The Effect of Poorly Insulated Glass in Your Windows

The Effect of Poorly Insulated Glass in Your Windows

The Department of Energy estimates that over 20% of the heat loss or gain in your home may be due to radiation which comes through poorly or non-insulated glass. It is not uncommon for apparently well-built homes to have windows that measure a high (U) Factor (which is undesirable). To reinforce this point, here is a direct quote from a Department of Energy publication:

"Windows can be one of your home's most attractive features. Windows provide views, day lighting, ventilation and solar heating in the winter. Unfortunately, they can also account for 10% to 25% of your heating bill. During the summer, sunny windows make your air conditioner work two to three times harder. If you live in the Sun Belt, look into new solar control spectrally selective windows, which can cut the cooling load by more than half." (Energy Savers: Tips on Saving Energy and Money at the Home)

The Department of Energy publications are replete with advice on how to reduce the cost of energy in your home, a major factor of which relates to inefficient windows. If you check your windows now and find the glass is single pane, you probably would have been wise to replace them sometime ago.

Beautiful Stained Glass Windows to Decorate Your Home

Beautiful Stained Glass Windows to Decorate Your Home

In this article, we will be discussing some of the magnetic facets of stained glass windows.

Stained glass windows are the patterns of transparent mosaic that are composed of panels of colored and dyed glass and it is then organized to create an abstract design or pictorial image. As we are aware of the fact that the such windows have gone through the tests of time and some of them have showcased a prominent feeling than others. If you ever across a real antique stained glass window, you should take into consideration various steps to renovate the same as it has a priceless feeling attached to it. With the help of refurbishment of such a window, you can give a fresh look to the stunning window. You will definitely enhance the beauty of your house with its presence. Stained glass windows are the windows that truly have a magnificent effect and certainly make you feel that you are living in another world. When the bright shining sun takes a glimpse at your house, you will get a feeling that air of your house has become kaleidoscopically enchanting.

At times, you view the work of art in antiquated buildings in the old country that is in a state of dilapidation. It would not be wrong to say that it is an art that is slowly and gradually vanishing as people are getting more inclined towards the use of other materials. They are on the verge of discontinuing the expensive glass that was vigorously exploited by medieval artisans.

Laminated Glass As Replacement Glass is the Answer For Broken Window

Laminated Glass As Replacement Glass is the Answer For Broken Window

Laminated glass, popularly known as the safety glass is one of the most marked inventions of its time. It was accidentally discovered by the French chemist during his experimentation. The benefit of the discovery of laminated glass has since then made life literally very convenient. Laminated Glass was also used during the First World War. One of the classic features of laminated glass is that when it is severely damaged, it doesn't break in to small pieces. This produces a characteristic "spider web" cracking pattern when the impact is not enough to completely pierce the laminated glass.

Laminated glass  is widely used in automobiles and building structures to prevent damage during accidents and unforeseen contingencies. Such glasses cannot cause any severe damage due to breakage, as they do not shatter into small pieces. In times of breakage, replacement is easily available. Replacement glass is available in all shapes, sizes and combinations. Of late, a lot people prefer using a variety of glasses as replacement glass for their broken window and doors. Instead of ordinary glass, laminated or frosted glass is used as a tougher replacement glass. Broken window is now no more a pain to worry about. It is very easy to find a replacement for your broken window.

Why You Should Consider a Modular Glass Railing System

Why You Should Consider a Modular Glass Railing System

The function of any railing system is to add safety to a staircase while adding beauty to the home or business. A carefully designed stair railing will complement any type of architecture, becoming a focal point that grabs the attention of all who enter. There are many reasons to consider a glass stair railing system when designing or remodeling a home or business staircase.

A modular glass railing system is sold as a standard or custom-made kit and is easily assembled by the homeowner, business owner, or contractor. Glass stairs add their own particular ambiance to a residential or commercial structure and do not require any maintenance other than occasional cleaning. Unless you are one of those people who hates washing windows, a glass railing may be just what you need.

A modular stair railing kit makes installation easy because it comes with all of the parts you need plus complete instructions. If you are replacing parts of an existing stairway, you can have custom parts made to your exact specifications. If a kit is not exactly what you need, then custom parts can replace some of the standard parts or a complete kit can be created to give you a one-of-a-kind stairway.

In either a family or business application a glass railing is safe, elegant, and modern. Being a solid structure, children cannot squeeze their bodies between railings or throw objects through. In a commercial setting, glass railings increase the visibility of merchandise and encourage sales. If you purchase the right kind of glass, your glass rail system will last a lifetime.

Glass Window Security

Glass Window Security 

Glass window security is very important for any house as windows are the first place which is targeted by the burglars for getting inside the house. And having good glass window security will ensure that not only your house is saved from being burgled or robbed but it also would attract attention which would be helpful in getting hold of the burglar. Having good quality glass window security installed at different and important parts of the house would be a very good way to go about this problem. We would, in this article, look at the types of glass window security which is used by house owners and that which helps them in keeping the burglars at bay.

Laminated glass is one of the most popular glass window security options that are available in the market nowadays. This type is basically made of vinyl or plastic inner layers which are basically kind of sandwiched or situated between couple of layers of glass. And this combination as a result adds more strength and toughness to this kind of glass window security. This toughness can be proved when a burglar without knowing that it is made of laminated glass tries to break up the glass security window and ends up on the losing side. If the burglar really wants to get into the house breaking such kind of laminated barrier, then he would have to make multiple strikes at the same spot to get some kind of an opening. But by the time he makes that opening, the whole neighborhood would have been woken up listening to the huge banging noise made by the burglar. And this is one reason why most of the burglars avoid such kind of windows to ensure that they are not caught while making an attempt to burgle the house.

Installing Sliding Glass Shower Doors

Installing Sliding Glass Vigo Shower Doors

Many of us enjoy doing projects on our own and installing sliding shower doors may be a rather simple thing to do, provided you are handy. The first thing that you really need to do is to familiarize yourself with every step that is involved in installing these shower sliding glass doors, as many of them will depend on each other in order for the entire installation to go properly. This is not only true if you're installing a frameless sliding shower door but also if you are installing something that is a bit more standard. There are also some sliding glass doors that are customized for a variety of different reasons, and these also need a customized installation.

The first step in installing the sliding glass shower doors is to measure everything properly in order to make sure that you get the doors that you actually need. This would not only include taking a measurement at the base of the shower door, it would also include taking one every 12 inches as you go up the wall. Keep in mind, not all walls are built plum and it may be necessary for you to either shim out the frame of the shower door at the bottom or the top in order for it to fit properly. If the frame of the shower door is not plum, you will have leaks as a result.

The next step is to install the base track for the shower sliding glass doors that are going to be installed. The only time whenever you will not be doing this is if you get a trackless bottom, which is commonly installed in order to allow handicap access. If this is true, you may still need to install a track at the bottom, although it will not be a guide for the door itself. It will simply be something that flattens out as the wheelchair runs over it but it will still be in place in order to direct the water back into the shower pan.

Benefits Of Sliding Glass Doors Towards The Property

Benefits Of Sliding Glass Doors Towards The Property

Sliding doors are certainly one of the wonderful additions towards a person's house. When placed in the ideal locations on the property, it will certainly supply the advantage and design that you require. The Moving or sliding doors had been available in a wide range of styles and designs, but each one will certainly offer the functional factors that it was created. This type of door supplies design and beauty and also protection, toughness, and when utilized outdoors, energy effectiveness.

Different Advantages Offered

There are numerous kinds and dimensions offered with the glass entryway. And the bigger ones have the tendency to bring a flood of natural light into homes. The larger the item is the much better it has on its welcoming sight. This is due to the fact that it minimizes a few of the energy costs and generally makes the house feel much more welcoming. One benefit of it taken into consideration is it's an Eco-friendly improvement towards the asset. It also includes the value of the house making it more important to have and use.

Besides its conserving material for power costs, it is additionally a great way to permit bigger furniture's to move in and out of the residence. This is absolutely handy to help lower the initiative of the individual. With the typical dimension concerning twice as big as regular entryways, moving glass doors make it easier for residents to move beds, couches, hutches, and other sizable pieces of furniture's. An added benefit that it has is that it's an area safer. This is because of the fact that swinging doors need more area in the opening process.

Keeping Glass Fences Clean

Keeping Glass Fences Clean

Owning a swimming pool has many benefits. It is a place where you can spend time with friends and family during weekends. It is also an ideal area for exercise. The safety of your children and your pets is one of the things you should keep in mind as a pool owner. One great way of keeping accidents from happening is through the installation of pool fences. A popular choice for many is fences made of glass. Read on for more information about these home installations.

Glass Pool Fences

This is a great option if you are looking for a sturdy boundary for your home's pool area. This structure lets you enjoy the view from your pool and gives the pool area a contemporary look at the same time.

Glass pool fencing is a lot more aesthetic and sturdy compared to any other type of pool fencing. This kind of boundary allows the flow of natural sunlight and does not rust or warp. It also does not require much maintenance. You save more as it does not need constant coating to repel rust while a fence with wooden panels requires paint, water repellent and other coatings to prevent warping.

This type of pool fencing is not costly to install. It will add value to your property without forcing you to spend too much. Many property developers usually exert extra effort when installing glass fences for decking to make the area more attractive. Some even add other elements like a fountain or gazebo close by to give it an artistic and creative look.

The Beauty of Decorative Glass Doors

The Beauty of Decorative Glass Doors

The front door is the first point of entry for household guests. It provides visitors and passersby a glimpse into the personality of the inside of a home.

Because first impressions are important, many homeowners opt for the elegance and beauty of decorative glass paneled doors. There are many styles of decorative glass, giving homeowners plenty of opportunity to find the panel that best complements the entrance to their home. Below is information on a few of the types of glass used to create decorative panels for entry doors.

Tempered Glass

Four to five times stronger than standard glass, the strength and heat resistance of tempered comes from the extreme heating and rapid cooling method from which it is produced. This causes it to shatter into little oval-shaped pebbles instead of sharp shards if broken, earning it the nickname "safety glass." In addition to decorative door panels, tempered is used in the production of an immense variety of products that include oven windows, computer screens and shower doors.

Beveled Glass

Popular among door manufacturers, beveled glass is a single pane with edges cut at an angle around the entire perimeter. The beveled edges allow it to capture light in a unique way that produces a wide spectrum of visually appealing colors. Beveled is typically cut from standard glass. However, some artists and manufacturers also perform the beveled process on colored textured glass to enhance the beauty of a design.

Innovative Ideas in Glass And Metal

Innovative Ideas in Glass And Metal

In the modern construction field, glass is used extensively for various functions. It is employed in interiors and exteriors, for the exploitation of its special advantage of providing and amplifying natural light resources. Since there is a lot of enthusiasm in the recent times among builders, to promote green building spaces, glass has become a special favourite, for its energy saving capacity. Glass exterior walls and interior partitions not only let in a lot of natural lighting, they also help save on energy expenses, by greatly cutting down on central heating and lighting costs. Moreover glass doors and partitions inside buildings, create a feel of extended space, by not restricting the viewpoint within cubicles and limited office spaces. The visual sense of continuity that glass partitions render, offer a spacious feel to the environment, and also enhances the aesthetics of the interior spaces, by incorporating the attractive features of the nature outside. Moreover, when compared with concrete structures, glass and metal finishes allow a lot of flexibility, for the ever-present need of renovations and remodifications in the modern commercial arena.

Glass furnishings in the interiors, not only attribute a sleek and trendy appearance to your commercial spaces, but are also easy to keep clean and maintain because of its smooth surfaces, that do not absorb dust or dirt. They retain their shine and sparkle for long, and enhance the brightness and sparkle of well-maintained interiors. The new trend of combining glass with metal finishes, in both inside and outside spaces, not only add to their aesthetic appeal, but also present a feel of strong qualities, by accentuating a sense of durability and security at first view itself.

When Are Glass Shelves the Best Choice?

When Are Glass Shelves the Best Choice?

Your choice of shelving can make a huge difference to the look and feel of any room and your choice will depend on several factors.

Firstly, you will need to think about what you intend to display on the shelves. If the shelves will be carrying heavy items such as big books then glass will probably not be the best choice because its load bearing capacity is less than wood or metal. This does obviously depend on the brackets and fixings you use as well but generally glass is more fragile and therefore for peace of mind you would probably want to opt for a more robust material.

Secondly, you need to consider the effect you are hoping to achieve and the ambiance and existing furniture in the room. If your décor is cozy, traditional and rustic then shelves may be a touch too modern or minimalist and wood would be better suited. Having said that, glass does suit a great range of styles and interior décor and can complement a wide range of design.

Thirdly, you need to consider safety. If the shelves will be quite low and you have young children then glass can be a hazard even though most glass shelves these days are made of toughened and strengthened tempered glass which is much stronger.

Glass shelves are particularly suited to bathrooms which are often smaller than other rooms and do not need to display heavy or bulky items. Also, tinted glass can work well with bathroom colour schemes which tend to be blue or green hues.

Glass shelves are easy to clean and maintain with no veneers or varnish to worry about. Even scratches and chips can be repaired and they allow light to shine through and are less obtrusive than wood so you can see the objects displayed from all angles without needing to pick them up.

Why Consider a Frameless Glass Pool Fence?

Why Consider a Frameless Glass Pool Fence?

The stories are shocking and horrifying, but we hear them all too often. A child wanders off, falls into a pool and drowns. Whoever hears about these events is pained at the tragedy, but for pool owners there's something proactive you can do to prevent such a terrible event from ever taking place on your property: install a glass pool fence around your pool.

This is more than just a cautious and compassionate act - in Australia, it is the law. Because of the very real dangers that open pool areas present, Australia has pool fencing legislation requiring pool owners to protect the public - and their families - by putting up a safe and secure fence around their pool.

Children aren't the only ones at risk. There are also many incidences of pets who fall into pools and drown each year. Another group at risk are the elderly. An elderly adult who suffers from Alzheimer's disease or some other such form of dementia is also in danger of drowning should they wander off - which happens to be more common than you'd think - and find themselves in the area of a pool.

For many pool owners, the real danger that an open pool presents, as well as the legal obligation, are reason enough to put up a fence. But while it's something that needs to be done, an obvious concern is how the fence will negatively impact the outdoor aesthetics.

Chain fences are generally unattractive. Wooden or iron fences can be decorative, but they chop up the landscape in a harsh manner, making it seem smaller, less open, and all together less appealing.

Protecting Your Wood Furniture With Custom Glass Table Tops

Protecting Your Wood Furniture With Custom Glass Table Tops

Glass table tops can offer a unique and practical feature to any modern themed office space or home. When it comes to designer accent pieces, nothing compares to glass as the material of choice. Exceptionally simple to care for glass tops can be used as a standalone piece or as protection when placed on top of an antique or valuable wooden surface. Glass is an also cost-effective solution to refinish an existing table top due to damage or spills.

A custom cut table top offers a perfect way to achieve the protection or look you're after without needing to break the bank. When used as a cover for a wooden surface, a thinner glass is used, often with a ¼-inch thickness. One of the best things with renovating a property with glass-based products is the short installation time and minimal amount of mess.

A stand alone or made-to-measure table cover can be cut to virtually any shape (octagon, rectangle, square, oval, round, and racetrack) and size. And with a variety of different finished edges (beveled, flat polished, pencil, and decorative) it is possible to design a table to fit a particular theme or taste.

Some of the advantageous to using a glass sheet to protect a high valued furniture piece consist of -

• Complete ease in cleaning and very hygienic

• The transparent nature of the glass top makes certain the beauty of a wood surface shows through

• No further need to use table cloths

• No need to be concerned with spills, cup stains, or accidental heat sources

Glass Sliding Doors Toughened and Laminated to Ensure Safety

Glass Sliding Doors Toughened and Laminated to Ensure Safety

Because glass sliding door is now a popular addition in any type of edifices, it is now easier to look for experienced installers and suppliers hence you can add style to your front, back, side, living room, kitchen, den or bedroom door with one of the winning combinations inspired by some of your favorite places.

A glass door has a sliding fitting system that is made up of a runner and roller carriage. These fittings move the attached sliding door leaf and its other elements. Whether you want something with a roller or a bearing based sliding door fitting, glass companies offer a wide series of fittings for glass sliding doors that are also apt for use with highly challenging applications in commerce and industry. It is always wise to look for and trust well-established and renowned glass door manufacturers and installers because the demanding technologies of these high-quality materials should be handled with first-class workmanship. Only skilled makers of glass sliding doors know how to create and engineer fitting systems that allow the roller carriages to move precisely, quietly as well as gently over the runners. Furthermore, trustworthy installers will make sure the fitting systems are well-connected and extremely durable.

The roller sliding door fittings are particularly suitable for interior applications because of their delicate decorative openwork made from thin twisted wires. A huge array of accessories is also available for you to choose from and employ to make certain that they suit just about any applications and implementations.