Pros and Cons of Semi-Frameless Shower Screens
Semi-Frameless shower screens are shower screens where the external perimeter of the shower screen is enclosed with a frame, while the internal parts of the shower screen are frameless. The external frame ensures, structure, strength and durability of a framed shower screen while the internal parts are frameless which aesthetically give a modern and clean cut frameless look. Semi-frameless shower screens can be manufactured in a variety of colours to suit your bathroom, whether that may be in a new home, renovated existing home, or simply a new addition to your bathroom. There are a variety of factors to consider when making the choice of semi-frameless shower screen for your bathroom and these factors vary from person to person. Lets have a look at these to consider the best fit for yourself.
Pros of Semi-frameless Shower screens
- Cost; in comparison to frameless varieties, semi-frameless shower screens are cheaper than their respective frameless version. This price difference is due to the thickness of glass used in each, the components and fittings which are more expensive in frameless and the labour on installation
- 6mm toughened glass is used; toughened glass is 4 to 5 times stronger than regular glass and meets the Australian Standards for safety requirements in shower screens
- Easier to install; semi-frameless shower screens are easier to fit due to the external frame
- Custom made; if using a glazier such as us, our shower screens are made to measure, ensure to double check this with your glazier as not everyone does do this. Custom made means that if all your walls and floor are not square we custom fit your shower screen so it sits flush (unlike pre-fabricated versions, which don’t always fit correctly)
- Slimline aluminium frame; maximises strength and durability, while looking aesthetically pleasing to the eye
- Easy to clean
Cons of Semi-frameless shower screens
- Toughened glass shatters when broken; due to the nature of the heat treatment process to toughen glass, if broken the glass will break into tiny cubes (designed to do so for safety) but creates quiet a mess to clean up
- Gaps in the internal glass panels where the door shuts results in some water leakage (probably not the best option if you want maximum water retention)
- Generally, slightly longer waiting times to manufacture these shower screens as the glass needs to be processed and toughened, then delivered from our supplier (same as if one of the glass panels break)
- Less expensive than their respective framed version of shower screens
- The aesthetics are not as seamless as the frameless versions (the aluminium frame perimeter does stand out)
That sums up the main points on Semi-frameless shower screens. Any unique or custom questions can be asked by calling our office on 42617295 to meet your shower screen requirements. Or for information on our other range of shower screens click on the links below:
