How to Replace a Sliding Shower Enclosure Door

Replacing a shower enclosure door can seem like a big job, but it’s actually quite straightforward. Be aware, though, that whenever you work with glass you need to be especially cautious when moving and positioning it. It’s a job you can do by yourself quite easily. It doesn’t require any special tools

Step 1 - Removing the Doors

With a sliding shower enclosure door replacement you will need to start be removing the old door. To do this, step inside the shower and close the door. Grasp it at the sides and lift it gently upward, then push the top away from you.

This will release the top of the door from the track. Keeping a firm hold on the door, lower it and push the bottom outward to release it from the lower track. You will now be able to remove the shower enclosure door. Being extremely careful step out of the shower with the door and rest it against the bathroom wall. For the same procedure for the other shower enclosure door. The difference is that you will work from the outside of the shower.

Step 2 - Removing the Frame

Use your knife the cut the caulking from the shower frame on the sides and bottom. The top of the frame is secure to the sides by screws. Loosen and remove these then lift the top rail off the frame

The side rails will be held in place by retaining screws. Loosen these and then remove these. Pull the side rails away from the wall. From here you’ll find that the bottom rail will just lift out as it’s not secured to the enclosure. Use your utility knife to take off the caulk that’s still stuck to the shower enclosure.

Step 3 - Fitting the New Frame

Cut the new side rails to the correct size, measuring from the old rails. Clean away any metal shavings. Set the bottom rail in place, centering it on the enclosure. Tape into place so it can’t move. Place one side rail on the bottom rail. Use your level to make the side rail straight and mark the screw holes on the side wall of the enclosure. Repeat for the other side rail.

Drill holes in the enclosure where you’ve made your mark and insert the correct sized anchors. Start by putting the rubber stop over one screw and tightening it in the center of the side rail before putting in the other screws. Repeat on the other side bar. Put the top rail on the of the side rails and secure into place with screws on each end.

Step 4 - Hanging New Doors

For the outer shower enclosure door, the rollers should face outward, and inward for the inner door. To hang the inner door step inside the shower. Grip the shower enclosure door by the sides. Push it up into the top rail and pull toward you until the rollers hook on the top track. Now pull down and hook the lower rollers under the bottom track. Repeat for the outer door. Caulk the inside and outside of the bottom and side rails where they meet the shower enclosure.