Adjusting shower enclosure doors – how to do it properly?

Installing shower enclosure doors is a very demanding task. To carry it out correctly, a high degree of precision is required. The same applies to adjusting shower doors – you need to approach the job properly. Otherwise, the results are likely to disappoint. So how do you do it right? How do you adjust sagging shower enclosure doors, replace a roller or deal with squeaking? Find out!

Installing and adjusting shower enclosure doors – important considerations

Every manufacturer includes instructions with the enclosure and doors that should be followed to install the shower enclosure correctly. The instructions must be adhered to strictly, especially with regard to something so crucial to its proper functioning as keeping all installed components plumb and level.

Completing the installation work is the final test of the unit’s overall functionality. Unlevel, misaligned shower enclosure doors, poor fit between individual components – all of this indicates incorrect assembly of the frame or inexpert fixing. If you do not deal with repairing and adjusting all the minor irregularities, further components:

• rollers
• bearings
• tracks
• and even the doors

will gradually deteriorate. At some point their condition will no longer allow for repair, and the only way to remove the faults will be to replace the damaged parts. Keep this in mind to avoid additional costs.

Adjusting a shower enclosure – rollers popping out

The correct operation of the rollers is crucial to the functionality of shower doors. If you use too much force when trying to open them, a roller wheel can be pulled out of the track (either the upper or the lower). This is one of the more common door faults.

Fortunately, adjusting the shower enclosure rollers in this case is very easy. When a roller pops out of the track, the door becomes misaligned. Simply lift the door panel gently upwards and reseat the roller in the track, and in future try to open the door a little more gently.

Adjusting shower enclosure doors – further guidance

When the doors in your shower enclosure are correctly adjusted, they close without any problem. The rollers move easily along the tracks, water does not leak outside the enclosure due to a gap between the doors, and the tracks do not cause the rollers to jam. The doors should also not squeak when opening or closing.

Correct installation is key to everything working flawlessly. Remember, however, that any moving part or mechanism can develop faults and go out of adjustment even when the enclosure has been installed perfectly and you are using it correctly. Indications that additional adjustment is needed include:

• problems opening/closing the doors (the doors become stiff)
• the shower enclosure doors do not close fully
• doors hitting or catching on the shower tray anywhere
• rollers jumping out of the tracks
• gaps between the shower enclosure door panels
• doors not closing at the bottom or at the top (out of level)

It is best to start adjusting the doors by checking the condition of the rollers and cleaning them thoroughly. To loosen or tighten the rollers you will need a screwdriver or an Allen key (depending on the roller model). Replacing the rollers in a shower enclosure is necessary when the guides, tracks or the rollers themselves have worn to the point that adjustment is no longer possible.

How do you replace the rollers in a shower enclosure? Every set of rollers comes with instructions in which the entire process is illustrated in detail. Remember, however, that both perfect door adjustment and smooth roller operation can be demanding. If you try everything but still cannot manage the task, call in a professional.

An experienced professional will spot all irregularities in the operation of the shower doors, recommend appropriate repairs or replacements, adjust the rollers, eliminate faults, and do it very quickly. You, on the other hand, will not spend long, fruitless hours on adjustment!