Shower Glass Delamination: What It Is and Why It’s a Nightmare
Have you ever noticed that your shower glass is looking a little… off? Maybe it’s got that foggy look creeping in from the edges, or worse there’s some nasty brown or black gunk trapped inside. If that sounds familiar, you’re dealing with shower glass delamination and it’s not pretty.
How Does Shower Glass Delamination Happen?
Most older shower screens and even some modern ones (especially in framed setups) are often made with laminated glass. Laminated glass consists of two layers of glass sandwiching a plastic interlayer. As time passes, constant exposure to water, soap residue and steam gradually works it’s way into the interlayer. This allows moisture to penetrate between the layers, creating an ideal breeding ground for mould.
Since the mould is trapped inside the glass no amount of scrubbing, vinegar or bleach will get rid of it. If your shower screen has reached this point, it’s an eyesore.
Can the Glass Be Replaced?
Yes. You can replace the glass itself, but there’s a catch. Removing the old glass from the frame can be risky.
Many shower frames are custom fitted and installed to be a permanent fixture. Prying them apart can cause frame warping or breakage.
Some frames may have excessive silicone, which makes removal even trickier.
Finding a glazier willing to take on the job can be tough because the risk of damage is high.
In short, even if you do find someone willing to swap out the glass, the labour costs and risks can often outweigh the benefits of just having a new one installed.
Does This Happen with Toughened Glass?
Unlike laminated glass, toughened (tempered) glass is a single solid piece. It doesn’t have a plastic interlayer, so there’s no place for moisture or mould to sneak in. That’s why most modern shower screens stay clear and free from delamination issues.
Toughened glass is also much stronger than laminated glass, making it the ideal choice for modern bathrooms. So if you’re upgrading make sure you are getting toughened glass.
The Best Solution? Full Replacement
If your shower screen has hit the dreaded delamination stage, your best bet is a full replacement. While it might seem like a bigger investment upfront, replacing the entire unit with a modern toughened glass screen will:
Eliminate future mould issues
Improve the look of your bathroom
Increase the longevity of your shower
Avoid the headache of trying to find someone to repair your old shower screen.
Final Thoughts
If you’re staring at your murky, mould infested shower glass and wondering if there’s a quick cheap fix? Sorry, but there isn’t. But look on the bright side: a new shower screen will give your bathroom an instant facelift and you’ll never have to deal with delamination again!
