If your Baytown home’s shower glass is starting to look more milky or foggy, instead of clear and clean, then it might be an indicator that Houston’s hard water is leading to etching and weakening of your pane. While some discoloration on shower glass might just be a tough stain, it is more likely that it is actually microscopic surface corrosion that is slowly impacting the structural integrity of your glass. Over time, this can turn your beautiful fixture from an aesthetic element to a massive safety risk for all shower users. When it comes to glass, even slightly weaker panes are more susceptible to damage and can shatter in an instant once the surface has weakened significantly. At Joey’s Glass in Baytown, we educate our customers about the dangers of etched glass and what causes it in order to extend and protect the life of their shower glass.
Use this blog as your guide to understanding the dangers of etching in shower glass and why repairs aren’t always an option. The three most common causes of this coming Baytown problem include:
- Hard Water
- Harsh chemical cleaning products
- Poor ventilation
Understanding the Enemy: What is Shower Glass Etching?
Shower glass etching is something that can easily be written off as soap scum or buildup. But the truth is that stronger cleaners or more elbow grease still won’t do the trick, as etching is actually a physical, microscopic change in the glass itself, most often caused by Houston’s hard water. The water in Houston is most commonly sourced from Lake Houston, Lake Conroe, and the Trinity River. These water sources have limestone bottoms, and because of this, the water continuously picks up natural minerals as it flows over the lake or river beds. This causes the water to be called “hard” because of its high mineral content. When this water comes into contact with silica, the core component of glass, it begins to eat away at the material. Over time, this can lead to the etched appearance, which can look like tiny scratches or an overall milky, foggy appearance.
While hard water can also settle onto the glass as the moisture gradually evaporates, leaving behind those irritating water stains – the real harm is etching. Think of water spots like dust, annoying, but definitely easy to clean, although they will continuously return. But on the other hand, etching is like rust, as it physically changes the shower glass and creates damage that is irreversible. Lastly, poor ventilation can play a huge role in exacerbating damage. This is because when bathrooms remain humid for an extended period of time, it gives the hard water’s contents more time to eat away at the glass’s silica content, weakening it more quickly.
How Etching Compromises Shower Glass Strength
Now that you understand what the foggy haze on your shower glass is and how it is actually a serious, permanent scar on your pane, you may be wondering how this translates into a serious structural hazard. The truth is that all shower glass is made of tempered glass, which is designed to be impressively strong during manufacturing. You see, tempered glass is made after it is cut into the desired shape; from there, it is rapidly heated and cooled repeatedly. This process increases the internal stress within the glass, which makes it not only more resistant to breaking but also creates a unique, blunt shattering effect in the case of a break. Because of this, it relies greatly on its inner strength in order to maintain its structure, and any weakening or thinning of the pane can significantly reduce its stability.
The biggest reason that etching can contribute to a hazardous level of instability is that it causes microfissures or small pits in the glass. These act as breaking points across the glass, which disrupt the tension, leading to even a small, insignificant amount of impact, causing huge problems. Because of this, while a small splash of hot water hitting cold glass might not seem like a big deal, when the glass is already weakened, it could potentially shatter the pane in an instant.
The Real-World Dangers of Weakened Shower Glass
But what does this look like in day-to-day life? Now that you understand how etching can weaken shower glass, it is essential to realize the inherent risk that it can have on your daily life and shower use. The unfortunate bottom line is that when shower glass becomes etched or weakened, even slightly, it can turn your Baytown home’s bathroom fixture from being an aesthetic addition to a major safety hazard. The primary causes for shower glass etching repair or replacement in Baytown are one of three main factors:
- Spontaneous shattering
- Impact-induced failure
- Structural failure within the seals or hinges
Spontaneous shattering is often linked to Nickel Sulfide inclusions, which are a manufacturing defect. That’s because when glass is manufactured with Nickel Sulfide inclusions, most often accidentally, it causes the internal components of the glass to expand much more rapidly under thermal stress – leading to faster, more unexpected breakage.
While spontaneous shattering can occur even while you’re away, impact-induced failure is the most common occurrence when it comes to weakened shower glass in Baytown. Although new, un-etched shower glass most likely wouldn’t be damaged by a small bump, dropped shampoo bottle, or light impact, etched glass could shatter at the smallest jostle. This is because weakened glass will shatter at the smallest, most insignificant amount of force due to the lack of internal stress and surface breakdown. In many cases, the uneven stress distribution can even lead to more jagged, dangerous glass shards after a break.
Structural Dangers of Weakend Glass
Lastly, etched glass is also at risk of structural failure due to weakened hinges or seals. Many times, etched glass is found mostly on the bottom edge of shower glass panes. This is also where the hinges and seals are located, which leads to more and more pressure being put on these fixtures as the glass gradually thins and loses its strength. Not only can this lead to a full-on shattering event, but it can also cause a complete seal and hinge failure, which could lead to significant and costly water damage throughout your bathroom space.
Your Shower Glass Action Plan: Prevention and Protection
The good news about understanding the immense danger that etching can pose for your Baytown shower glass is that there are several immediate steps you can take to prevent it today. First, remember to thoroughly wipe down or gently squeegee off any water on the pane after a shower. This helps stop the hard water from being able to eat away at the glass. Additionally, be sure to only use a pH-neutral cleaning solution on your shower glass in order to prevent any further abrasion. Don’t let Baytown’s hard water ruin your shower glass and lead to costly repairs and replacements. If you think your glass may be falling victim to etching, get a professional check-up today to let your mind rest easy. Contact Joey’s Glass in Baytown today for a free shower glass repair or replacement estimate.