Materials and Construction

• A shower door has a relatively simple function: keep water in. While this is easy enough in theory, shower doors need to be made of the right materials in order to stay watertight, keep from getting water damage, and keep water from spraying or leaking out during a shower.
  
  

Watertight Seals

• Shower doors must have relatively watertight seals, which usually involves the construction of a threshold that creates a double layer around the edge of the door. Shower doors that are installed on bathtubs must have their thresholds properly installed, using waterproof silicone caulk.
  
  In the case of sliding shower doors, the runner serves double duty as a threshold.
  
  

Glass, Plastic, and Stainless Steel

• The materials used for making shower doors must be rust-proof and resistant to other kinds of water damage. Glass and plastics are commonly used for the doors themselves, stainless steel for the frame and any hinges, and rubber and silicone for the sealing edges. This will ensure that the shower door will last a long time and retain its attractive appearance.