Bath Shower Screens: All You Need To Know

A nice wash is a great way to unwind after a long day, but we want to do so without flooding the bathroom! That's why bath shower screens are essential for protecting the rest of the room from water spray. With a sleek screen in place you can stretch out and relax to your heart's content!

What are bath shower screens?

Bath shower screens are the chic alternative to the outdated shower curtain and successfully prevent water spray from going onto your bathroom floor. Unlike the retro shower curtain, bath shower screens provide close-fitting rubber seals to prevent gapping and keep water mess to a minimum more effectively. Bath shower screens offer both convenience and style and are usually transparent giving the room an instant visual lift and creating the illusion of greater bathroom space.

With a choice of big name brands in a range of sizes and prices, shower screens come in a variety of styles to complement any bathroom. The three main types of shower screens are:

• Single panel
• Double panel
• Folding panel/screen

Single panel

A straight single panel bath shower screen is the most common choice for bathrooms. They consist of a single pane of glass that can be moved via a hinge and are extremely low maintenance as they do not have many crevices for muck to build up in. Single panels are available in both framed and frameless designs.

Double panel

A double panel has a hinge in the centre or to one side of the screen, allowing it to be opened in different ways. They are particularly useful for small bathrooms that cannot accommodate a full outward opening shower screen. Double shower bath screens are usually longer horizontally, which is handy for a larger bathtub or for occupants that require extra stretch in the shower.

Folding panel

A folding panel bath shower screen works by folding in on itself in a concertina fashion. This neat design doesn't require a large clearance space outside the shower area and provides easy access to the tub. This makes them an ideal option for small bathrooms, children, and elderly occupants.

What size should I get?

The size of the screen depends on the size of your bathtub and the power of your shower kit. If you enjoy a vigorous shower spray, then you'll need a larger screen to shield your bathroom floor. Bath shower screens are measured in millimetres and usually stand between 1400-1500mm. They are also available in curved designs suitable for P-shaped bathtubs, short designs for L-shaped bathtubs, and sail-shape designs for a more asymmetrical look.

The thickness of a bath shower screen ranges from 3mm to 8mm. It is important to note that the thicker the screen, the heavier it will be. A heavy bath shower screen feels more luxurious but may put extra pressure on the hinges. On the other hand, thinner ones tend to feel more flimsy but are just as effective for a fraction of the cost. Screens that are 6mm thick tend to be the most popular option.

Installation and maintenance

If you are confident with your DIY skills, then it's relatively easy to install a bath shower glass screen. However, if you have any doubts or are a DIY novice then it is much safer to hire a professional to do the job instead. At the end of the day, you don't want your new screen to end up in pieces.

Once installed, glass bath shower screens require regular cleaning to prevent them from becoming stained. Simply give your shower screen a quick wipe down with a cloth or a squeegee regularly. Bath shower screens from the April range at PlumbNation feature Clean&Clear easy treatment coating making them even easier to maintain. This special coating will keep your screen looking in tip-top condition for longer.

Safety Features

All bath shower screens from PlumbNation are made with toughened safety glass to ensure they won't shatter if broken. They are extremely durable and can handle busy family use. All exposed edges will be bevelled to create a smooth surround.

Check out the range of BATH SHOWER SCREENS available at PlumbNation today