As you consider shower enclosure options for your bathroom project, please keep in mind that your area may need certain structural accommodations for the frameless RODA collection. While heavy 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch thick glass provides a luxurious frameless design, there are a few key guidelines to follow to be sure your space can safely accommodate a RODA unit.
Installation GuidelinesInstallation Guidelines for Frameless Glass Doors
Example of proper thread engagement
Our intent at Basco is to ensure that our customers have access to products based on a variety of styles and preferences. Please refer to these guidelines for installing heavy (3/8-inch) glass doors on fiberglass and acrylic substrates. The base and walls for any RODA unit(s) must be constructed with the proper wood blocking prior to installation to ensure the weight of the enclosure is properly supported.
Precautionary Guidelines:
- When the U-Channel or glass clamp is screwed into the threshold, the weight of the glass sits on top of the screws, necessitating the structural support.
- Without proper structural support, when the panel or door is moved this could cause the screws to move slightly. Over time, this slight movement enlarges the hole the screw is in and eventually cracks (spider webs) the gelcoat or acrylic and begins to break down the fiberglass backing.
- Acrylic or fiberglass walls have blocking installed by the manufacturer. However, the location of that backing may not match the location of where the holes need to be drilled for vertical u-channel, wall mount hinges, and headers.
- Without proper backing behind the walls, the door or panel(s) will eventually slip out of the thin walls.
- All structural elements of RODA doors must follow these guidelines. These elements include by are not limited to: hinges, headers, and clamps.
- Basco requires a minimum of 1-1/4" thread engagement of all fasteners into the blocking at any load bearing location. Depending on the application, the customer may be required to supply the proper fasteners to ensure adequate engagement.
- U-Channel may be secured into areas without blocking, excluding fiberglass and acrylic modules and/or bases, when wall plugs are used. Fiberglass and/or acrylic modules require proper blocking in all locations, including a u-channel.
- Metal studs or strapping are not acceptable substitutes for securing load-bearing hardware.
- Always refer to local building code. Local building code may supersede Basco's requirements. Basco's requirements are to be regarded as minimum requirements.
Structural Support Guidelines for Fiberglass & Acrylic Fixtures:
- A RODA door on acrylic or fiberglass requires proper backing to ensure stability.
- A single 2 X 4 stud is needed behind the wall where the header meets the wall on top and bottom pivot units.
- A double 2 X 4 stud is needed behind the wall on the hinge side for wall mount hinges.
- A double 2 X 4 stud is needed at the threshold for hinge mounting and support of the weight.
View this video to watch our professional installers install our adjustable 3/8" glass & door panel installation
Structural Support GuidelinesStructural Support Guidelines
Two 2 X 4 studs - Option 1
Floor-to-ceiling in line with all other studs and secured together.
Aerial view of mounting point support
Bathroom perspective with structural reference
Two 2 X 4 studs - Option 2
Floor-to ceiling, 90 degrees to other studs secured together.
Aerial view of mounting point support
Bathroom perspective with structural reference
One 2 X 6 studs - Option 3
Floor-to-ceiling, turned 90 degrees to other studs.
Aerial view of mounting point support
Bathroom perspective with structural reference
Horizontal blocking between vertical studs - Option 4
Attach lumber at required locations horizontally between other floor-to-ceiling studs.
Aerial view of mounting point support
Bathroom perspective with structural reference
Additional RODA Product Notes:
- Products will be produced using industry best practices and techniques for all hardware, gaps and spacing deductions, horizontal and vertical securing, etc.
- RODA enclosures are precisely manufactured with a small gap between the door and any stationary panels/walls. If no vertical channel is used there will be a small gap between the stationary panel and wall to allow for proper operation of the unit. Because of this necessary clearance, RODA enclosures cannot be guaranteed against water escaping, however, gaskets are provided with all RODA enclosures to minimize leakage.
- The contractor/homeowner is responsible for ensuring proper pitch of the threshold to allow proper drainage of the water back into the shower pan.
- The base and walls for any RODA unit(s) must be constructed with proper wood blocking prior to installation to ensure the weight of the enclosure is properly supported as it may result in product failure. At minimum, 2 X 4 blocking is required at the location of any structural member of the unit including, but not limited to: hinges, clamps, and header brackets. All fasteners at these locations are required to be installed into the blocking. Basco is not liable for cracks on the fiberglass or acrylic modules or product failure of any kind that results from inadequate blocking.
- Depending of the panel size and/or door hinge layout, a support bar or header may be required for proper stability.
- Floor-to-ceiling panel(s) will be manufactured to be lift and drop when using U-Channel as the horizontal securing method unless noted otherwise.
- Safety tempered glass cannot be cut and is resistant to breakage, but it is susceptible to breakage if improperly handled through unequal pressure or if an unprotected edge comes in contact with any solid surface. Basco is not liable for breakage after installation is completed.
Curb Width Requirements for Rolling RODA Shower Doors
Understanding your curb width versus your flat width is important when installing sliding shower doors. Generally, three inches is the smallest width a curb can be. However, with careful measurement, the doors can be installed on a smaller flat width. Please know whether the sliding shower door can fit is up to the discretion of the installer.
