Do You Really Know Your Shower Door Seal?
That little plastic strip at the bottom of your shower door?
Yep — that guy stop your frameless shower door leaks.
It may not look like much, but it’s the one thing standing between a nice hot shower... and a soggy bathroom floor.
Even the fanciest, most expensive seal won't work if you get the wrong type — or fit it badly.
In fact, a badly installed seal can leak more than having no seal at all. Nightmare, right?
Today we’re breaking down the 11 most common mistakes people make with shower door seals, so you can avoid every single one.
Your bathroom (and your socks) will thank you.
❌ Mistake #1: Thinking All Shower Seals Are the Same
Ever thought,
"That one looks just like mine — I’ll just grab it!"
…Then it shows up, doesn’t fit, and now you’re stuck with it?
Sometimes we see customers use seals like this: The soft fin has become severely bent.
Do you install yours that way?
It might not leak at bottom first or only little leakage you can tolerate.
But it will cut the seal’s life short.
Maybe six months — and it’s done.
Then you’ll have to replace it again.
So, what should you do?
How can you make your seal last longer?
Here’s the deal:
Type of shower screen seal you need depends on a few things:
- your glass thickness,
- your door type and install position (sliding, hinged, or frameless),
- and the gap size you’re sealing.
It’s a bit like buying shoes. Two pairs may look the same — but if you get the wrong size, you're in for a painful time.
Seals come with soft fins in different lengths.
Each fin size is made to seal a specific gap.
Get the right one, and your seal can last longer than you’d expect.
Pro tip: Measure your glass thickness and the gap size first — both ends, because shower screens can shift over time.
One side might be wider than the other, and you’ll want the measurement from the widest point.
Take a quick photo while you're at it — makes it much easier to pick the right one.
❌ Mistake #2: Ignoring Glass Thickness
What happens when you use a 6mm shower door seal on a 10mm thick glass?
— It either falls off... and won’t go on at all.
Always double-check what glass thickness your shower door seal is designed for!
Get it wrong, and you’re not just dealing with leaks — you’ll probably have to fork out for return shipping too. Ouch.
Maybe you’ve bought one before — clearly marked “6–8 mm” — and yet it just didn’t work on your 6 mm shower screen.
Why?
Because not all seals grip the same — and some are looser than others.
I talk more about this in my post 5 Golden Rules to Choose the Right Shower Door Seal.
Give it a read.
❌ Mistake #3: Using the Wrong Type of Seal
Don’t choose a shower door seal just because it looks like your old one.
Different seals might look similar, but they’re designed for different jobs.
What really matters? Getting the right type for the right position — and the right gap.
If you're not sure, just drop us an email or ping us on WhatsApp. We’re always happy to help before you buy (and cry).
For example — we’ve seen people use a vertical bulb seal on the bottom of the door.
Not a good idea.
See the photo?
This poor customer ended up with mould and grime building up inside the bulb — and there’s no way to clean it out properly.
❌ Mistake #4: Cutting It Wrong — or Not Cutting at All
“I can’t be bothered to trim it... I’ll just shove it on.”
Or worse —
“Hmmm... feels too long. Let me just chop a bit off and hope for the best.”
Either it’s too short and leaves a gap (hello leaks),
or it’s too long, drags on the floor, won’t shut properly — and makes that annoying scraping sound.
Top tip:
Do a test fit first. Mark the right length with a pen or pencil.
Then trim carefully with garden shears.
Perfect fit. No drama.
❌ Mistake #5: Skipping the Clean-Up Before Installation
Got water spots, soap scum, or dust all over your glass?
And you’re still trying to shove the new seal on?
Well… don’t be surprised when it starts slipping off, going mouldy, or just refusing to stick.
Quick tip:
Give your glass a proper clean first — especially around the edges.
Dry it off completely before fitting the seal.
A clean surface = better grip, longer life, and zero drama later on.
❌ Mistake #6: Using the Wrong Installation Method
Some folks try to slide the seal along the glass from one end to the other…
Sounds smart, right?
Until it jams halfway, scratches the glass, or just refuses to budge.
Better idea:
Use the press-on method — start from the middle and gently push the seal onto the glass bit by bit.
It gives you more control, feels more secure, and won’t wreck your door.
Want step-by-step instructions?
Check out our guide: " All Type of Shower Door Seal Replacement" — we cover them all.
❌ Mistake #7: Blasting It with Boiling Water
Yes, your shower seal can handle hot water — but not a steam bath.
If the water’s over 60°C (that’s around 140°F), especially if you're blasting it straight onto the soft fins, it can start to warp, curl, or lose shape.
Think of it like your hair straighteners: a little heat = fine, too much = disaster.
Tip: Stick to warm (not scorching) showers, and don’t aim the hot jet directly at the seal.
❌ Mistake #8: Installing Magnetic Seals the Wrong Way Round
Tried using two magnetic shower seals and thought:
“Why won’t the door stay shut?”
“Why aren’t they sticking?”
“Why is it stuck like glue?!”
Here’s the deal: magnets have poles. If you put two of the same poles together… they repel each other.
It’s like a bad breakup — they just won’t connect.
Tip: Before installing, test the seals by hand. Make sure they actually attract each other before you snap them onto the glass. Saves you a lot of swearing later.
❌ Mistake #9: Thinking Shower Seals Last Forever
Still using that crusty old seal from 2012?
If it’s yellowed, cracked, loose or rock hard — it’s not doing its job.
Shower seals aren’t forever.
Tip: Replace them every 1–2 years (especially before winter).
Don’t wait for your bathroom floor to turn into a swimming pool.
❌ Mistake #10: Using Lubricants to “Help” Installation
Some folks try a bit of shampoo or Vaseline to help the seal slide on more easily…
Big mistake.
Shower seals work by grip — not slip.
Lube might help it slide today, but tomorrow?
It’ll slide right off, grow mouldy, and wear out faster.
Tip: Stick to a clean, dry glass. No shortcuts. No goo.
❌ Mistake #11: Using a Hairdryer to Heat It Up
Thinking a bit of heat will make the seal more flexible?
Sure — until it gets too soft, loses shape, and doesn’t stay in place.
Our bath seal strips are designed to grip the glass firmly and securely — that tight fit is exactly what keeps water in and the seal in place.
Heating the seal with a hair dryer may soften the material too much, reducing its natural gripping force.
This can lead to:
- A loose fit that slides off easily
- Tiny gaps between the seal and glass where mould and mildew can grow
- A much shorter lifespan, meaning you’ll be replacing it more often
In short: the firm fit is a feature, not a flaw — no need for heat.
Let’s Wrap It Up:
🔹 All shower seals are the same? Nope.
🔹 If it looks similar, it’ll fit? Nope again.
🔹 Wrong thickness? Still works? Big nope.
The right way to do it:
Measure your glass → Pick the correct seal → Clean the glass → Install it properly.
Time to Take Action!
Not sure which shower door seal is right for your bathroom?
Reach out to SIMBA’s expert team — we’re always happy to help.
Don’t let a tiny plastic strip turn your bathroom into a mini flood zone.
SIMBA seals, not big deals, just dry feels.
This article was edited by Laura.
|
Author: Laura Liu 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. |