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Dulles Glass FAQs
Dulles Glass FAQs
Most Common Questions
The easiest way to check the status of your order is to go to your Account. You will be asked to enter your order number to check your order status. You can also live chat with our customer service team to explore the status of your order.
Enter your code at checkout exactly as it appears in the email, printed offer or webpage. Click "Apply" and your discount will be detailed in the payment summary. Only one promotional discount code allowed per order. You can find additional Terms & Conditions detailed on the original offer.
If you tried your promo code and it is not showing a discount, please live chat with us or contact us here
We are 100% committed to ensuring that you are pleased with your order. Please review our Return Policy here.
At this time, Dulles Glass & Mirror is only able to ship to the contiguous United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii). We do not ship internationally.
The industry-wide accepted tolerance and our cutting tolerance is +/- 1/8".
All glass contains various types of flaws or blemishes, which may be visible to the naked eye. This is unavoidable - even the finest raw materials contain minor flaws. The federal government mandates that no defects should be visible in the glass when it is viewed horizontally or vertically from 11 feet away under normal lighting. All of our glass meets these standards.
Due to the custom nature of our business and to ensure that orders are shipped on time, once your order is submitted and approved we begin working on it immediately. In most cases, changes to orders cannot be canceled once an order has been submitted but we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
If any changes are necessary, please contact us immediately through live chat or call us at (866) 452-7707. In most cases, changes cannot be made once an order has been submitted but we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Return Policy FAQ
All custom-made products are final sale and cannot be returned. This is due to the customized nature of glass and mirror products. However, you may still file a return claim if a custom-made product arrives with damage. Please read the following terms thoroughly for your return claim.
- Damaged orders must be documented and reported within one (1) business day of the delivery date. Any damaged custom orders reported after one (1) business day beyond the delivery date cannot be returned.
- Damaged custom items must be in the original packaging.
- Restocking fees will not apply.
- Local customers may return damaged custom-products directly at our Virginia offices at no charge.
- Your custom order cannot be canceled after it has been submitted.
- If your custom order arrived in good condition, then your product cannot be returned.
- We may request that a photo of the damaged custom product be sent to us before we can issue a refund or exchange.
All of Dulles Glass & Mirror's in-stock (readymade) glass and mirror products have a fourteen (14) day return policy on purchases -- where we will refund your order total. Products must be returned to us under these conditions:
- Returned items must be in the original packaging and in new, resalable condition.
- Items should be free from scratches and defects.
- Merchandise has not been installed.
- There is no external writing or foreign labels on the merchandise packaging.
- Restocking fees will not apply; however any return delivery fees are to be paid by the customer.
- Local customers looking to avoid return delivery fees may return in-stock products directly at our Virginia offices at no charge.
- You cannot cancel your in-stock order after it has shipped. Orders attempted to be canceled after shipment will fall under our standard return policy, as stated here.
- Returns should be made with a traceable source like FedEx or UPS.
In the event you believe you have received the wrong product, please verify the item number on the item(s) you've received compared to your order confirmation and/or invoice. If it does not match, we recommend you REFUSE the delivery and contact us immediately. You must return the product in its original packaging and you will be reimbursed for returned freight charges if the wrong product was shipped.
Please note: Refunds will not exceed the overall value of the product under any circumstances, including installation time, damage, or additional costs incurred. Refunds will be issued in the same method of payment as the original payment; i.e. if a purchase was made with a credit card, a refund will be issued to the original account.
If your order was delivered by freight and you would like us to arrange for a pickup of the merchandise you would like to return, please contact Customer Service at 1-866-452-7707, Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm ET, and or 9am to 2:30pm on Saturdays. Return delivery fees may apply.
Shipping & Handling FAQ
Free Shipping is available for all orders via standard service to the contiguous United States.
Custom products can take between 5 to 7 business days to be fabricated and will ship after that. In-stock items normally leave our warehouse within 1-2 business days if the product is in stock.
If your package does not arrive within the specified shipping time that you requested, please contact FedEx directly by calling 1 (800) 463-3339, and then contact us at 1 (866) 452-7707 to alert us of the issue.
We ship to the 48 contiguous United States, excluding Hawaii and Alaska. We are unable to ship to US Territories, international locations, and P.O. boxes at this time.
We currently use FedEx as our main carrier. Occasionally, the weight of the product will require freight shipment and for that, we use a freight service.
Freight service is used for especially large or heavy orders. Your items are delivered via a truck to the curb at the end of your driveway. The item(s) will not be carried inside.
- This service does not include the setup or assembly of items or the removal of packaging materials.
- The delivery company will call you to schedule a delivery appointment. Deliveries are made between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and will be scheduled within a 4-hour window.
- Your item will be delivered on a liftgate truck, and the delivery driver will take it off the truck.
- The maximum size for unloading by liftgate from a freight truck is 100". For any size larger than 100", it is your responsibility to unload it with a forklift or have enough assistance available to help you.
- Upon delivery, please inspect your item(s). You will be required to sign a Proof of Delivery receipt.
- Please note any damage to the item or packaging on the delivery receipt. If you refuse delivery due to damage, please note "refused due to damage" on the receipt.
- A signature is required for all deliveries. The driver is unable to complete delivery without a signed delivery receipt.
- If you live on a road or driveway that the delivery truck cannot access without causing damage, we will be unable to complete the delivery.
You will receive an email notification when your item is ready for pickup. Pickup glass and mirror orders Monday through Friday, 8 am to 3 pm at the following location:
Dulles Glass Manufacturing Facility
7610 Doane Dr.
Manassas, VA 20109
Please remember to pick up your item at Dulles Glass within 30 days from the purchase date. After 30 days, Dulles Glass will discard all remaining items, and no refunds will be issued. Items up to 48" x 48" will be wrapped in brown paper. Sizes larger than 48" x 48" will not be packed or wrapped. Packing is available for an extra charge and must be requested at the time of order. We request that you have a suitable vehicle prepared to handle the materials for pickup. We ask that you load the materials into your vehicle yourself. Dulles Glass or its agents cannot load your vehicle. During loading, Dulles Glass or its agents will not be held liable for any damages to the vehicle, personal items in the vehicle, or any bodily injuries that may occur during loading and transportation.
Glass Tabletop FAQ
In most cases, existing glass table tops cannot be cut due to their tempered nature. Nevertheless, annealed flat glass can be cut to size and tempered to create a glass table top. Table tops that are "cut to size" will be priced according to variables such as glass thickness (thinner glass is easier to cut, therefore less expensive than thicker glass). A second variable will be the edge work for the finished item, where the choice of flat polish, pencil or bevelled edges will influence the final price. Lastly, the type of glass used for the table top and its corner finishes will also affect the price. The smallest glass table top currently available online with shipping included will cost approximately $92.
A glass table top's thickness should be determined by the type of use it will receive. In instances where a glass table top will be placed on "legs" or frames, thicker glass, normally 3/8" or 1/2", may be more appropriate. The most common type of glass table cover is 1/4" thick glass.
Yes, a glass table top can provide the best protection for the table's surface and also facilitate cleaning and hygienic maintenance of the wood.
The most popular table top material is clear glass. The type of glass used for a table top is determined by the preference and aesthetics of the surrounding environment as well as other elements of the room.
Measuring the size of your glass table top is easy. If you are replacing a broken piece, simply order the dimensions you had before if you know them. You can make an approximate guess; most pedestals will support a bit smaller or larger than the original glass. If you are ordering a glass table cover to protect the surface of an existing table, simply measure the length and width, for squares or rectangles. For round tables, measure through the exact center of the table to get the diameter, which is all you need.
If you have glass that sits in a metal or other type of frame, like an inset, you will need to measure carefully. Glass is cut to a 1/8” tolerance, meaning it will be exact or up to ?” larger or smaller than your exact measurements. Make sure the frame is straight and that you are measuring carefully as custom glass cannot be returned.
Glass table covers are a wonderful way to protecting valuable or antique furniture without hiding its beauty. With a protective glass table cover, your wood, marble or metal table's surface is safe from spills, stains, dings and scratches. No need for placemats or tablecloths – you can put hot casserole dishes or cups of coffee on the table without worrying they'll harm your table's finish.
No waxing or polishing – glass table covers wipe clean so much easier than wood or marble finishes. With their transparent surface and custom fit, glass table covers won't detract from the impact of your table while they keep it clean and hygienic.
A glass table top is glass that sits on a pedestal or in a frame. A glass table cover (also called a glass furniture protector) is glass that sits on the surface of an existing table, such as on an antique desk, a countertop, a vanity or any other surface you’d like to protect.
This really depends on what you are using the tabletop for. For a glass table cover, you might choose 1/4"-thick glass. For a pedestal table, where the glass is the surface of the table, you may want to select thicker glass, like 3/8" or 1/2" glass. Keep in mind that the thicker glass can get very heavy. Check out our glass thickness guide here.
A custom glass table top takes between 5 and 7 business days to fabricate at our facility. It will be shipped to your home, free of charge, after we finish fabricating it. FedEx shipping can take between 1 and 5 business days. You will receive a tracking number to track your order once it is shipped.
If you have a glass table top you are using for a dining table, make sure you use a trivet when you are putting anything hot on the table. Very high temperatures can make a glass table top crack, but glass can withstand normal heat if used with trivets or hot pads.
You can order glass desk bumpers to put between the glass and the surface of your table for an added level of protection.
The answer to this really depends on the size of the pedestal you are using for your glass. The pedestal has to be big enough to support the weight of the table and supportive enough that a too-large piece of glass won’t tip. If you’re looking for guidance on table sizes, have a look at our dining room table size guide here.
Clipped corners are corners that have been cut off at a 45-degree angle and polished for safety. If you are purchasing a glass table cover and need an exact match to a table you have, you’ll want to make sure you measure properly.
To make sure your new table cover's corners match your table, you'll need to measure the angle of the clipped corners. Line up the edge of a tape measure or ruler with the outermost edge of the angled edge (this is where the corner would be if the table had a 90-degree cut). The distance from this point to where the 45-degree angle begins along the edge of your table is the clipped measurement you need in order for the table cover to match your table.
Radius corners are curved around to a certain angle and width. If you are purchasing a glass table cover and the table you are covering has radius corners, you will need to make sure that you get a glass cover that will fit perfectly. To make sure your new table cover's corners match your table, you'll need to measure the radius of the rounded corners. Line up the edge of a tape measure or ruler with the outermost edge of the rounded edge (this is where the corner would be if the table had a 90-degree cut). The distance from this point to where the curve begins along the edge of your table is the radius measurement you need in order for the table cover to match your table.
With our customizer tool, you can create radius corners to match your exact needs. If you are unsure, contact our customer service team for immediate help.
Shower Door FAQs
All frameless showers are NOT created equal.
Let's take a look at the most common factors for why shower quotes vary:
Glass Thickness: 3/8" glass and 1/2" glass are common sizes and serve different purposes. Half-inch glass may be used when there is a glass-to-glass panel required on your shower. Or, you may choose it for its sturdiness or aesthetics. When comparing quotes, this is often a place where other manufacturers may differ.
Metal Clips vs. U-channels: When clients tell us they'd like a frameless glass shower, we give them one. A true frameless shower is installed with 2-inch metal clips fixed directly onto glass panels at minimal intervals. you do have the option of using less expensive u-channels; aluminum rails that fit over the entire edge of glass panels. but these add a framed look to a frameless glass shower. Some companies refer to this as a semi-frameless shower. These rails are used to secure glass panels to a floor, wall, or ceiling. frameless shower estimates for these metal clip installations and u-channel installations will be very different.
Door Hinges: If you're seeing a difference in your shower quote, look for the type of hinges you're being quoted for. We generally quote using side hinges because these can be sealed for a more watertight fit around your shower door. the other hinge – a pivot hinge -- cannot be sealed.
Glass Type and Treatment Options: For clients who are investing in an all-glass shower, we recommend upgrading to HDglass, which has no greenish tint like standard clear glass. We also have a proprietary glass treatment option called ClearShield which makes your shower stain-resistant and easier to clean (and even comes with a 10-year warranty). These two upgrades will add cost to your quote, so make sure you're comparing apples to apples.
Hardware Style and Finishes: Just as the showerhead and faucet designs vary in price and finishing choices, so do style choices for clips, rails, door handles, towel bars, and robe hooks. We manufacture the highest quality hardware available; our hinges, clips, and accessories are made from solid metal. Other companies use metal-plated or cast metal hardware that can't compete for durability.
Now that you know all frameless glass showers aren't created equal, let us help you make the best choices for your investment — and your budget.
Once our technicians come out to take exact measurements for your frameless shower, a Dulles Glass & Mirror sales associate will provide a final price quote. Our early estimates are extremely close to the final product quote and can be used for budgeting -- as long as no major changes occur with the project. For example, our measurements may show a wider space than the original rough measurements, adding a couple inches to your shower glass width. You may change your choice of glass thickness.
If you are renovating your entire shower (or building new), the shower floor and all tile-work, (not just a tile sill) must be completed.
It will take one to two hours to fully measure a standard three-panel frameless glass shower. Our measurement technicians use special equipment to get exact measurements, which will then be used in our CAD software to get an accurate final quote.
Once initiated, our manufacturing process for frameless glass shower doors will be completed in 5 to 7 business days. We temper and polish glass onsite, so we never have to wait for anyone else to make something for us.
When your glass is ready for installation, we will call you to schedule your installation. Your appointment can be scheduled within days.
During the manufacturing process, we'll receive and inspect hardware, cut glass into panels and doors and polish all glass edges. Then we'll work on each piece of glass, making precision cuts for hardware notches, door handles, towel bars and robe hooks. Then the last step is tempering the glass to meet safety guidelines. Once tempered, shower glass cannot be cut further or it will shatter.
Once we begin manufacturing your shower glass, no changes to your order can be made. If you're serious about changing your frameless shower design, then we will charge for all previous glass work and cost, in addition to the cost of manufacturing your new shower design.
Any frameless enclosures that use more than one glass panel should always be installed by a professionally trained team of technicians. Here's why:
- We use professional measurement equipment to make sure the glass is sized perfectly for your space. If the shower glass is fabricated with incorrect measurements, you would not be able to install it.
- Glass is tempered, so it can't be recut if the fabricated piece of glass is not the right size.
- A frameless shower that isn't installed correctly is extremely dangerous.
- We also use professional glazier's installation tools, including CAD software, to ensure structural soundness.
- Your installer also keeps track of safety codes that must be followed and the height and weight limitations of the installation hardware.
- And finally, all of our team leads are certified by the Glass Association of North America. When we install the showers, you also get a 3-year warranty against failure of your shower.
A typical three-panel frameless shower door installation takes just 2 to 4 hours. A single frameless shower door can be installed in an hour and a half.
Expect Our White Glove Installation Process
There's a reason we are highly-rated in reviews and recommendations from past clients.
- Our installation technicians are professional, courteous and clean.
- Our installers are fully-credentialed employees, not subcontractors.
- We treat your home with the utmost care. This includes wearing booties and laying down protective floor covering.
- After your frameless shower door installation, our technicians will clean up before leaving.
- We're fully licensed, bonded and insured
Absolutely. We can remove and dispose of any existing glass shower or tub doors and panels, before installing your new frameless shower. There will be an additional fee for removing and disposing of your old shower doors. Please note that we do not remove or install shower trays or bathtubs. Removal of shower trays or tubs needs to be completed ahead of time by another party.
We offer a comprehensive 3-year Warranty on all locally installed shower enclosures and a 1-year Limited Hardware Warranty on all our DIY shower doors. Explore more about our shower warranty here.
In short, glass thickness determines the structural strength of your shower enclosure. Here's a quick look at both options:
3/8-Inch Heavy Shower Glass
Three-eighth-inch thick glass is the smallest thickness size that can be used in frameless showers to assure sound quality construction. It's also more budget-friendly than half-inch glass.
1/2-Inch Heavy Shower Glass Premium half-inch thick glass offers the greatest structural integrity and durability. It's the same kind of glass used for storefronts. It not only looks more impressive but also has a more substantial feel.
All clear glass contains some iron particles, which gives glass a slight greenish hue. This normal green tint can change how your shower tile looks when viewed from the other side of the glass.
With our ultra-clear HDglass, the iron particles have been removed from the glass. This low-iron glass provides excellent clarity and true color representation for bathroom tile or marble.
HDglass puts your shower design on display, giving a near invisible and airy feel to your entire room.
Standard shower glass is essentially used in framed showers constructed with either 3/16- or 1/4-inch thick glass. The glass is not strong enough to stand alone as a structural barrier and has to be wrapped in metal to be rigid enough to form a shower door. That is why we do not use 3/16” or 1/4” glass for our frameless shower doors.
Heavy shower glass refers to premium architectural glass either 3/8” or 1/2” thick. It's used to build frameless showers. Glass strength increases with thickness so heavy shower glass offers greater structural integrity that does not require a metal frame.
Both acid-etched and sandblasted glass use abrasives to create a frosted glass look. Acid treatment is used to create acid-etched glass. While sandblasting is done with a high-speed machine that bombards the glass panel with sand, walnut husks or other materials.
Which one is better? That depends on the end goal. Acid-etched glass produces a true frosted look and is more economical than sandblasting.
Sandblasting glass offers versatility in creating design effects. First, homeowners can choose a level of glass opaqueness from light, medium or heavy. Also, sandblasting makes it possible to "frost" sections of a glass shower, such as creating privacy strips or patterns
A mickey mouse cutout (pictured) is a precision cut made to your frameless glass shower door. Its unique shape, which includes rounded corners that resemble mouse ears, was engineered to provide greater structural security when hanging a heavy glass shower door. With a mickey mouse notch, it's virtually impossible to pull the door hinge out of the glass.
Cosmetically, a mickey mouse notch provides a bed for the inner-workings of the door hinge, allowing it to fit flush with the door. Finished cover plates tightly secure the hinge within the glass, preventing water or air corrosion from reaching the actual door hinge.
Mickey mouse cutouts are used to secure both side hinges and pivot hinges.
Shower glass notches are "hill-shaped" cutouts made during the glass fabrication process. These glass notches ready the shower panels for installation with metal clips, not U-channels. These two-inch heavy metal clips slip into the shower glass notches for a firm, secure grip.
The notches are cut to specific measurement and placement with no room for error.
Other special shower glass cutouts include the mickey mouse notch, used to secure door hinges
The type of hinge you choose for your shower door actually affects other installation requirements for building and designing your shower, as well as cost.
There are two types of hinges:
- Pivot Hinge, fixes to the bottom and top of your shower door (like a revolving door)
- Side-Mount Wall Hinge fixes to the side of your shower door (like doors in your house)
Do you want to mount your shower door to a wall? Use a side-mount hinge. To an adjacent glass panel? Will it mount floor-to-ceiling? From the floor to a header or glass transom?
Working through these decisions will dictate where other hardware is placed and how much glass fabrication (precision cutting) is required. Your Dulles Glass project manager can review all the considerations necessary. To learn more on your own see: The Difference Between a Pivot Hinge and a Side-Mount Wall Hinge
A pivot hinge is secured top-to-bottom. It's this hinge type that allows a revolving door to spin, while staying in place. Only most pivot-hinged shower doors mount top-to-bottom at the corners of the door, allowing the door to swing 180 degrees in each direction. (Pivot hinges that are center-mounted create a true revolving door.)
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A side-mount hinge is similar to the door hinges in your home. One side of the hinge is anchored on the side of a frameless glass door. The other side of the hinge is mounted to a wall or another glass panel.
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A pivot hinge shower door can be less expensive, but not always. The versatility in which both hinges can be applied prevents labeling of these hardware products.
How one uses either hinge affects how much glass fabrication (cutting and notching) is necessary. And this is really what drives price.
A pivot-hinge door secured to the ceiling and side-mount hinge secured to a wall do not differ in cost. If you were to secure a side-mount hinge to another glass panel, this configuration would require more glass fabrication work.
Below are the most specifications for side-mount hinges that people ask about.
When do I select my glass shower hardware?The first decision you'll need to make is what glass thickness you'll build your frameless shower with. This will determine the hardware, which is designed to fit a specific glass thickness.
What types of side hinges can be used to troubleshoot my shower configuration? The main types of side-mount hinges are a sidewall mount hinge that affixes the glass door to a structural wall. And a glass-to-glass hinge.
Can I use a side hinge to attach my door at a 90 degree angle to a return panel? Yes. We have specially designed hardware for this. It's simplistically called a 90-degree glass-to-glass side-mount hinge.
Will a side hinge work on my neo angle shower door? Yes, we manufacture hardware to hold the 135 degree angle of the neo shower. This special side hinge is called: a 135-degree glass-to-glass side hinge.
If I want a unique, angled shower configuration which side hinges should I use? We can manufacture custom side-mount hinges for doors and custom shower designs. Also, we have an adjustable glass-to-glass side-mount hinge that may work in most cases.
New Item Question * Question is required.Answer * ParagraphTo open the popup, press Shift+EnterTo open the popup, press Shift+Enter Answer is required. What is your side hinge made from? Our hinges are made from solid brass with high-quality, true finish; no other company can top our hardware for strength and integrity. Be wary of other hardware in the off-the-shelf kits. It may be metal-plated, and not hold its finish or longevity.
How much weight can your side hinge hold? When designing your frameless shower door, weight, width and glass thickness determine how many hinges you will need for structural support. Here's a quick guide:
- For 3/8" thick glass: two hinges can carry a maximum weight of 80 lbs and door width of 28". Three hinges max out at 120 lbs and 34"
- For 1/2" thick glass: two hinges can have a maximum weight of 80 lbs and door width of 26". Three hinges max out at 120 lbs and 30" door width.
Is the side hinge backed with a warranty? Yes. All our hardware comes with a three-year warranty.
Do your side hinges come in different designs or do these all look the same? We have several versions of side-mount hinges to choose from. Keep in mind these are hinges, designed to do real work, not just look stylish. The choices range from squared-off hinges to rounded corners and more oval shapes.
What finishes are available for side-mount hinges? Our standard sizes come in Brushed Nickel,Chrome, Gold and Oil-Rubbed Bronze.
There's a different pivot hinge for each of the major door configurations. A standard pivot hinge is designed to be fixed to a ceiling. Others include: a glass-to-glass pivot that attaches to an overhead transom, another type of hinge fastens to a header. There's also a wall pivot hinge for a door that does not go all the way to the ceiling.
Our hinges are made from solid brass with high-quality, true finish; no other company can top our hardware for strength and integrity. Be wary of other hardware in the off-the-shelf kits. It may be metal-plated, and not hold its finish or longevity.
The strongest, thickest pivot hinge can hold 145 lbs of half-inch thick glass. The maximum door width is 36 inches. Because the weight of a pivot hinge door is carried at the bottom, where the floor offers strong structural support, two pivot hinges can carry more weight than three side hinges.
Yes. All our hardware comes with a three-year warranty.
No. You see less of a pivot hinge than side hinges, so these are designed for function and form. You can select a finish to match the rest of your bathroom fixtures.
Our standard sizes come in Brushed Nickel, Chrome, Gold and Oil-Rubbed Bronze.
Just like choosing door hinges plays a large role in the installation and design of your shower. The hardware you select to secure the other glass panels together impact the final look of your frameless shower design as well as the final cost.
You have two options:
Heavy metal clips designed to achieve a true frameless look. These two-inch clamps are mounted directly onto shower glass.
U-channels that fit over the edge of a glass panel or door, running the entire circumference. Then these rails are fastened together, forming a structural support. It creates what many refer to as a "semi-frameless" look.
When planning your frameless shower there are two hardware options to choose from. You can either build your frameless shower with premium-grade metal clips or you can build it with U-channels, long rails your glass panels sit in.
The decision you make affects the price and look of your shower.
Metal clips are used to create a true frameless appearance. These two-inch heavy clips secure the glass panels of your frameless shower, to a floor, wall or another glass panel, preserving an all-glass look.
To reinforce a heavy glass frameless shower, metal clips are solid and thick, providing ample strength to stabilize glass panels.
The number of metal clips you'll need will depend on the specifications of your shower design and the size of each glass panel. Each clip requires a custom notch cut in your glass panel to create a tight fit. This is where the cost of using metal-clips for assembly increases over U-channels. It simply costs more for precision glass work.
Metal clips are made to fit either 3/8" of 1/2" heavy glass, and are available in various styles and finishes. Clients can choose square, rectangular and oval hinges to blend with both traditional and modern bathroom fixtures.
What is the size of the glass clip?
The glass clip is about 2" x 2".
Will water leak out of the metal clip?
No. Under normal shower conditions, metal clips should not be a source for water leakage. These clips can and should be sealed with clear silicone. Overtime, these clips and other areas of your glass shower can be resealed if necessary.
Are there different styles of metal clips?
Yes, because metal clips are more visible in sight line areas of your glass shower, there's a trend to add more style to this hardware component. Clips can be squared off, rounded and triangular. These styles blend with choices for side hinges.
Wall Mount Clamp Square
Wall Mount Clamp
Can I use metal clips to hold any shower configuration? Yes, just as we have hinges designed to secure a shower glass door in a straight line or 90 degree return, etc. We have metal clips that do the same job for fixed glass panels. The clips are made for 180 degree, 135 degree and 90 degree angles. For more custom angles there's an adjustable clip.
Frameless showers are a showpiece by nature, therefore hardware manufacturers try to offer style options whenever it's feasible and does not interfere with the primary function of the hardware piece.
Hinges and metal clips come in a variety of styles to complement the tone of your bathroom design. Style choices of clips come in various shapes including squared-off, oval and triangular. Standard finishes are: chrome, brushed nickel, brass, oil-rubbed bronze.
U-channels aren't stylized, but do come with a choice of standard finishes.
Headers can either be squared-off or rounded. And again, are available in standard finishes.
Because frameless showers are a high-end design, great care has been taken to offer attractive hardware styles and finishes, including frameless shower headers. We can help you find a shower header to enhance and set your frameless shower.
We can tweak your shower design to function with a sport bar, a lighter top support that reinforces the fixed glass panel.
How? Support requirements are determined by advanced calculations that consider measurements, weight and thickness of the glass as well as the weight and strength of hinges and clamps. So slight changes to your design could alleviate the use of a full shower header.
This handy checklist can guide you through the major planning and design decisions to create a frameless shower that suits your style and your bathroom space. We make it easy to understand how all the components come together. Additionally, a Dulles Glass and Mirror project manager can review these elements with you, if you'd like more information.
Even if you know what you want your frameless shower to look like, understanding the key components of a frameless shower will make the ordering and installation an easy and understandable process.
Glass Thickness Type: Some people begin by choosing glass thickness for their frameless shower. The strongest glass we offer for frameless showers is 1/2-inch architectural glass. The other frameless shower option is 3/8-inch thick glass. Depending on your shower door configuration (will it be attached to a wall or another glass panel) we may recommend reducing the glass thickness, and thus the weight of the shower door.
Glass Style: If you have your sights set on a certain style of glass, such as a color tint or pattern, you may only have one choice for glass thickness: 3/8-inch glass. Half-inch-thick glass carries fewer style choices because most homeowners who choose premium glass also want HD glass, which provides the greatest clarity to showcase tile work. Low-iron is available for both glass thicknesses.
Hinge Type: Hinge type matters most to clients who want the largest all-glass surface area for their frameless shower. If you fall into this category, see how a pivot hinge works with your shower configuration. Pivot hinges attach to the top and bottom corners of your shower door. So most of the shower doors are smooth glass. Side-mount hinges notch along the sides of your shower door and are therefore slightly more noticeable. There are a few considerations when using pivot hinges. See: The Difference Between a Pivot Hinge and a Side-Mount Wall Hinge
Hardware Attachment Options: The pursuit of an all-glass shower will also determine the type of connecting hardware you'll want to choose. Glass-to-glass metal clips are only about two inches wide and are notched directly into glass panels. When planning your frameless shower there are two hardware options to choose from. You can either build your frameless shower with premium-grade metal clips or you can build it with U-channels, long rails your glass panels sit in. The decision you make affects the price and look of your shower.
Metal clips are used to create a true frameless appearance. These two-inch heavy clips secure the glass panels of your frameless shower, to a floor, wall, or another glass panel, preserving an all-glass look. To reinforce a heavy glass frameless shower, metal clips are solid and thick, providing ample strength to stabilize glass panels. The number of metal clips you'll need will depend on the specifications of your shower design and the size of each glass panel. Each clip requires a custom notch cut in your glass panel to create a tight fit. This is where the cost of using metal clips for assembly increases over U-channels. It simply costs more for precision glass work. Metal clips are made to fit either 3/8" or 1/2" heavy glass, and are available in various styles and finishes. You can choose square, rectangular, and oval hinges to blend with both traditional and modern bathroom fixtures.
If cost is the more important consideration, then U-channels, metal rails that slip over glass edges, are a better choice. The U-channels fasten together and offer a continuous sealed connection to the heavy glass panels. With attractive color finish choices, U-channels can elegantly accent your glass shower configuration.
Configuration: Your glass shower configuration will first be determined by your existing bathroom space -- unless you are doing a major remodel or new construction. The designated shower area in your bathroom will have at least one wall where your showerhead is, though most bathrooms have two or three pre-existing walls. The open side or sides to your shower area make up your shower opening.
Typically, three shower walls indicate a single-door opening or a wider inline opening (think sliding doors). Two shower walls will provide a corner opening. Identifying this general space leads to a subset of configuration options that you can choose based on your preferences. Here are some examples:
- Single Doors: You can choose if you want the door to open to the left or right. If you want it to run to the ceiling or not.
- Inline Opening: While sliding doors, which never give a truly frameless look, are the most common contractor-grade shower style, there are lots of design combinations for building a frameless shower. Consider completing the space with a glass swinging door and a fixed glass or a centered door flanked by two glass panels. Unlike sliding doors, frameless shower panels can be combined with a partially tiled wall or border a built-in shower seat. See Inline shower options here.
- Corner Opening: Options for enclosing a corner space triple from an inline opening. The most popular shower configurations join two glass panels at a 90-degree angle to close up the space. One of these side panels will be a hinged door or a combination of the door with a smaller fixed glass panel. This shower is referred to as a 90-degree return panel because from the door there is a stationary fixed panel that returns to the wall. See configurations for traditional corner showers.
The other popular corner opening is a neo-angle shower. Three glass panels (one being a door) encircle the two pre-existing shower walls at 135-degree angles. This structure offers a design element and a soft look. If you like this look, you can decide if you want to run the glass to the ceiling or mount the door to the left or right. If this area is very spacious, you can build one side with a door flanked by adjacent glass panels. See Neo-angle configurations here.
Additional thoughts about your shower configuration: The shower configuration along with the weight of your glass panels and hinge types may bring a few other elements into your design. Here's a quick look at them and why these may come into play.
- Glass transom: A glass panel placed over your shower door may be used to: run your shower up to the ceiling if your door exceeds limits for length or you want a steam shower. Also, a glass transom may be incorporated into your design if you select a pivot hinge but don't want your door to run to the ceiling. The pivot hinge will need a top piece to attach to.
- Header: A metal header offers extra structural support for frameless glass showers. This is a safety standard required for some configurations and is based on detailed architectural calculations. For example, depending on width, height, and glass thickness, hanging a glass door on an adjacent glass panel (instead of a wall or floor-to-ceiling) may require the use of a header. For clients who want a truly frameless look, our project manager can provide alternatives.
- Support Bar: A support bar is a lighter-weight and lighter metal-look alternative to a header. Ask one of our project managers about this solution.
- Vinyl Seals and Shower Sweeps: Some clients look to remove the snap-on clear vinyl seals and sweeps from their glass shower after we leave. These are used to improve the water tightness of your shower. If you know in advance that you'll want to try removing these, our project manager can help you adjust your configuration to support this goal. Some steps would be installing the door furthest away from the shower head and out of the direct line of the shower spray. Another idea is to select a side-mount shower door hinge over a pivot hinge. Side hinges can be sealed, but pivot hinges cannot be.
A grab bar is always mounted to a wall, not a glass shower door. It's engineered and tested with quality fasteners to safely support about 350lbs, without pulling away from the wall.
Grab bars, also known as assist bars, are installed to help an individual easily and safely exit or enter a shower or bathtub. Though most commonly used to help those who are disabled or elderly, grab bars are useful for any shower/tub situation that is particularly slippery or steep. Assist bar placement is very important, so be sure to consult your glass professional before installation.
A towel bar is often mistakenly used for support. When you have to grab hold quickly, anything will do. But it is not designed or installed to support human weight. If mounted to a shower glass panel and yanked loose, the glass will most likely shatter.
Headers are used when a fixed glass panel is hinged to an adjoining glass door. By hinging it, it's being asked to carry the weight of the shower door. Every time the glass door is opened, it pulls on the attached glass panel. A support header relieves some of the tension to prevent weakening of the glass-to-glass connection over time.
Headers are not necessary if the glass door attaches into a wall.
Mirrors FAQ
All MiraSafe mirrors cannot be shaped. But regular custom-cut mirrors can be shaped into anything you can imagine. Feel free to live chat with us directly or contact us here.
Technically yes you can but it is a very complicated process. It would need to be cut and then burned which requires years of mirror cutting experience. We do not recommend cutting MiraSafe mirrors.
No, they are not tempered. MiraSafe mirrors are laminated.
If you have glued the mirror to the wall there is a chance that the mirror will break during the removal that could also damage your drywall. But if your gym mirrors have been installed with a j-bar and mirror clips at top (no glue), then they can be easily removed and reinstalled.
Yes, we can do that. Please live chat with our team or contact us here
The average weight is approx. 77 lbs., depending on the size of the mirror.
Absolutely.
Gym Mirror FAQ
All MiraSafe mirrors cannot be shaped. But regular custom-cut mirrors can be shaped into anything you can imagine. Feel free to chat with us directly or email us at [email protected]
Technically yes you can but it is a very complicated process. It would need to be cut and then burned which requires years of mirror cutting experience. We do not recommend cutting MiraSafe mirrors.
No, they are not tempered. MiraSafe mirrors are laminated.
If you have glued the mirror to the wall there is a chance that the mirror will break during the removal that could also damage your drywall. But if your gym mirrors have been installed with a j-bar and mirror clips at top (no glue), then they can be easily removed and reinstalled.
Yes, we can do that. Please email us at [email protected]
The average weight is approx. 77 lbs., depending on the size of the mirror.
Absolutely.
Glass Shelves FAQ
The majority of glass shelf kits available on the market are made of clear tempered glass. Dulles Glass, however, allows you to customize the type of glass, thickness, edge work, and shelf clamps to suit your preferences.
Existing tempered glass shelves cannot be cut and would shatter if attempted. When ordering from Dulles Glass, you may customize the size, thickness, and type of glass used for your new shelf.
ClearShield FAQ
Yes! When treated with ClearShield ®, your glass is protected during daily use. ClearShield ® Shower Protector:
- Prevents hard-water stains and limescale-induced clouding.
- Discourages bacterial growth that can stain the surface of glass.
- Provides a non-stick, easy-clean surface.
Our specialists will apply ClearShield® glass treatment prior to installation and provide detailed after-care instructions.
No. However, if the shower glass is treated with ClearShield®, then the glass is guaranteed by ClearShield®, and stands against corrosion and stains. We will replace any glass that is guaranteed by ClearShield®. Scratches aren't covered by our warranty, and probably can't be removed.
For best results, and to maximize the performance of your ClearShield® protected shower glass, simply rinse your glass shower door with water and squeegee dry after each use. Then clean your shower glass every 2 - 3 weeks with ClearShield® After Care. ClearShield® After Care is safe to use on all shower hardware and framework. We do recommend using After Care weekly in hard water areas.
DO NOT USE: Abrasive cleaning methods, pads, and compounds, highly alkaline cleaners, or commercial strength such as Lime Away on any ClearShield® treated Glass. Windex will not harm ClearShield® treated glass, however, they're unnecessarily strong, and not recommended. Instead, use our amazing Glass Cleaner, we promise you will love it!
Yes, and we recommend this glass protection application for all of our glass products. Whether you choose a framed or frameless glass shower enclosure for your bathroom, ClearShield® is Dulles Glass' recommendation to keep your shower glass looking new at all times.
Make sure you register for your ClearShield® Warranty, online through the company clearshieldonline.com to activate your extended warranty right after your shower door purchase. Then if there is a problem, contact them for directions. This warranty is separate from the Dulles Glass Warranties you may have on the hardware and shower door itself.
Even diligent cleaning will not prevent unprotected shower glass against corrosion forever. Though it doesn't appear to be, glass is porous, and without a solid surface barrier protection like ClearShield®, it will eventually become corroded by hard-water stains and other contaminants.
If you don't want glass protection treatment for your glass shower door, it will be especially important to squeeze dry untreated shower glass after every use. Also, the shower glass will need frequent cleaning. Avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning products on your shower glass. Abrasive cleaners will hasten the decline of your glass by eating into its porous nature providing spaces for contaminants to settle.
Remember, though, that if you're ever planning on selling your home, your beautiful high-end bathroom will lose its appeal to future home buyers if there are hard-water stains or clouding on your glass.
No, it is not required to use our product line. However, ClearShield® After Care is specially formulated to gently clean shower glass, is environmentally safe, and comes with a guaranteed 10-year warranty from the company.
Absolutely. The bathroom and the kitchen are the most important considerations for prospective home buyers. A remodeling magazine survey on the future of new homes revealed that home buyers expect more upgrades in new construction – a demand struggling home builders are willing to meet. So, upgrading your bathroom makes the resale value of your home more competitive against new homes.
Also, glass shower doors are a great investment because these durable structures will hold their value. With our ClearShield® glass protection and proper aftercare, your glass shower door will remain "like-new" for years to come.
Patio Glass Tabletops FAQ
Yes. The most common size hole for an umbrella table is 2 1/2" at the center, though you’ll need to let us know the exact size you’ll need when you place your order. If the size of the hole you need is different from one of the standard sizes we offer listed below, or in a location other than the center of the table, you’ll need to provide the diameter along with the location in an email or drawing. The cost may be higher for a customized hole. Please keep in mind that we do not offer the plastic cover that goes with such a hole. If you want more than one hole drilled into the same piece of glass, we’ll need to follow specific tempering guidelines.
Standard Hole Sizes
1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1 1/4", 1 1/2", 2", 2 1/4", 2 1/2", 3 1/4", 4"
Tempering a glass table top adds to its strength. Tempered glass is 5 to 7 times harder to break compared to regular annealed glass. Tempered glass is also regarded as safety glass because when it breaks, it shatters into small pebbles that don’t pose as much of a danger to you and your family.
In most instances, 1/2" inch thick glass tops are not tempered. This is due to the added strength from the thickness. However, 1/4" and 3/8" thick glass tops are mostly tempered for extra strength.
As a basic rule, tempering the glass does not change its appearance or weight. With that in mind, if you have kids at home or are just concerned with safety, we say, “when in doubt, temper your glass.”
Glass table covers are a wonderful way to protect valuable or antique furniture without hiding its beauty. With a protective glass table cover, your wood, marble or metal table's surface is safe from spills, stains, dings and scratches. No need for placemats or tablecloths – you can put hot casserole dishes or cups of coffee on the table without worrying they'll harm your table's finish.
No waxing or polishing – glass table covers wipe clean so much easier than wood or marble finishes (especially when they've been treated with glass surface protection like award-winning ClearShield first).
With their transparent surface and custom fit, glass table covers won't detract from the impact of your table while they keep it clean and hygienic.
Replacement Glass FAQ
If you input your shape and exact measurements, you can customize and price any glass to your specification. In this instance, the price happens to be $281.06, however as you apply your own specifications, the price impact is shown on the right upper-hand corner of the page. This price includes packaging and handling. Dulles Glass and Mirror manufactures and sends out your glass within 5-7 business days and guarantees intact delivery, so you can shop with confidence.
We offer many types of custom glass that you can buy from us, including:
- Tempered Glass: a type of safety glass that is four times stronger than regular glass.
- Laminated Glass: a type of safety glass made by sandwiching a layer of plastic between two pieces of glass.
- Tinted Glass: a type of glass that has been treated with a special coating to reduce the amount of sunlight and UV rays that pass through, such as gray glass and bronze glass.
- Patterned Glass: a type of decorative glass that has a specific pattern or texture, such as rain, frost, or polar.
- Transparent Thermoplastics: a lightweight and shatter-resistant alternative to glass, such as Plexiglass and Polycarbonate glass.
- Neo-Ceram Glass: a type of high-temperature resistant glass-ceramic often used in fireplaces, wood stoves, and other heating applications.
We offer 5 glass thicknesses: 3/16", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", and 3/4".
For all shapes with edges (i.e. – square, rectangle), corners are usually nice and sharp to create a clean line. However, if you have small children or pets, you may want to finish corners for safety. Corner finishes offered are listed below:
- Eased corner: glass corners are sanded down slightly to relieve sharp edges
- Radius and polished corner: corners are cut down to a radius and then polished
- Clip and polished corner: corners are cut down to a 45 degree angle and then polished
We currently offer our most popular shapes: rectangle, round, square, oval, triangle, pentagon, and quarter circle. If you need a different shape, reach out to us via live chat.
The smallest size glass you can custom order is 3" x 3".
Glass Weight Calculator FAQ
Multiply 1.7 pounds for every 1/8" square foot of glass. For example, a 3/8" panel of glass that is 3 x 6 would be 1.7 x 3 (from 3/8") x 3 x 6 = 91.8 pounds.
Here are common, approximate weights for glass per square feet:
- SS - 1.20
- DS - 1.60
- 5/32 - 2.00
- 3/16 - 2.45
- 1/4 - 3.00
- 3/8 - 5.00
- 0-1/2 - 6.50
- 5.8 - 8.00
- 3/4 - 9.97
- IG unit - 2 x glass
For square and rectangular glass, square footage is determined by multiplying the width x the length of the table and dividing the answer by 144. You will need two measurements of the glass. Use the tape measure to measure the length and the width of the glass in inches. Next, multiply the two measurements of the glass. Divide the answer by 144. This will give you the square footage of the glass.
To determine the square footage of a round glass, measure the diameter of the glass using the tape measure (the diameter is the length across the glass directly through the center). Divide the diameter in half. The resulting number is the "radius". Convert the radius measurement to decimal by dividing the inches portion of the measurement by 12 (for example, a glass with a radius of 3 feet 9 inches has a decimal radius of 3.75 feet).
Now, calculate the area of the glass using the formula for the area of a circle: Area equals pi times the radius squared. Pi has a constant value of 3.1416. To square is to multiply by the number by itself. In the example, the round glass calculation will be 3.1416 x 3.75 x 3.75 equals 44.18 square feet, rounded to two places.
The area of an oval glass can be calculated by thinking of the glass as a rectangle with half of a round glass on each end. Do the calculations for the rectangle and round parts and add them together.
Here are the decimal vs. fraction equivalents:
- 1/16 - .0625
- 1/8 - .125
- 3/16 - .1875
- 1/4 - .250
- 5/16 - .3125
- 3/8 - .375
- 7/16 - .4375
- 1/2 - .500
- 9/16 - .5625
- 5/8 - .625
- 11/16 - .6875
- 3/4 - .750
- 13/16 - .8125
- 7/8 - .875
- 15/16 - .9375
- 1 – 1.000
Dulles Glass
United States © 2023 Dulles Glass. All Rights Reserved.
United States © 2023 Dulles Glass. All Rights Reserved.