Replace the seal on a bath shower screen

When does a bath-screen folding seal really need replacing?

A bath shower screen — unlike a shower cabin — has up to three different seals that wear independently:

| Seal | Location | Lifespan | Symptoms | |---|---|---|---| | Magnetic lip | Closing edge on last panel | 5–8 yrs | Magnet won't seat, water leaks sideways | | Folding-joint lip | Vertical between two folding segments | 6–10 yrs | Drips from joint when opening | | Tub bottom seal | Between glass + tub edge | 3–5 yrs | Water on bathroom floor |

For most bath folding screens (classic 4-panel), the tub bottom seal is the first failure point — daily water contact + pressure. The magnetic lip typically lasts twice as long.

Step-by-step: replace tub bottom seal

Tools

• Utility knife
• Hairdryer (warm, not hot)
• Plastic scraper (no metal!)
• Isopropyl alcohol or acetone
• Microfibre cloth
• New bottom seal: universal magnetic lip with water-deflector profile for your glass thickness (typically 5 or 6 mm)

Procedure

1. Open the folding screen fully and fix with tape — otherwise it folds back during work.
2. Remove old bottom seal. Usually fits into a U-groove on the glass. Lift the snap-fit with the knife carefully — don't tear, residue stays in the groove.
3. If glued: Hairdryer at ~70°C along the glue line. After 30 seconds the glue lifts with the plastic scraper.
4. Clean U-groove + glass edge with alcohol. Stubborn residue with plastic scraper — no steel wool.
5. Cut new seal to length. Always leave 5 mm reserve.
6. Fit it. Lip must point toward the glass (water deflector inward). Press home along the full length with your thumb.
7. Test: Sprinkle water on the tub, close the screen, check the lip seats evenly.

⚠️ Common mistake: Bottom seal fitted upside-down. Water runs outward instead of back into the tub. Check the profile cross-section before snapping in.

Magnetic lip replacement (closing edge)

Same as bottom seal — but mind the polarity. If unsure: hold the new lip near the opposite magnet (in the wall stop). Right polarity = attracts; wrong = repels.

Tip: If you replace only ONE magnetic lip, you'll notice the old one is stronger or weaker. Magnetic strength weakens over time. For premium profiles, replace both at once.

Folding-joint seal — the special case

Folding joints are the mechanically most stressed point. A thin PVC lip seals the joint between two segments. When worn, water drips from the joint as you move the screen.

The lip sits in a groove along the profile axis. Grip with tweezers, pull out, cut new to same length, snap in. Time: 3–5 min per joint.

Which universal profiles fit?

In our configurator, choose Bath shower screen + your glass thickness — we recommend 1–2 universal magnetic lips, one bottom seal with water-deflector profile, and (if needed) a flexible folding-joint lip. Complete sets from Amazon bestsellers, 24–48h delivery.

→ Open configurator