Last updated: 2025-11-19
The Reality Check: A staggering 43% of frameless shower doors leak across the UK.
It’s usually not because of poor glass—it’s because the seals have failed.
Frameless glass is stunning, clean, and modern.
But this minimalist design requires precise sealing, making leaks a common frustration.
SIMBA Authority
At SIMBA, we’ve been designing and manufacturing specialized shower door seals for over 20 years. We supply seals to frameless brands across the UK and Europe.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly why leaks happen and provide straightforward solutions to fix them without expensive professional repairs.
Why Frameless Shower Doors Leak
Many assume leaks mean damaged glass or faulty installation, but the real culprit is usually the seal itself.
Frameless doors lack the traditional bulky frame. This means the seals are the only barrier. Common leak points include:
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The Bottom (The main area).
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The Hinges (Small gaps by design).
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The Corners (Where seals meet).
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Sliding Door Edges (No frame to guide water).
Good News: Leaking frameless shower doors don't always mean you need new glass. With the right SIMBA seals and simple fixes, you can stop the water for good.
Targeted Fixes: Where Is Your Water Escaping?
1. The Universal Fix: Bottom & Corner Leaks
If you're dealing with standard leaks at the bottom edge or general corner run-off, the solution is often a new, high-quality shower door bottom gaskets.
Most articles only skim the surface. Here at SIMBA, we lay out exactly how to seal it properly.
The same solution applies if your shower screen is leaking at the bottom.
Want to know more? Head over to our other article: Shower Door Leaking at the Bottom? Here's How to Seal It Properly.
For complex corner issues, refer to: The Definitive Guide to Fixing a Corner of Shower Leaking
2. Fixing Sliding Door Bottom Leaks
Most bottom leaks on frameless sliding doors happen for one simple reason: No bottom seal.
Quick Check: Is there a clear plastic strip running along the bottom edge of your door? If not, that is the problem.
Our Solution: We recommend a zero-gap seal like the S6DTL. This type of seal is commonly used on sliding shower doors (framed and unframed) and fits perfectly to block leaks.
If the seal is present but the floor is wet, then add a clear Threshold Seal to the shower tray to act as a dam and block water from escaping underneath.
3. How to Stop Hinge Leaks
Some frameless shower doors have tiny gaps near the hinges—this is not your fault; it's part of the design.
The Trick: Clever trimming of a hinge-side seal strip is the key. With the right cut and fit, you can block that small leak for good.
Read more about "How to Stop Shower Screen Leaking at the Hinge With Seal Strip"
Special Case: Mode Double Bath Screens (Folding Screens)
If you own a Mode Double Bath Screen (or any folding screen), and water leaks from the middle joint, you've run into an installation trade-off.
The Root Cause: Reversed Installation
The Conflict: To allow the door to fold inwards, the vertical H-shaped seal on the panels must be installed backwards.
The Best Solution: The Leak-Proof Threshold
To manage this run-off water, the most effective fix is adding an extra layer of defence at the base.
Install a Threshold Strip across the entire bottom length of your bath screen area.
This strip creates a physical dam that catches the water and prevents it from hitting the floor. It is essential for folding screens.
The Alternative Seal Option (If You Have the Gap)
If the leak is primarily through the centre joint, you may be able to upgrade your vertical seal.
- Check the Gap: If the gap between your two glass panels is greater than 15mm, you might be able to use a specialized seal like the Bi-fold Side Seal D08.
Critical Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ Don’t Seal It with Silicone
When faced with leaks, many people reach for silicone. We strongly advise against it, for a few reasons:
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Silicone quickly discolours and turns black.
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It's extremely difficult to remove later. (One customer told us it took over 3 hours to scrape off the old silicone!)
Learn more: 11 Common Shower Door Seal Slip-Ups
Conclusion & SIMBA Support
Don’t let a tiny seal ruin your shower.
Whether you’re dealing with bottom, hinge, or corner leaks, the solution is simple: Use the right bath sealing strip.
Now you know how to measure, how to choose, and avoid common mistakes.
Still Unsure? Send Us a Photo.
Just send us a photo of your existing seal and measurements. We’ll match the perfect seal for you—quick, free, and professional.
Email us at info@showerdoorseal.uk and our specialists will respond with tailored advice. Let’s fix your leak the smart way—without tearing everything down.
FAQ About Frameless Glass Shower Doors Leaking
Do frameless shower doors always leak?
Not if they’re sealed properly. It’s all about the right seal and correct installation.
Can I fix a frameless shower door leak myself?
Yes, in most cases. Just replace the seal—no need to rip out the whole shower.
What seal do I need for the bottom of the door?
Measure the glass thickness and gap size. Then pick a bottom seal that fits both. Easy.
How to stop water from leaking at the hinge?
Check if the seal is worn or missing. A hinge-side seal strip usually does the trick.
How do I seal the side of a frameless glass shower door?
Use a glass-to-wall or glass-to-glass seal strip. They clip right on—no tools needed.
Shower Door Screen Seals: The Complete Guide
About the Author
This article was edited by Laura.
Laura joined SIMBA in January 2017 and has since become an integral part of the team. As a seasoned content manager and seal expert, she oversees website optimization and specializes in crafting informative and engaging content about sealing solutions.
Her deep knowledge of shower seal technology and market trends ensures SIMBA stays ahead in providing value to customers worldwide.