bathroom renovation Archives - New Town Glass Ltd

With your next renovation project around the corner, the idea of a fresh aesthetic appeal can overwhelm you. What better way to lead your renovation project than with a bathroom renovation? The shower is the bathroom’s centrepiece, and its enclosure is the main piece of attraction.

Are you looking for an expert to install shower doors in Kelowna? Discover below everything you need to know about the latest trends in glass shower doors and shower enclosures and why New Town Glass is your go-to bathroom renovation company in Kelowna.

What is A Shower Door and Glass Shower Enclosure?

The shower door is simply the opening and closing mechanism of your shower area. Depending on your taste, you can choose to install a glass shower enclosure or any other option available.

A shower enclosure is an object that makes it possible to alter the bathtub’s function to allow users the option of taking a shower or enjoying a tub bath. The most common material and design for the shower enclosure is the glass shower enclosure.

Latest Designs and Trends

1. Frameless Shower Enclosure

A frameless shower enclosure seems to be the only current trend that many homeowners are eager to implement. It is not difficult to imagine why since a frameless shower enclosure effortlessly helps showcase the bathroom outlook and intricate tile designs.

Frameless shower enclosures use a sturdy tempered glass that requires no metal protection at the edge to stand independently. Keep in mind that some frameless shower doors include some functional metal such as the hinges, handles, and clips. Apart from that, frameless shower enclosures are generally metal-free.

2. Clear Glass

For a long time, textured or opaque glass has reigned supreme when it comes to the choice of shower glass. In 2021, this is not the case. Most people choose fully transparent glass in place of a semi-fogged glass look. This clean and sleek look has been growing in popularity recently, and clear glass is not used in glass shower doors and shower enclosures.

3. Custom Glass Shower Doors

A glass shower door with custom decorative etched glass grants you the privacy you need without opting for dingy opaque glass. You can have your glass created in any design you choose, from stripes and geometric squares to mountain scenery or ocean waves. The whole setup makes your shower area appear artsy.

4. Quadrant Shower Enclosures

The quadrant style is a popular choice for a shower enclosure and does not seem to be losing fans anytime soon. Despite having been on the market for a while, quadrant shower enclosures are still a trendy choice for homeowners looking to renovate their bathrooms. The enclosures have a rounded corner that gives the shower a shapely curvature to fit any bathroom design.

Advantages of Installing a Shower Enclosure in your Home

Installing glass shower enclosures is an interesting way to give your bathroom a new, elegant look without remodelling the entire space. Most importantly, installing a shower enclosure helps create a separate bathing space within your bathroom. Check out below some of the advantages of installing glass shower doors and shower enclosures in your home.

1. Low Maintenance

Glass shower enclosures require less maintenance since they are durable and very easy to clean. With glass shower enclosures, chances of mold and mildew are rare. Moreover, they are well constructed and require little to no repair.

2. Customizable

At New Town Glass, we offer a broad selection of customizable glass door and glass shower enclosures designs

3. Makes the Bathroom Appear Spacious

A shower enclosure is exactly what you need to have a small bathroom to appear more spacious. A clear glass shower enclosure makes the bathroom appear bigger without a closed-off partition. It also allows for better airflow compared to the metal frames shower stall or a traditional curtain.

4. Adds Value

Installing a shower enclosure adds value to your home, especially if you consider reselling. Replacing the damaged or aged bathroom enclosure with an elegant glass enclosure enhances your home value. Besides, it adds aesthetic value even if you don’t plan on selling it.

5. Safety

A shower enclosure is a safer alternative to leaky shower curtains, which may cause a slip and fall hazard.

Importance of Hiring Professionals for New Shower Door and Shower Enclosure Installation

A professional is the only individual equipped with the knowledge and skill of how to install a shower door and shower enclosures. Below are the benefits of hiring a professional for your installation need in Kelowna.

Top-Notch Service

A professional is bound by expectations to provide high-quality services and nothing less. Hiring anything less means compromising the quality of your installation.

High-quality Tools, Equipment, and Materials

A professional has all the necessary tools to ensure a proper installation. Moreover, they use high-quality materials, for example, glass, to install the best shower doors and shower enclosures.

Professional Advice

Ensure you hire a professional with lots of experience installing shower doors and shower enclosures. With such levels of exposure and experience, a professional installer is better suited to offer advice on different designs and installation options.

You Will Get What You Need

A professional listens to all clients’ needs and tailors the services to meet this demand. Hiring a professional guarantees you the chance to have your shower doors and shower enclosures customized to your desire.

Hiring a Pro Saves You Money

It may seem like an obvious cost installing the glass doors and shower enclosures yourself, but a DIY installation project can be more costly than anticipated. Do you have the necessary tools required for the installation? Do you know what these tools are? Renting or purchasing these tools can be expensive. A professional comes prepared with all the necessary tools, even for the hardest part of the job.

Hire a Professional Today

Here at New Town Glass, we provide the best glass shower door installation service in Kelowna and its environs. If you are looking to renovate your bathroom, including glass door and shower enclosure installation, we have the experts for that.

Reach out to us today to find out the cost of installing a glass shower door and shower enclosures. We are quick to respond and provide the best services you need.

Top Reasons Why You Should Install Glass Shower Enclosure in Your Bathroom

November 17, 2020

Harison Pyykko

Your shower enclosure can spell the difference between a bathroom with a stunningly great look and a common bathroom like all others. Since the bathroom is one of the major focal points in a home’s features, you should put a lot of attention to your choice of shower enclosure design and its installation.

Avoid shower curtains when you can. They aren’t just old fashioned and ordinary. They also present some disadvantages. They are difficult to clean and maintain. They are messy. When left wet, water can drip on the floor and encourage the growth of mold and the formation of mildew. Opaque shower curtains can also cause a feeling of being claustrophobic to some.

When remodeling your home, using a glass enclosure for your shower can instantly upgrade your bathroom, give it a modern elegant look, and add value to your property. Visual appeal isn’t the only reason you will want to use glass for showers. Installing a glass enclosure for your shower offers many other exciting benefits.

Why You Should Install a Glass Shower Enclosure

1. It promotes sophisticated aesthetic.

The glass enclosure around your shower creates a feeling of more open space compared to a restrictive shower curtain that makes the room feel narrow and confined. The use of glass for showers can immediately transform any bathroom into an elegant area that can become your home’s center of attention from guests.

2. It’s easy to clean.

Cleaning the shower and bathroom can be tedious and unpleasant especially when you have shower curtains or a bathroom that has no shower enclosure. That is not the case when you have a glass shower enclosure installed. Cleaning your shower becomes a breeze. All you need is a squeegee to clean it with preferably followed by a soft cloth for the clearest shine.

3. It prevents water seepage on the floor.

Your bathroom floor is spared from water splash with an enclosure that effectively closes and seals off your shower from the rest of our bathroom. Without water seepage into your tiles not only minimises the cleaning required but can also prevent serious problems over time.

4. Glass can be custom fit for your space.

Aside from the availability of standard shower enclosure designs, you can also have a professional glass service provider customise your panes to fit any specifications. No matter the size and shape of your shower area, the glass enclosure can be designed and cut for your specific needs.

5. Glass offers limitless design options.

Not only can your glass service provider give you a shower enclosure custom fit to your space, but there are also many options for glass, frame, and hardware that can satisfy your taste and complement your bathroom style. You can choose from clear transparent, frosted, tinted, or designed glass options. You can have your glass door framed or frameless. Stylish, durable, and functional hardware is available for you to use.

6. Enjoy high safety standards.

Glass showers are designed for safety. Glass for showers is typically tempered, thick, and safe to use. Tempered glass is four times stronger than regular glass that is not prone to breaking in normal applications such as in glass doors. In the unlikely event it breaks, tempered glass shatters into pellet-like pieces and not into shards that can cause serious injury.

7. It enhances your home’s value.

Investing in an attractive glass shower to replace your old shower curtain or install an enclosure in your open shower is a wise decision. Your investment can go give your bathroom the boost it needs to enhance its visual appeal. Even if you don’t intend to sell your property, the bathroom improvement will provide your home with increased overall value.

Where to Buy Shower Glass

After you are convinced that glass for showers is the way to go in your bathroom upgrade project, you may be asking where to buy shower glass. Glass enclosure for showers is a special glass that should be suitable for the application. Glass panel thickness is generally 1/2”. For a glass door it is typically 3/8” (or a 10 mm equivalent) and 1/2” thickness. The frameless shower normally uses less thick glass than the panel for the panel to be stronger and more stable. Purchase your shower glass only from reputable manufacturers. A professional glass service provider can also let you know where to buy shower glass and even include buying it for you.

When you look for a glass service company that can help you with your glass shower project, contact New Town Glass. We are glass experts with over 15 years of experience with glass structures that include glass shower enclosures. We have helped hundreds of Kelowna homeowners upgrade their bathrooms through our quality glass shower installation. Give us a call at +1 778-400-8001 to find out how we can support your home improvement with our glass design and installation. We offer a free consultation.

8 Benefits of Installing Frameless Shower Door and Enclosure (and Some Disadvantages)

November 9, 2020

Harison Pyykko

The bathroom is one of the most important parts of your home. You spend a significant amount of time in it, especially for your daily shower routine. When installing your shower for the first time or remodeling your bathroom, shower design should be given attention for your maximum benefits and enjoyment. You want to make your shower area unique, space-efficient, and functional.

If you choose a glass shower option, you should first start to determine what the right type of glass shower is for you. There are two major designs you can choose from – frameless shower or framed shower.

Benefits of a Frameless Shower

If you haven’t decided yet whether or not to install frameless shower door and enclosure in your bathroom, here are some of the advantages that can convince you to do so.

1. It offers endless design possibilities.

Frameless showers are customisable and offer far more options in style and size. You are not limited to mass-produced standard sized doors, adding flexibility to your design. Whether yours is a small walk-in shower or an expansive spa shower, a frameless shower can be designed for it. Customisation is one of the biggest advantages of a no-frame shower over a framed shower.

2. It provides significantly more functional doors.

The door in a frameless shower can be opened in and out, unlike a framed shower door that is limited to outward opening.

3. It is relatively easy to clean.

Your frameless shower gives you the motivation to clean your bathroom regularly. Cleaning it is easy. Glass used in the shower is resistant to weathering. You need only to use a squeegee for the glass door and walls before proceeding to clean the floor.

4. The bathroom feels brighter, lighter, and more spacious.

The natural light that a frameless shower reflects gives the appearance of a larger and more expansive bathroom area. The absence of a frame that can cut off your sightlines will let you have a sense that the area is larger. The flow of natural light into your bathroom space can also improve visibility and help make your bathroom look clean and updated.

5. It provides the shower a clean, fresh look.

On a frameless shower, there is no unsightly rubber, metal or other forms of seal you will normally find on bulky looking framed shower.

6. It minimizes mold risks.

Since there are no door seals in a frameless shower door where water and soap can settle, the risk of mold build-up and mildew formation is minimised.

7. It is aesthetically appealing.

For people who go for a modern minimalist design option in their homes, frameless showers are a favorite. They are not as bulky as framed showers and do not have the cluttered look from a shower door with metal or rubber seals. They add a luxurious touch to your home’s overall aesthetic. Frameless shower doors are also classy and have a timeless quality that will be in style for many decades to come.

8. Finally, it increases the value of your property.

The bathroom along with the kitchen are the primary focus of potential home buyers. These two areas can significantly affect the assessment of a home’s value. Having a modern elegant frameless shower can be a great boost when your home is being valuated.

Disadvantages of a Frameless Shower

Even with many benefits from a frameless shower, you need to be aware of its disadvantages as well to guide you in your choice of shower style.

1. It costs more.

The initial cost of a no frame shower can be 4 to 9 times more expensive than its framed counterpart. The significant cost difference comes from the thicker glass used that is required to make the frameless door more stable without the sturdiness of a frame.

10 mm shower glass (or its 3/8” equivalent) and 1/2″ shower glass is typically used for no frame shower designs. 10 mm shower glass is the minimum thickness that can be used for a stable and structural sound glass shower door. Thicker glass is more expensive, the reason 10mm shower glass is a more popular choice among homeowners who prefer a no frame shower.

Another reason for its higher cost is the sturdier hardware required to have frameless shower doors in place such as solid brass.

2. It may sacrifice function.

A no frame shower doesn’t have seals around its door to bind it with the shower wall and floor as leak prevention. When not cut to a perfect fit, there could be gaps between the door and other areas of the shower. This can allow water to leak onto the floor. In some cases, the problem is caused by a wrong design such as the showerhead aimed at the door instead of installing it at a wall away from the door.

3. It offers less privacy.

With transparent glass walls, frameless showers can be a bit revealing especially for families sharing their bathroom space. For a little more privacy, you can opt for a frosted glass that can also offer the same modern open feel.

If you are a homeowner who is looking for impressive and inspiring ways to improve your home, particularly your bathroom, a frameless glass shower is a great solution. You get many benefits with your investment.

To ensure a design that will work best, it is wise to involve as early as possible a professional glass installation service provider. You may call New Town Glass for a free consultation. We are glass experts with over 15 years of experience in the design and installation of glass structures including glass showers and enclosures. We serve Kelowna and surrounding areas.

Renovating Your Bathroom? Here are the Types of Shower Doors You Can Choose From

June 15, 2020

Harison Pyykko

The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your house. You use the shower every day for an average of 15 minutes per shower. It’s one of the most relaxing places in your house, so why do you spend this time in an old shower with leaky and dirty shower curtains, when you can invest in high-quality shower enclosures and doors that have high-quality water barrier system? There is a lot to consider in choosing the best shower door for your bathroom.

Shower Door Movement

When it comes to choosing the best shower door for your bathroom space, consider how you would like to open and shut your shower door. This may depend on the available space and your personal preference.

1. Bypass Doors

Bypass shower doors, or simply called sliding shower doors are perfect for shower areas and bathrooms with limited space, as you don’t have to worry about door swing area. Bypass doors work by using aluminum tracks at the bottom and at the top of the opening glass panel. The glass panel slides in front of another glass panel when opening or closing the door.

Although this type of door is sturdy and easier to install, it can be difficult to keep clean as water and grime often collect by the tracks, which can make sliding more difficult, if not maintained properly.

2. Pivot Doors

Pivot or swing doors, often involve a side-mounted hinged glass door that pivots. This type of door is often more complicated to install, but since there are no overlaps between door and panel, cleaning is a lot easier. However, hinged doors need to be exact in terms of swing area, thus, not all bathrooms can have room for this type of shower door.

3. Doorless Walk-in Showers

If you’re not a fan of sliding or swinging doors for your shower and clean up is just too much for you, modern doorless showers might be something to consider. This often uses a half wall, usually made of glass to keep the water from splashing to the rest of the bathroom.

Consider doorless showers if you have enough space in the shower to keep the water from spilling out from the opening. This takes strategic design to ensure that space, floor, showerhead, and drain, all work together to contain the water within the shower area.

Shower Door Attachment

How do you like your shower doors attached to the rest of the enclosure walls of the shower? Consider the pros and cons of going frameless, framed, or semi-frameless on your shower doors.

1. Framed Shower Doors

A framed shower door has metal around it, usually made of aluminum or composite material. Framed doors are common for sliding doors as metal is often where the tracks are. There are also some designs that feature pivot doors with frames. Framed doors are practical because of their sturdiness and it’s relatively easier to install. However, they can be difficult to clean because of the corners and nooks that are harder to reach.

2. Semi-frameless Shower Doors

Semi-frameless shower doors have the metal attachment that is characteristic of framed doors, however, the metal is not found entirely around the door. Metal attachments are either found on top and bottom of an otherwise frameless door, for bypass shower doors, or just on the side where the hinges are, for pivot doors.

3. Frameless Shower Doors

Touted for their elegance and practicality, frameless shower doors may be the best shower glass for you if you like the sophisticated style with easy cleaning. However, frameless shower doors are the most complicated to install as the thick frameless glass is only attached through hinges or headers. For professional installation, check out New Town Glass

Shower Glass Finish

To choose the best shower glass finish for you, consider your personal style, your interior design, and your privacy preferences. Here are some of the most popular and elegant glass finish you can choose from:

1. Clear

Clear glass is a classic choice for shower doors. It can make your bathroom look larger as there is no visual obstruction between the shower and the rest of the space. It is sophisticated and elegant, but it does not offer much in terms of privacy.

2. Tinted

Tinted glass may be the best shower glass for you if you want a little privacy and boundary but not fully hide the interior of your shower. Bronze or gray tints are the classic choices for tinted shower doors.

3. Patterned

Patterned or textured glass has various embossed patterns that offer visual and tactile decoration to your bathroom. It allows for higher privacy without compromising light transmission. Try Rain, Barock, or Bubbles pattern or opt for the sophisticated Berman glass patterns like Aqui and Esto.

4. Frosted

Frosted glass lets some light pass through but still gives you the privacy that you need as the light is scattered resulting in a blurred image. You have a variety of options on how opaque you want your frosted glass to be. Opt for satin glass for minimal blurring or acid etched glass for higher light scattering.

Whatever style, attachment, or finish you choose for your shower door, the most important aspect to consider is the installation. Hire expert professionals who can handle delicate glass and install them with preciseness. Visit New Town Glass to learn more.

Bathroom Renovation Tips: Do I Need Shower Glass Enclosure?

June 8, 2020

Harison Pyykko

The design and functionality of a bathroom can make or break a person’s opinion and mood about the whole house. A properly designed bathroom has the power to make the inhabitants feel relaxed and pampered after every shower or bath. If you’re not currently happy with the way your bathroom looks, maybe it’s time for a much-needed renovation.

Why Upgrade Your Bathroom

Sure, a glass shower and a corner bath may look elegant but do you really need them? Why should you consider renovating your bathroom now, when the old one has been perfectly functional and usable?

Upgrading your bathroom is not just about aesthetics; it also improves the functionality and comfort of your bathroom, not to mention it can greatly increase your house’s value. Your new bathroom can be more energy-efficient, which saves you on energy expenses. It’s more hygienic and easier to clean which saves your family from dangerous diseases. You can also make it more accessible to allow aging family members to use it with ease. Furthermore, depending on how you renovate it, you can have more space to use and have more relaxing and pleasurable time in your bathroom, which improves overall well-being.

Smart and Practical Bathroom Renovation Tips

You don’t have to spend a fortune on renovating your bathroom. Consider these smart and inexpensive tips on how to make your bathroom feel glamorous and luxurious:

1. Invest in good fixtures.

Nothing defines the theme of your bathroom as well as a good tapware, shower, and toilet. Choose a shower that is energy efficient and has good water pressure. Depending on the theme you want for your bathroom, choose fixtures that provide high functionality, energy and water efficiency, and modern style.

2. Upgrade the lighting.

Lighting is essential in creating a relaxing atmosphere. If circumstances would allow it, opt for big glass windows or frosted glass walls if you don’t think your privacy will be compromised. Otherwise, modern artificial lighting can do wonders in creating a bright and luxurious feel in your bathroom.

If you’re only using a ceiling light, you may notice that it creates shadows on your face when you’re looking in the mirror, so add some overhead light above the mirror or modern sconces on both sides of the vanity.

3. Improve ventilation.

Depending on the size of your bathroom, you should have sufficient ventilation to keep the room from fogging up. Keeping the moisture inside the house can be dangerous as it can damage the property and cause the growth of molds that are unsanitary and unsightly.

Make sure your bathroom has adequate airflow by installing bigger windows. Choose modern designs that are also functional and energy-efficient. If this is not doable, you can install a passive vent or a fan to allow free movement of air.

4. Paint it up.

Never underestimate the power of color. Just adding a lick of paint over your old tub can instantly make it look new and modern. Choose a light and neutral color for your walls, preferably a color that matches your floor, especially if the space is small. This creates a brighter space by eliminating the corners.

If you want to add more personality to your bathroom, try painting your cabinets and doors a bolder color which can make your bathroom more charming.

5. Use frameless glass shower enclosure.

There are many advantages to installing a glass shower enclosure or a glass shower door. Buy shower glass that is frameless so you can instantly elevate your bathrooms’ elegance and sophistication. You can opt for a sliding shower glass door or one that opens out depending on how much space you have.

The advantages of frameless shower glass are not limited to beauty, it is also hygienic and a lot easier to clean. Unlike shower curtains and framed shower glass, you can easily keep the frameless glass clean and free from mildew and mold, because of the absence of crevices. Furthermore, you can easily preserve the integrity of your bathroom floor by keeping them dry. Glass shower enclosures are designed not to let any water out of the shower area, thus making it easier for you to tidy up.

Frameless shower enclosures also make your bathroom more accessible for people with limited movement abilities as it allows you to forgo the step or ledge that separates the shower from the rest of the bathroom.

Where to Buy Shower Glass for Your Bathroom Renovation

To achieve the classy look you want for your bathroom, getting the right professionals to install your glass shower doors and enclosure is crucial. You’ll need experts who can handle the delicate job of putting fragile glass firmly in place with the utmost care and perfect craftsmanship.

At New Town Glass and Window Renovations, we value safety and quality. We can help you improve your bathroom by installing bigger windows or floor to ceiling glass shower enclosures and doors or walk-in glass showers, depending on how you like to design your new bathroom. For more information on how to buy shower glass, visit our website.