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.
Not sure which seal you need?
Use our Seal Finder
Pick your door, point to where it leaks and we'll show only the seals that fit your glass. Takes about 30 seconds.
Products in this guide
Most commonCRL P990WS
Bottom Wipe with Drip Rail for 3/8" Glass
from $18.90View
Most commonCRL P375HW
Multi-Purpose 'H' Wipe for 3/8" Glass
$15.23View
CRL 33SMRC
Mildew-Resistant Clear Silicone Sealant (10.3 oz Tube)
$20.48View
CRL RTV408C
Neutral-Cure Clear Silicone for Brass Hardware (10.3 oz Tube)
$25.18View
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.