Guide
Can I Use Silicone Instead of a Shower Door Seal?
Not on the door itself. Silicone seals things that never move; the door has to swing, so its edges need a seal.
Where silicone belongs
- Where a fixed glass panel meets the wall, floor or curb
- Around clamps and channels that hold fixed panels
- Along the base of fixed panels
Use mildew-resistant CRL 33SMRC, or CRL RTV408C if the hardware is brass.
Where you need a seal instead
- Bottom of the door: a sweep or drip rail like CRL P990WS.
- Door edge against a wall or panel: an 'H' wipe like CRL P375HW, an H-jamb, or a bulb seal.
Silicone on a moving edge either glues the door shut or tears the first time it opens. Not sure what goes where? See which seal do I need.
Products in this guide
Common questions
Can I use silicone to seal the gap on my shower door?
Not on the edge of the door that opens: it would glue the door shut or tear. Use a seal on the door, and silicone only on fixed panels.
Where should silicone go on a glass shower?
Where fixed glass panels meet the wall, floor or curb, and around the clamps or channels that hold them.
More guides
How to replace a shower door sweepA new bottom sweep takes about ten minutes.Neo-angle shower seal replacementA neo-angle shower has two angled panels that meet the door at 135°.How to re-caulk a shower doorOld silicone turns yellow, grows mildew and starts to leak.Shower door leaking at the bottomWater on the bathroom floor almost always comes from one of four places.