How to choose doors for a shower cabin: types and characteristics

Increasingly, shower cabins are being installed in modern apartments and private houses. In most cases, this is due to the compactness of such structures and the ability to increase the usable area of ​​the bathroom. In addition, modern cabins are multifunctional devices that make it possible not only to perform hygiene procedures, but also to enjoy spa procedures (hydromassage, different types of shower) and a sauna, while the technical characteristics, ease of use and durability of the models largely depend on the type used door.

Depending on the locking method, there are several types of shower doors.

They are a canvas that opens outward to either side. Single and double-leaf models are distinguished, while the latter can also be unlocked inward. The single door model usually only opens into a room. Hinged doors are fastened to hinges, the advantage of which is durability and resistance to physical impact: the hinges will not pop out, will not be damaged, even if the door is pushed with force.

A feature of swing doors is their versatility. - they are equally aesthetic and functional for both corner and pentagonal cabins. The optimal size is 90x90, 100x100 cm.

The disadvantage of swing models is that they need space to open, so they are not often used in small rooms.

The principle of opening such a door is similar to that of a wardrobe. The canvas is equipped with flaps that move along special guides. The number of flaps is usually from 1 to 4. The fewer flaps, the more free space remains in the cab. However, such a design will be less durable than an analogue with a large number of sashes.

If we compare this version of the door with swing models, then the latter are more reliable. Sliding options, in turn, are optimal for small bathrooms, since they do not require free space for opening.

This option is also good for rooms with a small area, since the unlocking is carried out by turning one sash. Depending on the model, the sash can only rotate in one or both directions. There are also structures equipped with several doors that fold in parallel directions and in this form resemble an open fan.

Despite the ergonomics, such models require free space, since when opening the sash, they should not come into contact with other elements of the bathroom.

Fastened to static sections of the panel in the edge zone of the cabin with magnetic hinges. The standard swing diameter of the shutters is 1.2 m, although there are models with a smaller diameter of 90 cm. Cabins with a rotating leaf can be framed or frameless.A feature of the former is thinner glass and lower strength characteristics. Frameless models are more reliable and therefore more expensive.

In such mechanisms, several parts are folded into a single plane. This door is also called a "book". If soft materials are used for the canvas, then its parts come together, forming folds.

Design features allow you to leave the door half open (for example, for drying and airing), while the linens do not take up the space of the bathroom. Such doors are often used for a corner car model. However, this system cannot boast of high thermal insulation characteristics, since its mechanisms are far from perfect.

Naturally, a pallet is installed inside the cabin, all the necessary communications are mounted. A shower cubicle with a niche is a great opportunity to make an uncomfortable, at first glance, bathroom layout as ergonomic and functional as possible.

If we talk about the materials used, then the following options are the most common.

• Strained glass. During the production process, the glass is heated to high temperatures, after which it cools down instantly. The result is a material that is resistant to mechanical damage, moisture and temperature changes. Even if such glass is damaged, it will not cause cuts, since the fragments do not have sharp edges.
• Triplex - an expensive type of tempered glass. However, the higher price is fully justified by the improved technical characteristics. It is 2-3 layers of glass with a special material interposed between them. In case of damage, the fragments do not fly away, but remain on this layer. All glass models are straight and curved, in the shape of a semicircle.

• Organic glass. Outwardly, it looks like a hardened version, but it has a smaller margin of safety. In addition, with careless handling, chips and scratches appear on its surface. It also has the disadvantage that it can be easily ignited.
• Plastic. They are based on polystyrene, which determines the low weight of the doors, their smaller thickness, and ease of maintenance. More expensive models are covered with polymer compounds, so that water droplets quickly flow off the surface, leaving no streaks or streaks. Impacts and careless use may cause cracks, dents and other damage. The plastic door is not suitable for lovers of hot showers, as well as for models with a steam generator or a sauna, since the plastic can deform under the influence of high temperatures.

Such designs can be solid and translucent, tinted or patterned. The pattern can be applied in several ways: by sandblasting, by means of photo printing or by applying a pattern with special waterproof dyes.

Shower doors can be framed with a plastic profile, in this case they are called profile. Options that do not have such a profile are non-profile. The latter look more attractive, but they are more expensive.

Shower doors can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The former differ in the same parameters from all angles. They can be square or rectangular. Asymmetrical doors have different lengths and widths.

Symmetrical patterns are also called equilateral. Their standard sizes are 80x80 or 90x90 cm. As a rule, such structures are straight, not convex, and are optimal for small rooms. However, square doors take up more space when opened than other door shapes.

The choice of the size of the door is determined by the dimensions of the opening, when it comes to the structure in the niche. This is due to the fact that it is impossible to change the space bounded by the walls. In this case, the size of the door corresponds to the size of this space, taking into account the installation of the necessary components. As for the height of the canvas, it can reach the ceiling or have a height of 2100-2200 mm.

If the opening is too wide, it is possible to mount a rigid insert on the frame to reduce it. The attractiveness of the design can be achieved by using not one, but two inserts, placing them symmetrically on both sides of the door.

For cabins of standard sizes, doors are also selected based on the width of the opening, and, as a rule, these are ready-made structures from the manufacturer. If it is necessary to replace the door leaf, it will not be difficult to find a new one if you contact the same manufacturer and know the parameters of the door.

When it comes to an individual project, the width of the doorway and, accordingly, the door is selected taking into account the parameters of the overall user. As a rule, the dimensions range from 800-1200 mm. The standard door width can be 700-1100 mm, the height is from 1850 to 1950 mm, the glass thickness is 4-8 mm, in rare cases it can reach 10 mm.

On average, the doors of the shower room are opened and closed 8-10 times per day, so the criterion for the reliability of the door should be decisive. Preference should be given to European manufacturers.

The length of the operating period also depends on the thickness of the door material. It is recommended that it be at least 4 mm. Sticking a special film on the outside will help to extend the service life of the door for a shower structure - it will reduce the force of mechanical impact, and if the glass is damaged, it will not let it crumble. These films are available in transparent and tinted variations.

If the choice has settled on a plastic cab door, then you should abandon the use of a colored canvas, since after a while its shade will fade, and the structure itself will acquire a dilapidated, sloppy look.

If a shower stall is installed in addition to a bathroom, then you need to contact the BTI to draw up documents for redevelopment. In the event that the cabin replaces the bathroom, then such documents will not be required.

Before installing the structure, you need to take care of the organization of the wastewater drainage system. For this, it is convenient to use a flexible hose, and place the outlet to the sewer closer to the drain hole.

In the event that a defect is found, you can easily replace the device. If you use a sealant, then the presentation of the unit may be violated, and problems will arise with its exchange.

Despite the fact that all systems have a typical connection plan, you should carefully study the instructions in order to be aware of the manufacturer's recommendations.

For installation, first of all, a pallet is mounted. To do this, install the legs, then adjust the position of the pallet. Its deviation is unacceptable - the pallet must be located strictly parallel to the floor.

If the structure does not have a pallet, then it is necessary to achieve perfect evenness of the floor. It is convenient to use a screed for this.

The next step is to assemble the glass railings and panels. To work more conveniently, you immediately need to decide on the top and bottom of the glass (there are more holes at the top), sort the top and bottom panels (the first are wider).After that, you can insert the glasses into the profiles by installing their grooves. When the work is done, firmly tighten the screw in the presser foot.

Then you need to fix the guides on the racks, and fix the seal on the glass. After that, the surfaces are sealed, and the back and side surfaces are fixed on the pallet, and the door is fixed. Adjustment allows you to achieve easy opening and closing of doors, high-quality fastening in the hinges. Final work - sealing joints, checking the correct operation of electrical appliances.

If we are talking about installing a corner, then a more thorough preparation of the place for the cab is required. The walls should be at a 90 ° angle to the floor.

For information on how the door to the shower stall is installed, see the video below.