Common Shower Screen Issues & What You Can Do About Them

A shower screen in Wollongong is the kind of feature you barely think about once it’s installed—until something goes wrong. A little water on the floor here, a stubborn hinge there or glass that no longer looks as clear as it once did. These small frustrations tend to creep in over time, and for many homeowners, they become an everyday annoyance. The good news is that most shower screen problems follow predictable patterns, and understanding the causes can help you decide what’s worth fixing yourself and when to call in a glazier.

Whether you’re renovating, maintaining an existing bathroom or considering upgrading to new shower screens in Wollongong, being aware of common issues can save you time, stress and unnecessary costs. Many problems stem from simple wear, regular moisture exposure or installation shortcuts. With the right knowledge, most can be avoided—or easily resolved.

Water escaping the shower area is one of the most frequent homeowner complaints. Even the best-designed screens can start to leak if certain components no longer sit or seal as they should.

Why it happens:

• Perished or loose rubber seals
• Soapy build-up preventing the door from closing firmly
• Gaps caused by slight shifts in the screen over time

What you can do:

• Clean the bottom edge of the door & frame regularly
• Replace worn seals with compatible products
• Have a glazier inspect for minor misalignments

Glass is meant to look clear and polished, but constant water exposure can leave shower screens looking cloudy. While toughened glass doesn’t degrade, the minerals in water and cleaning product residue certainly can.

Why it happens:

• Hard water deposits
• Soap scum & shampoo residue
• Using abrasive cleaners that scratch the surface

What you can do:

• Use a squeegee after showers
• Clean with non-abrasive bathroom products
• Ask a glazier about long-lasting protective coatings

A shower door should glide or pivot effortlessly. When it doesn’t, you feel it immediately. Stiff movement or grinding sounds can be indicators of both mechanical and environmental issues.

Why it happens:

• Build-up in tracks
• Loose or rusting hinges
• Warped framing due to long-term moisture exposure

What you can do:

• Clean tracks & rollers with mild detergent
• Lubricate moving parts with products suitable for bathroom use
• Have damaged hinges or rollers replaced by a professional glazier
  

Over time, components attached to the glass can loosen. This may seem minor but can become a safety risk if ignored, particularly with frameless shower screens.

Why it happens:

• Daily movement putting stress on screws & brackets
• Poor initial installation
• Exposure to moisture loosening fittings

What you can do:

• Tighten minor screws gently (avoiding overtightening against toughened glass)
• Replace worn fixings before they fail
• Arrange a glazier to check if the screen needs realignment

Screens themselves may be glass, but the frames, seals and adjoining walls are vulnerable to mould. Even small amounts can spread quickly in a warm, moist environment like a bathroom.

Why it happens:

• Poor ventilation
• Damp seals holding water
• Build-up of soap & residue creating a surface mould loves

What you can do:

• Improve ventilation where possible
• Clean seals regularly with gentle mould-removal products
• Replace seals that no longer sit flush or continue to hold moisture

A screen that isn’t sitting where it used to is more than just visually frustrating. Misalignment can cause leaks, stiff movement and uneven pressure on the glass.

Why it happens:

• Loose wall brackets
• Movement in the wall structure
• Wear on hinges or rollers over many years

What you can do:

• Avoid forcing the screen closed or open
• Have a glazier assess structural components
• Consider upgrading if the misalignment is due to age or frame fatigue

Toughened glass is designed to be safe and durable, but it can still suffer impact damage. Even a small chip can compromise the integrity of the screen.

Why it happens:

• Accidental knocks from toiletries or equipment
• Improper installation stressing the glass edges
• Corrosion or deterioration around metal fixings

What you can do:

• Avoid using the screen if there are visible cracks
• Call a glazier immediately to assess the risk
• Replace damaged panels to restore safety & compliance

Sometimes the issue isn’t with the shower screen itself but with how your bathroom has changed around it. Renovations, new cabinetry or accessibility needs often make older screens awkward or unsafe.

Why it happens:

• Outdated screen design no longer matching the room
• Reduced mobility requiring easier access
• Renovation work changing the available space

What you can do:

• Consult a glazier about options like frameless, semi-frameless or sliding designs
• Choose materials that complement your updated style
• Consider modern screens engineered for ease of cleaning & ongoing durability

Many homeowners delay fixing shower screen issues because they seem minor or manageable. However, small problems can escalate quickly in a moisture-rich environment.

By addressing issues early, you can:

• Extend the life of your shower screen
• Improve bathroom safety
• Prevent unnecessary water damage
• Maintain the clarity & hygiene of the glass
• Avoid costly replacements later

A professional glazier can diagnose underlying issues that might not be visible. When repairs aren’t possible—or aren’t worth the cost—upgrading to modern shower screens designed for long-term performance can be a smart investment.

At Langson Glass, we install and repair shower screens in Wollongong every day, and we understand the common challenges homeowners face with older homes, modern builds and coastal environments. If you’re dealing with leaks, damaged glass or a shower screen that simply isn’t working the way it used to, we’re here to help. Get in touch today and book repairs, maintenance or a new installation that suits your bathroom perfectly.