NEW TECHNICAL FACT SHEET on UNFRAMED SHOWER SCREENS released

AGWA have published a new Technical Fact Sheet providing guidance on the maximum width of unframed fixed shower screen panels supported on two adjacent edges.

The Technical Fact Sheet provides recommendations for maximum safe width of a fixed frameless shower panel depending on the thickness of the toughened glass to limit the unwanted deflection at the free edge.

Summary

The major design considerations for frameless fixed shower screen applications are:

1. Human impact requirements as per Australian Standard (AS) 1288.
2. Support conditions of the shower screen.

Generally, for these applications toughened glass is used, however for frameless shower screens supported on two adjacent edges, the minimum recommended thickness of toughened glass is 6mm. It is to be ensured that the glass complies with AS/NZS 2208. Although we have some guidance on glass thickness, unfortunately, it is not clear in AS 1288 how to determine the appropriate panel dimensions to limit unwanted deflection or flex. 

As panel width increases so does the amount of deflection on the unsupported corner. There is also concerns about the level of stress that could be applied to fixing brackets and silicone joints. This document provides recommendations for a safe panel width for fixed frameless shower screens.

Technical Fact Sheet: Unframed Shower Screens