FAQ

1. Is my shower door tempered safety glass?

Yes, To conform to building codes, shower doors must use tempered glass. Building codes specify tempered glass due to its safety properties. Tempered glass is four to six times stronger than un-tempered (or annealed) glass.

2. What is tempered glass?

Fully tempered glass is a safety glazing material when manufactured to meet the requirements of the ANSI Z97.1 Standard and Federal Standard CPSC 16 CFR 1201. Federal Standard CPSC 16 CFR 1201, as well as state and local codes, require safety glazing material where the glazing might reasonably be exposed to human impact. This includes doors, tub and shower enclosures, side lights, and certain windows. Applicable building codes should be checked for specific information and requirements.

3. How do I clean my glass shower enclosure?

Here are a few tips to help you care for and clean your Agalite shower door or tub enclosure to keep it looking new.

Aspen Glass suggests squeegeeing the glass frequently and cleaning it regularly with a recommended cleaner. Aspen Glass follows the recommendation of BEMA, the Bath Enclosures Manufacturing Association. BEMA recommends Lysol Basin, Tub and Tile Cleaner for use on bath and shower enclosures. To squeegee the glass select any of the numerous squeegee-type products on the market. Using a squeegee for a minute after each shower helps keep spots and scale from accumulating on glass components. A combination of regular cleaning and squeegeeing will help keep your glass door clean and clear.

A short list of cleaning agents that should be avoided because they either damage the metal or scratch the enclosure surface includes: Vinegar or vinegar based products, abrasive or soft abrasive powders and liquids, bleach or bleach based cleaners and steel or Teflon pads.

Most of the silver, gold, brushed nickel or satin silver metal components of your shower door are anodized aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight, non-rusting metal which is anodized to give it its color, to make it shiny and to help seal it against corrosion and pitting. Some glass and scale cleaners can damage the anodizing and cause pitting of the aluminum surfaces.

You can permanently damage the metal’s finish if improper cleaning compounds are used. The result can be the appearance of white spots on the aluminum. These spots are caused by alkaline and phosphoric acids that are found in cleaners. Many of these products’ labels warn against use on anodized aluminum. Read labels thoroughly before using on your shower door. Drywall, spackle and tile grout, which contain lime, can also spot aluminum.

If your unit is not one of the anodized colors listed above, it is probably painted via a ”powder-coat” process. The powder-coat surface is very durable, but it can scratch or chip. Cleaning and care for the powder-coated metal is the same as the anodized metal.

Shower Care Kits can be purchased from Aspen Glass. Call us today to get yours.

4. Is Aspen Glass a licensed commercial glazing contractor?

Yes, Aspen Glass carries all of the necessary licenses and insurance.

5. Are building permits required to replace glass in my commercial building?

Yes. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department requires a building permit and inspection of all glass replaced in a commercial building. The only exception to this is private living areas in apartments, duplexes or condominiums. However a permit is required for any common area in these dwellings.

6. Do I need a building permit to replace the windows in my home?

The short answer is you do not. If you are not changing the size or shape of the original opening in the structure you may replace the windows without a building permit. If you are adding a bay or bow window or replacing a window with a patio door, or changing the shape of the opening in any way, a building permit is required.

7. What is the difference between a shower enclosure and a shower surround?

Nothing! The terms shower enclosure and shower surround are interchangeable. Don’t worry, the experts at Aspen Glass Inc. will know what you are talking about!