Small indications and technicalities that we must know when choosing our shower screen:

FAST CLEAN:

Some of our screens have a treatment applied to the inner side (the part of the glass that faces the shower tray) that makes it difficult for water, soap residue, or limescale to adhere to the glass, called Fast Clean (other manufacturers refer to it as anti-limescale) for easier cleaning. This does not mean that the glass does not need to be cleaned to prevent limescale buildup, but when wiping the glass with a cloth or spatula, we will see how the water slides off with great ease.

TEMPERED GLASS:

All our screens have tempered glass with CE certification and comply with the safety standards established in Europe. These can be 8mm, 6mm, or 5mm thick.

It should be clarified that all tempered glass, both from our screens and from all those on the market, are very hard glass, but not unbreakable. Tempered glass can withstand very strong impacts, but they all have a weak point; they are quite sensitive to impacts with something hard at the corners or to pressure from metal pieces, such as tightening screws on wheels or handles without having placed the silicone seals, things that usually only happen during the installation process. Therefore, the installation moment is the most delicate; once installed, they would need to receive a truly significant impact to break, but if this were to occur, they would shatter into many small pieces (as per regulations), which are very noisy but would not cause serious cuts.

LOW PROFILES

Some of our screens feature an aluminum profile at the bottom, where wheels slide that guide the door. However, it is actually the upper wheels of the door that rotate on the upper profile that support the door's movement. Those screens with a lower profile and easy disassembly indication refer to the fact that the lower wheels have a mechanism that allows the door to be easily disassembled by simply pressing them down, making it easier to clean the lower part of the screen.

Other models are marked as “without lower profiles” because they have neither aluminum profiles nor wheels at the bottom and only have a small drip edge about 1 centimeter high to retain water, which is more than sufficient if our tray drains well. These models provide a more modern design, much easier maintenance due to the absence of a lower profile, which is the most complicated area to keep clean, and greater ease of access to the shower tray.

SCREEN PRINTING

Shower screens can be made of clear glass or screen-printed glass (semi-opaque designs on the glass), and if you choose a screen-printed screen, the screen printing must always be installed on the outer side of the screen.

Screen printing provides privacy to the person showering, but it also tends to make the bathroom appear smaller, something we must consider. Be careful not to stain the screen printing with oils or silicones, as it becomes almost impossible to remove later.

SPLASHING

Many customers are concerned that their screen will not fulfill its function 100%, which is to prevent water splashes while showering. Remember that a screen is not “a fish tank,” and if we insist on a pressure jet hitting all parts of the screen, it is possible that some water leakage may occur, but this is not the scenario for which they were designed.

Regarding possible splashes from the top, it is important to remember that the taller the screen, the better it will isolate us, especially if the user is tall and the shower tray is ultra-flat. The height difference between our head and the screen will determine the ability to retain splashes. Heights are usually 200, 195, or 190 cm; the taller the screen, the more protection.

MEASUREMENTS OF THE SCREEN

It is very important that any choice of screen is made after the shower tray is installed, as we can choose a shower tray of certain dimensions, but during installation, the measurements of the tray may be modified since the shower tray is usually recessed into the walls by about 1 or 2 cm on each side.

If our tray is 120 x 80, during installation, it is very likely that this measurement will be modified, and for each side of the wall, it will reduce by approximately 2 cm. In this case, the final measurement would be very close to 118 x 78. This last measurement will be what we need to consider when choosing our shower screen.

Measurements should be taken at three heights: the floor, mid-height (approximately 1 meter), and approximately 1.90 m, as there may be variations, and always keep in mind the maximum and minimum dimensions when choosing the range of measurements for the screen we need.

ACCESS TO THE INTERIOR

Once the model is chosen, we must ensure that access to the interior can be done without difficulties, so we need to think about which side the door is placed on and that it is not obstructed by elements such as toilets or bidets, bathroom furniture, etc.

In certain circumstances, our best access may be from the center, which may lead us to choose the version with central doors instead of the version with side doors.

The side of the shower screen door is always indicated from outside the shower tray while looking towards the interior of the shower space, as we will have models where we need to choose if we want the door on the right or left.

Many of our models are reversible; that is, if we have a fixed door and a sliding one on the right, it could be modified to place the sliding door on the left and the fixed one on its right.

Normally, all shower fronts are reversible unless two circumstances occur simultaneously: the screen is screen-printed and is a model without a lower profile.

Therefore, which are or are not reversible?

NOT REVERSIBLE: IF SCREEN PRINTING + NO LOWER PROFILE THE ONLY ONE.

REVERSIBLE: IF SCREEN PRINTING + IF LOWER PROFILE

REVERSIBLE: NO SCREEN PRINTING + IF LOWER PROFILE

REVERSIBLE: NO SCREEN PRINTING + NO LOWER PROFILE

STEP 1:

CHOOSING SHOWER SCREEN, DETERMINING MY SHOWER SPACE.

Based on the shower space we have and our preferences, we can choose different types of shower screens.

1) Rectangular shower tray between three walls.

● Shower fronts: This type of shower screen is designed for trays or bathtubs that are located between three walls. Within the shower fronts, we find several models:

• Sliding 1: 1 fixed door + 1 sliding door.
• Sliding 2: 2 fixed doors + 2 sliding doors.
• Sliding 3: We find 3 panels, which offer us the largest entry space.
• Folding / collapsible.
• Walk In.

2) Rectangular shower tray between two walls with two free sides.

• Rectangular: This type of shower screen is designed for trays or bathtubs that are located between two walls. Within the rectangular shower screens, we find several models.
• Angular sliding access.
• Frontal sliding access.
• Folding / collapsible.
• Walk In.

3) Quarter circle tray:

Regarding this model, we need to know if the tray is 80x80 or 90x90 and then determine whether the tray is of standard radius or Roca radius. Below we provide a practical case for identifying the shower tray.

4) Bathtub:

Bathtub screens are perfect for giving a greater sense of spaciousness to the bathroom and eliminating curtains. The height of the screens in this case is approximately 140 centimeters and they rest on the bathtub.

STEP 2: CHOOSING A MODEL.

Once we know the shower space and the type of shower screen that best fits our bathroom, we will choose the model from the various available options. Logically, at this point, our personal taste and the budget we have will influence our choice.

It is clear that among the different models, higher quality means higher price; a shower screen with 8 mm thick glass will always be better than one with 5 mm, or one that is 2 meters high compared to one that is 1.90 meters, without this meaning that the simplest shower screen cannot fulfill its purpose.

STEP 3: CHOOSING THE MEASUREMENT OF OUR SHOWER SCREEN

Once we have decided on the model of the shower screen, we need to select the exact measurement of the shower screen that we need.

All shower screens have a range of measurements, as they can be adjusted by a few centimeters.

It is important that each measurement is as precise as possible, taking into account the millimeters.

That is to say, if we measure at the three recommended heights and if part A measures 121.5cm, part B 121.1cm, and part C measures 120.9cm, we will have to choose the shower screens with a range that covers all three measurements.

In this case, we will choose a 120cm screen, as it is adaptable from 117cm to 121.5 centimeters and covers the measurements at the three heights.

The range of measurements offered by the screen, in this case from 117.5 to 121.5cm, is due to the compensation profiles which are located in the vertical profiles and can move in or out a few centimeters relative to the main profile, giving us that margin indicated in the sketches.

Our screens come with compensation profiles to offer that range of movement, allowing us to modify the distance by approximately 0 to 2.5cm more on each side.

The compensation profiles not only serve to provide us with a greater range of movement for the screen, but also for all those walls that are not exactly at 90º and therefore, the distance between walls is not equal at all heights, we can adjust and compensate for that defect, for the correct installation of our screen.

What happens if our measurement is not within the range of any screen?

Example: If I have an opening of 124cm, the measurement of 120 (adaptable from 117.5 to 121.5cm) seems short at first since the maximum I would reach with compensation profiles would be 121.5cm.

Option 1:

Order the screen with a smaller measurement and also an accessory called compensation profiles (not included in the price of the screen).

These profiles give us up to +5cm on each side, totaling 10cm more than the minimum of the screen, reaching 127.5cm in the case of this 120 screen (remember that its minimum is 117.5 and if we add +10 centimeters from the compensation profiles we will reach a maximum of 127.5 centimeters).

This option is practical when the installer is not a professional, but it may look less aesthetic as much more aluminum would be visible on each side.

Option 2:

(Only valid for sliding door screens)

Buy a screen with a superior average, which in this case would be one of 130, which includes a measurement range of 127.5cm to 131.5cm, but with 127.5cm we exceed our example measurement by 3.5cm (remember 124 centimeters).

In this case, we will have to cut the tube from the top and bottom of our screen (we recommend that this task be done carefully and first applying masking tape in the cutting area).

If we need to reduce our bath panel by 3.5cm and it is advisable to reduce an additional 1cm, we would therefore cut a total of 4.5cm (to avoid it being too tight).

In this example, from the minimum of 127.5cm, minus 4cm leaves us with 123.5cm, and taking profiles (2.5cm on each side, thus allowing us to add up to 5cm) from 123.5 to 128.5cm will be the new range of our modified panel after cutting the upper and lower tube.

As a result of this modification, the fixed glass and the door will overlap by an additional 4cm, and the door opening (the gap through which we access the shower) will be reduced by another 4cm.

Aesthetically, option 2 is a much prettier solution than option 1, as it is more visual and aesthetic to see a bit more door crossing than to see a lot of aluminum on the sides of the panel.

However, option 2 is not the best for all our models, as in the BENIDOR model, option 1 is advisable, with supercompensation profiles.

● Rectangular: This type of panel is for those where our shower tray or bathtub is located in a corner between two walls. In this case, the most important measurements will be provided by the shower tray. We will take the vertex of the shower tray as a reference, measuring from the outer edge to one wall and then to the other, obtaining two measurements, length and width.

Regarding rectangular panels, we find several models:

Angular sliding access: This type of panel has access to the inside of the shower from the external vertex, with two sliding doors, one on each side of the shower tray.

Example:

In this case, we need to measure our shower tray both in length/front and in width.

In this case, we can choose a 90cm panel (front part) and have various width measurements (side part), and we need to choose which reference/measurement in cm (70, 75, 80, 90) corresponds to our shower tray measurement.

Example:

As shown in the illustration at the top:

If our shower tray width (short side) measures 69cm, we should choose a front of 90 + side of 70 since reference 70 covers the range from 68.5cm to 70cm, and so on with the rest of the measurements.

Regarding the front part, know that a 90 panel can cover a range from 88.5cm to 90cm.

In this type of screens, just like the front ones, supercompensation profiles can be added, covering a greater range of measurements for both the long side and the short side of the tray.

Front sliding access: This type of rectangular screen is characterized by having a single sliding door at the front and a fixed panel on the short side.

Example:

In this case, we need to measure our shower tray both in length/front and in width/side.

We will follow the same rules for choosing the long panel with a door and the short fixed panel as we have been discussing regarding the choice and measurement of shower fronts, but keeping in mind that for the fixed side we do not have the option to cut profiles.

Angular screens with front access have a narrower passage width than angular access screens, but on the other hand, they have less glass vibration when opening.

Folding: There are folding screens for shower fronts and also with a rectangular shape, they are especially indicated for small measurements when we want to have good access.

As with other rectangular screens, we need to measure our shower tray both in length/front and in width/side. In this case, we can choose a screen of 100 cm (front part) and have several width measurements, and we would need to choose which reference (70, 80) corresponds to our shower tray measurement.

If our shower tray width measures 67.5cm, we would need to choose a front of 100 (if the front of the shower tray is between 98cm and 102cm) + a side of 70 since reference 70 covers the range from 68cm to 70cm, and so on with the other measurements. In this type of screens, compensation and/or supercompensation profiles cannot be added.

¼ of a circle: There are two types of curvature, radius 50 or Roca and radius 55 or standard. To know which tray we have, we need to take a series of measurements that we will explain below.

The first step will be to determine if our tray is 80 or 90, considering that trays are always slightly recessed and usually measure about 2 centimeters less than their nominal size once installed; for example, an 80 tray typically measures around 78 centimeters when we measure it. (A and B in the upper drawing)

Once we know the size of the shower tray, we will need to determine its radius, for that we should look at how long the straight part measures (up to where the curve begins).

For example, if we have determined that our tray is 90 and we see that the straight part measures 38 centimeters, we will think that it is 38 + 2 centimeters that will be recessed in the wall, totaling 40 centimeters, so it will be radius 50 or also called rock radius.

Total measurement of the tray (visible part + approximately 2 centimeters inside the wall)

STRAIGHT PART = 50 CENTIMETERS = ROCK RADIUS.

Total measurement of the tray (visible part + approximately 2 centimeters inside the wall)

STRAIGHT PART = 55 CENTIMETERS = STANDARD RADIUS.

In this type of panel, we may encounter a series of circumstances, such as the tray being more recessed on one side than the other, making it somewhat irregular, which will require us to play a bit with the compensation profiles until we find the most favorable placement.

Walk in: This is the model of panel highly sought after for its simplicity, easy installation, and minimalist design. These are panels that leave the passage area open and do not aim to seal the shower space hermetically, so the feeling of freedom inside the shower is very great.

Logically, they do not protect as well from splashes, but in a normal shower, they are more than sufficient, and their cleaning is very easy.

Since they are not fitted to an exact measurement, their installation is much simpler.

Keep the following tips in mind:

Minimum access space to the shower tray recommended is 45 centimeters (difference between the length of the panel and the actual space of the shower tray).

Always consider the area where we are going to install the safety arm, in case it coincides with a window.

We do not recommend this type of panel without the installation of the support arm, as it would not meet safety certifications.

The correct place for its installation would be between the middle of the panel and the farthest end, mainly because we need to consider the showerhead or shower, so it does not interfere with the support arm.

We have other options such as safety and support systems, like the optional L-shaped support brackets. This system is somewhat less sturdy, and it may be necessary to make a small cut to the piece during installation, but the result is much more visual and aesthetic.

Here we can find 3 options:

1. The first option will only be a glass panel that will cover only part of the front of the shower tray. That is to say, if we choose the 90cm panel, it will be advisable for a tray of at least 140cm, since we must account for the entry space, which should be around a minimum of 45 to 50 centimeters.

2. The other Walk-in design consists of two glass panels, the front part that will cover a large part of the front or long side of the shower tray and another glass panel that will cover the width or short side of the shower tray entirely, leaving an entry area completely free of doors.

Example:

If the short side of the shower tray does not fit any of the options, this type of screen will not be a valid option. For example, if the width or short side measures 45cm, we could not have that measurement since the 40 side ranges from 37 to 39cm and the 50 side ranges from 47 to 49cm.

Fixed + leaf type Walk-in screens (in-out model)

It is another type of Walk-in screen that does not aim to close the entire space of the shower tray but incorporates a small folding door that makes it a bit more difficult for water to escape outside.

This little door opens inward and outward a little more than 200 degrees, and when calculating the passage space, we need to consider the door plus the free space from the door to the wall, ensuring that at least those 45 centimeters we recommend as a minimum passage width are maintained.

Bathtub screens: If you have a bathtub and want to replace shower curtains with a modern design, bathtub screens are what you are looking for.

Bathtubs have a height from the floor to the edge of about 50/55 cm, so the screen should have a minimum height of 140cm to achieve a total height of 190 or 195 cm from our feet, thus preventing water from spilling over the top when we are showering.

The fixed screen, like Walk-in shower screens, does not cover 100% of the bathtub; it covers a large part, and it is advisable to leave a passage width (space to enter the bathtub) of at least 45cm.

Folding screens make access to the bathtub much easier, but keep in mind if there is any element in its path when opening the screen that could obstruct it, which is why in many cases double screens (fixed + door) are the perfect solution as they avoid the most common obstacle when opening outward, which is the bathroom furniture that usually has a depth of 45 centimeters, hence the fixed part of the screen is 50 centimeters.

Folding screens, both single and double, open outward and inward to approximately 180 degrees.