Magnetic shower seals: complete guide

What is a magnetic seal?

A magnetic seal is a door seal with built-in magnetic strips. Two mirror-image profiles sit opposite each other — one on the door, one on the fixed panel. When closing, the magnets attract and pull the seals together. This produces a tight closure without you having to push the door shut.

Magnetic seals are today the standard solution for glass shower doors. They have largely replaced earlier lip seals because they are:

• tighter (magnetic force ensures active contact pressure),
• easier to close (no pushing needed),
• quieter (no clacking or scraping).

The three key magnetic angles

The geometry of the magnetic seal must match the door situation. There are three standard angles:

90° — the standard configuration

A door swings at right angles to the fixed panel; both stand perpendicular to each other when the door is open. When closed, the profiles meet at 90°.

Use: classic hinged door against a fixed glass side panel or against a wall profile.

135° — corner entry

In a corner entry, two doors meet in the middle. When closed, the door profiles form a 135° angle to each other.

Use: corner-entry showers where the two doors come together centrally.

180° — pivot door over corner

When a door closes flush against a fixed panel (both in line), you need 180° profiles. These are rarer and mostly built into frameless glass showers.

Use: frameless glass showers with a wide swing range, pivot doors.

Anatomy of a magnetic seal

A modern magnetic seal consists of three components:

1. Click profile (PVC or TPE) — the section that snaps into the profile groove of the glass edge.
2. Magnet strip — embedded ferritic magnet, often multi-layered.
3. Lip or contact surface — the actual sealing element.

In premium models, the magnet strips run inside (invisible from outside). Budget models have them as a visible black strip on top.

What magnetic strength do you need?

Magnetic strength is rarely stated directly. Two rules of thumb instead:

• 6 mm glass: medium magnetic strength is enough (doors are light).
• 8–10 mm glass: stronger magnets needed (doors are heavier and need more pull).

When in doubt: choose premium models, which usually have stronger magnets. The €5–10 extra cost amortises through a longer service life.

Signs of wear

Magnetic seals typically last 5–7 years. Wear signs:

1. The door no longer closes firmly. You have to press it shut; it doesn't pull itself anymore.
2. The audible click is missing. Used to make a "click" on closing — now just a dull contact.
3. Magnet test: hold a steel spoon against the inner door edge (where the magnet sits). Does it stay? Magnet OK. Does it drop straight off? Replace.
4. Visible material fatigue: cracks, hardened spots, discolouration.

Original vs. universal magnetic seals

For brand-name showers (Kermi, Hüppe, Schulte etc.) you have two options:

Original profiles

• Pro: precise fit, manufacturer warranty, original look.
• Con: more expensive (often €30–60), lead times, no longer available for old models.

Universal profiles

• Pro: cheap (€10–25), available immediately, often with Prime on Amazon.
• Con: fit may deviate slightly, magnetic strength varies.

Our recommendation: for newer premium brands (Sprinz, HSK Atelier) → original. For standard ranges (Schulte Express, Kermi Cada) → try universal first, often it fits.

Common magnetic-seal mistakes

| Mistake | Effect | Avoidance | |---|---|---| | Wrong angle (90° instead of 135°) | Door doesn't close | Determine door situation before buying | | Magnets reversed | Doors push each other away | Magnet side facing inside (test with a spoon) | | Wrong glass thickness | Loose fit | Measure before buying | | Both door profiles identical | Magnets neutralise each other | Order mirror-image profiles |

Caring for magnetic seals

So your magnetic seal lasts:

• After every shower wipe water off the seal with a squeegee.
• Weekly wipe down with a mild cleaner (vinegar cleaner is OK, avoid aggressive acids).
• Leave the door open after showering so the seal can dry.
• No hard brushes — microfibre or sponge is enough.

Summary

• Magnetic seals are the standard solution for hinged doors in glass showers.
• Choose the right angle: 90° / 135° / 180° depending on the door situation.
• Glass thickness is mandatory knowledge before buying.
• Premium models last longer and are worth the ~€10 premium.
• Original vs. universal: original for newer premium brands, otherwise universal.

→ Ready to pick? Launch the configurator — we'll suggest the right magnetic seal.