Channel vs Clips - Part 2

In our last blog, we discussed how frameless shower doors have side panels that can be held in place by a channel. Here, we’ll discuss the second option to hold the side panels in place.

The second method is with clips. In this method, three or more clips hold the side panels in place. A typical door with one panel next to it will have a single clip along the floor and two along the wall. We generally quote clips as an option, but it does cost a little more.

The choice between these two methods is purely aesthetic. Both serve the same function: supporting the walls of the shower and keeping the water inside. Most people aim to minimize the amount of metal visible with a frameless shower door. While we can minimize the metal, we can’t eliminate it entirely. It comes down to whether you prefer a smaller, continuous line of channel along the glass edges or a few discrete pieces of metal with the clips.

Learn more in our latest article.

Live near Ann Arbor? Wolverine Glass has your frameless shower door covered!

Look for videos on our YouTube channel explaining the choices you can make and the process of designing and installing beautiful new glass and mirrors in your home. If you have any questions, reach out to us by calling (734) 426-5600 or submitting a contact form here. You can also visit our showroom from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

Channel vs Clips - Part 1

What’s the difference between a channel and clips?

A typical frameless shower door has a door and one or more panels to the side of it. The door is held in place by hinges, but the side panels are held in place by one of two different methods.

The first method is with a channel. In this method, the side panels sit in a piece of metal channel along the floor and up the side of any walls. This method is included in the base price that we quote.

The choice between these two methods is purely aesthetic. Both serve the same function: supporting the walls of the shower and keeping the water inside. Most people aim to minimize the amount of metal visible with a frameless shower door. While we can minimize the metal, we can’t eliminate it entirely. It comes down to whether you prefer a smaller, continuous line of channel along the glass edges or a few discrete pieces of metal with the clips.

Learn more in our latest article.

Live near Ann Arbor? Wolverine Glass has your frameless shower door covered!

Look for videos on our YouTube channel explaining the choices you can make and the process of designing and installing beautiful new glass and mirrors in your home. If you have any questions, reach out to us by calling (734) 426-5600 or submitting a contact form here. You can also visit our showroom from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday.

3 Ways to Fix a Loose Shower Door Handle

Looking for a step-by-step guide to fixing a shower door handle?

If your shower door handle is loose, it could cause more serious damage to your shower door, and may eventually require replacement. Here are a few ways you can fix a loose handle to prevent further damage:

Fixing the Handle by Adjusting the Screws

1. Use your Allen key to remove the handle by loosening both sets of screws. 
2. Tighten the second set of screws (holding the post in place) with your Philips head screwdriver until they’re snug.
3. Slide the handle back on and tighten the set screws back into place.

Fixing the Handle by Adjusting the Washers

If that doesn't correct your problem, there could be some plastic washers that are located between the handle and the glass that might have been lost. Once you’ve removed the handle, see if they’ve fallen out somewhere inside the handle and put them back in place. They could also be cracked or broken, in which case you would need to replace them. 

Getting Replacement Parts

If the handle was loose for a long time, then the post that we saw earlier may have become so worn that the set screw can't get a good grip on it, in which case either the post or the whole handle will need to be replaced. If you need to replace something, simply come to Wolverine Glass and we’ll help you get a replacement. Our technicians can help you install the replacement, or you can follow along with this YouTube video to install yourself.

Read the full how-to guide here.

Live Near Ann Arbor and Looking into Remodeling Your Bathroom?

Wolverine Glass is based in Ann Arbor and specializes in bathroom remodels, but it doesn’t end there! 

Our glass experts can help you:

1. Install custom shower doors
2. Install custom mirrors
3. Install custom glass table tops
4. Repair glass windows
5. Revitalize your shower
6. Create custom glass for the home

To get started, call (734) 246-5600 or submit a contact form here.

For more how-two guides, check out our YouTube channel!

Intro to Fixing a Shower Door Handle

Does your shower door jiggle every time you touch it?

At Wolverine Glass, we want to help keep your shower door looking as good and performing as well as the day it was first installed. Our technicians are ready to support you with adjustments, repairs, and any other maintenance needs for your shower door. In this article, we'll discuss how to fix a loose shower door handle.

It's important to fix a loose shower door handle early so that it doesn’t lead to damage that’s much harder to fix. A loose handle can wear down, making it unfixable and needing to be replaced completely. The handle could also move around, causing scratches on your glass. 

You will need a couple of tools to fix a shower door handle…

1. A Philips head screwdriver

2. An Allen key

Note: You’ll want to be careful that you don't scratch your glass with your Allen key, so you want to use a little bit of patience, and you’ll also want to be careful that you don't strip the inside of that set screw either. For the same reason, we also recommend using hand tools instead of power tools.

The most likely cause for a loose door handle is that one of the two sets of screws has become loose. So where are those two sets of screws? 

There’s a set of screws that holds a post on both ends of the handle, and then another set of screws that holds one of the handles onto that post.

Read the full how-to guide here.

Live Near Ann Arbor and Looking into Remodeling Your Bathroom?

Wolverine Glass is based in Ann Arbor and specializes in bathroom remodels, but it doesn’t end there! Our glass experts can help you:

1. Install custom shower doors
2. Install custom mirrors
3. Install custom glass table tops
4. Repair glass windows
5. Revitalize your shower
6. Create custom glass for the home

To get started, call (734) 246-5600 or submit a contact form here.

The Shower Door Installation Process

Looking for a step-by-step guide of the shower door installation process?

The crew will arrive and park their van or truck along the street or in the driveway. They will be looking to place the van in a position that provides the shortest, safest route to carry the glass into the home.

A crew member will introduce themselves and ask to be shown the bathroom they’ll be working in. As they walk to the shower, they will be assessing and making a plan for how they will get the materials in and out of the home. They may politely ask you to put away items that are at risk of being knocked over or damaged.

They will begin by first setting up their tools and laying down drop cloths in the bathroom to protect the floor and collect debris. 

Then they will begin the installation itself. This will involve bringing materials in from the van and unpackaging them. They may temporarily set some of these materials in an adjacent room or a hallway since space is likely to be limited in the bathroom.

Installation can be noisy, as it involves drilling holes into the tile or surround material. You will hear some banging as well as they are positioning the glass into place. If there is someone in your home sensitive to loud noises, make sure there’s a plan in place for their comfort.

One of the last steps during installation is applying silicone caulk to seal the shower. It is extremely important to leave the shower door and shower door alone for 24 hours after the install to allow for the caulk to cure and set. Do not use the shower or turn on the water during this time. Also avoid touching, wiggling, or otherwise moving the glass during this time.

Once the work is completed, our crew will clean up and pack all their tools and materials. One of the crew members will review the work with you and answer any questions that you may have before they leave.

Learn more in our latest article.

Live near Novi, MI and need a new glass shower door?

If you’re due for a new shower door, whether for function or beauty, you don’t have to wait! Wolverine Glass installs glass shower doors in and around the Novi, MI area. For a full list of cities that we serve, scroll down to the bottom of any page on the website. To get started, call (734) 246-5600 or submit a contact form here.

How to Prepare for Shower Door Installation

Are you feeling anxious about getting a new shower door installed?

You’re finally getting a brand-new shower door installed to complete your new shower! We’ll tell you here what is going to happen during the installation, and what you can do to prepare so that everything goes smoothly.

The first thing to consider while preparing for your shower door installation is that the installers will be carrying long, heavy, breakable glass through your home. One of the most useful things that you can do is remove any obstacles and fragile items along the path from the entry door to the bathroom. Doing the following will set you up for a smooth installation:

• Declutter or put away as much bathroom items as possible. Bathrooms are tight spaces, and the installation crew needs as much free space as possible.
• Ensure that there are no loose items on the floor that could pose a tripping hazard. 
• Have a plan for keeping pets and children out of the way during installation. The crew will be carrying heavy glass, and having a dog run out while they are moving the glass in can be dangerous for everyone.
• If it’s winter, please ensure that the sidewalk and driveway have been cleared of snow and ice. This is both for the crew’s safety and to help minimize water and dirt that may be tracked into the home.

Learn more in our latest article.

Live near Novi, MI and need a new glass shower door?

If you’re due for a new shower door, whether for function or beauty, you don’t have to wait! Wolverine Glass installs glass shower doors in and around the Novi, MI area. For a full list of cities that we serve, scroll down to the bottom of any page on the website. To get started, call (734) 246-5600 or submit a contact form here.

Frameless Shower Doors: Repairing and Replacing

How do you know when to make a repair versus a replacement?

In this blog, we give a few pointers for both hardware care and consumable item replacement.

Hardware Care

Hardware maintenance is crucial for the longevity of your frameless shower door. Here are some key points to remember:

• Avoid harsh cleaning chemicals that can damage the hardware finish.
• Clean most shower hardware by simply wiping with a damp cloth.
• Address loose hardware promptly to prevent further issues.
• Contact a professional for repairs involving loose hinges or support hardware to prevent accidental glass breakage.

Replacing Consumable Items

Some shower door components naturally wear over time and may need replacement:

• Door Sweeps: These plastic pieces at the bottom of the door help contain water within the shower. When torn or discolored, they can be easily replaced by sliding off the old one and installing a new one.  
• Caulking: If caulk has deteriorated or glass has broken free from it, address this immediately to prevent glass shifting and potential breakage. Regular cleaning can help prevent buildup along the caulk line.

Read more in our latest article.

Live near Brighton, MI and own a frameless shower door?

Remember, maintaining your frameless shower door not only preserves its beauty but also ensures its functionality for years to come. Wolverine Glass can help Brighton residents maintain and replace frameless shower doors. Call us at (734) 426-5600 or fill out our contact form here!