Clear Perspectives: The Rise and Refinement of Frameless Showers

  21 August 2023

GlassGadget.com

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER

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The Rise and Refinement of Frameless Showers

I made the move to become a glazing contractor back in 2005. At that time all my experience was working in the commercial segment of the glass industry. I have done a variety of types of work within the commercial sector, but all my experience up to that point was working for medium to large sized shops. This was mostly in Nevada and California in the 80s and 90s. I hadn’t worked in any high-level positions, but that had never been my goal. I enjoyed working with my tools and had established my reputation as a glazier.

Starting a small glass shop in Santa Cruz, California was radically different from what I was used to as a commercial glazier. I was learning to design and install products such as shower doors which were much different from the storefronts, curtain walls, and aluminum panels that I was used to working with up until then. Frameless shower doors hadn’t really caught on in my area at that time, but it wasn’t long before I started to see them starting to take off. It was a surreal experience to be back to on-the-job training learning this new segment of the glass industry. Almost like being an apprentice again… It was both exciting and stressful. 

I remember starting to notice more frameless glass on TV, specifically in commercials. When I started seeing frameless shower enclosures in the background of soap, toothpaste, and shampoo ads, I realized that they were becoming mainstream. It was around that time that I decided to make frameless enclosures my specialty. It was obvious to me that other shops in my area were not embracing them and that it was a real opportunity for us to find a cool niche. It turned out to be a great decision. I became known locally for shower doors, and I found myself doing projects that other shops were saying couldn’t be done. Of course, these days frameless shower enclosures are standard fare. Most shops are doing them, but few do them well. Being a member of the Shower Door Professionals Group has given me access to a lot of ideas and helped me to further hone my craft. 

-Chris Phillips 

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST WEEK'S CALL

 sdp call 2
Hey there, let's dive into the juicy details of part 2 the NGA's brand-new frameless shower enclosure design and installation manual. This manual is like your ultimate playbook for all things frameless showers. From nailing measurements to picking the right hardware and ensuring safety, it's the go-to guide for pros like us. Here's the scoop:

Measuring Like a Pro
First up, let's chat about getting those measurements spot on. It's the foundation of a rock-solid frameless shower job. Use centerline dimensions, keep an eye out for wonky walls, and always, always double-check the numbers. Trust me, math matters.

The Art of Installation
Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get into the installation game. The manual holds your hand through setting up hardware like clamps, hinges, and more. Plan your moves, get your tools ready, and make sure everything fits like a puzzle. No room for guesswork here.

Safety First
Safety is the name of the game, my friends. We're talking proper glass support, sealing those leaks, and handling glass with care. Let's keep accidents at bay and installations squeaky clean.

Now, let's check out the action plan:
1. Grab a Copy of the NGA Manual
This one's a no-brainer – snag that NGA Frameless Shower Enclosure Design and Installation Manual. It's like the secret sauce to leveling up your game.

2: Stick to the Manual's Playbook
When it comes to doing the deed, follow the manual's lead. Stick to its tips on measurements, safety rules, waterproofing tricks, and getting that hardware right.

3: Be Extra Thorough with Tricky Designs
Got some fancy designs in the works? Take a breather and double-check your math. Reference the manual and make sure everything lines up before you dive in.

4: Craft Your Handy Checklists
Time to get organized – make checklists based on the manual's wisdom. It's like having a roadmap to ace every job and keep things legit.

So, there you have it, my pals – the lowdown on the Shower Door Pros call, Chris Phillips style. What's your take on all this? Let's keep the convo going and rock those installations!

 

Link to Last Weeks Call Link to Frameless Guide
 
FEATURED ARTICLE

 Making Your Business Stand Out From The Crowd

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A Triumph of Values, Growth, and Customer Excellence
In the realm of business, success is often measured by growth, recognition, and the strength of customer relationships. Our company's remarkable feat of securing a spot on the INC 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies for a third consecutive year is a testament to our commitment to the core values that drive our operations.
Sustainable Success Through Core Values
GCS Glass attributes its exceptional growth to a set of four core values that form the bedrock of its corporate culture: Adaptability, Dependability, Integrity, and Quality. These values are not merely words on paper but are woven into the very fabric of the company's practices. Our adaptability enables us to navigate a constantly evolving industry landscape, embracing innovation and change with open arms. Dependability assures customers and partners that GCS Glass will always deliver on its promises, fostering trust and long-lasting relationships. The cornerstone of our success lies in upholding unwavering integrity, demonstrating transparency and ethical conduct in every interaction. Finally, their unwavering commitment to quality ensures that every product and service bearing the GCS Glass name is a testament to excellence.

Customer Experience as the Cornerstone
At the heart of our triumph lies a customer-centric philosophy. Our belief is simple yet powerful, if you take care of your customers, financial success follows. This approach resonates throughout the company's operations, from product design and preparation to after-sales service. By placing the customer at the center, we consistently exceed expectations, resulting in unparalleled customer satisfaction. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to service excellence.

GCS Glass's journey from humble beginnings to being a recurring name on the INC 5000 list is a story of values, growth, and customer-centricity. The company's steadfast commitment to adaptability, dependability, integrity, and quality has paved the way for its remarkable success. By prioritizing the customer experience above all else, GCS Glass has not only grown exponentially but has also secured a lasting place in the hearts of its clientele. Our narrative serves as a shining example of how a strong foundation of values, coupled with a dedication to customers, can lead to triumph in the competitive business landscape.

 

Brandon Nicastro
Owner/Founder
GCS Glass

SHOP THE GLASS GADGET STORE!
Frameless Shower Installation Kit - Seven of Our Most Popular Installation Tools

This is the frameless shower enclosure tool set that no professional installer should be without. Be completely equipped to install both fixed panels and frameless doors in a header-less heavy glass enclosure. Whether the door is wall-mounted or glass-to-glass, these tools will help you do more with less labor while reducing installation times!

7 product types

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