Author: David Brown

It’s always great to have a refreshing shower in the morning or after a long workday. Whether you came from a short jog around the park or having spent the whole day at work, it’s a nice feeling to enjoy the stream of water running through your entire body. 

The shower is an essential part of a person routine, and it keeps you clean and healthy. It’s is now even more critical with the advent of a global pandemic. It is always essential to shower after going outside to wash the germs away with water and soaps. 

But those who do will realize that when you shower, water will spill over the other areas of the bathroom. Which sometimes causes a bit of a mess and potential accident. A shower curtain will help prevent some of the water from going out of the shower, but usually, it might not be enough. 

A sure of preventing water from spilling outside the shower will be to use shower glass screens. Unlike the shower curtain, it is more durable and can seal most of the water from the storm. It can keep the other parts of the bathroom dry and prevents accidents caused by slippery floors.

What is Shower Glass Screen? 

A shower glass screen is physical barriers that are usually attached to the bathroom wall to keep water from spilling into other areas. They are barriers that prevent water from coming out or spraying outside the shower enclosure. They usually have an opening with a hinge mechanism or sliding mechanism that can open or closed for safe and convenient passage to and from the shower area. 

Types of Shower Glass Screen doors

Depending on the owner’s preference and availability of space, homeowners can choose from these type of screens :

1. Single Panel – this is the most common shower glass screen. It is usually frameless and made of a single glass panel with hinges. The hinges are attached to the glass panel and the wall for easy opening and closing.
2. Double Panel – Similar to the single Panel, but instead have two glass panels. They can open a similar way to a shower door, but you save more space because each Panel has a shorter width.
3. Folding screen – it’s made of multiple glass panel and great if the bathroom has small space. They also provide easy access, especial if you have a tub.

Australia has strict regulations on what type of glass can be safely used in shower glass screens. You are only allowed to use either a toughened safety glass or a laminated safety glass. Both materials are strong enough to withstand daily use by multiple people. 

Both materials are considered very safe but take note that toughened glass needs a rounding frame or full frame. The glass should also be at least 6mm thick or higher to withstand the impact when using the shower. However, it is more recommended to use a fully framed shower glass screen for added safety. This will make sure it does not suddenly shatter with the slightest hit.  If you think your shower glass is not safe, Canberra Pergolas can help replace it with a much safer glass.

One of the most utilized places in the home is the bathroom. Especially in the morning while preparing for work and evening after arriving from work and wanting a refreshing shower. The year’s of everyday use will take their toll on the bathroom features such as a sink, tiles, shower enclosures and lavatories will eventually show signs of ageing and wear.

Maintaining the bathroom and having regular cleaning will usually help extend the life of your bathroom. Tiles should be brushed and regularly dried to prevent moulds and grime from accumulating. The shower area is usually prone to water staining, moulding and discolouration due to water, soap, shampoo and other bathroom materials. It has to be thoroughly scrubbed once in a while and cleaned with eco-friendly stain removal to maintain its nice look. 

Whether we like it or not, daily cleaning, scrubbing and use of anti-stain chemicals might not be enough. After a few years of continuous use, the bathroom will eventually deteriorate and need renovations. 

How much will a bathroom renovation cost? 

So after you decide that it is the right time for you to renovate your bathroom, you have to determine your budget. The bathroom is often one of the most expensive areas to renovate in your house. This will cover the amount needed for tiling, plumbing, sink, shower and toilet accessories to install in the bathroom. 

A bathroom renovation cost may range from $10,000 for a small bathroom to $50,000 for a larger customized bathroom. According to Bathroom Renovations Newcastle, It will Depend on the type and size of materials you will be suing for the renovation. It can go higher, especially if you install luxurious bathroom fixtures and marble floorings. 

How many tradespeople do you need to hire for a renovation? 

The bathroom is a complex area in the house and contains many parts and fixtures requiring experts to install. You will need to have reliable water and electricity supply. You would also need waterproofing, tiles, shower fixtures, sink, toilet, mirrors, storage and other bathroom fixtures. 

A complete bathroom makeover will require different specialists such as tilers, plumbers, waterproofing specialists, electricians, painters and plasterers. 

What type of tiles do I use? 

Australian building code standards require the waterproofing of the whole floor in the bathroom shower area. The walls in the shower area should also be waterproofed up to a height of 1.8 meters. 

If the entire bathroom is made of wood or located on the 2nd floor or upper levels, the whole bathroom floor, including the shower area, should also be waterproofed. 

So the bathroom surfaces must be waterproofed before you install the bathroom tiles or wood panels. Porcelain and ceramics are commonly used tiles for the bathroom.  

Ceramics are easy to maintain as long as you use glazed or glassy tiles that do not absorb water, mainly because the bathroom is always wet. They are also affordable and will fit most budgets. 

Porcelain tile does not quickly wear, low maintenance and very attractive. They look like natural stones and can be laid closer for fewer grout lines. Homeowners may also use natural stones, but they may require more waterproofing. 

Do I need to replace my plumbing?

Leaking pipes will damage the bathroom and ruin your tiles, plasters and waterproofing. So updating your plumbing is equally essential as replacing tiles and other bathroom fixtures. Plumbing is a very crucial part of the bathroom renovation, they have experienced plumbers who will make sure that your plumbing is done right and with quality materials.

It would also be best to increase the diameter of your drain pipes to avoid clogging. Water pipes should be modernize using better materials so they can last longer and withstand water pressure. 

It would be best if you did the plumbing first before doing the other bathroom renovating works. If possible, do a leak test before installing the tiles and bathroom fixtures. 

A balustrade line a staircase to keep people safe and serves as a barrier so they will not fall to the floor below. It can also enhance the look of your stairs and make them more visually appealing. 

A handrail can be made from material such as wood, metals and glass. The essential parts of the fence are the following :

Newel Post – provides the structural support to the handrails and is attached to the floor or the stairs’ steps or balcony.

Newel Caps – these are decorative components found at the top of the newel to improve its look. 

Banister or handrails – Horizontal Railings use for holding and attached to the newel post.

Baserail – these are vertical rails connected to the newel post. It is placed at the bottom of the spindles and the floor or steps. 

Spindles – these are vertical rails that are connected to the handrail and base rails.

Types of Glass Stair Balustrade

Glass Stair Balustrades are elegant and stylish. They are an excellent addition to your home and perfect for staircases, interior landings, walkways, patios and balconies. There are several types of glass stair railing. Here are some of them.

1. Glass Stair Balustrade with clamped railings – the glass panel railings are attached using glass clips and newel post.
2. Glass Stair Balustrade with clamped railings with dadoed glass railing – the glass railing is more securely attached because it is placed in between the top handrail and the bottom shoe. This type is the most secure and cleanest look since only the top and bottom parts are attached. 
3. Glass Stair Balustrade with clamped railings with standoff railing – features a frameless rail system where the glass panel is being held using round stainless steel cylinders called standoffs. The glass has pre-drilled holes where the standoffs will be inserted and fastened to the stairs. 

Glass Stair Balustrade is often more expensive to install compared to other types of railings. You usually need at least 6mm to 12 mm of glass for the panels. Among the different glass railings, the dadoed glass raining is economical because it can use thinner glass since it has more structural support. Contact your local contractors for quotes and a comparison of the different types of glass railings. 

Glass Stair Balustrade Safety

A balustre is a barrier made from metal, timber or glass and keeps people, especially children, from falling from the edge. But sometimes, improper installation of balusters might cause accidents. Here are some accidents involving balusters :

• Sometimes the head, arms and legs of children are caught in-between the spaces between the railing.
• Babies and small children fall through the railing due to the baluster’s improper distancing, especially if there is too much space in-between. 
• Balustrades with wrong heights can also cause accidents like falls that will cause severe injuries. 

Australian Building standards for balustrade 

An improperly designed and built Balustrade can cause severe injuries and even loss of life. Here are some important sections that cover the construction of Balustrade in Australia

1. The Balustrades’ height should be at least 1 metre if the balcony is more than a metre from the ground.
2. The openings between the fence should be less than 12. 5 cm.
3. Balconies or decks that are more than 4 metres above the ground should not have horizontal climbing parts 15 to 76 cm above the floor. These prone parts might be used for climbing by small children. 

These rules are essential to prevent accidents, especially involving children. Injuries that include falls are serious, even from low elevations. Data from Australian hospitals report that 75% of accidental falls have children under five years of age. 

Safety Protocols

Remember these Safety Protocols at Home

• Be aware of plants, furniture and other objects that children may use to climb the balustrade.
• Check the balustrade occasionally to make sure parts are firmly attached so children will not fit on the spaces between the railings. 
• Do not allow children to go to balconies unsupervised. Lock the access, especially if children are near the area. 
• Instal gates or barriers to prevent children from going near the balustrade. 

A splashback is a piece of panelling mounted on the walls behind a sink or a stove to protect it from water and liquid splashes. It is a simple device but can protect the walls from water or liquid damage.

Splashback is usually placed on areas that are high usage, such as the kitchen. Specifically, areas like the sink have a lot of water splashes to protect the wall. It is also used in areas near a stove or cooking area where liquids like oil and water splashes are very common. 

Aside from its practical use of preventing liquid damage, it can also serve as a decorative piece to add a splash of colour to your kitchen. Initially only seen in kitchen showrooms, glass flashbacks have gained popularity and are used in Australian homes. 

Types of Splashback 

Although glass splashback is gaining popularity, there are also other types of flashback available in the market. Let us discuss some of them :

Tiles

Tiles are the most popular type of splashback because of their affordable price and variety of design options. A tiled splashback will cost around $15 per square meter. They are very reasonable, robust, practical and very easy to maintain. You can easily match a tile to any walls since they come in a variety of colours.

Acrylic

It is the cheapest alternative to a glass splashback; they look similar to a glass flashback but are more affordable. If you plan to have a glass splashback but has a limited budget, you can use acrylic instead. But compared to other splashback, it might not be the cheapest option. 

Laminate

Laminated hardboards are affordable and rugged options for splashback. They are moisture and stain-resistant and can help keep the kitchen walls clean. Of course, the lower price would mean its performance is a little lower compared to other materials. Since its made of hardboards, it may not last longer compared to a metal or glass splashback.

Metal

Presses Metal splashback are affordable, practical and easy to install. Usually made of corrosive and moisture-resistant metal, it is easy to cut, paint and customized. However, one major drawback is the limited design options. 

Glass

Perhaps one of the most eye-catching splashback is made from glass. They have superior moisture resistance, low maintenance and easy to clean. They have many modern design options and can make your kitchen appear more prominent and brighter. One major drawback is the price, and glass splashback is more expensive than the other types.

Advantages of Glass Splashback

1. More Protection – splashback is often located on areas like the stoves or sinks that have cooking oil, stains, grease. Splashback protects these areas and makes them easy to clean.
2. Hygienic – when using tiles as a splashback, food splatter would likely accumulate in the joints or seams. Since glass is smoother and moisture resistant, you can easily wipe them off and maintain cleanliness.
3. Longevity – although the initial investment for glass splashback is high, it will last longer than other splashback types. 
4. Design – glass splashback comes in many designs and are not just plain glass. Homeowners can have a printed format, painted with a solid colour or painted with a colourful design. 

How much is a Glass Splashback? 

The price of a splashback will depend on the size of the glass panel used and its thickness. A standard pre-cut splashback is around $149.00, 700 mm x 745 mm in length and height and 6 mm in thickness, made from toughened colour glass. 

On the other hand, a customized high-end glass splashback will cost between $400 to $1000 per square metre with 6 mm in thickness. This high-end glass splashback comes in different designs and colours. 

How to install a glass splashback

A glass splashback can be heavy, bulky and awkward to handle. It is recommended to hire a professional installer who will take care of the glass installation. 

Check the local licensing office for a list of licensed splashback installers in your area. It will ensure that your splashback will be safely installed and assuring quality. 

Make sure to check their background, including their previous work. Ask the contractor if they have the necessary licensed and insurance. Installing a glass splashback can be a bit complicated, so a DIY is not recommended. 

Make it a habit to contact multiple contractors and ask them for quotes. Look at their price, warranty and services they are offering. Cheaper does not always mean better. A more experienced installer might be a little more expensive, but the quality is higher.