If you have residential sliding-glass shower doors, replacements may be necessary because of damage, or the doors may need removing for cleaning or an update. Glass shower enclosures are constructed from tempered glass, which resists heat. However, they can still crack. You should be able to remove the enclosure yourself, but this requires some elbow grease. Here are tips to remove sliding-glass shower doors.
Prepare to Work
For this project, you need:
If the door glass has cracked, make an "X" over the damaged area with duct tape. This is to keep the glass from shattering when you remove it. Measure the broken glass so you can get the right size of replacement glass.
Locate the track at the bottom of the doors.The track is an aluminum rail that usually points to the inside of the door, and it is shorter than the one on the outer edge. The track wheels will be on top of the shower door.
Remove the Sliding Section
Pull any broken glass from the frame with the pry bar. Stand in the shower. Grab the door and lift it high enough so it comes off the track. Get an assistant to help remove the door, if needed.
Tilt the bottom of the enclosure lower, and then lower yourself out and away from the track. Press the top of the door to the front or back to help detach it from the track wheels.
Detach the top rail by lightly tapping one end with the mallet. Use a screwdriver to remove door-frame screws.
Detach the Stationary Section
If you have a stationary door, look for caulk on the door frame and the bottom track. The caulk helps to prevent moisture. Chip caulk off using the utility knife. If the caulk won't come off, you may need to use a commercial caulk remover.
Use the screwdriver to detach the frame screws. A stationery door commonly has screws in the top, bottom, and middle. Remove the door and top rail in the same manner as the sliding section.
Install the New Door
If you are replacing the door, lay the new door on a flat work table, placing a long side and short side over the edge. Scrape off old rubber.
Attach the new rubber on the perimeter of the glass. Insert the door in the frame, gently tapping the rubber in the frame.
Your shower should look new again. If you don't trust your skill, or if the glass is heavily damaged, contact a professional repair service.
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