Frameless Shower Clips Vs. U Channel
Builders Glass of Bonita, Inc. sells many frameless showers and many customers ask about Frameless Shower Clips Vs. U Channel. This post will educate the consumer about the Pros and Cons. Frameless Shower Doors have definitely become the most desired type of shower installation over the years. If you are looking to install a stationary panel along with a door, you will need some way to support this stationary panel. (Unless you inset your panel into the tile, which is very rare.) Recently, clients are asking about shower door clips in lieu of U Channel. One may ask, “What is the difference?” Here are the pros and cons and some pictures to help you make the best decision for your shower!
Frameless Shower Clips Vs. U Channel
Frameless Shower Enclosure with Clips
Clips
PRO ♦ Achieves the most “frameless’ appearance
PRO ♦ Hardware is anodized brass
CON ♦ Generally more expensive because of the hardware, but also because holes are required to be cut in the glass thus raising the price of the glass.
CON ♦ Generally more time consuming for the installers.
CON ♦ Requires silicone seal, silicone can mildew over time
Check out this link to see different hardware finishes of our most commonly used clamp.
U Channel
PRO ♦ More cost effective. Depending on the application costs can sometimes be as
Frameless Shower Enclosure with U Channel
much as $150.00 less.
PRO ♦ In most applications shower is quicker to install.
PRO ♦ Less silicone is visible= less mildew
CON ♦ Considered by most consumers to be a type of frame and thus less appealing because a more frameless look is desired.
CON ♦ U Channel is anodized aluminum. Not a bad product, just not as nice a brass.
U-Channel- Clip Combination
This brings us to our most preferred installation method- a combination of clips and u-channel. Installing U-channel at the base, and a clip on the side wall gives you the best of both worlds.
PRO ♦ Achieves the “frameless’ appearance with the clip visible on the side wall
PRO ♦ U-channel at the base prevents the mildew issue of clips and silicone there
PRO ♦ Great Price point
PRO ♦ Installation ease
We hope you found this post to be helpful and if you have any questions please feel free to call. Also consider stopping by our state of the art showroom in Bonita Springs. We also proudly serve Naples, Fort Myers, Estero and the surrounding areas. We’ll see you soon.
