Glass showers have quickly become increasingly popular in homes due to their aesthetic and practical benefits, yet as with all glass forms, they may become damaged over time.
Unfortunately, these glass repair Adelaide problems are usually straightforward to repair. Here are a few suggestions on how you can quickly refurbish your shower glass:
Scratches
Scratches on glass can be unsightly and potentially damaging. Deep scratches may require professional intervention, while superficial ones can often be repaired using tools already in your home.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the door, especially if dealing with soap scum or mildew build-up. A squeegee or microfiber cleaning rag should do fine for this task, but be cautious not to be overzealous; excessive rubbing can aggravate scratched areas and further worsen them.
Cerium oxide steel wool, available at most hardware stores, can help remove minor scratches on glass surfaces by buffing. Just be sure only to use its very fine grade; using coarser grades may scratch and dull it further.
Leaks
Leaky shower enclosures can be an enormous source of frustration. Water damage may affect walls and baseboards and create mould where the shower meets the floor, so regular re-caulking and minor repairs should be completed to keep up with leaky conditions, but sometimes professional glass repair Adelaide assistance may be required.
If you find leaks near the edges of a framed or frameless glass shower door, check its hinges for lime scale, calcium deposits, rust or soap scum build-up, which could interfere with how smoothly it closes and cause it to leak.
Check the sealant around your shower door and area, including its caulking. Remove and replace it with new caulk to prevent leakage if it appears old or damaged. It is essential that caulking explicitly designed for bathroom environments be used instead of standard door/window caulking products.
Sticking
Shower doors may become stuck for various reasons. Misalignment, loose screws or thick soap scum build-up may all contribute to an immobile door, but such problems aren't unheard of - they can usually be solved efficiently using just a few simple steps.
Homeowners should first identify what's causing their door to stick. Tightening loose screws should address the issue; for sticky doors due to soap scum build-up, vinegar can help break through it using a spray bottle of mixed vinegar and water - a practical solution that's still safe enough to use with shower doors.
If the cause of the sticking is a loose adhesive, a caulking kit may help. Each kit contains adhesive designed specifically for glass surfaces; once applied, it should be left alone for the time listed on its packaging to ensure proper glue adhesion. Ideally, the shower should remain unoccupied during this process to ensure optimal adhesion of adhesive.
After installing grout, it is also vitally essential to seal its seams using sealant to avoid moisture seeping into its base, leading to mould or mildew growth. It helps protect against the formation of mould or mildew growth behind the grout surface.
Water Stains
Hard water stains can be an enormous burden for glass shower doors. Mineral deposits that adhere to the surface can be challenging to clear away, leading to permanent discolouration that makes your shower seem murky or foggy over time unless treated immediately - leaving only professional help as a viable solution.
Hard water stains can be reduced through several simple steps. Establish a regular cleaning schedule, and soak the surface before wiping it down with vinegar - for instance by placing a sheet or towel across your shower door and spraying vinegar directly over it before leaving it for several minutes before wiping with a cloth or squeegeeing it clean.
For stubborn stains, try purchasing a commercial hard water stain remover. You can find these glass repair Adelaide products at most local laundry and home improvement stores; follow their instructions closely and wipe down all surfaces in the shower enclosure/screen enclosure/screen enclosure as instructed for optimal results.
Your glass shower doors may require extra care when cleaning; use a nonabrasive scrub brush or sponge with soft bristles to loosen deposits on them without scratching their surface and leading to further stains. Don't forget to clean the track, too; this area often accumulates soap scum, mildew and mould as water runs down it from the showerhead.