How to Replace a Frameless Shower Door Sweep

A new bottom sweep takes about ten minutes. You need a tape measure, a fine-tooth hacksaw or sharp snips, rubbing alcohol and a rag.

Step by step

1. Pull off the old sweep. Open the door and pull the old sweep straight down off the bottom edge of the glass. If it is stuck, work it loose from one end. Scrape off any old adhesive or soap scum.
2. Measure the glass thickness. Lay a tape measure across the bare bottom edge: 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" or 1/2". Order the sweep made for that thickness.
3. Clean the edge. Wipe the bottom edge and the lower inch of the glass with rubbing alcohol so the new sweep grips cleanly.
4. Measure and cut. Measure the width of the door at the bottom. Cut the sweep to that length with a fine-tooth hacksaw or sharp snips. Cut a hair short if the door swings close to a wall or panel so the ends do not drag.
5. Pressure fit it on. With the drip rail facing the inside of the shower, line the sweep up with the glass and press it onto the bottom edge, working from one end to the other.
6. Test. Swing the door a few times. The fin should lightly touch the curb without binding. Run the shower and check the corners.

Which sweep to buy

For most frameless swing doors, a bottom wipe with drip rail: CRL P990WS for 3/8" glass, CRL P912WS for 1/2", CRL P956WS for 5/16" and CRL P914WS for 1/4". Not sure of the thickness? Here is how to measure it.

Common mistakes

• Wrong thickness. A sweep for thicker glass falls off; one for thinner glass will not go on.
• Drip rail on the outside. The drip rail goes on the inside of the shower so water drips back in.
• Cutting short of the corners. Leaving a gap at either end is the most common reason a new sweep still leaks.