If your cooker hood is not shaped or curved then measuring for a glass cooker splashback is simple .
Although you may think that your cooker splashback should be a set size you might besurprised to know that this probably isn’t true. As surfaces regularly expand and contract and buildings also move over time (mostly new builds and extensions), you are advised to to leave expansion spaces so your splashbacks don’t crack over time.
To begin check the cooker hood and worktops are both level then using a spirit level , mark a horizontal line 2mm below the cooker hood and a second line 2mm above the worktop. If either your cooker hood or your worktop is not level then you need to draw a level line 2mm from the highest or lowest point across the full width of the cooker hood.
now measure the gap between these two lines- this is the height of your glasssplashback .
If your splashback is fitted between two wall units then, again using a level, mark a vertical line 2mm in from the side of each unit.
Measure the space between these two vertical lines- that is the width of your cooker splashback.
Now that you have taken your measurements you will wonder why do so many retailers sell “standard size cooker splashbacks”. How is it possible to have a standard size when there are so many differences between everyone’s kitchens.
when you have measured up for your cooker splash back, measuring for upstands is quite simple .
Once again, you need to leave expansion gaps where your glass upstands are to meet another surface. You do not need to leave an expansion gap where it comes into contact with the cooker splashback.
Again using your trusty spirit level draw a vertical line 2mm in from your wall (or whatever surface it is to meet ). These vertical lines may seem unecessary but they are to cater for any potential problems with your walls etc.
Measure the length between the vertical lines you just drew and the cooker splashback line to get the width of your upstands either side of the main splashback.
For adjoining walls it is a little more complicated , but still pretty easy. You have to allow for the depth of the glass upstand (usually 6mm), for the glue used to fix it to the wall (around 2mm) and also an expansion gap of 2mm. Somark a vertical line 10mm in from the corner where your upstands meet . Once again if the other end of the upstand is to meet another wall or surface you should again mark a vertical line on the wall 2mm from the edge to allow for your expansion gap.
Now you measure your upstand widths between the lines you have marked .
The height of your upstands is entirely up to you . 100mm is a relativelystandard height but you can go right up to just below your lowest electrical outlets (I say your lowest as they are rarely the same level)- by now I’m sure you know you should leave an expansion gap of 2mm below each outlet also!
That’s the hard part of measuring and fitting your own Glass Splashbacks with upstands, you can get an on the spot splashback quote and buy online using your measurements. Below are some clear guidelines to how to fit glass splashbacks yourself.
Fitting Glass Splashbacks is a very simple task, particularly a single cooker splashback withmatching upstands.
starting with the cooker splash back, set each piece into position tocheck they all fit. You don’t want to cause too much of a mess if a piece is the wrong size .
After you’ve checked they all fit , place the cooker splashback painted side up and apply small amounts of neutral cure silicone adhesive (using a silicone gun) to the back . Ensure the wall is clean and dry , then fix the splashback to the wall by applying firm pressure to the glass.Keep your expansion gaps using 2mm tile spacers (or folded card etc.).
Repeat the above steps for each extra piece
After 24 hours you can remove the spacers, the silicone should be set by this time .
You may now seal the edges . Once more , use neutral cure silicone and apply a thin layer around your expansion gaps tostop mositure getting in or dirt becoming trapped. If you have excess silicone (which is unavoidable), spray the silicone and the joint with soapy water and wipe the excess off with your finger ( soapy water will help prevent the silicone from sticking to you ).
You’re done , you have sucessfully measured and fitted glass splashbacks yourself . congratulations!