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. 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 Follow these steps to replace a sliding shower door.

Step 1 - Removing the Doors

With a sliding shower enclosure door replacement, you will need to start by removing the old door. Step inside the shower and close the door. Grasp the interior sliding door at both sides and lift it gently upward while pulling the top towards you. Doing so will release the top of the door from the track. While keeping a firm hold on the door, lower it, and pull the bottom to release it from the lower track. Use extreme caution while removing the door. Rest it against the bathroom wall. Use the same procedure for the exterior shower door, working from outside the shower.

Step 2 - Removing the Frame

Use your knife to cut the caulking from the shower frame at the sides and bottom. The top of the frame is secured to the sides by screws. Loosen and remove them, then lift the top rail from the frame.

The side rails are held in place by retaining screws. Loosen and remove them, then pull the side rails away from the wall. The bottom rail will lift freely from the enclosure. Use your utility knife to remove any remaining caulk.

Step 3 - Fitting the New Frame

Cut the new sidebars to the correct size. Clean away any metal shavings and set the bottom rail in place, centering it on the enclosure. Tape it into place so that it can’t move. Place a side rail on the bottom rail. Use your level to ensure that the sidebar is perfectly vertical. Drill holes in the enclosure where you’ve made your mark and insert the anchors. Start by putting the rubber stop over a screw and tightening it in the center of the sidebar. Repeat this step on the other sidebar. Place the top rail over the side rails and secure it into place with screws on each end.

Step 4 - Hanging New Doors

The rollers should face outward and inward for the respective doors. To hang the interior door, step inside the shower. Grip the shower enclosure door by the sides. Lift it onto the top rail and hook the rollers on the top track. Now pull down and hook the lower rollers under the bottom track. Repeat on the outside for the exterior door. Caulk the inside and outside of the bottom and side rails where they meet the shower enclosure.