Hard water spots are exactly that, hard water that has accumulated on a glass shower door, making it look dirty, grungy, and grimy. No one wants their new shower door to look dirty, even though it's not, due to the build-up of hard water. It is easier to prevent hard water from accumulating than it is to constantly have to clean and try to remove it. Here are a few ways to clean your glass, remove the hard water, and return your shower door to look like it's brand new again.
What Causes Hard Water Buildup
Hard water, also known as limescale, is when a high number of minerals found in your water, leave a chalky residue behind on shower doors and walls. When the water evaporates the minerals (limescale), remain behind clinging to any available surface, that appears hard, and crusty and can change color from white to green.
It is best to clean and remove hard water regularly, instead of letting them build up and become a nightmare. The longer you go between cleanings, the more build-up occurs, making it harder to remove. The more often you clean your shower, the less build-up you’ll have to remove each time.
Cleaning Materials
If you try to clean hard water spots off with regular glass cleaner, you’ll soon discover that it won’t come off, you’re going to need something stronger. Luckily, you can use some pantry staples such as vinegar and baking soda to safely and effectively remove any hard water buildup from your shower door. In addition to your vinegar or baking soda, you’ll also need:
How to Clean Hardwater off Glass
Now that you have all of the necessary cleaning supplies assembled, you are ready to begin cleaning. Start by warming up your vinegar until it is nice and hot. With your vinegar heated up, you are officially ready to begin!
Wearing rubber gloves, begin to dip your paper towels into the hot vinegar and place them on your shower door glass. The acidic nature of the vinegar will penetrate the mineral deposits, and begin to loosen them. Let the vinegar-soaked paper towels sit on the glass for 30 to 60 mins, before removing them. While waiting, continue to wet the paper towels, by spraying them with vinegar from a spray bottle.
Once the 30-60 mins have elapsed, you can then remove the vinegar-soaked paper towels, take a damp rag or sponge and sprinkle it with a generous amount of baking soda. Using your baking soda rag or sponge, wipe down the door gently, avoiding any vigorous scrubbing.
At this point, you are now ready to rinse off any residual vinegar or baking soda, using distilled water. If you have any spots that remain behind, repeat the baking soda scrub until they are gone. At this point, your glass should be shiny and clear! Dry the glass with a microfiber towel.
How to Prevent Future Build Up
The best way to prevent hard water and limescale from building up on your shower door is to wipe it down after every time the shower is used. Because hard water results from water accumulating on the glass, evaporating and leaving minerals behind, wiping down the glass before the water can evaporate, will eliminate the problem. The best way to wipe down the glass is by using a small squeegee after showering to ensure that all the water is removed from the surface of the glass.
Windows are one of your home's first defenses against the outside elements–wind, water, animals, etc. As such, it is essential that you have good windows, which work to protect your home and not work against you. New windows, which are specifically designed to be energy-efficient, can work to better protect your home than old windows.
If you’ve priced new windows, you might be a little sticker shocked at the price tag that accompanies new windows. Why do new windows have to cost so much? Read on to learn why new windows come with such a high price tag and see how the benefits of new windows outweigh the cost of new windows.
Replacement Windows
Replacement windows are exactly what they sound like, they are new windows that go into an existing hole to upgrade your current home, without having to cut new holes in walls. There are many reasons why one might consider replacement windows, instead of repairing old windows, including increased insulation, energy efficiency, reduced noise pollution, and an updated appearance.
Why do Windows Cost so Much to Replace?
The high cost of new windows comes down to the fact that windows are custom-made to size, and can be labor-intensive to install. Every single window that has ever been made, and ever will be made is custom-made, there is no such thing as a “standard size”. While it may appear that there are “standard sizes”, styles, colors, orientations, etc. are all different, and can all affect the price of the window.
Factors that Affect the Price
When it comes to figuring out the price of new replacement windows, there are a few different factors that come into play. The size will play a huge factor in the price, as larger windows require more material, which in turn results in a higher price. That fact shouldn’t come as a surprise, as that is generally how it comes with most things.
Not only will more material come with a higher price tag, but also the type of material that is used can and will have an impact on the price as well. The most common materials used in new replacement windows are wood and vinyl. When it comes to comparing prices of wood and vinyl windows, wood is significantly more expensive, but it typically has a longer lifespan than vinyl windows. Due to its longevity, it can be argued that over time, wood windows are more affordable than vinyl windows. Vinyl windows are a more affordable, budget-friendly window replacement option, that will last you a long time.
Another fact that can have an impact on the price of the window is the style of the window–slider, single-hung, picture, casement, etc. Due to the style and materials required to manufacture the different styles of windows can have an effect on the prices.
All windows come with a clear, double-pane unit, which is factored into the price If you want to upgrade to a triple-Payne window or change from clear glass to an obscure glass, it will impact the price in an upward direction. Any customization you make to a window will have an impact on the price.
How to Save Money on Replacement Windows
When looking for ways to save money on new replacement windows, don’t fall victim to buying cheaper windows just to save money. You can purchase quality windows without having to break the bank to do so. Keeping windows as basic as possible, will help to keep the price down. Customizations are part of the reason why windows get priced out of budget. Instead of purchasing a unique style with specialty glazing, opt for a style that is common with clear or simple obscure glass.
Don’t just go with the first bid that you receive, be sure that you get multiple bids from various different glass companies to ensure that you get a quality window at a reasonable price. Just because one bid might be significantly cheaper than another bid that you receive, doesn’t mean you will be getting a good window, be sure to ask about the brand of window was bid and do your own research. The cheapest bid might not be the best option for you.
If you are looking for window replacements, contact Gordon’s Glass to schedule a free in-home estimate. Not only will you be getting a bid for quality window replacements, but you’ll also realize how affordable new windows can be.
Commercial glazing is a whole different beast than residential glazing. If you are looking for a commercial glass company to provide glass and glazing services for your commercial projects, don’t call just any glass company. Instead, you will want to hire a glass company that has the experience and specializes in commercial glazing. Because commerical and residential glazing is different, hiring the right company will ensure that the project goes smoothly, stays on schedule, and most importantly on budget.
When considering different commercial glass companies, and which one you should hire for your next project, here are a few reasons why you should trust your commercial glazing needs to Gordon’s Glass.
Experience
The biggest thing you are going to want to look for when considering different commercial glass companies is the amount of experience they have in successfully completing commercial glazing projects. With Gordon’s Glass, you will be getting industry experts with over 50 years of commercial glazing experience. Covering a wide array of projects ranging in size, price points, and materials. Throughout the years, gaining valuable experience, our commercial project managers and installers have learned what it takes to be successful in the commercial glazing industry.
Whether it is a large new construction project or a small remodel job, Gordon’s Glass has done it and has the experience to get the job done. No job is too big or too small for Gordon’s Glass commercial glass company.
Knowledge
Through our experience working on various different commercial projects over the years, Gordon’s Glass commercial technicians have gained knowledge of how various different glazing systems work and are installed. Knowing and understanding how various glazing systems work, make Gordon’s Glass versatile and capable to install any type of glazing system the job calls for–simple to complex.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Regardless of the size of the project, you will want to ensure that the commercial glass company you hire, is licensed, bonded, and insured so that you and them are protected in case anything happens. Being licensed ensured that they are a legit, and legal business. Bonded and insured will save you from having to pay out of pocket if anything happens to the glass or glazing systems during the construction process.
A business that also claims to be bonded and insured means that they also have the necessary insurance policies to protect itself and its employees. This usually included worker's compensation insurance in the event an injury occurs while on the job, and general liability insurance.
Suppliers
Having access to a multitude of different suppliers means that you have access to a wider variety of supplies, brands, and glazing systems. One of the most popular and highly desirable suppliers is Kawneer for commercial glazing projects. As the only authorized Kawneer dealer in all of Cache Valley, Gordon’s Glass has the advantage of being able to purchase directly and supply Kawneer products when specified on commercial projects. Along with being an authorized Kawneer dealer, Gordon’s Glass also utilizes Truelite, Tubelite, Efco, and other large commercial glass and glazing suppliers.
Equipment
Many commercial projects, are not all on one level and require the use of ladders and other equipment to be able to reach. A lot of commercial glass companies have to rent the necessary equipment in order to be able to install the glass and glazing systems. Gordon’s Glass owns all of its own equipment, making it easier for them to install glass and glazing systems. This means that they don’t have to rely on renting equipment to complete a job, as they have their own.
As you can see there are many reasons why you should hire Gordon’s Glass for all of your commercial glass projects. As the largest, most experienced commercial glass company in the entire Cache Valley area, it is a no-brainer, Gordon’s Glass is highly qualified to handle any and every commercial glass project you may have.
Chances are you’ve heard the age-old superstition “Break a mirror and you’ll have 7 years of bad luck”. Whether you believe in superstitions or not is a different matter altogether, we’re here to discuss this legend and ways in which you can break this curse by properly disposing of a broken mirror.
It is believed that the broken mirror superstition dates all the way back to the Romans, who believed that the soul would regenerate every 7 years. What do souls have to do with broken mirrors? Well, the Romans also believed that the reflection in a mirror is not just a representation of one's physical appearance, but it is also a reflection of one's soul. So, when you break a mirror, you’re then having to wait for an entirely new soul to rid yourself of the bad luck, hence the 7 years of bad luck.
Other people believe that mirrors were actually devices of the Gods, instead of one’s own soul. So when a mirror was broken, it would anger the Gods, who in turn would torment the person responsible for breaking the mirror.
No matter what superstition you believe, or none at all, here are a few different hacks to keep in your back pocket to ward off 7 years of bad luck, the next time you, unfortunately, break a mirror.
Throw Salt Over Your Left Shoulder
As soon as possible following the breaking of a mirror, be sure to get some salt in your hands, and throw some over your left shoulder. The theory behind this hack is that by throwing salt over your left shoulder, you are throwing the salt directly onto the Devil who lurks there.
Spin in a Circle 3 Times
If you don’t have salt on hand, be sure to quickly spin around in a circle 3 times. But, don’t just start spinning, be sure that you are spinning counterclockwise, so as to confuse the spirits you’ve upset from breaking a mirror. Be careful, don’t just go around spinning in circles for no reason, as you’ll actually bring bad luck upon yourself.
Grind the Mirror into a Find Powder
Take the pieces from the broken mirror, and grind them into a fine powder, using any method you are comfortable with will prevent you from seeing your reflection in the broken shards. If this is the hack you decide to use to ward off bad luck, be sure you are careful and wear safety goggles and gloves.
Toss the Broken Mirror into a South Running Stream
If you’re really worried about having 7 years of bad luck and have time on your hands, this could be the hack for you! Legend has it that when you toss the broken mirror pieces into a south-running stream, the stream will wash away the bad luck in 7 hours, instead of 7 years. If you don’t have close access to any river or stream, you can simply run the shards of the mirror under running water in your sink. This has to be the easiest and simplest way to wash away bad luck!
Blacken the Mirror with Fire
In order for this hack to be effective, you don’t necessarily have to use fire to blacken the mirror fragments. Use a flame, fire, candle, lighter, stove, or anything flammable to black the mirror pieces and then bury them exactly one year later. While you have to wait one year before you can bury the pieces, be sure you are cautious so as not to experience bad luck before you get them buried.
Bury the Mirror
Another relatively easy hack to combat 7 years of bad luck is to simply bury the broken pieces of mirror, far into the ground where the spirits can’t find them. If you choose to use this hack, it is best to accomplish this task at night, so your reflection is less likely to be taken with the broken pieces.
Next time you are unfortunate and break a mirror, remember all these hacks to combat the bad luck that is sure to ensue!
Vinyl windows are the most popular choice for window replacements for many homeowners now. With the ability to order in different colors–white, beige, or black, to suit your style and preference, vinyl windows are a no-brainer when it comes to investing in new windows. As with most other things, there are cheap window replacement options and more expensive options available.
While they are an attractive and highly sought-after choice, what happens if they warp? Why do they warp, to begin with? Do all vinyl windows warp or just some? Are some windows more inclined to warp than others? These are all valid questions, that we hope to be able to answer here, there are many different factors contributing to this topic that it can be impossible to fully predict or prevent windows from warping.
Why do Windows Warp
Simply put windows warp as a result of the expansion and contraction of the vinyl materials as a result of drastic temperature changes. As a result, windows can have a hard time opening or closing, along with hurting the window’s seal. Warped windows are a serious problem that should be rectified as soon as possible. So what causes windows to warp aside from extreme temperature changes?
How to Detect Warping
Being able to detect a window that is warped is easier than you might think. First off you’ll notice that your window is no longer opening or closing correctly like it is supposed to. When a window is warped, it can be difficult to open or close, and the seal may not be as tight as it should be, allowing for a draft and possibly bugs to enter your home.
Another, more obvious sign that windows have warped is there will be a noticeable change in the shape of the window. Good indicators include a bow or bulge along the window face making it so that the window no longer seals properly. Other indicators include water or air leaks, or a sagging sash preventing the window from being locked.
What to do if Your Vinyl Windows Warp?
Depending on the severity of the warping, there might be some simple hacks that you can try on your own to remedy the situation. But for extreme warping, replacements will be the only option. When in doubt, it is best to hire a professional glass company to come and assess the situation and provide professional recommendations to get you the best results.
Don’t settle for cheap window replacements, instead investing in quality windows will help to prevent your windows from eventually warping over time. When you purchase quality, windows you aren’t guaranteed that they won’t eventually warp, but you are less likely to experience warping because the vinyl is of a better quality and will be better equipped to stand up to the fluctuation in temperatures. If you find that your cheap window replacements didn’t hold up and are experiencing warped windows yourself, contact Gordon’s Glass today to have a technician come out and see what if anything can be done to fix the problem before it gets worse. If your warped windows can’t be fixed, Gordon’s Glass can give you a free estimate to replace your windows with high-quality windows that will last you for years to come.
A common misconception many people have is that bulletproof and bullet-resistant glass is the same thing when in reality they are different, at least in verbiage. The truth is, there are always going to be bigger weapons with bigger ammo that will be able to penetrate through even the thickest piece of glass, making bullet resistant the more accurate term rather than bulletproof. In order to achieve the highest level of protection and bullet-resistant glass is extremely expensive, and quite heavy, oftentimes pricing itself outside the realms of reality for many businesses seeking bullet-resistant commercial glass. In other words, most businesses that you’d think are using bulletproof glass are in fact only using bullet-resistant glass instead.
What is Bullet Resistant Glass?
Bullet-resistant glass is most commonly found in businesses where there is a need for greater safety and security for day-to-day operations, employees, and customers. These businesses will need to take into consideration the type of threats that are most likely to occur at their location, in order to know what level of protection will be required to keep everyone safe.
Bullet-resistant glass is made by taking sheets of glass and using them to sandwich transparent polycarbonate between multiple pieces, then high-pressure heating everything up to seal everything together and harden it for greater strength. The more layers that are added on top of each other, make the glass, even more, stronger (and heavier).
Levels of Protection
A common misconception when it comes to bullet-resistant glass is that all bullet-resistant glass has the same strength and will stand up against the same weapons, this simply is not true. There are different levels of strength that will offer different levels of protection against different weapons.
As you can see, there are various different levels of bullet-resistant commercial glass intended to protect you, your business, and your employees. If you are interested in investing in some bullet-resistant glass, contact Gordon’s Glass today to find out what options are available to you.
Look around you, you might be pleasantly surprised to see how many things you use daily are made of glass. Aside from the obvious–windows, shower doors, and mirrors, there are a lot of things that use glass in their construction. These items don’t use just regular old annealed glass, nope they use a stronger, safer glass, known as tempered glass.
There are a variety of different uses for tempered glass, some more common than others. Here are some of the many uses in which tempered glass is most commonly found.
Mobile Device
You may or may not know, but the screen on all of your mobile devices is made of tempered glass. Your cell phones, tablets, laptops, etc. all have tempered glass screens. Additionally, all the heavy-duty tempered glass screen protectors that you can purchase, help to keep your phone and tablet screen scratch-free.
Kitchen Appliances
Appliances that need to withstand extreme amounts of heat, such as your stovetop, ovens, etc. all use tempered glass. Additionally, the glass shelves inside your refrigerator are also made using tempered glass.
Sports Arenas
The glass partitions surrounding a hockey rink are made of tempered glass. Similarly, any indoor sports quotes or home gyms will have tempered glass windows and surrounds in case they get hit will balls or gym equipment.
Office Partitions
Glass partitions within an office, spanning floor to ceiling are also tempered glass because they are strong enough to withstand someone running into them.
Retail Store Fixtures
There are many reasons why retail stores install tempered glass fixtures rather than annealed ones. The first reason is that they are strong enough, making it difficult to break in the event someone wants to try and steal something from the display case. That's not to say they won’t break, if someone is determined enough, or has the right tools they can still break the glass and get what's inside. The second reason that many stores invest in tempered displays, is that tempered glass is crystal clear, allowing customers to clearly see what is on display.
Railings
Anywhere you see glass railings, homes, decks, department stores, offices, and commercial and public spaces, all are made with tempered glass to ensure individual and public safety.
As you can see there are many uses for tempered glass, not all of which were listed here. While some of these applications can only be repaired or replaced by a specialty company (i.e., your cell phone screen), Gordon’s Glass can help you with many of your tempered glass needs. To learn more, or to get a quote, contact Gordon’s Glass today!
When it comes to replacement windows, you might have a lot of questions unless you’ve been through the process before. Even then, windows change over time, and even those who have purchased residential windows before might still have a few questions. Even if you think you know what you’re doing cause you’ve done it before, it is important to remember that every home and homeowner is different, meaning there will be different needs for each home. To help simplify the process, we’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions regarding residential window replacements here.
1- Should I replace all my windows at once?
Most people, decide to replace their windows for one of three reasons, update curb appeal, window functionality, or indoor aesthetics. Depending on the reason why you are looking at replacing your windows, will factor into whether or not you should replace them one at a time, or all at once.
If you are looking to update your current curb appeal, replacing one window at a time, won’t make as big of an impact as if you were to replace all of them at the same time. This is because a single window that is different from all the others can stand out and look “funny” compared to everything else, or it can be a subtle change that no one even notices and your curb appeal looks the same.
Functionality can make it easier for you to decide if you want to replace a single window or all your windows. If you have a single window that doesn’t function as it should or is drafty, it is simple, replace that single window. If you have multiple windows that are having functioning issues, you might want to replace multiple windows at the same time.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need or want to change the style of the interior of your home, you might consider residential window replacements. Upgrading all the windows in a room can elevate the room from blah to grand by creating a cohesive look throughout the space that you can then enjoy for years to come.
Ultimately, there is going to be what you want to do and what you can realistically afford to do. Budget will be a determining factor in how many windows you are able to replace at any given time. Can you afford to do multiples? Go for it, if not, replacing windows one at a time is a good option as well.
2- What Style of Window is Best for Me?
When it comes to replacement windows, there are a variety of different styles available–sliders, picture, single or double-hung, casement, etc. For most deciding which style is the right choice for them is a personal preference. Most homes will have a combination of different styles of windows, mostly for aesthetic reasons. The choice of styles that you select will be dependent upon the design of your home, the size of the opening, and the needs of the room where the window is located.
3- Should I hire a Professional or DIY?
It is common for many homeowners to want to take on a DIY project in an attempt to save some money. While some projects can be tackled by anyone who is handy, installing new windows isn’t one of them. It is recommended if you want to take on the installation of new windows, you only attempt it if you have advanced carpentry skills, especially if you are replacing multiple windows at the same time. It is best to leave window replacements to the professionals at Gordon’s Glass because if windows aren’t installed correctly, there can be many negative impacts on the windows including their performance, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.
4- When is the Best Time of Year to Replace Windows?
There are clearly going to be times of the year when window replacements are more popular than other times of the year, but it is possible to install new windows all year long. While warmer months are preferable, with a little extra planning and time, new windows can be installed during cold winter months as well.
5- How Do I Prepare My Home for New Windows?
The process of installing window replacements can be a little messy, which is why it is advised that you take a few steps before the installers show up to prepare your home. A few things you should do before they arrive include:
If you have any other questions regarding the window replacement process, contact the experts at Gordon’s Glass. With years of experience, Gordon’s Glass knows what is involved with replacing windows and can answer any questions you may have.
Windows are one of the most essential features in any home, they allow natural lighting into your home, provide you with the ability to get fresh air, and help to maintain the energy efficiency of any home. Because they play such an essential role in a home, it is vital that when considering investing in new windows, you look for more than just cheap window replacements. Although we recommend that you entrust your new window needs to the professionals at Gordon’s Glass, here are a few tips if you choose to take on the task yourself.
Accuracy
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Measure twice cut once”? That exact same philosophy applies to new windows, even though you won’t necessarily be cutting anything yourself. Before you can begin to replace your windows, you’ll need to know what size windows to order. Be sure to check the height and width measurement multiple times to ensure that you have an accurate measurement. Make sure you take your time and don’t rush this step as it will ensure that you get the best fit the first time around. When you go to order, remember window measurements are given width first followed by height.
Go with Energy Efficient Windows
Because you don’t replace your windows very often, it is beneficial to purchase high-quality, energy-efficient windows that will last for years to come. While it might seem like a huge investment up front, purchasing energy-efficient windows will help you to save money on heating and cooling costs for the life of your windows.
Stick with Common Styles
Although it can be fun to think outside the box and want to purchase windows that are different and unique. Along with different styles and designs comes a higher price tag, making it harder to afford new windows when you are on a budget and looking for cheap window replacements. Instead, spend your money on Windows with other features that will work for you, and save you money.
Purchase Quality Materials
As with most other home renovation projects, you’ll want to ensure that you are purchasing quality materials and not just something to get the job done. Not all windows are made of the same quality and craftsmanship, which is why it is recommended that you take the time to do some research and find the highest-quality windows within your budget. Just because you are looking for cheap window replacements doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice quality.
Affordable Window Replacements in Logan, Utah
There are a lot of different window options available to homeowners, some are better than others. If you are looking to replace the windows in your home, and want to install them yourself or have them professionally installed, contact Gordon’s Glass today to schedule a free estimate. Getting high-quality, reliable windows installed in your home is easier and more affordable than you might think! Don’t wait any longer, contact Gordon’s Glass today!
The process of getting new windows in Logan Utah can be stressful and overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to be. Making the decision to replace your old windows, getting quotes, and then waiting for new windows to be ordered, takes time, but it will be worth it in the end. With new energy-efficient windows, you’re not only adding value to your home, but you are setting yourself up to save money moving forward.
Here are a few of the benefits that make the hassle of getting new energy-efficient windows worth it:
These are only some of the benefits that you can enjoy for yourself when you invest in new windows in Logan, Utah. Gordon’s Glass has high-quality, energy-efficient windows that will add value to your home while offering you quality and comfort that you can enjoy for years to come. If you are ready to invest in new windows in or around Logan, Utah, contact Gordon’s Glass today to schedule your free in-home estimate!
