Frameless Shower Clips Vs. U Channel

Builders Glass of Bonita, Inc. sells many frameless showers and many customers ask about Frameless Shower Clips Vs. U Channel. This post will educate the consumer about the Pros and Cons. Frameless Shower Doors have definitely become the most desired type of shower installation over the years. If you are looking to install a stationary panel along with a door, you will need some way to support this stationary panel. (Unless you inset your panel into the tile, which is very rare.) Recently, clients are asking about shower door clips in lieu of U Channel. One may ask, “What is the difference?” Here are the pros and cons and some pictures to help you make the best decision for your shower!

Frameless Shower Clips Vs. U Channel

Frameless Shower Clips Vs. U Channel

Frameless Shower Enclosure with Clips

Clips

PRO ♦ Achieves the most “frameless’ appearance

PRO ♦ Hardware is anodized brass

CON ♦ Generally more expensive because of the hardware, but also because holes are required to be cut in the glass thus raising the price of the glass.

CON ♦ Generally more time consuming for the installers.

CON ♦ Requires silicone seal, silicone can mildew over time

Check out this link to see different hardware finishes of our most commonly used clamp.

U Channel

PRO ♦ More cost effective. Depending on the application costs can sometimes be as

Frameless Shower Clips Vs. U Channel

Frameless Shower Enclosure with U Channel

much as $150.00 less.

PRO ♦ In most applications shower is quicker to install.

PRO ♦ Less silicone is visible= less mildew

CON ♦ Considered by most consumers to be a type of frame and thus less appealing because a more frameless look is desired.

CON ♦ U Channel is anodized aluminum. Not a bad product, just not as nice a brass.

 

U-Channel- Clip Combination

This brings us to our most preferred installation method- a combination of clips and u-channel. Installing U-channel at the base, and a clip on the side wall gives you the best of both worlds.

PRO ♦ Achieves the “frameless’ appearance with the clip visible on the side wall

PRO ♦ U-channel at the base prevents the mildew issue of clips and silicone there

PRO ♦ Great Price point

PRO ♦ Installation ease

fixed glass shower panel frameless shower doors

We hope you found this post to be helpful and if you have any questions please feel free to call. Also consider stopping by our state of the art showroom in Bonita Springs. We also proudly serve Naples, Fort Myers, Estero and the surrounding areas. We’ll see you soon.