Choosing the Right Bath Screen

On the ArchiExpo website, bath screens are separated into various types which you can access by clicking on the “Opening System” tab. The different types of bath screens include fixed, swing, folding, sliding and pivoting.

Here are the main characteristics as well as the advantages and disadvantages for each type of screen:

• Fixed ScreenThis type of bath screen is completely fixed to the wall and on the bathtub or the tiled floor, with no rotation possible. A popular modern minimalist option, a fixed screen is ideal for large bathtubs as it requires ample space to maneuver around the screen. It can be fixed onto a rail, often in aluminum, that is glued to the rim of the bathtub, or directly fixed on the wall with or without a frame. The advantage of the fixed bath screen is that it is easy to install and clean.
• Swing ScreenThe swing screen acts as a pivot door that can be opened. It offers more room to enter and exit the bathing space, but it requires a larger bathroom area to accommodate the swinging door. It also offers a division between the bathing and toilet space, limits noise while showering inside the bathing area, and prevents water spilling onto the toilet floor.
• Folding ScreenThis type of screen requires the least amount of space and is perfect for small bathrooms. It comes in 2, 3 or 4 folding doors. This type can sometimes require a rail. A disadvantage with this type of screen is that when there are more folding doors, there is a higher risk of technical problems, which can lead the screen to be damaged faster than other types.
• Sliding ScreenLike the folding screen, this type of bath screen can come with 1 or 2 sliding doors. It requires a rail for the rim of the bathtub and usually for the ceiling as well in order to allow the doors to slide properly. Like the swing screen, it offers more privacy while bathing as it can be completely closed and noise is retained inside the enclosure while keeping water in, avoiding leakage outside the bathing space.

Fixed bath screen by ARBLU

Swing bath screen by Relax srl

Folding bath screen by Ilma

Sliding screen bath by GLASS 1989

Manufacturers use a variety of materials to fabricate bath screens, but the two main materials are glass and acrylic.

• Glass
  Currently, the material the most widely used for bath screens is tempered glass. Tempered glass has greater resistance to temperature differences, compared to normal glass, and if it breaks, it fragments into small pieces posing no major risk of injury when pushed to the limit of its endurance.
  Tempered glass bath screens can have a thickness between 6 and 12 mm and can be customized down to the smallest detail through sanding. It is recommended in order to avoid accidents such as hitting the bath screen hard when one slips in the bathtub. If the glass is not tempered, it will shatter in big pieces when hit, thus adding more serious injury to a slipping incident. Tempered glass is also easy to clean and generates a pleasant decor. As the price of tempered glass is high compared to acrylic, it is a bit costly which can be a disadvantage.
• Acrylic
  This material is a lot less expensive and less heavy than glass. Many people choose this material for its price, even though it damages rather easily and is difficult to clean, with its quality fading over time. Frequent or daily cleaning can damage the material which is subject to color fading and scratching. It also has a UV low resistance. Acrylic bath screens can last for 10 years or more as seen in many households, but it is ideal to change your acrylic bath screen when there are too many scratches and when there is mold that has built up over the years in between the bath screen frames—otherwise, this would lead to an unhygienic bathing environment.

First and foremost, proper measurements should be taken before buying any bath screen. The measurements of the bathtub will determine the choice of bath screen.

Here are some pointers on how to properly measure your bathtub to fit it with a screen:

• Screens most often do not reach the ceiling but need to be high enough to avoid water reaching outside the bathtub or bathing space. Add 3-5 inches to the height of the tallest person in your household to get the ideal height for your bath screen. You can also add 5-10 inches to this height to accommodate for other guests who might be taller.

• To determine the width of your bath screen, take the measurements of the width and length of your bathtub or bathing space. The area of your bath screen will be determined by the type of bath screen; whether it is fixed, sliding or folding; as well as the width and length of your bathtub.

Other points to consider after measuring the bathroom space is to note down the configuration of your bathtub or bathing space and its surrounding walls to identify the best type of bath screen that will fit and verify the state of the rail joints in order to have a better seal for the bath screen to be installed.

After taking the proper measurements, choose a system that meets your needs and fits your bathtub.

There is also a wide range of manufacturers listed on the ArchiExpo website for those who prefer a specific brand. Most of them offer each type of bath screen in order to satisfy a larger range of clients.

Click on the “Manufacturers” tab on the ArchiExpo website to check out the brands listed in order to see what’s available on the site.