A well-placed mirror serves multiple purposes–transforming a space, and making a space appear larger than it is. Often mirrors are large and heavy, which is why it is important that mirrors are hung properly to ensure they don’t fall and break. Knowing how to hang a mirror will be dependent upon the type of mirror, size, location, and method of hanging. Framed mirrors are going to have different needs in order to hang than frameless mirrors, which we’ll discuss here.
Before you begin there are a few tools you’ll need to assemble in addition to your mirror, in order to safely hang any type of mirror:
How to Hang Framed Mirrors
Framed, decorative mirrors that you find in abundance at your local home decor store, thrift stores, or even ones where you’ve made the frame yourself, are easy to hang up on the wall. These statement pieces are not only for decoration, but they are also useful as they make a space feel bigger and brighter, along with letting you get one last look as you rush out the door. Because mirrors are versatile and important, it is imperative that they are hung properly so they don’t fall and break or cause injury.
One of the benefits of buying a framed mirror, is typically they will come with the necessary hanging hardware already installed on the back of the frame. With the necessary hardware included, you don’t have to worry about finding the right screws to hold the weight, hangers, and other hardware needed for the weight of your specific mirror. You are ready to hang your mirror on the wall!
If you are planning on hanging your new mirror above a piece of furniture, you’re going to want to make sure the mirror is centered over the furniture for maximum aesthetics. Do this by measuring the width of the furniture, and determining where the center is. This will tell you where the center of your mirror needs to be.
If you have an extra set of hands, this is where they can come in handy! Hold your mirror up to the approximate spot where you want it to hang, to get a good visual of what it will look like up on the wall before you begin to drill some holes into your walls. With your mirror held up to the height you want it to hang, take your pencil and make a small mark at the top of your frame, on the sides, so that you know where to place your nail/screws.
Turn your mirror over and measure the distance between the hanging hardware, along with the distance from the top of the mirror to the hardware as well. With these measurements, go back to the wall where you want to hang your mirror and measure the same distance down from your original mark. This will indicate where you need to drill your screw holes.
If you are screwing directly into studs, you are safe to drill and hang your mirror. If you aren’t screwing into studs, you’ll need to install quality drywall anchors first.
You are now ready to safely hang your framed mirror on the wall. If you’ve measured accurately, the hardware will fit perfectly over the screws you’ve installed. All that is left for you to do is to adjust your mirror till it looks perfect, then stand back and admire your handiwork.
If hanging a mirror yourself feels like a daunting task, contact Gordon's Glass to hand and install custom mirrors.
When researching new windows Logan Utah, you might have questions about the options available. Those questions may surround warranties, energy efficiency, cost, and even how long new vinyl windows last. After all, windows are an excellent financial investment in your home, which is why you want your new windows to last for the longest time possible so that you don’t have to repair or replace them in a few short years.
When vinyl windows are maintained, and with normal wear-and-tear conditions, most new ones will last anywhere from 20-40 years. There are several factors that contribute to the lifespan of vinyl windows, such as climate, sun exposure, quality of windows, installation, and use of windows. Let’s dive into each factor here to learn more about how they affect the lifespan of new vinyl windows.
Climate
The climate in which you live will have a big impact on the lifespan of your windows. In areas that are along the coastlines, where there is a lot of salt in the air and saltwater spray, will realize that their vinyl windows only last 10-30 years, instead of the average 20-40 years. Areas that experience extreme weather changes such as hot summers and cold winters, will also notice that these extreme temperatures can have an impact on the lifespan of vinyl windows.
Sun Exposure
The more windows are exposed to direct sunlight, the more they will have an effect on their lifespan. Windows that are exposed to high levels of UV light will degrade faster than windows that don’t have as much exposure to direct sunlight. As a result, windows that receive more direct sunlight may need to be replaced sooner than those that are primarily in the shade.
Quality of Windows
As with most other things, there are different qualities of windows available. The higher the quality of the window, the longer the window should last. The quality of the materials that are used to make the window–wood, vinyl, fiberglass, can have an effect on the lifespan as well. Sub-par materials can compromise the integrity and longevity of windows.
Poor or Improper Installation
The lifespan of your windows begins on day one when they are first installed in your home. When windows are properly and correctly installed, per the manufacturer's recommendations, set your windows up for optimal performance and longevity. When a window is installed correctly, it seals the elements out and prevents water from seeping inside and causing damage. Additionally, when a window fits correctly, it is less likely to shift, settle, and move over the years.
Window Usage
The majority of window styles are designed with functionality in mind, meaning that windows are meant to be open and closed. As a result, over time, with constant usage, the different components that allow for a window to open and close, can begin to wear out, showing wear and tear with age. Windows that are opened frequently to allow for fresh air or a breeze to come in, will show signs of aging wearing out sooner than windows that aren’t used as often.
Regular maintenance and care of windows can help to prolong their life and help them reach the higher end of the average lifespan expectancy of windows. If you are in the market for new vinyl windows Logan Utah, contact Gordon’s Glass to schedule a free in-home estimate and invest in quality, new vinyl windows that will last you for years to come!
During the hot summer months, being able to open your windows in the mornings and evenings, can go a long way to helping cool down your home. An open window can not only relieve you from the heat due to the improved air circulation, but it can also prove problematic when your window screen needs repair. Screens that are broken, missing, or have holes in them, allow for insects, birds, leaves, and other outside elements to enter your home with little to no resistance.
A good solution to allow for natural airflow, without outside contaminants is through a window screen. Like most things, there is not a one-size-fits-all when it comes to screen materials. Depending on your needs and possibly your location, can factor into what screen material will be the best solution for you. There are a few different screen materials that you can select next time you take your screen in for screen repair.
Many people don’t realize that they have options when it comes to screen materials, many believe that they can only repair their screen with the same material that came out of it. Thankfully you do have options to change the material to one that is stronger, more durable, or even a different color to better equipped to match the aesthetic that you want for your home. Each material has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, which you’ll need to take into consideration when making a selection.
Fiber Mesh
The most common screen material for residential windows is fiber mesh because it is designed for function. Fiber screens allow for air to flow into a room with little to no obstruction while keeping the unwanted elements out. The fiber mesh is a cheaper, more affordable option than other screen materials, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t quality. One of the benefits of fiber mesh is that it is durable and resistant to certain types of damage, such as:
One of the biggest benefits of a fiber mesh screen is that it has flexibility. When pushed against, it will stretch, within limits, without immediately tearing. This pliability will help to extend the life of your screen, protecting your investment.
Aluminum
If you are looking for a screen material that will last for years to come, you’ll want to invest in aluminum screens. Not only are aluminum screens strong and durable, but they are also lightweight, making them a great option for natural airflow and light without sacrificing quality or strength. Despite what you might think, aluminum screens require minimal maintenance and cleaning and are also resistant to rust and corrosion.
Some of the benefits of aluminum screens are that they are available in two different colors, not just the typical silver color associated with aluminum. Aside from the silver coloring, aluminum screens are also available in a charcoal finish, giving you the benefits of an aluminum screen with the look of a fiber mesh. Another benefit of aluminum screens is their natural reflectivity, silver aluminum screens cut down the visibility into a space, which is ideal for those who want more privacy.
Pet Screen
Anyone who has pets can benefit from investing in pet screen material. Made of a thicker material, they are more resistant to rips and tears from our furry family members' claws. The pet screen looks like a fiber/plastic material that can stretch without ripping. The thick black, material provides extra shade and protection, both inside and outside your home.
Investing in a pet screen can save you money over the lifetime of your screen, as you won’t have to replace or pay for screen repairs as frequently as you will with any of the other screen material options.
Gordon’s Glass has various screen material options, to fulfill all your screen repair needs.
Those who are not glass experts, or not familiar with the different types of glass available, might have some questions regarding tempered glass. Tempered glass simply refers to how the glass, used for its strength, was made. But how exactly is it made? Why would you need tempered glass? How does tempered glass differ from regular annealed glass?
How is Tempered Glass Made
Before tempered glass can be tempered, it must first be cut down to the correct size for its intended use. Once the glass has been cut down to the appropriate size, it is then inspected for any obvious flaws that could possibly break or cause problems later on in the tempering process. Once the glass is fully prepped, it is then sent through a tempering oven, which then heats the glass to over 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the glass has been heated to a high temperature, it is then time to quickly cool things back down.
The process of cooling the glass quickly is achieved through the use of air blasts, which cause the outer parts of the glass to cool faster than the inside parts of the glass, through a process known as “quenching”. With the inside and the outside parts of the glass now being two different temperatures, it causes the inner layers to retreat from the outer layer, resulting in a state of tension, with the outside in a state of compression. It is through this process that tempered glass gets its strength.
What Tempered Glass is Used For
Due to its extra strength, tempered glass can be used in a variety of different applications, more so than regular annealed glass. Another attractive attribute of tempered glass is that when it does break, it shatters into tiny pieces rather than sharp, jagged pieces. Because it crumbles when it breaks, it is safer to use in environments that require safety glass, such as:
Difference Between Tempered and Annealed Glass
As stated above, tempered glass is significantly stronger than regular annealed glass, so it can be used in a variety of different applications, unlike annealed. It also breaks differently, which is what makes it a safer alternative to annealed. Once tempered, tempered glass can not be cut down to a different size, regular annealed can be cut at any time. A lot of tempered glass will have a small marking in the corner to indicate that it is tempered, otherwise, there is no way to tell the difference between tempered and annealed.
Hopefully, now you have a better understanding of what tempered glass is and what it is used for. If you need tempered glass or annealed glass services, contact Gordon’s Glass today!
When it is time to replace your residential windows, it may be tempting to go for custom window sizes rather than purchasing standard ones. Is there such a thing as standard residential window sizes or are they all custom sizes? What are standard residential window sizes? Different brands and different styles of windows will have different sizes they deem to be standard.
The size of the window you’ll need will depend on the type of window you are getting. Different manufacturers will have minimum and maximum sizes they will make various styles of windows. The size of the window you order may also be influenced by local laws and building codes to ensure windows in certain rooms meet local egress requirements.
Awning Windows
Awning windows are hinged at the top, allowing for the window to open upward and outward; making them ideal in locations that are hard to reach. Due to the design and function of awning windows, they are typically wider than tall so that they can open and close properly. Some of the most common, or standard sizes of awning windows include:
Casement Windows
A casement window is hinged on one side, either the right or the left. This allows for it to swing open, similar to that of how a door swings open. Casement windows are a good option for rooms, where you need ventilation and/or natural lighting, such as bathrooms or kitchens. Casement windows typically are around 17 inches wide, and range upwards of 41 inches tall; the most common heights are 16 to 33 inches.
Single-Hung Windows
Single-hung windows have one single sash that moves up and down and one fixed sash that doesn’t move. As such they tend to be one to two times taller than they are wide. For example, a single-hung can be two feet wide by three or four feet high.
Double-Hung Windows
Like a single-hung, a double-hung window has two sashes that move up and down to open. Due to their universal design, double-hung windows are a good fit in common areas of a home, bedrooms, or any room that can benefit from an open window and airflow. For double-hung windows to function correctly, they are always going to be taller than they are wide. Typically widths range anywhere from 24 inches to 28 inches, with heights ranging from 36 to 72 inches.
Picture Windows
Picture windows are just as the name implies, they don’t open, which means they don’t have any sashes or hardware to interfere with your view. Ideally picture windows should be placed in rooms or areas of your home where you don’t need the window to open, and where you want to maximize the natural lighting. Because there is no functionality to a picture window other than enhancing the natural view and light, picture windows can be the same width and height. Typically picture windows can range from a meager 24 inches wide, all the way up to 96 inches. Similarly, heights can range from 12 inches up to 96 inches.
Sliding Windows
Rather than opening up and down, a sliding window slides left to right. Sliding windows are ideal for bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, common areas, basements, etc. Anywhere you need a window, a slider is a good option. As a general rule, sliding windows are wider than they are tall, ranging from 36 inches to 84 inches wide and 24 to 60 inches tall.
The sizes mentioned here are just a general guide and are not a hard and fast rule when trying to determine standard residential window sizes. The best way to guarantee that you get the right-sized windows for your home is to contact a professional glass company, such as Gordon’s Glass. Our expert installers can come out to your home and measure the standard residential window sizes for your home, to ensure you get the right fit for your home. Contact Gordon’s Glass today to schedule your free in-home estimate.
There are many home projects that handy homeowners can do on their own around the house, and there are others that maybe should be left to the professionals. Is installing a shower door one that you should attempt yourself, or one that should be hired out to professionals? Here are a few things to consider to help you make the right decision for you.
Shower Door Knowledge and Expertise
Homeowners who are contemplating installing a new glass shower door on their one should first consider their level of knowledge regarding shower doors and the installation process before proceeding. Those who are relatively handy will have better luck than those who aren’t so handy with tools. While you can go to nearly any home improvement store and purchase a run-of-the-mill shower door, learning and developing the skills to install it correctly, isn't something that can be learned overnight. Shower doors require perfect drilling, alignments, and measurements to prevent any potential problems that may arise due to a poor installation job.
Problem-Solving
Being able to think on your feet and correct problems as they arise is required when attempting to install a shower door on your own. If an issue arises and can’t be corrected at the moment, a homeowner won’t have a contact at the manufacturer or the shop where they purchased the shower door to help troubleshoot the problem.
Customization
Every single shower door is going to be different, there is no such thing as a standard shower door. Therefore, it can be difficult for someone who isn’t experienced with shower doors, to get the correct measurements to fit their shower exactly. When you hire a professional to install your shower door, they can use their years of experience to measure and get a shower door to the exact size and specifications needed to snugly fit within the space.
Why Hire a Professional
The reason why many homeowners opt for a DIY project rather than hire out for every project is to save money on labor costs. While the upfront cost savings may be attractive to many homeowners, choosing to install your shower door could end up costing you more in the long run. A few reasons why you should hire a professional to install your shower door include, shower doors can be heavy, are expensive, can easily break if mishandled, and require exact measurements and drilling to be installed accurately.
If you decide not to take on the task of installing a shower door yourself, but to hire it out instead, Gordon’s Glass has skilled technicians who have years of experience to guarantee that your shower door fits exactly into your space and is installed correctly the first time. Contact Gordon’s Glass today to schedule a free in-home estimate to get the perfect shower door for your space!
There are various reasons why you may need emergency glass services. Broken windows and glass are a safety concern and can be an invitation for a crime if not taken care of right away. When you are experiencing an emergency, it can be daunting to know which residential glass company to contact and who is equipped to provide the services you need.
Emergency Situations
Experts say that approximately 25% of home burglaries happen through a first-floor window. This means that broken windows are an emergency that should be taken care of sooner rather than later. Broken windows don’t just occur during a break-in or robbery, but they can happen as a result of an accident (i.e., baseball, or landscaping) or storm damage. No matter how the window broke, you must get the window repaired as soon as possible, therefore, making it a window emergency.
Access the Damage
When you first notice that you have a broken window, your instinct will be to try and figure out what caused the window to break in the first place. How extensive is the damage? Is it a simple crack or are both panes of glass shattered? Knowing how extensive the damage is, can help with knowing what repairs you need to have done.
Take Pictures
If you plan on filing an insurance claim with your insurance company, you may need to submit photos of the broken window along with your claim. Be sure to take photos before you clean up the broken glass to show the extent of the damage done to the window.
Clean & Board Up Window
Once you’ve got any pictures that you need, you will need to clean up the broken glass to prevent injury. Sweep up broken glass off the floor, using a vacuum if necessary. Be sure you are wearing shoes and gloves to prevent yourself from getting cut while trying to clean up the broken glass.
If a window is simply cracked, you don’t have to worry about boarding up your window. If you are worried about it breaking more, use duct tape or packing tape to tape the crack, holding the pieces of glass in place. If the window is shattered, you will want to use some boards of plywood to cover the opening, to keep animals from entering, and to protect your home from the elements.
Shop Around
When looking for a residential glass company to replace the broken window in your home, don’t go with the first one you find. Start by asking for recommendations from friends and family, based on the recommendations you receive, contact the different companies and request to get a bid for the work.
If you are in the Logan, Utah area and need a residential glass company, Gordon’s Glass has a positive reputation for helping countless homeowners repair and replace broken windows for over 50 years. Gordon’s Glass offers free in-home estimates, and quick turnarounds, so you can confidently get your broken window repaired and your home secured. If you need a window repaired, contact Gordon’s Glass today!
Mirror mirror on the wall Who is the dirtiest of them all? Dirty mirrors are no joke, water spots, hand prints, dust, etc. all accumulate on your mirrors. When cleaning your mirrors, removing the initial dirt but leaving streaks behind is easy; which can be frustrating. So, how do you clean your mirrors so that you not only remove the initial dirt and smudge prints but the streaks from the cleaning solution as well? Here are three proven ways to effectively clean your mirror, and when asked: Mirror mirror on the wall who has the dirtiest mirrors of them all? You can confidently answer Not me!
Bathroom mirrors are notorious for getting dirty, from gobs of toothpaste, layers of hairspray, fingerprints, and who knows what else. Because hairspray and toothpaste are sticky, simply wiping them off often results in a streaky mess. But, never fear there are a few simple tricks that you can use next time you clean your bathroom mirrors to prevent a streaky, smudgy mess when you’re done!
Rubbing Alcohol
Lurking in your medicine cabinet is your secret weapon to having, clean, streak-free mirrors. Before you spray your traditional glass cleaner all over your dirty mirror, start by getting a cotton pad wet with rubbing alcohol, and dabbing away at the soiled areas. Taking the time to pretreat these solid areas, makes the biggest difference between achieving the optimal clean mirror you desire and a streaky mess.
Vinegar
Vinegar is a power horse when it comes to working as a household cleaner, especially when you mix it up at home yourself. Not only are you saving money on cleaning products, but you are also getting a quality clean that isn’t full of chemicals. Simply mix a 1:1 ratio of water to vinegar in a spray bottle, giving it a good shake by mixing water and vinegar. To achieve the best results, spray your vinegar water mixture directly on a microfiber cloth, and zig-zag down the length of your mirror to prevent streaks.
Microfiber Cloth
For years people have been using paper towels to clean their dirty mirrors when in reality, paper towels aren’t the best choice. The reason why paper towels aren’t the best option when trying to clean your mirror is that paper towels can leave behind lint and dust. Microfiber cloths don’t leave behind lint, dust, or anything else. Not to mention, microfiber cloths are reusable, saving you money while leaving you with a clean mirror.
Cleaning a mirror doesn’t have to be difficult to achieve a streak-free clean. Following these tips will ensure that you always have a clean mirror when you are done cleaning.
It should come as no surprise that at some point or another, homeowners will experience a broken window eventually. When this happens, the initial thought might be, “Who can fix my broken window?”, along with “How much will this cost?”. While it might first appear a bit overwhelming or daunting trying to figure out the first step to getting a broken window repaired, it doesn’t have to be. Sure, you can call up the first residential glass company that you find listed in the phone book or online, but that doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be getting the best value or service possible. Just because they come first alphabetically doesn’t mean they offer the best service available to fix your broken window.
So, how do you know which residential glass company can fix your broken window, without charging you too much but still knows enough about windows to do the repairs correctly? Here are a few things to look for in a residential glass company.
Reputation
Nowadays it is possible to find anyone online claiming that they can fix a broken window, or any other handyman-type job needed to be done around your home. While some may be legit, others not so much. One of the easiest ways to determine if the residential glass company you are considering hiring is worth it or not is based on its reputation from previous and current customers. Start by asking people you know and trust if they have any experience with any of the residential glass companies you are considering hiring and hear from them firsthand about their experiences. Talking to people you already know and trust will help you to begin narrowing down your search for the right residential glass company to fix or repair your broken window.
Good Reviews
Thanks to the internet, more and more consumers are able to leave an online review in regards to a company and service that they received–good or bad. That being said, it is also recommended that you approach reviews using caution, as some reviews may be overly positive or negative without being accurate. Take some time and do the necessary research on any residential glass companies you may be considering, and read through online reviews to find one that stands out with more positive reviews than negative ones.
Experience
The whole reason you are doing research and looking for a reputable residential glass company is that you don’t have the experience or know-how to complete the necessary repairs on your broken window. Therefore, you will want to hire someone who possesses the experience and skills required to complete the necessary repairs correctly for you. Ask about different companies' experience and qualifications to ensure you are trusting your broken window repair job with a reputable company.
Wide Range of Services
Chances are this broken window, won’t be the only time during your tenure as a homeowner when you will require the services of a residential glass company. It can and often is frustrating when you’ve done all this research and think you’ve found a reputable residential glass company to repair your broken widow, only to discover they don’t have the necessary skills to offer any additional services. Perhaps they can replace broken glass in a window but don’t have the ability to repair damaged screens or other components of the window. Consider the long-term needs of your window and how a specific residential window company can meet those needs or not before you hire any company to perform work on your windows.
When looking for a reputable, reliable, professional residential window company with excellent reviews and a wide range of services to repair or replace your broken window in the Cache Valley area, look no further than Gordon’s Glass. With over 50 years of experience and a reputation that speaks for itself, Gordon’s Glass can expertly repair your window and any other glass-related service as well. Don’t trust your residential glass needs to anyone else, trust the experts at Gordon’s Glass!
When shopping for a new shower enclosure, chances are you’ve heard of framed, frameless, and bypass, but have you ever heard of neo-angle shower doors? Now, a neo-angle shower will not work for everyone, and for many, it will not even be an option, but for those who are looking for a custom, corner shower door, a neo-angle may be a good option. What exactly is a neo-angle shower door and what are the benefits of a neo-angle over other style options of shower doors?
What are Neo Angle Showers?
Before you can decide if you want a neo-angle shower door, you should know what they are and if one will even work in your bathroom. Neo-angle shower doors are an alternative to a traditional corner shower door, as they are installed in the corner of the bathroom. Unlike a traditional corner shower, where all the corners meet at a 90-degree angle, a neo-angle shower door does something slightly different. When the corners of a neo-angle shower meet, it is generally at a 135-degree angle. Another big difference between a standard corner shower and a neo-angle shower is that a neo-angle shower door typically has three glass sides, with the door in the middle and the two sides, coming out from the bathroom wall at a 90-degree angle. Neo-angle shower doors can be customized as far as overall dimensions, panel widths, panel heights, and so on.
Benefits of Neo Angle Showers
Probably the biggest advantage of a neo-angle shower door over other styles is its ability to save space without compromising the overall look and design of a space. Thanks to modern design and the ability to customize glass options, finishes, and sizes, a neo-angle shower door can take a blah-feeling bathroom and elevate it to a luxurious and cozy space.
Another huge benefit of neo-angle shower doors is their simple design makes it harder for mold and deposits to accumulate, keeping your shower looking cleaner and pristine for longer. The minimalist design makes it easy to see what areas need to be cleaned and where anything may be accumulating, so you can remove it and clean it before it becomes a bigger problem.
For many, the biggest benefit of installing a neo-angle shower door is the cost savings. A neo-angle shower door can be more cost affordable than a traditional framed, or even a frameless shower door. Just because you decide on a neo-angle shower door, doesn’t guarantee that it will be cheaper, the price will be dependent upon the size of the door and side lites, glass type, and frame choice. Before you commit to a neo-angle shower door, be sure to get a quote to know how much it will cost.
If you are looking for a new neo-angle shower door, contact Gordon’s Glass today to schedule a free in-home estimate to see how affordable new neo-angle shower doors really can be. A unique option to spruce up a drab bathroom space can really transform your ordinary bathroom, into a masterpiece with a new neo-angle shower door.
