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Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been in business?

We've been serving customers for over 30 years now, which honestly makes us feel a bit old sometimes! We started as a small family operation and have grown steadily over the decades, but we've never lost that personal touch that comes with being locally owned. In this business, experience really matters; we've seen every type of bathroom layout, dealt with every possible installation challenge, and learned from thousands of projects. That experience means we can spot potential issues before they become problems and find creative solutions for even the trickiest spaces.

Are you licensed and insured?

Absolutely. We're fully licensed and carry comprehensive insurance coverage for both our work and our team. We know accidents can happen (though they're rare), so we make sure everyone is protected. We're happy to provide proof of insurance and licensing; it's actually a good sign when customers ask for this information because it shows they're doing their homework

Are you a local company or part of a national chain?

We're proudly locally owned and operated, which means when you call us, you're talking to people who actually live and work in this community. We're not some big corporation with call centers; we're your neighbors. That makes a difference in how we do business. If there's ever an issue, you can reach the actual owners, not some customer service department halfway across the country.

What are frameless shower doors?

Think of frameless shower doors as the sleek, modern cousin of traditional shower doors. Instead of being surrounded by chunky metal frames, these doors are made from thick, clear glass (usually about 3/8" to 1/2" thick) with just the essentials: hinges, a handle, and a few small clips to hold everything in place. The result? A clean, uninterrupted look that makes your bathroom feel more spacious and way easier to keep clean since there aren't all those little crevices where soap scum loves to hide.

What are the main benefits of choosing frameless shower doors?

Honestly, once you see frameless doors in action, it's hard to go back to the old-style framed ones. They completely transform how your bathroom looks and feels; suddenly everything seems bigger and more luxurious. Cleaning becomes so much easier too since you're basically just wiping down smooth glass instead of scrubbing around metal frames. The thick glass is surprisingly durable and can handle daily use without chipping or cracking. Plus, if you're thinking about selling your home someday, these doors are definitely something buyers notice and appreciate.

Is frameless shower glass safe?

This is probably the question we get asked most, and absolutely: they're completely safe. All shower glass has to be what's called "tempered," which means it's been super-heated and then rapidly cooled to make it incredibly strong. If something did happen and the glass broke (which is pretty rare), it crumbles into those little pebble-like pieces instead of dangerous sharp shards. Every piece of glass we install has those little certification marks etched right into it, so you know it meets all the safety codes

How thick should the glass be for my frameless shower door?

We typically recommend two options, and it really comes down to your budget and how the door will feel to you. The 3/8" glass is our most popular choice; it's thick enough to be sturdy and safe, but won't break the bank. If you want something that feels more substantial when you open and close it, the 1/2" glass has a really nice, solid feel to it. It's more expensive, but some people just love that extra heft. Anything thinner than 3/8" gets too wobbly, and anything thicker becomes unnecessarily heavy and hard to handle.

How much do frameless shower doors typically cost?

I wish I could give you a simple answer, but it really depends on what you're looking for. A basic single door might run you anywhere from $400 to $800, while something more elaborate with premium hardware could be $1,200 to $3,500 or more. The biggest factors are the size of your shower, what type of glass you choose, and what kind of hardware you want. We always provide detailed quotes so there are no surprises, and we can work with different budgets to find something that works for you.

Will my frameless shower door leak?

When installed properly, no; they shouldn't leak at all. The key phrase there is "when installed properly." That's why we take our time during installation to make sure everything is perfectly aligned and sealed. We use high-quality gaskets and sealants in all the right places, and we check everything twice before we call the job done. If a frameless door is leaking, it's usually because someone rushed the installation or didn't know what they were doing.

What maintenance is required for frameless shower doors?

The maintenance is actually pretty simple, which is one of the reasons people love these doors. If you can get in the habit of using a squeegee after your shower, you're already ahead of the game. For regular cleaning, just use whatever mild cleaner you'd use on your other bathroom surfaces; nothing fancy or abrasive. If you get some stubborn water spots, a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water works great. The main thing is staying consistent with it rather than letting things build up over time.

What maintenance is required for frameless shower doors? How long does installation take?

Most installations take us about 2–3 hours, though it can vary depending on how complex your setup is. A simple single door might only take an hour or two, while something with multiple panels or tricky angles could take most of the day. From the time you place your order to installation day, you're usually looking at about two weeks. That gives us time to get your glass cut perfectly and schedule everything properly.

Can I install frameless shower doors myself?

While we admire the DIY spirit, this is one project we'd really recommend leaving to the professionals. The measurements have to be absolutely perfect; we're talking about being accurate to within 1/16 of an inch. Plus, you're dealing with heavy pieces of glass that need to be anchored securely to your wall studs. We've seen too many well-intentioned DIY attempts that ended up costing more to fix than it would have cost to have us do it right the first time.

What's the difference between frameless and semi-frameless doors?

Great question! Frameless doors have virtually no metal framework; just the bare minimum hardware needed to function. Semi-frameless doors have some metal framing around the fixed panels and the outside edges, but the door itself swings freely without a frame around it. Frameless gives you that super clean, modern look, while semi-frameless is a nice middle ground that costs a bit less but still looks way better than fully framed doors.

What hardware options do you offer for frameless shower doors?

Hardware is actually one of the fun parts of designing your shower door because it really affects both the look and how the door functions. We offer several different hinge styles: from traditional pivot hinges to continuous hinges that run the full height of the door for a really sleek look. For handles, you've got everything from simple towel bar styles to more decorative curved pulls, and we carry finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome, matte black, and even some gold finishes that are making a comeback.

What hardware finishes are trending right now?

Matte black is definitely having a moment; it looks incredibly modern and sophisticated, especially against clear glass. Brushed gold and brass are also making a strong comeback after being out of style for years. A lot of people are choosing these warmer tones to complement other fixtures in their bathrooms. Brushed nickel is still our most popular choice though; it's timeless and works with just about any style. The key is matching your shower hardware to your other bathroom fixtures like faucets and light fixtures for a cohesive look.

What's the difference between different types of hinges?

The main types are pivot hinges, which are probably what you're used to seeing; they're mounted at the top and bottom of the door. Then there are continuous hinges that run the full height, which distribute weight more evenly and create a really clean look. We also have offset pivot hinges that allow the door to swing both in and out slightly, which can be helpful in smaller bathrooms. The choice often comes down to your bathroom layout, personal preference, and budget since continuous hinges are typically more expensive.

Do you offer protective coatings for shower glass?

We do, and honestly, they're kind of amazing. These coatings bond right to the glass and make water just roll right off, taking soap scum and mineral deposits with it. People tell us all the time that their cleaning routine went from scrubbing every week to just a quick wipe-down. The coatings do add to the upfront cost, but most of our customers say they're worth every penny when they see how much easier maintenance becomes.

Can you create custom steam shower enclosures?

Steam showers are actually one of our specialties! They're a bit more involved than regular shower doors because you need a complete enclosure from floor to ceiling to keep all that steam contained. The sealing has to be perfect, and we use special gaskets designed for the high heat and humidity. If you're thinking about adding a steam feature to your bathroom, we'd love to talk through the options with you.

What other glass services do you offer?

While frameless shower doors are what we're best known for, we actually do quite a bit more! We create custom mirrors for bathrooms, gyms, and dance studios, design and install elegant glass wine rooms and cellars, and handle glass partition walls for offices and homes. We also do glass panel railings, which are really popular for modern staircases and decks. Basically, if it involves custom glass work, we've probably done it at some point over the past 30 years.

Do you offer free estimates?

Yes, we provide free consultations and estimates. We'll come to your home, measure your space, discuss your options, and give you a detailed quote right on the spot. There's no obligation, no high-pressure sales tactics; just honest information so you can make the best decision for your home and budget. We've found that most people appreciate being able to ask questions face-to-face and see samples of our work.

What areas do you serve?

We're based in two locations: Hanover, PA and Berlin, MD, and we cover a pretty good area around both. From our Hanover location, we serve most of South Central Pennsylvania, and from Berlin, we cover the Eastern Shore of Maryland and parts of Southern Delaware. We've been doing this for over 30 years now, so we know these areas really well and can usually get to you pretty quickly for measurements or service calls.

What warranty do you provide?

We stand behind everything we do with solid warranties on both the glass and our installation work. The exact details vary depending on what type of project you're doing, but we believe in taking care of our customers if anything goes wrong. When we give you a quote, we'll go over exactly what's covered so you know what to expect.

What happens if something goes wrong after installation?

That's the advantage of working with a local company that's been around for 30+ years; we're not going anywhere, and we take care of our customers. If there's an issue with our work or materials, just give us a call and we'll come take a look. Most problems are minor and can be fixed quickly, but even if something major happens, we'll make it right. Our reputation in this community matters to us, so we do whatever it takes to keep our customers happy.

Do hardware trends change quickly, and will my choice look dated?

Hardware trends definitely move slower than something like paint colors or decorative accessories. The finishes we're installing today will likely look good for 10–15 years or more. That said, some finishes have more staying power than others. Brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze have been popular for decades and show no signs of going out of style. The more trendy finishes like matte black might have a shorter lifespan, but they're so striking that many people don't mind updating them in 7–10 years. We always recommend choosing something you love rather than following trends blindly.

How do I get started with my shower door project?

Just give us a call or shoot us an email, and we'll set up a time to come take a look at your bathroom. We'll measure everything, talk through your options, and give you a quote on the spot. There's no pressure; we know this is an investment, and we want you to feel completely comfortable with your decision. Once you're ready to move forward, we'll get your glass ordered and schedule the installation. The whole process is pretty straightforward, and we'll walk you through every step.

Contact Us

Got questions or ready to start your project? Fill out the form below, and our HGM Glass team will get in touch soon. Let's make your dream a reality—contact us today!

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