Why thickness matters
Thickness governs deflection, perceived rigidity and hardware compatibility. Under-specified glass feels flexible and rattles in its hardware; over-specified glass adds weight that door hinges, spigots and structural substrates may not be rated to carry.
Every panel we install is tempered safety glass conforming to CAN/CGSB-12.1 unless a laminated build-up is required for guard applications.
Standard specifications by application
| Application | Thickness | Glass type | Typical edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frameless shower door | 10 mm | Clear or low-iron tempered | Flat polished |
| Shower fixed panel / return | 10 mm | Clear, frosted or fluted tempered | Flat polished |
| Semi-frameless enclosure | 6–8 mm | Tempered | Seamed in channel |
| Interior stair guard (spigot) | 12 mm | Tempered or laminated | Flat polished |
| Exterior balcony / deck guard | 12–13.52 mm | Heat-soaked tempered or laminated | Flat polished |
| Office partition | 10–12 mm | Tempered | Flat polished |
| Storefront / entrance door | 12 mm | Tempered | Flat polished |
| Wall mirror | 5–6 mm | Safety-backed float | Polished or beveled |
| Gym mirror wall | 6 mm | Safety-backed float | Polished |
| Shelving | 10–12 mm | Tempered | Flat polished |
Clear vs. low-iron
Standard clear float glass carries a green cast at the edge that becomes visible on thick panels and against white tile. Low-iron (ultra-clear) glass removes that cast for roughly 15–25% more cost and is worth specifying on marble bathrooms, white-tile showers and display cabinetry.
Privacy and texture options
- Acid-etched / satin — uniform frost, hides water spotting well
- Fluted / reeded — vertical texture, high design value, obscures at close range
- Sandblasted banding — partial privacy while keeping sightlines
- Tinted grey or bronze — exterior guards and sun-facing elevations
- Mirrored / antique mirror — feature walls and cabinetry backs
Protective coatings
A factory-applied hydrophobic coating (EnduroShield or equivalent) reduces mineral staining on shower glass and cuts routine cleaning time significantly. We recommend it on any hard-water installation — most of the GTA qualifies.
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