Most shower enclosures use tempered Standard Clear glass or tempered Crystal Clear glass (low-iron glass).  Both types of glass are completely translucent and but have a slight difference in physical appearance.  Standard Clear glass has a higher iron content giving it a green hue/tint, the thicker the glass the greener it looks.  The green hue/tint of the glass is amplified on the edge as the size and thickness increases.  Crystal Clear glass has a low iron content and significantly reduced the green hue/tint giving a true translucent and neutral finish no matter the glass size.  Please see the below image for as an example or visit our showroom to see full size showers for a side by side comparison. 

We also have available different pattern and privacy glass that can be viewed at our showroom. 

Below is a list of the glass thickness that we do for enclosures: 

• Frameless Shower enclosures we only use 3/8” & 1/2″ thickness glass 
• Frameless Sliding shower enclosures we can use 3/8” or 1/2″ thickness glass depending on the sliding system used 
• Semi-Frameless sliding shower enclosures we can use 1/4″ or 3/8” thickness glass 
• Semi-Frameless & Framed shower enclosures we can use 3/16” or 1/4″ thickness glass 
• Table tops we can use 1/4″, 3/8”, 1/2″ & 3/4″ thickness glass 

Untreated glass is porous and as a result absorbs mineral deposits and soap scum, making it more and more difficult to clean overtime. Shower glass is subject to mineral deposits from water, shampoo, soaps, body fats, and harsh scrubbing using toxic cleaners, causing the glass to discolor and develop irremovable staining. EnduroShield is an ultra-thin transparent glass coating that completely adheres to the surface and provides protection that will repel both water and oil based stains. Similar to a non-stick fry pan, cleaning is made easier using a mild detergent or white vinegar with a damp microfiber cloth. No longer is scrubbing with harsh toxic cleaners needed.

Exceptional benefits include:

• Cuts cleaning time and keeps glass cleaner between cleans
• Superior protection against staining
• Once only application lasts years
• Revitalizer products not required
• Suitable for new and existing glass
• Eco friendly – no need for cleaning with harsh chemicals

For additional information please visit EnduroShield website or download the EnduroShield brochure.

DO NOT USE ANY ABRASIVE CLEANSERS OR PADS, SHARP INSTRUMENTS, OR ACIDIC CLEANSERS TO CLEAN YOUR SHOWER ENCLOSURE. These can permanently damage your glass and hardware finish. Use only products recommended for glass and anodized aluminum or plated brass hardware. In some cases, cleaners can be destructive to silicone seals. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions on the labels of household cleaning products. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer.

There are many variables that will affect the frequency at which you will need to clean your shower glass and the effort involved. Humidity, water temperature, degree of water hardness, and even the type of soap you use, all contribute to the build up of mineral deposits on your glass. The best way to keep the sparkle is to clean your glass daily.

Untreated glass should be maintained by wiping down, or using a squeegee daily to reduce the potential for damaging water spots. Unless you are meticulous in the use of the squeegee, however, you will find over time, a build up where the squeegee missed – usually a band at the bottom of the enclosure, or around the door hardware. When using a spray glass cleaner, make sure that it does not contain ammonia, as this can damage the finish on your hardware. If you can find Comet Heavy Duty Bathroom Cleaner in your store, it is a cleaning product recommended by the Bath Enclosure Manufacturers Association based on its cleaning effectiveness and gentleness on metal. If you neglect your shower glass for an extended period of time, the mineral deposits will eventually build up and etch the glass. At this point, no amount of cleaning will improve the appearance.

Sealed Glass that has been treated with EnduroShield, needs only a quick rinse with cool water after each shower to facilitate most of the water running off. The drops that remain can be removed and dried easily with a soft towel. It is a minimal investment of time, and the need for chemical cleansers is drastically reduced, saving the environment and your pocketbook. If you wait a long time to clean your enclosure, or have particularly hard water, you will see a build up of soap scum and mineral deposits. Don’t worry, EnduroShield is preventing them from seeping into the glass and will make it easier to clean, than if the glass were unprotected. The use of a wet nylon body scrubber on the wet glass can be used to loosen any sticky spots. Then rinse and dry. 

Sandblasted Glass. On a shower enclosure, sandblasted designs are typically found on the outside of the unit. Oil from your hands can leave this glass looking blotchy. We recommend sealing this type of glass to ease the burden of cleaning. Whether sealed or not, when cleaning sandblasted glass, you should concentrate mainly on the soiled areas. You will need a clean, soft, lint-free cloth, and an ammonia-free spray glass cleaner. Spray the soiled area lightly with the glass cleaner. Dry the area by lightly rubbing in circular motions until the moisture disappears.

Hardware. The best way to maintain the finish on your shower door hardware is to wipe it down after every use with a soft towel. This way, it will not collect mineral deposits that will require cleaning. If you are unable, or just don’t want to wipe down the hardware after every use, a weekly cleaning is recommended. Mix a couple of drops of mild liquid soap such as Ivory, into a cup of warm water. Using a soft, non-abrasive cloth, proceed to clean the hardware. Rinse thoroughly with clean warm water and dry.

Vinyl seals for frameless doors should not require frequent cleaning, however, the drip rail under your door will require more frequent cleaning than other vinyls. You can easily clean the door sweep and your vinyl seals. Snap them off and use a cloth with warm water and a little bleach. Dry your shower sweep and vinyl seal, then just snap them back on again. It’s relatively easy and inexpensive to replace these vinyls when necessary. Just snap them off and bring them to our shop for a replacement, or we can come out for a service fee to replace them for you.

Mirrors in your bathroom are best cleaned at least once a week with an ammonia free spray glass cleaner and a soft cloth. Rather than spray the cleaner directly onto the mirror, it is recommended that you spray a soft cloth and then wipe the mirror clean. This will eliminate the potential of the liquid penetrating the back of the mirror and attacking the silver backing. Other products to keep away from your mirrors include chlorine, alkali, and acetic acids (vinegar).