Me?

The answer: it’s up to you! Ultimately it boils down to your design preference and what you’re looking for. A frameless shower door might be perfect for the master bathroom, while a framed shower enclosure is better for kid’s bathrooms where they won’t splash as much water onto the floor. You can’t go wrong with whatever you end up choosing, so make the best choice for your needs and style. Once you’ve decided what you’re looking to have installed, contact CFG to get a free quote. Reach us online or give us a call at (561) 989-8373 to take the first step towards your dream custom shower enclosure!

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