Tip 16 – Transoms
A glass transom is located above a frameless glass shower door. It can be fixed or movable. There are several reasons to use a glass transom:
- Venting steam showers: Steam showers must run floor-to-ceiling for an airtight construction so steam can accumulate. Instead of bringing the door all the way to the ceiling, most steam showers are designed with movable transoms above the door. The glass transom then acts like a vent and can be tilted open to release hot steam or kept close to keep the steam in. You will want to make sure you have a tile ceiling rather than drywall for this application.
- Stabilizing tall floor-to-ceiling showers: Homeowners who want a floor-to-ceiling frameless shower may need a glass transom in their design. The need depends on ceiling height and weight limit of the shower door.
- Installing pivot doors: Pivot doors that don’t run floor-to-ceiling can mount to a header or a glass transom. Homeowners who would like to avoid the framed look of a header may find a solution by revising their design to incorporate a glass transom. We will help you get the best shower configuration for the look you want.
You will want to make sure the door won’t be hampered by anything installed on the ceiling when it swings open. If an exhaust fan, vent, or light fixture is placed in the path of the swinging door a transom may be required to give the door clearance.
