Shower screen just caved in

Alderbank

DKK, you repeat that someone could have been seriously hurt. Are you sure about that?

With the present state of technical knowledge it's not possible to guarantee that a shower screen will never shatter but it is possible to design it so that it will break into small smooth pieces which are reasonably safe.

If you can't tolerate that you might be better with a laminated screen, like a car windscreen. This is more expensive but the central lamination will keep the bits stuck together if it shatters.

DKK

Alderbank - glass has landed on the top rail of the screen, 6ft high. Don't ask me how it managed to get there, but if I had been in the shower at the time it could have gone straight into my eye. A little dramatic-sounding, I know, but a distinct possibility.

Further, if I had been in there at the time I would have had no option but to walk over all the glass barefoot. Probably wouldn't kill me, I know, but wouldn't have been very pleasant either.

Gers

DKK wrote: »

Alderbank - glass has landed on the top rail of the screen, 6ft high. Don't ask me how it managed to get there, but if I had been in the shower at the time it could have gone straight into my eye. A little dramatic-sounding, I know, but a distinct possibility.

Further, if I had been in there at the time I would have had no option but to walk over all the glass barefoot. Probably wouldn't kill me, I know, but wouldn't have been very pleasant either.

One of my shower doors shattered with me inside in many many years ago. Bathroom was internal so no sun on it. Luckily I had a towel which I could reach and got out without any injury and I was a right angles to it when it shattered.

It was self-fitted by my then OH. It wasn't the door which was used for access (sliding). My theory was that it was a cold day and there was a metal towel holder hanging over it - something to do with cold metal and hot water / air. Can't flesh the theory out! :rotfl:

We lived without the second door until we moved. Moved the remaining piece over to get access and then moved it back to keep the splashes in a the bit nearest the shower head.

neilmcl

DKK wrote: »

Thanks Browntoa, I'm doing that now.

I've never known such a thing to happen - incredibly dangerous! And has only been in use for 3 years.

On the flip side you've had a good 3 years usage out of it and the onus will be on you to proof that a, it is inherently faulty and/or b, it was fitted incorrectly.

SurfDJ

This happened to me while showering!! Cut the hell outta my leg as it was a two piece shower door and only the one attached to the wall shattered, leaving the other hanging one to land on my leg closest to the door. Was a really odd experience. At first I was shocked, then relieved to be alive still. Turned the shower off and went to dry myself but was covered in tiny pieces of glass which I could barely see; the towel just pushed them all into my skin as splinters. So obviously had to stop drying with the towel. At that point I realised my predicament; my legs we cut and wet and bleeding fast and not stopping as the wounds were wet. I couldn't get out of the bath let alone the bathroom as there was glass all over the bath and bathroom floor. Even if I could get out of the bath and out of the bathroom I'd have leaked blood all over the carpets outside. Ended up air drying until the wounds stopped bleeding then had to hover myself of all the glass bits. Freaked my right out. Still scared of showering a year later! At least that's my excuse ;-)

DKK

Just a quick note to say that the supplier has agreed to provide a full replacement shower enclosure at their expense.

When I came to cleaning up the mess I discovered large chunks of glass - the size of my hand - had remained intact, complete with jagged edges.

They initially offered a 10% discount on a replacement, but I mentioned the Sale of Goods Act and insisted the goods were not of "satisfactory quality". They responded immediately with the offer of a full replacement.

I must admit, I was as surprised as anyone!

Le_Kirk

DKK wrote: »

They initially offered a 10% discount on a replacement, but I mentioned the Sale of Goods Act and insisted the goods were not of "satisfactory quality". They responded immediately with the offer of a full replacement.

Well done on getting a full replacement.