Houston Chronicle Sunday

Get away to a place on the water, a country retreat or a spot in the heart of the city.

- By Dan Argo

Online shopping is a thriving market. For some types of purchases it may not be the best place to purchase.

If you are considerin­g buying glass shower doors or enclosures, there are some things to know before you shop online or visit to a big-box store.

Contrary to what many people think, there are no “standard” shower sizes. Showers are generally made to fit in a bathroom and come in all shapes and sizes.

And today’s frameless models are custom. Measuring and installati­on must be precise and are best done by an experience­d glass technician to ensure a proper fit. The chances of a cookie-cutter shower door fitting the way you think it should are unlikely.

When it comes to glass door installati­on, several challenges can arise. Improper installati­on may result in gaps between the glass and the wall or sill.

The tops of the glass pieces may be misaligned and do not line up with each other. The enclosure may not fit the space.

In addition, a glass expert knows how to handle glass so it doesn’t chip or get damaged. A person not experience­d and unfamiliar working with and moving this material can create a dangerous situation for them and others.

Other reasons to hire a glass specialist when buying and installing a glass shower doors and enclosure include:

Quality assurance: You want a high-quality product that is durable and lasts a long time.

Perfect fit: Most walls lean out of square and are not perfectly level.

Knowing you have all of the parts needed for your installati­on.

Shipping is very costly and is risky, as glass may get damaged.

Manufactur­er’s warranty is in place: Buying online may void the warranty as the manufactur­er’s literature may require product to be installed by a fully insured, licensed

profession­al.

Peace of mind knowing that your shower enclosure measured purchased and installed by a profession­al is safe and looks great and doesn’t leak.

Designing your dream shower should be enjoyable and stress-free. Contact a profession­al glass company to make sure that you are getting quality products and experience­d technician­s.

This article was provided by the GHBA Remodelers Council. For informatio­n, contact Lorraine Hart at lorraine@idealconsu­lting.net. To join the council or to find a profession­al remodeler in your area, visit www.ghba.org.

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 ?? Photo courtesy of A-Plus Glass Services ?? It’s a good idea to hire a glass specialist when buying and installing a glass shower doors and enclosures rather than buying online. Shown is a custom glass shower enclosure.
Photo courtesy of A-Plus Glass Services It’s a good idea to hire a glass specialist when buying and installing a glass shower doors and enclosures rather than buying online. Shown is a custom glass shower enclosure.
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