When it comes time to replace your current shower door with a new one, it can be a bit daunting trying to decide what style you want. Looking online you’ll see images of countless different design choices, frames, glass options, etc. How do you know what you want, or what style will look good in your space? Thankfully, Gordon’s Glass has tips to help you decide what shower door is right for your room in 4 easy steps.
Step 1: Type
Before purchasing a new shower door, you’ll need to select one that is the right type for your space. Do you have a stand-alone shower, or is it a tub/shower combination? Depending on what you have, will play a role in determining what type of shower door enclosure you can get.
Step 2: Swinging or Sliding Door
The two main styles of doors are swinging or sliding. This can also be dependent on the type of shower enclosure you’ve selected. Typically a tub/shower enclosure will utilize a sliding door, whereas corner showers usually have a swinging door. A sliding door is ideal for smaller bathrooms as it doesn’t take up a lot of room. On the other hand, a swinging door is ideal for larger bathrooms, or for small corner, showers where there isn’t enough room for a sliding door.
Step 3: Glass Options
This is part of the selection process where you can really let your personality and design preferences show. Do you want clear glass, for a minimalistic, clean look? Perhaps you want some sort of obscure look to add some personality to the space. When it comes to obscure or frosted styles of glass you have many different options–rain, water, reeded, satin etch, etc.
Step 4: Framed, Semi-Frameless, Frameless
The final step is to decide what type of frame option you want. Do you want a traditional framed shower door, or perhaps you’d prefer a frameless option? Framed shower doors were really popular a few years ago, with semi and frameless shower doors the new popular option among many homeowners. With each style, you can decide what finish you want–brass, oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, etc. to further customize your choice.
As you can see, picking out the right shower door for your bathroom isn’t as daunting as you might have thought. By following these four simple steps, you can select the shower door that you’ll love for years to come. When you are ready, contact Gordon’s Glass to get your new shower door installed by the best!
Not every window replacement company is the same, some will offer quality service and products, whereas others might be lacking. You’re going to want the best window replacement company that will be there not only during the bidding and installation process but you’ll also want a company that will stand behind their work and be there in case any problems arise later on down the road. With so many window replacement companies out there, all vying for your business, how do you ensure that you hire the BEST window replacement company? Here are 5 indicators that will help you to narrow it down and make the right decision for you.
Cost
Chances are you will inquire about getting a bid for your replacement window from various different window replacement companies. You’ll need to consider more than just the final number they give you. Keep in mind the quality of the materials you’ll be purchasing as they are not all equal, installation costs, and service will all factor into the final cost of replacement windows.
Beware of bargains and prices that are significantly lower than all the other bids you receive. While it may be tempting to go with the lowest price, but at what cost? Are you sacrificing quality just to save a few bucks upfront? Cheaper materials can result in unexpected costs later on. Look beyond the price tag and consider the cost of the window over the course of its lifetime. Generally speaking, a more expensive window initially will actually save you money over time.
Installation
No matter how much money you spend on new windows, even the most expensive, high-end windows won’t be able to compensate for faulty installation. When a window is installed poorly, you lose the intended energy-efficiency benefits that you thought you were getting. Find out if the company you got the bid from does the installation themselves or if they contract it out to a third party. The best window replacement company will do the installation themselves, to ensure that you get the best installation and not the cheapest job. Ask about their experience with installation and see examples of previous work. Gordon’s Glass makes it easy for you to get the answers to these questions by showing examples of their work available in their residential gallery on their website.
Warranties
What kind of warranty comes with the windows? The best window replacement company will offer a warranty as it shows customers that not only is the manufacturer confident in their product, but the replacement company is confident in their work as well. Things to look for in a good warranty will be the length of the warranty, what is covered under the warranty, and if there is a separate warranty for the window itself and a separate one for the installation.
Credibility
You are going to be giving the window replacement company access to your home, which means that you need to find one that you can trust. Part of that will include finding a company that specializes in window replacements, has a current business license, and is bonded and insured. Check out online reviews from other customers to see what they are saying about each company.
Service
Service is going to be crucial! Be sure to select a company that you not only can trust during the initial ordering and installation process but will also be there for you after the sale. How effective are they at communicating with you throughout the entire process? Are you able to reach them and get a response in a timely manner? All of this will factor into your overall experience with a company, so you’ll want to be sure that the company you choose to work with, has good communication and offers impeccable customer service.
While it may seem daunting to find the best window replacement company, everyone you talk to will likely have a different opinion. Thankfully it doesn’t have to be a difficult or overwhelming process. The experts at Gordon’s Glass provide exceptional customer service every step of the way to ensure that you have a positive experience, that you’ll want to share with all your friends and family. If you are looking for the best window replacement company in Logan, Utah look no further than Gordon’s Glass. Call today to schedule a free in-home estimate and be one step closer to enjoying your new windows!
New windows are an investment, one that you are going to want to take care, to ensure you continue to get the biggest return on your investment that you can. Once the installers have left, it will be up to you to keep your windows looking their best for years to come. Regularly cleaning and maintenance of your windows will allow you to notice any damage or problems early on before they become a huge problem.
Window Cleaning Tips
Over time, dirt, and other debris can build up on windows, making it difficult to see the beautiful view outside. Taking the time to clean and remove dirt from your windows will allow you to be able to see outside without obtrusion, and be able to detect if there are any problems with your windows.
How to Clean Replacement Windows
Cleaning your windows is an easy chore to do, even though it might not get done all that often. Here are a few tips on how best to clean and care for new and replacement windows.
Window Cleaning Safety Tips
Unfortunately, not all windows in your home will be located on the ground floor or in the basement, making it easy to clean both the inside and the outside without having to pull out the trusty ladder. For those upper-story windows that are harder to access to clean, here are a few tips to keep in mind to safely clean your windows.
When you take care of your windows they will last you for years to come, looking and functioning as good as they did the day they were installed. While cleaning your windows, if you notice that they need to be repaired or are simply needing to update your windows, contact Gordon’s Glass to schedule your free in-home estimate today.
The modern office workspace is changing goodbye are the days of dark cubicles, and hello to glass-partitioned workspaces. There are many advantages of having commercial glass partitions to divide up a workspace rather than utilizing cubicles. Glass partitions are high-quality, non-load-baring panes of glass that function as room dividers. Typically they span floor to ceiling and use aluminum frames or other mounting hardware to hold the systems in place.
Glass partitions allow for designers and architects to divide up a space, without sacrificing valuable floor space. Additionally, glass partitions are one of the simplest ways to update an office or commercial space to a modern office setting without breaking the bank. But, what is it about glass partitions that make them so popular?
Advantages of Glass Partitions:
Why Choose Commerical Glass for Your Interior Office Space?
Aside from the above-mentioned advantages of glass partitions in an office space, there are other reasons why you should consider commercial glass partitions in your office space.
In a traditional office setting, coworkers are tucked away behind a solid wall, making it difficult if not impossible for workers to interact and bond with each other. On the other hand, glass walls create an entirely new atmosphere where people are allowed to interact and engage with each other. Office settings that take advantage of glass partitions are generally more aesthetically pleasing and practical too.
When you remove a solid wall in your workspace and open it up with glass partitions, the entire attitude of the office environment can shift. Without a solid wall separating everyone, you are giving the impression that your business wants to be open and honest, not only within the company but with your customers as well. Any time someone, steps foot into your office space, they will see that you are open and on display, which translates to mean that you have nothing to hide, which in turn causes customers to feel as though they can trust you more. Another way in which removing walls improves relationships is that the openness within the space helps to improve and increase the productivity of your employees.
It might sound like an oxymoron, but glass partitions actually improve communication. Solid walls and doors, hinder communications, as it can be intimidating to approach an office where you can’t see inside. With glass partitions you know who you are talking to before you enter the office, which helps to make people feel more comfortable when approaching someone's office to talk.
Glass interiors have a modern feel to them, which can convey the message that the company is focused on the future and not stuck in the past. When a potential new customer, current customer, or potential employee walks into your office, first impressions are everything. Create an environment that immediately lets them know that they are in a comfortable, modern, open environment where they will want to work or do business.
When you decide to install a commercial glass partition in your office space, it is critical that you choose materials that are safe and durable. Generally speaking, glass is a material that doesn't go out of style, is extremely durable and completely safe, as commercial glass partitions are made using tempered glass. Glass is a great investment for any office as it won’t tarnish, fade, or lose it’s sleek look over time.
As you can see there are many benefits and reasons why you should consider a commercial glass partition for your workspace. Contact Gordon’s Glass today and talk to one of their commercial glass experts to see how a commercial glass partition can work in your space and upgrade your space.
One way that you can make your home more energy efficient, is to invest in residential glass windows with a Low-E coating. Maybe you’ve heard of it before, or maybe you haven’t, either way, it is something that you should look into and consider investing in. Whether you have heard of Low-E or not, chances are you might be wondering what exactly Low-E is and why it is recommended.
What is Low-E
Low-E stands for “low emissivity”, which is a fancy term that means the ability of a material to radiate energy. When glass is treated with a Low-E coating, it increases its insulation capabilities from that of normal glass, because it prevents the heat from the sun from passing through. In other words, this means that the Low-E coating will allow the light from the sun to brighten up a room while blocking the heat to keep the indoor temperature comfortable and right where you want it.
This might sound too good to be true, but it is! In order to better understand Low-E and how it works so effectively, we first have to understand the solar spectrum of light. The light that is produced by the sun is made up of three different types of light: there is the visible spectrum of light that we can see, invisible Ultraviolet (UV) light, and invisible Infrared (IR) light. When these three combine, they create the solar spectrum of light that we receive as energy from the sun. Each of these three lights emits a different wavelength that is specific to it, Low-E is able to block certain wavelengths while still allowing others to pass through. This allows us to only allow only certain wavelengths through while blocking unwanted/harmful rays.
Benefits of Low-E
Low-E coatings are specifically designed to reflect and block both UV and IR rays, while still allowing visible light to pass through. Through this process, homeowners benefit from having a reduced amount of heat transfer through the windows, which protects furniture and carpeting from harmful UV rays that can cause them to fade, and saves money due to the better insulation. Because Low-E coatings are specifically designed to filter out UV and IR rays, you can still enjoy all the natural sunlight without all the harmful rays.
Cleaning Low-E Glass
Another great thing about Low-E coatings is that it is applied between two panes of residential glass, so you don’t have to use any special cleaning solution. You can use your favorite window cleaning products you’ve always used, without having to worry about ruining the Low-E coating.
Hopefully, now you have a better idea and understanding of what Low-E is and why it is a good investment when purchasing new residential glass windows. If you are interested in purchasing new windows with Low-E, contact Gordon’s Glass to receive a free estimate and learn more about how Low-E can help you to save money on your utility bills.
When researching different commercial glass companies, you may have come across the phrase “licensed, bonded, and insured”. Do you know what that means or why it is important? Here we’ll define each term, and talk about the different types and why they are important to you as a customer.
What Does it Mean to Be Licensed?
Just like you are legally required to have a driver's license to drive and operate a car, businesses are also legally required to have a business, contractors, or another state-issued license to conduct business. So, when a business states that they are licensed, it simply means that they hold a state-issued license(s) to perform certain types of work. Typically, commercial glass companies will hold a business license and a contractor's license. Depending on the state, each has its requirements, such as Idaho requires a Public Works License to do work on any government jobs, which is why Gordon’s Glass also has an Idaho Public Works License in addition to their Utah and Idaho contractor licenses.
What Does Bonded Mean?
When you hear or read the phrase “licensed, bonded, and insured”, most people typically have an idea of what licensed and insured means, but bonded can be a bit murky. Just stating that a business is bonded doesn’t say much, as there is a multitude of different types of bonds, nor does it state the specific amount of the financial guarantee. Generally speaking, when a company states that they are licensed, bonded, and insured, they are stating that they have purchased some type of surety bond. In other words, a surety bond is a financial guarantee that the surety (insurance company issuing the bond) will pay the obligee (organization requiring the bond) on behalf of the principal (bonded company) if the principal is unable to meet their financial/debt obligation.
While this may sound like insurance, there is one major difference between the two. Unlike insurance, if the bond company pays out a claim on the commercial glass company's behalf, they will require the company to repay them for the claim.
As mentioned above, there are many different types of bonds available, which are generally broken down into two main categories: contract surety bonds and commercial surety bonds.
Contract Surety Bonds
These bonds are written for a specific construction project and are usually provided as an assurance to the specific project’s owner that the company will fulfill their obligation as outlined in their contract even if they are insolvent or go out of business before completion. Within the realm of contract surety bonds, there are four specific types:
Commercial Surety Bonds
Under the umbrella of commercial surety bonds, there are four sub-categories of bonds that are available.
Types of Insurance
As a general rule, companies are required to have some type of insurance to cover them, their employees, and their customers. This is often referred to as general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance.
As you can see, you must find a commercial glass company that is licensed, bonded, and insured so that you have peace of mind knowing you and they are both protected. If you are looking for a reputable licensed, bonded, and insured commercial glass company in Logan, Utah, and surrounding areas, look no further than Gordon’s Glass. With an extensive resume of successful commercial projects under their belt, Gordon’s Glass can help you with any commercial glass project you have.
As with many other creative outlets, there are many benefits associated with being creative, using your hands and your mind. Stained glass is no different. Whether you are looking to pick up a new hobby to splurge on in your free time, or if you are wanting to create your own stained glass masterpiece, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Importance of Creativity as an Outlet
Countless research has been done to prove that being creative and having a creative outlet can help to promote stress relief, increase self-esteem, and promote connection with others. There are other research studies that showcase different reasons why you should find a creative outlet to keep your hands and mind busy and see positive results in other aspects of your life. One of the biggest reasons why having a creative outlet is such a good thing is because art and being creative allow you to express your thoughts and feelings in a positive way while boosting your confidence at the same time.
Benefits of Stained Glass Art
There are many different art forms to choose from in order to express yourself and be used as a creative outlet. With so many different art forms available, why should you consider learning the art of stained glass? As far as projects that are specifically beneficial for stress relief and self-care, it's hard to find something more beneficial than stained glass. With its ability to create colorful light that is not only relaxing to look at but also facilitates positive emotions throughout the creation process.
Because each piece that goes into making a stained glass masterpiece is different and unique from the other pieces around it, working on a stained glass project is both challenging and rewarding. When you are finished, you will have a beautiful piece of art that you can display and enjoy for years to come. Each time you admire your hard work, you can be reminded of the positive emotions and experiences from making the piece of stained glass.
Being creative is a positive outlet for many different reasons whether you are looking for a positive way to express yourself, or simply a stress reliever, consider taking up the hobby of stained glass as a creative outlet to express yourself in a beautifully creative way.
Windows are a great asset to any home, they allow for natural lighting, solar heat, and fresh air into your home. At the same time, they also can allow for outside noises to come into your home, and disrupt your peace and quiet. If you live in a quiet neighborhood you might not have a problem with outside noises, or you might not need to worry about how to soundproof your windows.
No matter what you do, windows will never be able to block out 100% of external noises from your home. Anything from traffic, dogs barking, construction noise, and even birds can disrupt your quiet serenity within your home. While you can’t eliminate all outside noise, you can do a few things to reduce the noise.
Soundproofing vs Sound Absorption
There are two different methods used to reduce the amount of noise from outside that enters your home–soundproofing and sound absorption. While they both do essentially the same thing of reducing noise, they achieve this through different methods. Soundproofing stops outside noise from traveling through your windows, by halting or blocking sound vibrations in the air. On the other hand, sound absorption doesn’t block noise vibrations, instead, it reduces the noise once they enter.
Seal Window Gaps
One of the easiest ways to soundproof your windows is to use acoustic caulk. Acoustic caulk is specially formulated to reduce any noise that seeps through cracks between the window frame and the wall. Aside from reducing noise that seeps in, there are a few other benefits associated with using acoustic caulk.
Sound Dampening Curtains or Shades
Another really quick and easy way to reduce the amount of outside noise that enters your home is by simplifying installing sound-dampening curtains or shades. This method is effective due to the construction of the curtains and shades. With its thick, heavy material, and vinyl linings, sound-dampening curtains are able to absorb outside sound as it enters your home. Similarly, sound-dampening shades, trap outside noises between two layers of hexagonal fabric cells. While both sound-dampening curtains and shades are effective at dampening the noise, neither one is designed to absorb or eliminate excessive sounds, they are ideal for minimal noise and not significant sounds.
Upgrade Your Windows
Newer windows do a better job of dampening outside sounds than older windows. If you have older, single-pane windows, you might want to consider upgrading your windows to new vinyl, double or triple-pane windows. Single-pane windows have no soundproofing or sound-dampening capabilities, which is why if you are looking for ways to reduce the amount of outside noise you can hear inside, you should seriously consider upgrading your windows. Double and triple-pane windows consist of multiple pieces of glass, with an air gap between the panes that trap and block noise from filtering through. The soundproofing capabilities of double and triple-pane windows are so significant, that they are arguably the best soundproof windows available.
If you are really looking for ways to cut down on the amount of outside noise that can be heard from inside your home, you should seriously consider upgrading your windows. New windows not only have amazing soundproofing capabilities, but they also have insulating benefits that can have a significant impact on your budget, saving you money over the life of your windows.
Gordon’s Glass has a wide selection of new double and triple-pane windows to help cut down on noise pollution and insulate your home simultaneously. When you are ready to upgrade your windows, contact Gordon’s Glass to schedule a free, in-home estimate and see how affordable new windows can be, and enjoy the peace and quiet that comes with new windows!
With warmer weather here, now is the prime time to begin thinking about preparing your home and windows. With warmer weather, many homeowners like to open their windows to allow fresh air into their homes, but not enable bugs and creepy crawlies to enter as they, please. An easy way to deter and prevent unwanted bugs from coming in, while still allowing for fresh air flow is by utilizing your window screens. But, window screens will only keep things out if they are in good condition, with no holes. So, what do you do when you realize your screens aren’t up to par and you are in desperate need of window screen replacement? Can window screens be repaired or do they have to be replaced?
When to Rescreen vs Replace
Some people are pleasantly surprised when they learn that repairing and rescreening is an option, instead of whole window screen replacement. While it is not always possible to rescreen or repair an existing screen, when it can be done it can be very beneficial, saving you money. The biggest difference between needing a new screen and simply repairing and rescreening an existing screen will usually come down to the condition of the existing frame. Is the frame broken or bent? Are the corners still intact? Even if the frame is bent or broken and the corners are no longer intact, some screens can still be repaired! When trying to determine when to repair or rescreen vs a replacement, there are a few considerations to help you decide the right course of action to take.
How Does it Look to Rescreen?
When considering any type of repair, one of the first questions that many people ask is how does it look? In instances where the frame is still in perfect condition, you won’t be able to tell that the material has been replaced. On the other hand, if the frame is damaged, or faded a new screen material will stand out and be noticeable. Before deciding which route to go with, take a look at your frame and see what condition it is in to determine whether a rescreen will be noticeable and stand out, or if it will blend in and look like the original.
Is a Rescreen More Cost Effective?
The simple, short answer is yes a rescreen is going to be more cost effective than a new screen. Of course, there are going to be several different factors that play into determining the cost savings between a rescreen and a new screen, but more often than not a rescreen is going to be cheaper. When in doubt, ask for a price comparison between the two to help you decide which will be cheaper for you and your unique situation.
When Should You Reuse Your Old Frame?
Unless your current frame is broken, rusted, or doesn’t fit there is no reason to not reuse your old frame. Using the current frame not only guarantees that the new screen will fit back into the window opening, but it will also save you money on the repairs. It doesn’t make sense to replace a perfectly good frame unless for some reason you don’t want to reuse it and would rather have a whole new screen made.
As you can see, you can usually repair your existing screen, instead of having to invest in a window screen replacement anytime you get a simple tear or hole in the material. If you are still not sure or want to compare your options, visit Gordon’s Glass today and learn what screen repair or replacement option will be best for you.
Interior design trends are always changing, and it can be hard to keep up, especially if interior design isn’t your forte. One question that a lot of people have on their minds is in regard to decorative mirrors–are decorative mirrors out of style? No, decorative mirrors aren’t out of style, in fact, they are still really popular.
Are Mirrors Out of Style?
Years ago it was not uncommon to find complete walls covered in mirrors, but now not so much. Just because homeowners aren’t covering walls in mirrors, doesn’t mean that mirrors have gone out of style, in fact, they are still a popular design element, just in a different format. Instead of having floor-to-ceiling, flat mirrors, many are utilizing mirrors in different shapes and sizes to create focal points within a space.
There is more to style and design than simply throwing a mirror up on the wall and hoping that it looks good. When done right, mirrors can really enhance a space, making it feel larger, brighter, and homier than before. This is what makes mirrors timeless, and still in style today.
Wall Mirror Placement
As was previously mentioned, when mirrors are hung correctly, they add value to a space rather than detract from it. Where you place a mirror is key, especially in small rooms, where you are trying to make the room appear larger or brighter than it actually is. Before you pull out the hammer and nails, here are a few pointers to help ensure that where you place your mirrors will help you achieve the look and feel you want for your space.
Windows naturally allow for natural lighting to come into your home, when you place a mirror near a window, it enhances the amount of natural lighting. Depending on who you ask, some will say that placing a mirror across from a window will provide the maximum amount of light to be reflected, whereas others will say to place a mirror adjacent to the window. Regardless, when you place a mirror close to a window, you are creating a space where light can be reflected, allowing for the space to feel lighter and brighter.
Having a decorative mirror in a bedroom is not only for decoration but also serves a functional purpose. As such, it can be beneficial to not place the mirror across from the bed because it can be distracting from a space that is intended to be relaxing in nature.
Similar to that of using mirrors around windows, it is also a good idea to use mirrors in small spaces. Not only will the mirrors reflect the light within the small space making it feel brighter, but a mirror can also make the space feel larger as it reflects the space.
This often overlooked area of a home can really benefit from having a mirror. Not only are entryways generally small or tight, but a mirror can also help to make them feel bigger. Additionally, having a mirror in your entryway allows you to look at yourself on your way out the door.
Another popular place to hang a mirror is above your fireplace, on the mantle. While it might be tempting to simply set the mirror on your mantle, it is best if you hang it 3 to 6 inches above, which will allow for the other items on your mantle to have a little bit of breathing room. You can pair this look with candle sticks or tall vases to accent the size of the mirror. If you are going for a more trendy and modern look, resting the mirror on the mantle so that it leans back, and pairing it with some artwork look good too.
How to Get the Right-Sized Mirror for Your Space
Trying to determine the size of the mirror that you’ll need for your space, is going to require a little more thought than simply the size. Where you intend on placing the mirror is going to factor into determining the optimal size for the space.
When placing a mirror over a piece of furniture, you’ll want the mirror to be smaller than the furniture. If the mirror is the same size or more significant than the furniture, it can be overbearing, or take over the furniture piece. When the mirror is smaller than the furniture it is easier to decorate and accent the furniture and mirror with lamps, vases, etc.
Simply hanging a mirror directly on the wall, can help to make a space feel more prominent, as discussed earlier, but that doesn’t mean that you can have just any size hanging on the wall. A mirror that is too big can dominate and be counterproductive to what you are trying to achieve. Be sure to have plenty of wall space around the mirror so as to prevent the mirror from swallowing up the wall space and being overbearing.
Deciding on the size of a mirror for the bathroom is going to be dependent on the elements surrounding it. If you are doing a new build, or even remodeling your bathroom, you have the flexibility to customize the size and layout dependent on your lighting, electrical, and plumbing. If you are simply looking to replace an existing mirror, you’ll have to work around the existing plumbing, electoral, and lighting that is already installed. Typically you’ll want the mirror to cover the length of the sink with a little overhang if possible.
