Average Cost to Repair a Glass Shower Door

The average cost for glass shower door repair is about $200. You’ll pay around $100 for simpler repairs, like caulking a new leak, while some more complex repairs, like filling or buffing scratches and chips, can cost over $300.

Glass Shower Door Repair Cost by Type

The type of glass can impact the cost of repairing it. Some door styles require thicker glass, while others can use thin glass.

Thick glass

Thick glass is typically used for frameless doors as a sturdy option since there is no frame. A thicker glass of three-eights to one-half inch will cost more money than thin glass. A framed door with thin glass is about $300, while a similar size door that is frameless with thicker glass can cost $900.

Thin glass

Thin glass works for doors with frames and is typically about three-sixteenths to one-quarter-inch in thickness. This type of glass is typically less expensive.

Glass Shower Door Installation Costs

Extensive damage to a glass shower door can cost more to repair than the cost of just replacing it with something new. The cost to install a glass shower door is an average of $900. Installation ranges from $200 to $300. The door itself varies by type.

• Frameless: $300–$3,500
• Framed: $200–$500
• Semi-framed: $200–$2,200
• Curved, neo-angled, or other custom: $300–$3,300
• Shower screens: $70–$300

Cost to Repair a Glass Shower Door Yourself

Working with glass is always a dangerous job. Mishandling this material could lead it to crack or shatter, causing risks to your safety. It’s best to leave repairs to a professional, but if you are skilled at DIY projects, you can repair a glass shower door without hiring a pro for help. The cost to make this a DIY project will vary.

Tools

The tools you need to fix a glass shower door will depend on the problem. Some tools you’ll need for common repairs include:

• Caulk: Use caulk, which costs about $10 a bottle, to seal new leaks. Older leaks should be addressed by a professional.
• Screws and screwdriver: Hanging shower doors can become off-kilter, a sign of loose screws. This is a dangerous repair because the doors are heavy. Replacing old screws can help secure the door in place. If you don’t already have a screwdriver, you can get a kit with screws and a screwdriver for around $15 to $30.
• Polish: For the faintest scratches, you can apply polish, like metal polish, to the area with a towel and very light pressure. The polish can cost $5 to $10. Deeper scratches have to be repaired by a professional.

Glass

If the entire door is damaged, it might be more cost-effective to replace the glass or the entire door. Replacing a glass shower door can cost $200 for basic styles, like framed glass doors and swinging shower doors, to $3,000 for more custom styles and designs.

DIY vs. Hire a Shower Pro

Glass, especially if it has cracked, chipped, or shattered, is dangerous to handle. Not to mention that lifting a heavy shower door to realign it or replace it is also risky. Even if you choose to DIY, you can end up spending thousands on tools and materials to fix the door. If you drop the glass door, you’re out on that money.

Hiring a professional to repair your glass shower door is a worthy investment. A contractor can get the job done in a few hours. If they do happen to drop the door or break the replacement glass, the cost is covered with their insurance. Plus, for issues like leaks, a professional can identify if worse problems are lurking within the shower walls.

FAQs

What type of glass shower door is best for me?

The type of glass shower you choose depends on your household size, lifestyle, and budget. Custom designs and frameless doors will cost more to install and repair. Framed glass shower doors can be a more budget-friendly option.

If your glass shower has many people using it daily, you also want to opt for durable glass options, and you’ll need to stay on top of maintenance and repairs.

How do I maintain my glass shower door?

Regular cleaning and sealing are key to keeping a glass shower door in its best shape. A glass shower door looks great in modern bathrooms, but when the glass is covered in dried water spots or smudged fingerprints, it can make the entire bathroom look messy.

• Apply water repellent: Water repellent costs about $5 to $10. Use it to help wick away water droplets from the glass.
• Squeegee the walls: Keep a squeegee in the shower, and use it to remove water from the glass after each shower; this only takes a few minutes.
• Weekly cleaning: Each week, use a glass-safe cleaner or a foam cleaning eraser to scrub down glass shower walls.
• Monthly cleaning: Check caulking and reapply as needed to prevent leaks, particularly for frameless doors. Clean the tracks to prevent the door from sticking.

Should I opt for glass protective coatings?

There are several glass treatment options out there that can make it easier to keep your glass shower door clean. Treatments can help keep soap scum, corrosion, and pesky little fingerprints at bay. You might pay as much as a 30% upcharge on the price of your glass shower door to add a protective coating.

Even with a protective coating, you have to clean your shower. If you are diligent about wiping down shower walls after use and giving the glass a more thorough cleaning every week, you can likely save money and skip the added glass treatment.

If your shower endures heavy use from multiple family members and guests, a protective coating can make it easier to keep the glass spotless.