Major Categories of Shower Door Sweeps
Installing shower door sweeps is an essential step when putting in a new shower enclosure. These unassuming vinyl, brush, or rubber strips along the bottom of the door may seem simple, but they serve the vital purpose of containing water spray within the shower stall and preventing leaks onto your bathroom floor.
When selecting a shower door sweep, you'll discover there are a few major categories to choose from. Understanding the differences will ensure you find the right fit for your shower setup and decor.
Bottom Door Seals Keep Water In
Shower door sweeps, also referred to as bottom seals, create a barrier along the underside of a shower door to block water from escaping underneath. They either sit in a channel along the door's edge or affix directly to the glass or framing via adhesive-backed installation.
The sweeps extend lightly down to rest on the surface of the tub or shower pan, flexing slightly to form a seal. This contains spray inside while allowing the doors to open and close smoothly.
Major Categories of Shower Door Sweeps
There are three main types of shower door sweeps to choose from:
Bristle Type
These consist of a row of flexible plastic, nylon, or stainless steel bristles. The bristles allow the door to open and close easily while forming a tight seal against water spray. They stand up well to frequent use.
Rubber Seals
Made from vinyl, silicone rubber, neoprene rubber or thermoplastic rubber, these provide maximum flexibility. They easily compress when the door closes to form a tight yet giving seal that keeps water in but won't bind the operation of opening and closing the door.
Vinyl Seals
Vinyl sweeps are affordable and easy to install. Made from flexible PVC, they seal well while allowing smooth door operation. Some have magnets along the edges for an even tighter fit.
Where are Sweeps Installed?
Shower door sweeps are commonly installed along the bottom edge of a door. However, they also come as side sweeps to seal the space between the door's edge and frame or posts.
For frameless showers, glass-to-glass side seals fill the gap between adjacent glass panels. And wall-to-glass seals bridge any gap between the door and walls or shower pan lip.
Factors In Selecting Sweeps
To choose the best shower door sweep, consider these factors:
- Door material: glass, metal or fiberglass
- Amount of use: frequency of opening and closing
- Door configuration: single, bi-fold or bypass style
- Threshold height and angle
- Overall shower dimensions and layout
Measure accurately and get the dimensions right for a custom fit for your existing frame and doors or when ordering new doors.
Bristle Shower Door Sweeps
Bristle door sweeps consist of a bed of tightly packed bristles in a base. The flexible bristles allow the door to slide smoothly while maintaining a complete water seal.
Nylon Bristles
Nylon bristles with tapered polymer tips are very durable, spring back to shape and resist crushing and flattening with long term use. Ranging in height from 1/2" to 7/8", find the right height for your gap.
Stainless Steel Bristles
More expensive than nylon, stainless steel bristle sweeps hold up even longer. The bristles are rust-proof, densely packed and mounted in a sturdy vinyl base.
Rubber Shower Door Seals
Flexible rubber shower seals compress when the door is closed to prevent leaks. They quickly expand and regain their shape when the door is opened.
Neoprene Rubber
Neoprene rubber is thick, soft and very flexible. It makes an excellent seal while resisting damage from exposure to oils and chemicals. It stands up well to opening and closing better than lower quality rubber.
Silicone Rubber Seals
Silicone rubber is used in caulking and adhesives due to its water resistance and flexibility. As a shower seal, it maintains its resilient sealing properties through years of use. Easy to clean, silicone rubber won't fray or peel.
Thermoplastic Rubber
This synthetic blend of plastic and rubber combines durability, flexibility and easy maintenance. Thermoplastic seals resist fungi, moisture and weathering while providing good compression and resilience.
Vinyl Shower Entry Seals
Vinyl is affordable, waterproof and easy to install. Models with magnets provide even more sealing power.
Flexible PVC Vinyl
PVC vinyl bends while retaining its shape. An adhesive strip makes installing vinyl shower seals straightforward. It forms a decent seal on its own.
Rigid Vinyl Seals
Some vinyl seals have a rigid base for installing in a channel, along with a flexible lip to seal against the shower pan or threshold. The rigid base protects the sweep and prevents crushing.
Specialty Shower Threshold Options
Along with standard door sweeps, some other products create an impenetrable shower barrier.
Magnetic Door Seals
Embedded magnets in the vinyl sweep and threshold pull the bottom tightly closed when the door shuts. The magnetic attraction compresses the sweep for a water-tight barrier.
Custom Threshold Plates
These aluminum plates mount onto the threshold beneath a glass door. Adjustable to height, they seal any uneven gaps, guided by vertical vinyl seals on both sides of the door.
To keep shower door bottom seals functioning properly for as long as possible:
- Clean periodically with a squeegee or towel to prevent mineral deposits and soap buildup.
- Avoid using harsh cleaners which can degrade vinyl or rubber.
- Check for cracks, tears or gaps and replace immediately if seals appear faulty.
- Consider upgrading your current sweeps to sturdier materials like silicone or neoprene if yours show excessive wear.
Choosing the right type and properly sizing your shower door sweeps is well worth the effort. Investing in quality materials will pay off for years by keeping water flowing exactly where it should.