How to Replace Sliding Shower Doors
Replacing sliding shower doors is a relatively cheap and easy way of upgrading your bathroom or giving it a new appearance. It is far easier and cheaper than replacing the entire unit as well. There are various different styles and colors available, but regardless of what sort of option you go for, the process of replacing the shower doors is pretty much the same. Doing the job yourself can save you a worthwhile amount of money.
Tools and Materials Needed
- Replacement shower doors
- Silicone sealant with sealant gun
- Electric drill with drill bits
- Measuring tape
- Masking tape
- Bubble level
- Hacksaw
- Utility knife
- Screwdrivers set
- Adjustable spanner
Step 1 – Purchase Replacement Shower Doors
Before removing existing shower doors, measure the height and width of the enclosure. This will allow you to purchase the right size replacement shower doors.
Step 2 – Remove Existing Shower Doors
Remove the existing shower doors by stepping inside the shower, taking hold of the inside of the door and lifting it out. You should be able to lift it out of the railings and place it aside.
You should also cut away the sealant between the shower frame and the wall of the shower. Use a utility knife to do this. Remove the top railing by removing the screws that attach it to the shower unit. Lift this away from the frame and put it safely aside. Using the drill to remove the retaining screws, removing the side rails as well.
Step 3 – Replacing the Frame
Measure the length of the old rails which were installed on the sides of the shower. Apply this measurement of the new rails and cut them to the right length using a hacksaw.
Place the new bottom rail onto the base of the shower in the same location as you removed the old one. Make sure it is centered and make sure that the highest side is facing outwards. Use masking tape to attach this in place temporarily.
Put the side rails in place, holding them flat to the wall and placing the bubble level next to them to make sure that they are level. Mark holes in the railings where you are going to attach them to the wall, using the original holes in the walls as guidelines. When you have determined how the new rails are going to be installed, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to learn which sized drill bit you need. Finally, drill holes in the places where you marked the holes if you need them to be wider. Attach the new frame in place. You can use the old screws from the previous installation.
Step 4 – Hang New Doors
Hanging the new doors is the easy bit. Raise the door, hooking the rollers onto the top rail. Gently push it in place, so that it slides back and forth as it should. Finally, apply sealant to both sides of the new railings of the frame. Allow the sealant to dry overnight before attempting to use the shower.
