How to Install a Shower Bi-Pass Door
There are two types of bi-pass shower doors. One type of bi-pass door has two doors that slide on a track system. The other has one door that slides open and one fixed side that doesn't move. Either of these types of bi-pass doors is installed in roughly the same way. Each bi-pass door kit will be a little different though, so consult the directions that come with the kit for specific instructions. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Bi-pass door kit with tracks
- Hacksaw
- Metal file
- Caulking compound
- Level
- Felt pen
- Electric drill
- Carbide drill bit
Instructions
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1
Measure the wall and from the top of the tub where the bottom edge of the door will rest to where you want the top of the door to be. The doors are range from 55 to 77 inches in height. Measure the width from wall to wall. The tub kit you get will need a maximum opening greater than the width you measured.
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2
Clean the area where the door will be installed. Use a mild detergent to get rid of dirt and mildew and let dry completely before installing the door.
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3
Cut the track pieces to proper length using the measurements you have taken. You can cut the tracks with a hacksaw and use a file to smooth the edges. Place the tracks against a piece of wood to cut.
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4
Put the lower horizontal track in place. The holes for drainage should face the tub and the track should lay in the center of the edge of the tub. Place a line of caulking compound down the center and press the bottom track into place. Any caulking that squeezes out can be removed with a rag. Use a level to make sure the track is lying flat. If there is any slant to it, lift the track and add more compound at whichever end is lower until it levels up.
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5
Attach the vertical tracks with screws. The tracks will go straight up from the ends of the bottom track. Mark each pre-made hole in the vertical tracks. Remove the tracks and drill into the wall where you marked the holes. If you are drilling through tile, you will need to use a carbide drill bit to get through the hard surface. Placing a piece of masking tape over the spot to be drilled will keep the drill bit from slipping.
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6
Place caulking compound along the wall and place the vertical tracks into place. Depending on your bi-pass door kit, the vertical tracks will either sit down inside the bottom track or line up evenly against the edge of it. Use the screws that came with your kit to attach to the walls.
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7
Put the doors into place and install the top track. The top track should line up with the tops of the vertical tracks, and leave enough space to allow the doors to slide back and forth. The track will attach to the walls and the top of the track. Follow the detailed instructions that come with the kit for safe installation and hang the doors according to the directions.
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8
Caulk along the edges of the tracks. Apply a line of caulk on both sides of the vertical tracks and on the outside of the bottom track. Do not caulk along the inside of the bottom track. Water needs to be able to drain out of the track and into the bathtub.
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