A shower screen explosion is every homeowner and tenant’s worst nightmare.
Its causes range from poor installation, a careless mistake, or just sheer bad luck.
The incident can be just as expensive, as it can be dangerous, and it is important to keep an eye out for signs.
You should ideally monitor the conditions of your shower screen every month, and look out for these characteristics which could be possible warnings:
Poor installation
As DIY interiors take the world by storm, shower screens are especially delicate and fragile, and should be closely measured and carefully fitted only by a professional. While it can be tempting to ‘do it yourself’, the consequences of a shoddy job are much more severe than a mere bruise.
Temperature changes
While temperature changes do not cause shower screens to explode, a severe drop or hike in degrees, paired with thermal pressure, can make the screen extremely vulnerable to shattering, especially if there’s a pre-existing crack on it.
John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass, said: “Small cracks can worsen overtime and make the shower screen much more fragile.”
Tough abrasive cleaning
Like mentioned earlier, shower screens are particularly delicate, and should be cleaned and maintained using products that are tailored for such materials. Cleaning should be done in a circular motion, without much pressure.
John Cutts added: “Glass is a delicate material which is why being too tough with the cleaning can also cause it to weaken and crack.”
Ageing issues
Shower screens have a long lifespan, and if maintained properly, can last for over a decade. It is prudent that you are extra vigilant in such cases, and carry out routine checks for signs of ageing.
John Cutts, founder of MeandMyGlass.co.uk said: “Walking into the bathroom to find the shower screen shattered is every homeowner’s nightmare.
“One of the main causes for this is improper installation which is why it’s important to get a reputable professional in for the job.
“However, poor installation isn’t the only cause of a breakage. Glass is a delicate material which is why being too tough with the cleaning can also cause it to weaken and crack. Small cracks can worsen overtime and make the shower screen much more fragile.
