How to Remove Glass Shower Doors

Shower doors are a sleek alternative to the traditional shower curtain, but they still require some upkeep to look good. Cleaning is easiest to do when you've taken the doors out of their track, and fortunately, there's no need to call in a professional because as you can remove them yourself. There actually two types of shower doors you may encounter, sliding and swinging, and this article will cover how to remove them both.

Step 1 - Remove a Sliding Door

A sliding shower door is the easiest of the two styles to take out of its frame, as there is nothing to actually remove. The bottom track is made from aluminum and will have one edge shorter than the other.

On the other hand, the top track and top of the door is where you will find the roller wheels. Most shower doors slide out on the inside of the stall so this is where you have to be. Put on your gloves to help you grip and maintain control of the door. Then, grab each end of the door and firmly lift straight up. It should lift right off the track. Now, tilt the top of the shower door toward you and, at the same time, bend your knees. This allows you to control the door while removing the top from the track.

Step 2 - Removing a Swinging Door

A shower that uses a normal swinging style uses hinges to allow you to open and close the door. In order to remove this type, you have to step inside the stall to start. Locate the hinges and use a screwdriver to remove them from the metal frame. Carefully hold the door while you do this to prevent it from falling. It is a good idea to remove the bottom hinge first so you can maintain a measure of control will detaching the top hinge. Once these are removed, the door is no longer attached and can be removed from the shower enclosure.

Step 3 - Remove the Stationary Glass

Many shower door structures have two pieces, the door itself and a stationary shade. Obviously, both must be cleaned. Look on the metal frame along the wall where the stationary piece is positioned. First, remove any caulking that is on the wall, as this can cover the screws you need to remove. Take the screwdriver again and undo the screws in the frame once you find them until the stationary glass piece is loose. Simply remove the piece by either sliding or lifting it from its place.

Step 4 - Remove the Aluminum Frame

If your goal is to replace broken or damaged glass, then you need to remove the aluminum frame around it after you've pulled the door out of its track. Force your utility knife between the glass and the metal, and slide the blade along the edges. This will cut the frame free from the adhesive that was used. Do this on both sides. Then, use the rubber mallet to gently hit the metal at the ends to dislodge it from the glass. You can now use your own power to pull the aluminum free.