Have you ever felt frustrated by a shower door that leaks water everywhere or doesn’t quite close properly?
Are you planning an upgrade and worried about making costly errors in the process?
If you answered “yes,” you’re not alone. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll highlight the 10 most common mistakes people make when selecting, installing, or maintaining a shower door in Michigan—and how to avoid them. You’ll learn practical tips and insider knowledge on everything from measuring and material selection to ensuring a proper fit. By the end, you’ll know how to make your next shower door project (whether at home or for a commercial property) a smooth, successful experience.
1. Not Measuring Twice
One of the biggest pitfalls homeowners and contractors face is inaccurate measuring. A mis-measured opening can lead to:
- A door that doesn’t fit, leaving gaps for water to escape.
- Unnecessary returns or restocking fees if the door has to be sent back.
- Delays in your renovation timeline.
Pro Tip: Use a tape measure to check both the width and height of your shower opening at multiple points (top, middle, and bottom). For older homes, walls might not be perfectly square. Be sure to document any variations. If you’re not entirely comfortable measuring on your own, Fortune Shower Doors can handle professional in-home measurements for you, ensuring an exact fit. Check out our homepage for information about scheduling a consultation.
2. Picking the Wrong Door Type for Your Space
When it comes to shower doors, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Do you want a sliding door, a pivot (swing) door, or perhaps a frameless enclosure? The wrong choice could mean:
- Difficulty opening the door if there’s limited clearance.
- A cramped bathroom space if the door style isn’t optimal.
- Extra frustration (and cost) swapping doors again later.
How to Avoid It: Consider how much clearance you have, the position of your fixtures, and how you prefer to access your shower. Smaller spaces often benefit from a sliding or bypass door, while larger, open layouts might be perfect for a frameless pivot door. If you’re unsure, get directions to our showroom in Sterling Heights and come see different door styles in person.
3. Overlooking Hardware Quality
Many people focus heavily on the glass while ignoring the importance of hardware. Lower-quality hardware (hinges, rollers, handles) can lead to:
- Wobbling doors that won’t stay aligned.
- Rust or corrosion in Michigan’s variable climate (especially if humidity levels are high).
- More frequent repairs or the need for premature replacements.
Solution: Invest in rust-resistant, durable metal finishes like stainless steel, brass, or quality aluminum. It’s worth the extra cost upfront to avoid headaches later. Feel free to explore premium hardware options on our Swing Doors page—it’s a great place to see what’s possible.
4. Choosing Incorrect Glass Thickness
Glass thickness plays a major role in the sturdiness and longevity of a shower door. For instance:
- 1/4-inch glass: Often used in framed doors. Lightweight but needs support from the frame.
- 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch glass: Common in frameless doors. Heavier but more resistant to flexing and wear.
Pitfall: If you opt for thinner glass in a frameless design, you risk added instability or the glass feeling flimsy. Conversely, using extra-thick glass in a setup that doesn’t need it can inflate costs unnecessarily.
Pro Tip: Ask your provider which thickness is ideal for your project. A frameless door typically requires at least 3/8-inch to ensure safety and minimal flex. At Fortune Shower Doors, we’ll guide you toward the perfect balance of aesthetics, performance, and cost.
5. Trying to DIY a Complex Installation
We get it—DIY can be a great way to save money. However, installing a shower door (especially a frameless or semi-frameless one) is more challenging than it might seem. Common errors include:
- Incorrect drilling into tile or stone, causing cracks or leaks.
- Failure to align panels, resulting in gaps that let water escape.
- Damage to expensive glass panels during transport or handling.
When to Call the Pros: If your shower door involves heavy glass, special angles, or complex layouts, consider professional installation. At Fortune Shower Doors, our expert team ensures a flawless fit, saving you from costly mishaps. Plus, professional installation often comes with warranty protections.
6. Ignoring Customization Needs
Not all bathrooms adhere to cookie-cutter dimensions. If you have an unusual layout—like a neo-angle corner shower or a large spa-like enclosure—opting for a standard door could lead to:
- Unsightly gaps.
- A door that simply won’t install properly.
- Compromised water-tightness.
Better Alternative: Choose a custom shower door that fits your unique space. Yes, it can be a bit more expensive, but it pays off in the long run. We specialize in custom solutions—from precise measurements to unique hardware and finishes—to ensure every aspect meets your needs.
7. Neglecting Water Control and Seals
A shower door’s primary function is to keep water in the shower. Overlooking weatherstrips, thresholds, or proper door sweep seals can lead to:
- Water leakage and damage to floors or subflooring.
- Mold or mildew growth around the base of the shower.
- Frequent frustration with daily cleanups.
Preventive Steps:
- Use quality seal strips and door sweeps that match your door type.
- Check your seals periodically for cracks or wear.
- Ensure the door is installed to direct water flow back into the shower pan.
This is another benefit of professional installation—we ensure your door is airtight (or as close as it can be), minimizing leaks.
8. Choosing the Wrong Finish for Your Bathroom
Your shower door hardware and frame finish should complement your bathroom décor. Selecting the wrong color or style can cause:
- A mismatch that detracts from the overall design.
- The need to replace hardware sooner if you later decide to upgrade your faucets or lighting finishes.
Smart Move: Plan your bathroom’s color and material palette before buying the shower door. If your faucets are brushed nickel, opt for a matching brushed nickel finish on the door hardware. If you’re going for a bold industrial vibe, consider matte black frames or hinges. Consistency creates a cohesive look that boosts your bathroom’s aesthetic and potential resale value.
9. Underestimating Maintenance Requirements
Most shower doors require some level of upkeep. Over time, water spots, soap scum, and mineral deposits can cloud the glass. If you overlook maintenance, you might face:
- Permanent etching on the glass.
- Stubborn grime that becomes difficult to remove.
- A dull, aging look far sooner than necessary.
Maintenance Tips:
- Keep a squeegee handy and do a quick wipe-down after each shower.
- Use non-abrasive cleaners or a vinegar-based solution for tougher build-up.
- Consider glass protective coatings to minimize hard water stains.
- Inspect hardware (rollers, hinges) occasionally to ensure smooth operation.
A little daily or weekly care can extend the life of your door by years—and keep it looking brand new.
10. Overlooking Local Expertise
Shopping online for a bargain might be tempting, but a shower door is a significant investment—especially if you want professional results. If you buy from a random source without local support:
- You might not get the right size or configuration for your shower.
- Returning or exchanging can be a hassle (and shipping heavy glass isn’t cheap).
- You’ll miss out on personal guidance and warranties that come with local companies.
Why Go Local:
- Hands-On Showroom Experience: At Fortune Shower Doors, located at 42624 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, you can see, touch, and compare products before making a decision.
- Professional Installation & Support: We’re right here in Michigan, so if you ever have questions or need service, we’re just a phone call away. No confusing online chats or endless email threads.
- Local Knowledge: We understand Michigan homes (including older construction styles, typical plumbing setups, and common tile choices), so we can offer tailored solutions that fit both your budget and local building codes.
Click here for driving directions, or head to our homepage to learn more about scheduling a consultation or visiting our showroom.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Avoiding these 10 common shower door mistakes is simpler once you know what to watch out for. By taking accurate measurements, picking the right style and hardware, investing in professional installation (when needed), and giving your door the proper care, you’ll have a beautiful, functional shower that stands the test of time.
- Ready to Upgrade? Browse our swing door selection for inspiration.
- Have Questions or Need a Quote? Don’t hesitate to get directions and visit us in person. Or simply call us to set up an in-home measurement—we’ll gladly help you pick the perfect door for your Michigan property.
We hope these tips set you up for shower door success. Remember, a well-chosen and properly installed door not only keeps your bathroom tidy but also enhances the look and value of your home. From all of us at Fortune Shower Doors, we look forward to helping you create the bathroom of your dreams!
