The semicircular shower screen is, without a doubt, a great solution to the space problem of modern flats.
With the problem of rising land prices, the flats are gradually, but progressively, built with smaller dimensions. Faced with this reality, in their distribution, more surface is allocated to the rooms where more time is spent and that provide greater comfort, such as living rooms.
Therefore, some space is sacrificed in rooms whose use, although obligatory and continuous, is ephemeral and does not provide added value. The example that best fits this description is the bathroom.
Therefore, we have to look for solutions with which to optimize this reduced dependency.
One of them, undoubtedly, are the semicircular screens that provide the possibility of taking advantage of any corner without having to sacrifice the functionality of a shower.
Therefore, we are going to dedicate this article to see how to install semicircular shower enclosures.
Types and sizes of semicircular shower enclosures
The screens of this type that are commercialized adapt to practically any size of the most common shower trays, being able to find them in measures that oscillate between 75 x 75 and 100 x 100 cm.
As for the material in which they are made, they can be glass or acrylic.
Finally, regarding the way of opening, there are hinged and sliding doors. Next, we will see how both types are installed.
Semicircular shower enclosure installation
Shower plate measurement
This is a step prior to installation, but crucial for an impeccable finish, since a failure to take the measurements can cause unexpected inconveniences and, therefore, improvisations with the risk that this entails.
Therefore, we must take action. We put them on paper, making a plan, even if it’s freehand. And, plan in hand, we check them again.
We have to measure the two straight sides of the shower tray, which hit the wall, as well as the radius to be able to determine the curvature that the semicircular shower screen should have.
Do not panic! You don’t have to do any math equations or anything like that.
When the two sides of the plate are the same length, the radius of the semicircle is also the same length. However, as we have said before, we must carry out the measurement phase scrupulously, so it is worth checking the radius.
Materials and tools
Once the measurements have been taken, our semicircular shower enclosure chosen, and purchased, we have to get down to work.
For this, as in any DIY project, we have to prepare all the necessary material and tools.
For the installation of the screen we will need the following:
- Electric drill.
- Masonry drill bits.
- Manual screwdriver, or screwdriver bits for the drill.
- Glue gun.
- Level.
- Hammer.
- Pencil.
- Masking tape.
- Silicone.
- And, of course, our semicircular shower screen with all its mounting accessories.
Installation of the shower screen
1st Step – Presentation and marking.
The first thing we have to do is present the profiles that are directly anchored to the wall, called compensation profiles.
We must take into account the distances indicated in the instructions that are included in the screen kit.
We put the profiles completely vertical with the help of the level, we mark with a pencil where we should make the holes, and we make the holes in the wall.
So that you do not have problems when drilling the tiles, I advise you to see this other article Drilling tiles, tips and tricks.
2nd Step – Assembly of the screen structure
This step is only for semicircular shower enclosures with sliding doors. If yours were hinged doors, go directly to the next step.
Before anchoring, we must assemble the four parts that make up the structure, the two sides (compensation profiles), the upper and lower guides.
Check the instructions, since the mounting method may be different depending on the brand. What is clear is that said assembly will be easy and fast.
3rd Step – Installation of the structure
We introduce the plugs in the holes made in the wall, we place the complete structure in the case of sliding doors, or the two compensation profiles in the case of swing doors. And we screw gently.
We confirm the verticality of the assembly, rectifying the position if necessary and, when it is ok, we fully tighten the screws.
4th Step – Assembling the doors
Screens with folding doors
Now we will install the hinges with the help of the screwdriver. First to the sides and then to the two leaves.
Screens with sliding doors
In this case, instead of hinges, we must put the semicircular shower screen bearings. So we installed the top bearings on the top rail, and then the bottom bearings on the bottom rail. This way it will fit correctly.
Sliding blade bearings.
We must also introduce and set the stops, to determine exactly the path we want the doors to take.
We will firmly tighten the screws of the bearings, but allowing a smooth and frictionless sliding.
In the event of having to adjust the height or verticality of the doors, whatever their type, we can adjust them without much problem, consulting the manufacturer’s instructions.
5th Step – Putting the finishes
Now we must put the handles, rubber gaskets, and any other trim that our semicircular shower screen brings.
6th Step – Sealing the semicircular partition
And, finally, we must leave the shower completely sealed. To do this, we have to apply a silicone bead on the joints of the screen both with the walls and with the shower plate.
Note
Eye! You can’t use just any silicone. Whether white or transparent, the silicone must include fungicide. This type of silicone is formulated to prevent the formation of fungi and mold, as it is constantly in a humid environment, as is the case in bathrooms and kitchens.
Although it seems very simple, the correct application of silicone is not so simple. In this other article you can see how to apply the silicone cleanly and correctly.
Once the silicone has been applied, the excess has been removed, and the bodybuilder’s tape has been removed, we would only have to wait between 24 and 48 hours for it to set completely.
After these two days of waiting, we can enjoy our new semicircular shower screen.
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