Choosing New Windows

Posted on: 2 October 2015

Just like many other bathroom fixtures, the shower has evolved. It is because of this that there are more choices to make when it is time to install a new shower. Among those choices is whether to opt for a side-mount hinged or pivot shower door installation. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of each to help you with your decision making. 

Pivot Shower Doors

A pivot shower door installation allows your door to swing outward when opened. The pivots are designed to help with supporting the weight of the door. One of the benefits of the pivot door is that you are not limited in whether you should choose the framed or frameless design. Both work well with the pivot installation. 

Another added benefit of a pivot installation is that it requires less hardware. The result is a door that is easier to maintain and clean. Less hardware also means that the installation has a cleaner look that does not stick out from the rest of the room. This can give your bathroom a more modern look.

There are some disadvantages to this type of installation though. If you have a small bathroom, a pivot door might not be the best option. It requires enough room to swing open. 

Side-Mount Hinged Shower Doors

A side-mount hinged shower door is the more traditional method of installing doors. The door is mounted to the bathroom's wall or glass panel like the more traditional designs and slides open. As a result, it is unlikely that water leaks out of the shower during use. If you have a frameless design, the side-mount installation is especially advantageous because it does not require a header or support bar. The final look is more aesthetically appealing. 

On the downside, there is a possibility that the side-mount installation will prove more expensive. If you do not have a wall space available for the installation, it will need to be mounted to a glass panel. Since the panel has to be specially prepared for the installation, this could result in a higher installation fee. The glass panel requires precision cutting, such as the addition of holes for the hardware that holds the door in place.

Work with a contractor from a company like Alabama Glass Works Inc to determine what is the best method of installation for your shower doors. He or she can assess your shower doors and factor in your desired designs to help you make your selection.