WHY TEMPERED GLASS MATTERS
Prior to the 1960s, shower doors were made of annealed glass, which when broken shattered into sharp pieces. Since 1961, building codes have mandated that shower doors be made of tempered glass. Due to its unique heating and cooling process, this glass, when broken, crumbles into chunks, causing less harm than annealed glass.
Tempered glass comes in a variety of options:
• Clear: The ideal choice if you thrive on sunlight. It allows light to brighten up your space but has a green tint. Also notable: It also shows fingerprints readily and will need some extra attention to keep spotless.
• Low-iron: Illuminates the space more than clear glass as it is without the green tint, but with such clarity also comes a need for diligent cleaning to keep up a spotless look. There also isn’t much privacy when a toddler comes waltzing in demanding a snack—but if you have kids, does privacy even exist?
• Tinted: Love a customizable approach? This comes in different levels of transparency that allow you to decide on preferred color and the level of light you want to pass through.
• Frosted: Is sandblasted on one side to create a clouded appearance. The biggest benefit is that it hides fingerprints and smudges, and provides a bit of privacy when your partner barges in to use the toilet.
• Rain glass and textured: There is a lot to choose from here, and you might be surprised at what is available. Talking to a design expert might be needed to help you match the texture to the style and look you are going for.