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A frameless glass shower door is one of the best upgrades you can make to your bathroom – but only when it’s installed correctly. A single misstep in the process can lead to leaks, cracks, or even long-term damage to your tile and walls.

At The Original Frameless Shower Doors®, we’ve been designing, manufacturing, and installing the finest shower doors available for more than 30 years. Our team has fixed hundreds of poor installations done by others, so we’ve seen every mistake you can imagine.

If you’re planning your own shower project, here are seven of the most common installation errors to avoid – straight from the experts who build and fit these systems every day.

1. Skipping the Level and Plumb Check

Your walls and floor might look perfectly straight, but even a slight unevenness can throw off your glass alignment. If you don’t check that everything is level and plumb before installation, the door may not close properly or could leave gaps that leak water.

Our installers use laser-guided measuring systems to ensure every wall angle, floor slope, and hinge point aligns exactly. That’s why our doors swing and seal perfectly – no rattles, no gaps, no guesswork.

2. Using the Wrong Hardware

Not all hardware is created equal. Using cheap, mismatched, or undersized hinges can strain the glass and lead to premature wear or even cracks.

Every hinge, handle, and bracket we use is engineered to match the exact weight and thickness of the glass. That precision ensures the door moves smoothly for decades without sagging.

When you buy a frameless system, it’s not just the glass that matters: the hardware does half the work.

3. Poor Measurement or Alignment

Most installation problems start before the first drill hole – during measuring. An error as small as ? of an inch can lead to uneven sealing, misaligned edges, or stress cracks once the door is in place.

Our process eliminates that risk completely. We measure digitally, cut each piece of SGCC-certified tempered glass in-house, and polish it to perfection. When your enclosure arrives, it’s ready to fit like it was made for your space – because it was.

If you’re taking on a home project, use our DIY shower installation guide for accurate steps and measuring tips before cutting or ordering.

4. Ignoring Expansion Gaps

Glass expands and contracts slightly with temperature changes. Failing to leave enough space between the panels or between the glass and the wall can cause pressure points, cracking, or improper sealing.

Our technicians factor this into every install, ensuring a tight seal that still allows for natural movement. It’s a small detail that protects your investment long-term.

5. Forgetting to Waterproof Properly

A frameless shower enclosure relies on precise sealing and slope – not bulky frames – to keep water where it belongs. If the curb or walls aren’t properly sealed, leaks are inevitable.

Our team checks slope, applies industrial-grade silicone seals, and tests every enclosure before completion. Done correctly, your bathroom stays dry and clean, even without visible barriers.

It’s one of the reasons our products remain the gold standard for quality and performance nationwide.

6. Over-Tightening or Drilling Incorrectly

Tempered glass is incredibly strong, but it’s not indestructible. Over-tightening screws or drilling holes in the wrong place can create micro-fractures that weaken the glass over time.

Our installers are trained through Frameless University®, our in-house certification program that covers the science behind glass stress, hinge geometry, and sealing. They know exactly how to handle the material – firmly, but never forcefully.

If you’re attempting a DIY install, handle your panels with care and use the exact specifications recommended for your hinge and handle hardware.

7. Rushing the Process

We get it – once you’ve designed your dream bathroom, you want it done. But rushing a shower door installation often leads to expensive fixes later.

A professional installer doesn’t just hang glass; they align it millimeter by millimeter to ensure the door opens smoothly, closes securely, and seals properly. Each adjustment protects your investment for years to come.

When you’re ready to take your project further, we also offer sleek bathroom upgrade kits designed for easy installation without compromising quality.

Why Pick Our Frameless Shower Doors

At The Original Frameless Shower Doors®, we’ve been leading the industry for over three decades because we combine innovation with craftsmanship. Everything we build – from the smallest handle to the largest custom enclosure – is made to last.

Here’s why homeowners and contractors nationwide trust us:

• In-house fabrication: All glass is cut, polished, and tempered in our Coral Springs facility.
• Custom hardware: Precision-engineered to support your specific door size and glass thickness.
• StayCLEAN® coating: Keeps your glass spotless and easy to maintain.
• Certified installers: Our technicians are trained to prevent every issue listed above.
• Lifetime warranty: Glass and branded hardware guaranteed for life.

When you choose us, you’re getting a system that’s built and installed right – the first time.

The Bottom Line

A frameless shower door should glide smoothly, seal perfectly, and last for decades. When it doesn’t, the problem usually starts with the installation.

At The Original Frameless Shower Doors®, our process eliminates those risks through precision, experience, and uncompromising attention to detail. So if you’re upgrading your bathroom or planning a remodel, start with expert craftsmanship from the team that’s been defining the standard for over 30 years.

FAQs

Q: Can I install a frameless shower door myself?

A: You can, but it requires precision tools and experience. For homeowners who want to try, our DIY kits and step-by-step resources make it easier to get professional results.

Q: What happens if I mismeasure my space?

A: We always verify measurements before cutting glass. If you’re handling it yourself, double-check each point at the top, middle, and bottom of the opening.

Q: Are all frameless doors the same?

A: No. Many companies use lower-quality glass or hardware. We fabricate everything in-house using certified materials to guarantee safety and longevity.

Q: How do I prevent leaks?

A: Proper sealing, slope, and alignment are key. Our installations are tested for water tightness before completion.

Q: Can you repair a poorly installed door from another company?

A: Yes. We specialize in correcting misaligned, leaking, or unstable enclosures and upgrading them with our precision hardware and seals