Have you ever noticed why water does not leak through shower doors instead of being exposed to it all the time?
That’s because of the sealing strip installed around its edges and bottom to prevent water from bulging out. But when this seal loses its adhesive and gets damaged for some reason, water will not stop its way from splashing through shower doors.
If you’re running through the same problem of water leakage through shower doors, you need to install or replace a magnetic strip to fix the issue.
But, before following the process, you must be aware of every detail of the magnetic strip. This helps ease the installation and choose which adhesive seal best suits your shower doors.
And that’s what this article is all about. It will give you detailed information about magnetic sealing strips and how you can install one on your shower doors.
So, without further ado, let’s get started.
What Is A Magnetic Sealing Strip?
You might be thinking that sealing strips that have magnetic inside are called magnetic sealing strips. You’re slightly right here because they have magnets but are also made of modified non-toxic translucent polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material; with black or white magnet forms.
This material quality made it combat stabilizers, plasticizers, greases, pigments, fillers, and antibacterial substances. But the features don’t end here because it is also resistant to water, distortion, cleaning agents, and damage.
These sealing strips adhere to 90, 135, or 180-degree glass-to-glass door closing to stop water from bulging out. Besides, the magnetics inside the strip work with a force of 24 N/cm to make a firm connection against glass doors.
Magnetic sealing strips can be easily attached to all shower doors, including square, sliding, and angular. Moreover, It can also fit multiple glass thicknesses and sizes.
How To Pick The Best Sealing Strip For Glass Shower Doors?
After you have a detailed overview of magnetic sealing strips, let’s look at how to pick the best sealing for your glass shower doors.
Below, I have mentioned some factors you should consider when choosing a sealing strip for glass shower doors.
Thickness Of Glass
Measure the thickness of the glass first to choose the sealing strip of your desired size. If you ignore this factor, you might purchase the wrong size of the sealing strip for your glass shower door.
Taking the measurements first will help you choose which size of sealing strip you need for shower doors.
Verify The Area To Install the Seal
It is imperative to configure the area of installation before selecting the sealing strip. The shower door usually has two regions where sealing strips are installed, i.e., around the edges or bottom of shower doors. Different types of sealing are used in both areas.
If you’re purchasing the sealing strip for the bottom area of the shower door, don’t forget to measure the area within the tray and door. This way, you will purchase the best type of seal for your door.
Similarly, measure the area between the edges of the door if you have to install sealing on the side of the doors.
Type of Shower Doors
Before choosing the sealing strip, be sure what shower doors you use. This is because different sealing strips are used for different shower doors.
Usually, shower doors have two types such as half-round or square. So, ensure what type you’re using before choosing the sealing strip.
Types of Sealing Strips
You may find different types of sealing strips on the market. The first kind is called door sweep, also known as door wipes. The function of this sealing strip is to make the door water-resistant.
It is attached around the edges of the door, ensuring a firm connection within doors and stopping water from leaking through the edges.
The second type of sealing strip is called a magnetic strip. It is attached to the edge of the shower tray and adhered to the shower floor. The primary purpose of this strip is to stop the water from leaking through the bottom area of the shower doors.
What Glue To Attach A Magnetic Strip To Glass On Shower Doors?
The magnetic strip sticking power inside the shower door glass depends on the glue. It will wear down in a few years if the glue used to attach with glass is low quality.
So, your priority should be to use high-quality adhesive to save you money and time. This way, the magnetic strip attached to the glass will work for years without damage.
The best glues to attach magnetic sealing strips to glass shower doors that have been used and recommended by experts are:
- Silicon Glue
- Contact Adhesive
- Double Stick Tape
Silicon glue and contact adhesive are the most suitable glues for attaching magnetic strips to the glass. However, you can also use other glues, but these are the best options as experts recommend them.
Besides that, you can also use double-stick tape if you find it challenging to use liquid glue for installing a magnetic strip on glass shower doors.
It’s your decision to choose which type of adhesive will be easy and helpful to attach a sealing strip on glass.
After choosing the correct glue, you’re close to installing a magnetic strip on the glass shower door.
How To Install Magnetic Sealing Strip On Glass Shower Doors? (Step-By-Step Guide)
Once you know each detail about the magnetic sealing strip and gather the glue of your choice, you’re ready to follow the installation process, which has been explained below.
The installation is simple and will be completed in a few minutes. All you need is to follow the step-by-step guide below. Let’s take a deep look at it.
Required Things
Make sure to gather all the things mentioned below to make your task a low-hanging fruit.
- Magnetic sealing strip for shower door
- Measuring tool to take measurements
- Adhesive method of your choice
- Screwdriver to open the latch
- Scissors or a sharp blade to cut the strip
- A piece of cloth for cleaning purposes
Step 1. Open the Latch
First, you have to open the latch, which will be easily found on the internal lever of the door. Remember the screwdriver you gathered? Use it to open the screw by rotating it in the anti-clockwise direction.
Step 2. Remove the Sealing Strip
Remove the former sealing strip with the force of your hands. If it’s hard to come out, use the screwdriver around the edges to make it loose so that it will be easily removed.
Step 3. Clean the Glass
Once the old sealing has been successfully removed, use a piece of cloth to clean the glass shower door. Rub the cloth on the glass to clean all the dirt and adhesive stick to it. You can use detergent to clean the glass for more profound results.
Related: How To Clean Shower Doors With Vinegar
Step 4. Cut the Magnetic Sealing Strip
Cut the magnetic strip with a scissor or sharp blade the same size as the old sealing strip. You can use a measuring tool to take measurements while cutting the strip. Moreover, you can also join both strips (old and new one) to easily understand how much size of the strip you need to pierce.
Step 5. Apply the Adhesive
Apply the adhesive to the back of the magnetic sealing before attaching it to the glass shower door. Make sure not to apply the liquid adhesive with your hands, as it will be difficult to remove it later. Use a stick or some other tool to apply the glue.
Step 6. Place the New Magnetic strip
Now, attach the new magnetic sealing strip in place of the old one. It will be easily installed with hands–no need to use any tools.
Step 7. Let the Adhesive Dry
Remember the adhesive you applied before installing the strip? Let it dry for some time before moving on to follow other steps.
Step 8. Replace the Latch
Replace the latch and adjust the screw again using a screwdriver. Rotate the screw in the clockwise direction while fixing it.
Step 9. Run A Test
Lastly, you have to run a test to check the working of the magnetic sealing strip. Closing and opening the door will help you inspect whether it is installed properly or not.
If everything is working fine, congrats because you have done a tremendous job. However, if it is lacking in some areas, try installing it again for better results.
The same process will be used if you want to know: How To Replace Magnetic Sealing Strip On Glass Shower Door?
Why Magnetic Sealing Strip is Best Compared to Other Shower Door Seals?
Below are some reasons that will give you a brief understanding of why magnetic strips are best compared to the competition. Let’s take a closer look at them.
- It has excellent tensile strength compared to other shower door seals. This property makes it covers the long run without worrying about damage.
- It is cold-resistant, meaning no matter how frigid the weather is, it will not wear out.
- It is oil-resistant. Usually, the oil easily splashes through the seals no matter how strong they are, but this seal never lets oil cross its way.
- It has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. It will never let mold and mildew grow on its surface, no matter how humid the temperature is inside the shower.
- Molecular migration: mainly expressed by the properties and content of plasticizers.
- It is water-resistant, meaning no matter how fierce you’re while taking a shower, it will never let water leak through shower doors.
What Are The Advantages Of Using Magnetic Sealing Strips?
There are many advantages of using magnetic sealing strips on glass shower doors. Some of the most important ones have been discussed below.
Liquid Resistant Magnetic Strip
Nowadays, most rubber strips are made of raw material PVC. These are widely used for waterproofing and heat-protecting windows and doors.
Magnetic sealing strips stand out from the competition because they use high-quality rubber material with a combination of magnetics. This property makes them resistant to any liquid material.
Wide Variety Of Options
Usually, shower door seals come in a limited number of sizes and options. But, magnetic sealing strips are obtainable in a wide variety of options.
Many companies now offer customized magnetic strips which will be used for all types of shower doors and rooms.
Customer Customization
You may face various types of customization while installing a sealing strip to the glass shower door. However, the magnetic strips don’t need glass glue as they will be directly installed on glass shower doors.
Conclusion
Installing a magnetic sealing strip on a glass shower door may seem to be a bit daunting task. But, once you know each detail and go through the steps, it will become nothing more than a piece of cake.
This article describes everything you need to know about magnetic sealing strips. I hope this helps solve your query about how to install a magnetic sealing strip on the glass shower door.
Make sure you purchase the correct magnetic strip according to the glass size of the shower door. A wrong choice can be a waste of time and money.
If you like this guide, don’t forget to check other helpful resources on my blog. If you have questions, please ask them in the comment section; I would love to answer them.
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