How To Fit A Bath Shower Screen - 5 Easy Steps
| Last updated Jul. 16, 2024 |
Simple Guide to Installing Your Shower Bath Screen
Transform your bath into a multi-purpose shower with a bath screen. Unlike easy and cheap shower curtains that often lack hygiene and durability, bath screens are cleaner, more aesthetic, and better at preventing leaks while adding sophistication to your bathroom.
Many are wary of installing a shower screen themselves, but with the right tools and a helping hand, it's manageable. While professional help is recommended for plumbing, fitting a bathroom screen can be a DIY project.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the different types of screens, necessary tools, preparation steps, easy-fitting instructions, maintenance tips, and a price guide.
Here's our step-by-step guide to fitting a shower screen and transforming your bathroom.
Bath Screen Sizes
Bath screens, also known as bath shower screens, come in various sizes, shapes, and designs to suit different needs and preferences.
Typically used with straight baths, bath shields allow you to shower while standing in the bath without splashing water into the bathroom.
Types of Bath Screens
Fixed Bath Screens
Static bath screens are fixed in one place, unlike Hinged or Foldable Screens.
Hinged Bath Screens
Swing in and out on hinges for easy access to the bath.
Foldable Screens
Concertina-style screens that can be folded flat against the wall when not in use.
Other options include multi-panel screens like double-panel, triple-panel, and four-fold panel screens, which can be tucked neatly away. Refer to your manufacturer’s instructions for specific installation guidelines.
Shower screens for baths come in various sizes to meet your specific bathroom requirements.
If you're interested in installing a full shower enclosure instead, we also have a guide for that.
Tools You'll Need to Fit a Bath Shower Screen
Before starting your shower screen installation, gather the following materials and tools. Here's a brief overview of the tools you will need and their specific uses:
| Electric Drill | For drilling holes into the wall to secure the screen. |
| Hammer | Useful for tapping in wall plugs or gently adjusting components. |
| Masking Tape | Helps mark out positions and protect surfaces from sealant. |
| Pencil | For marking drilling points and alignment on the wall. |
| Sealant Gun | Used to apply silicone sealant to create a watertight seal around the screen edges. |
| Spirit Level | Ensures the screen is installed straight and level. |
| Screwdrivers | Needed to tighten screws and secure components. |
| Measuring Tape | For accurately measuring distances and ensuring proper placement. |
Additionally, make sure you have the shower bath screen kit, which typically includes the glass screen, screws, hinges, and rubber seals.
Estimated Time to Complete:
Installation typically takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
The duration can vary based on the type of shower screen you're installing and your level of DIY experience. Click Here to watch a video on how to quickly and easily fit an Easy Fit Bath Screen by Merlyn Showering.
Before you begin, it's essential to take these steps:
- Inspect Upon Delivery: Unpack your bath screen immediately upon delivery and check for any damage or faults. Notify your supplier promptly to address any issues before installation.
- Turn Off Water: Always turn off the water supply at the mains before starting any DIY work in the bathroom to prevent accidental water leakage or damage.
How to remove a shower screen over bath
If you're replacing an existing bathroom screen, follow these general steps:
Detach the Glass Panel:
Remove the glass panel from the metal wall channel or frame.
Remove Fixtures:
Use a drill to remove screws attaching the channel to the wall.
Clean Surfaces:
Remove any remaining sealant from the wall to prepare for installing the new screen.
Tips Before You Start
Before installation, ensure the wall and the edge of your bath are thoroughly cleaned to remove accumulated residue and dirt.
Consider Assistance
If you're not confident with DIY tasks, it's advisable to have someone assist you during installation. Holding screens steady and ensuring they are level can be challenging without help.
How To Install A Bath Shower Screen in 5 Easy Steps
Which Type Of Screen Are You Installing?
Our guides provide general installation instructions for bath shields, but we highly recommend reviewing the manufacturer’s specific guidelines first.
Different shower screens may have unique installation methods. Click Here if you're setting up a screen within a shower enclosure, or continue reading for installing a screen over a bath.
While it's essential to follow the instructions specific to your bath screen model, most screens typically follow a straightforward installation process.
Here is how to fit a bath screen
Once you’ve unpacked everything, ensure all required parts are present by referring to the provided instructions.
Installing your bath screen is straightforward if you're comfortable with DIY. Check that the bath is level and the walls are vertical and square.
Follow the steps below to guide you through the installation process!
Step 1 – Measure and Mark
First, use a detector to check for pipes or cables where you plan to drill, and ensure the water supply is turned off to prevent any mishaps.
If everything is clear, start by positioning the wall channel (u-channel) that came with your bath screen onto the wall. Use a spirit level to ensure the channel is straight, then mark the hole positions with a pencil for drilling.
Ensure the panel will sit properly on the outer edge of the bathtub by measuring the distance from the wall to the bathtub edge. This measurement will help position the bath shower screen correctly.
Handy tip: Always fit the wall channel to the highest point on the bath side.
Step 2 – Attach the Wall Profile
Next, drill into the wall at the marked spots and insert wall plugs for extra stability, ideally beyond the depth of the tile. For different wall structures, you may need alternative fixings.
Handy tip: Cover the marks with masking tape to prevent the drill from skidding on the tile.
Once the holes are drilled, secure the wall channel to the wall using the provided fixings, ensuring it is level with the previous mark.
Apply silicone sealant along the length of the wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3 – Install the Bath Shower Screen
Following the manufacturer’s instructions, carefully lift the screen into the channel and adjust it until the seal touches the bath to ensure a watertight fit.
Screw the bath screen into the wall channel and cap the screws once secured.
Handy tip: It's advisable to have two people for this job, as the glass panels can be heavy!
Step 4 – Secure the Seals
After fitting the shower screen for baths, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the rubber seals provided with your bath screen, ensuring they are positioned correctly along the edges to create a watertight seal.
For a curved shower screen seal installation, begin by pushing the seal onto the glass at the wall end and sliding it carefully along the edge. Press the seal firmly onto the glass around the entire curve, ensuring it adheres securely to both the shower screen and the bath.
Next, apply sealant around the edges of the wall channel following the manufacturer’s guidelines. Use a sealant gun to fill any joints or gaps, providing a protective layer to waterproof the installation.
After sealing, wipe away any excess sealant or silicone residue. Allow the silicone sealant to cure for 24 hours before using the shower.
Note: Keep in mind that shower screen fittings are not designed to be completely watertight, so there may be some potential for water to escape.
Inside Bath: Seal top to bottom between the wall and the wall profile.
Outside: Seal top to bottom between the wall and the wall profile. From the base of the frame seal up approx. 50mm between the joint of the wall profile and the glass.
Seal the joint along the bath edge and the frame starting from the wall and finishing just before the bottom seal.
Step 5 – Perform Last Checks
Check that the bath screen closes tightly against the bath and ensure hinges or folding doors work properly if installed.
If your screen has a handle or towel rail, attach it following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Handy tip: Use a Showerguard easy clean bathroom coating kit on your screen for easier cleaning and maintenance.
Congratulations! You’ve now fitted your bathroom screen.
How To clean Shower Screen
- Use a non-abrasive cleaner regularly to keep your screen clear and pristine.
- Check for loose screws regularly and tighten them as needed to ensure the bath glass remains securely in place.
- Promptly replace damaged seals to prevent water leaks.
Bath Screen Prices
Shower bath screens can cost between £200 to £600 depending on the size and design.
Professional Installation Costs
While professional assistance is recommended for plumbing aspects, typically costing between £100 and £300, fitting a bath screen can also be a manageable DIY project.
To sum up...
This guide has provided you with all the essential information to confidently choose and install the ideal shower bath screen for your bathroom. Whether you opt for a static, hinged, or foldable screen, our detailed instructions and cost considerations ensure a seamless selection and installation process.
With this expert advice, you can enhance your bathing experience with style and functionality tailored to your needs.
Explore our diverse range of premium bath shower screens at The Urban Bathhouse, catering to every taste and budget.
Click Here to browse our Bath Shower Collection and get started on transforming your bathroom today.
Karoline Hermansen: Your Showering & Bathing Expert
Meet Karoline, our resident expert at TUB, where she brings her design degree and extensive background in all things shower-related. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Karoline delivers fresh insights and updates to keep you informed on everything showering.