Since glass windows were initially invented, they have changed and evolved a lot over the years. Not only has the design and function changed, but also the glass and energy efficiency qualities that they possess. Not only have windows evolved based on style and function, but they have also evolved into glass types–commerical and residential. Aside from the size differences in residential and commercial glass, what is the difference between the two? Here we’ll discuss 4 main differences between the two types of glass.
Window Materials
Both commercial glass and residential glass are designed and configured to excel in their respective roles. Because a lot of commercial windows are installed in tall skyscrapers, they require additional reinforcements and thicker glass than a residential window would. Because commercial buildings are larger and have more people inside at any given time, they are able to generate and corral heat faster than a residential home. Because of its ability to conduct heat, commercial glass is often coated with materials to filter out most of the sunlight, cutting down on the amount of heat conversion. This allows for light to enter the building without heating the building.
Strength and Durability
The fact that many commercial buildings are tall, makes them subject to high winds that many residential windows aren’t subject to. That isn’t to say that residential windows don’t need to withstand the periodic strong window, it just isn’t as common as what commercial buildings need to withstand. Replacing a residential window is easy to do, and requires a minimal amount of time, compared to commercial windows which take more time, and often require specialized equipment.
Energy Efficiency
Over the years, both residential and commercial glass has made major strides in improving energy efficiency. In recent years, residential manufacturers have implemented and developed methods to prevent air leakage, along with unwanted heat loss or gain. On the other hand, commercial business owners are looking for commercial glass options that include environmental and cost-cutting measures to prevent their HVAC systems from working overtime, while still allowing for natural light to filter in through their windows.
Cost
The biggest difference between residential and commercial glass is going to be the cost. Residential-grade materials and easier installation make them more affordable. Whereas commercial glass is constructed using more materials and is thicker and more difficult to install, they are going to be more expensive.
Whether you are in need of residential or commercial glass repairs, replacements, or new construction, contact Gordon’s Glass today!
Chances are you have an opinion on shower curtains vs shower doors, and why in your opinion one is superior to the other. While shower curtains allow you to change on a whim, are relatively inexpensive and showcase personality, there are a lot of benefits from having an actual shower door that you might not have thought of.
Keep Water in the Shower
One of the biggest advantages of a shower door over a shower curtain is that a shower door is far superior in keeping water in the shower instead of on your bathroom floor. After all, that is the sole purpose of both a shower door and shower curtain is to keep water in the shower, while a shower curtain tries, a shower door is more successful. Shower doors are better equipped to keep water inside because they are attached and sealed to the wall, floor, or tub rim. The ability to keep water inside is not only advantageous as it prevents water damage to other parts of your bathroom, but it also prevents any slippery puddles from forming on the floor, which could be a slip hazard.
Bathroom Looks Bigger
When a shower curtain is closed it looks nice, and you’re able to show off the design and your personality but it comes at a cost. Not only does a closed shower curtain show your personality and style, but it also closes off the bathroom, making it feel smaller and more confined. On the other hand, glass shower doors give the illusion of a larger, more expanded space, making even the smallest of bathrooms feel large and spacious. Opting for a frameless or even a semi-frameless can create an even more spacious feeling space with minimal hardware.
Last Longer
The initial upfront cost of a shower door is going to be more than that of a shower curtain, but it will last a lot longer. Curtains are more susceptible to needing frequent replacements due to ripping, staining, or mold/mildew. When shower doors are properly cleaned and cared for, your investment can last for years, making their lifespan substantially longer than that of shower curtains.
More Entry Points
A shower curtain limits where you can step in and out of your shower–you slide open the shower curtain, step in or out, and slide closed. Whereas with shower doors, you can have a door that swings open or slides, providing different entry points. This can be ideal for showers in smaller or unique spaces. Another added benefit is that having a shower door that opens the direction that you need, can make it safer and easier for elderly individuals or those with compromised mobility to shower safely.
Highlight Shower’s Interior
Many showers have intricate and detailed tile work done, which you’ll want to show off. When you have a shower curtain, the tile work will be hidden behind the curtain. A glass shower door allows you to show off your tile work so that you can admire it even when you’re not in the shower.
Increased Resale Value
Homes that are modern and updated have a higher resale value than those that don’t. A glass shower door can help to increase the resale value of your home for potential buyers. This is especially true if you invest in a custom or frameless shower door, to give your bathroom an updated and sleek appearance, which many modern buyers want.
If you are in the market for a new shower door, contact Gordon’s Glass today, with experience in custom, framed, frameless, and semi-frameless shower doors you’ll get a beautiful shower door that will add value and luxury to any bathroom.
Those who are unfamiliar with all the technical jargon surrounding windows glass replacements may be confused by the term “double Pane”. As the name implies, a double-pane window is simply put, two pieces of glass sealed together. But what else goes into a double-pane window and why are they so popular?
What are double-pane windows?
Double-pane windows use two pieces of glass that are sealed together using a special material that is designed to absorb moisture and prevent fogging. Additionally, between the two pieces of glass is an air pocket, that can be filled with air, argon, or krypton gas. The purpose of the air space is to ensure that less heat passes through the window, into or out of your home.
Advantages of Double Pane Windows
There are several advantages of double pane windows over single pane, that have made them incredibly popular among homeowners and commercial property owners alike. Here are some of the benefits of double-pane windows:
Double-pane windows are so common now, that it is nearly impossible to purchase a single-pane window anymore. If you are looking for window glass replacements, and need to replace your double-pane window, contact Gordon's Glass to schedule a free estimate.
As anyone who has ever undertaken a project, large or small will tell you, there is nothing more frustrating than starting a project, only to discover you don’t have enough material to finish. This then means you have to find a stopping point, figure out what you still need to finish, and then make a trip to the store to purchase the necessary supplies.
Ensuring you have the right amount of supplies before you begin a stained glass project is critical to ensure that all of your pieces match, and you don’t end up settling for using pieces that don’t quite match. If you’re lucky enough, some patterns will break it down for you, telling you exactly how much of each color will be required to complete the project. In case your pattern doesn’t tell you, or you designed your own pattern, here you’ll learn two different methods that will help you to calculate precisely how much stained glass you’ll need to purchase before you begin your next project.
Color Method
Start by coloring your pattern with the desired colors for each piece. This will help you to visualize what colors you’ll need, and roughly how much of each color. Once you’ve colored your whole pattern, figure out the approximate size of each piece. You’ll need to determine the overall square foot size (multiply the width by the height) of your entire project. Once you’ve determined the square footage, add an additional 20-30% for waste and breakage.
Once you have figured out the total square footage of your project and added the additional 20-30%, it is time to determine how much of each specific color you’re going to need. Start by visually determining a rough percentage of each color, for example, 50% green, 40% red, and 10% white (all together need to equal 100%). Now that you have your approximate values for each color, divide the total area plus the extra by the percentage you’ve figured out for each color. This number will then give you the amount of stained glass you need for each color in square inches. To convert this number to square feet, divide it by 144.
Drawing Method
This method can be easier to help you determine how much of each color of stained glass you need, but it can be more time-consuming. This method is often preferred by those who aren’t a big fan of doing all the math calculations, this method is more of a visual estimate.
Start by laying your pattern out on a work surface. You’ll then need to cut tracing paper or scrap paper, into a number of 12 X 12 squares. Start by having one square for each color in your pattern, more squares may be required for larger patterns that use a lot of one color. Once you have all your tracing paper cut out, simply trace each pattern piece onto the tracing paper according to its color, (all the white on one piece of paper, all the green on another, and so forth). This will give you a visual idea of how much stained glass you will need for each color in your pattern. Don’t forget to add an additional 20-30% for waste and breakage to ensure you have enough to complete your project.
With either of these methods, you should have a pretty good indication of how much stained glass you need to purchase before you begin your project. Knowing how much to purchase should help you from having to stop mid-project and go buy more and hope it matches.
Everyone loves their windows and all the natural light they allow in until they no longer are clear and allow for you to have a clear view outside. When your windows are no longer serving their purpose, you might begin to look into cheap window replacement to rectify the issue as soon as possible. When looking into replacing your windows, you may discover the term “retrofit” windows and not understand what exactly retrofit windows are and if they are a viable or even a cheap window replacement option for you.
What are Retrofit Windows?
A retrofit window, also known as a replacement window, is the process of installing new, energy-efficient, insulated glass into an existing window frame. During this process, the surrounding framing, drywall, siding, or trim are not disturbed. The one downside to retrofit windows is that they must fit into an existing hole, whereas new construction windows can be ordered in any size.
One of the biggest advantages of retrofitting windows over new construction windows is that the installation process is straightforward. To ensure that retrofit windows fit, they have a component around their perimeter that allows them to fit over the existing window frame. Even if the existing frame has warped over time, or is not flush with the wall, the installation process will require less work compared to the installation of new construction windows.
When to Use Retrofit Windows
Aside from the fact that retrofit windows are quick and easy to install into an existing opening, there are more reasons why they are often the better window replacement option.
When to Use New Construction Windows
There will be instances where a retrofit window is not an option, and you’ll need to invest in a new construction window. Some of these situations include:
Whether you are in the market for new construction windows, or a cheap window replacement with the cheaper option of retrofit windows, Gordon’s Glass does it all! Not sure what option is right for you, or will fit within your budget, schedule your free in-home estimate today!
Are you looking for a quick and easy way to update your home? Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to add mirrored closet doors to finish off your space, but haven’t gotten around to it. Whatever the reason, don’t put it off any longer! There are many reasons why you should consider adding them, but here we’ll discuss some of the benefits that come with mirrored closet doors.
Makes a Room Feel Larger
No matter what room you want to add mirrored closet doors to, mirrors will help to make a room feel and appear much larger than it actually is without having to do any major remodeling. The best part is that mirrors don’t take up any extra space, since they attach directly to the doors that are already there. Adding mirrors to create the sense of a larger room is going to be most effective in a smaller space, to begin with, as they will instantly make the space feel larger than it is.
Create a More Modern Look
Looking to modernize your home without spending a fortune, can be done by simply installing mirrored closet doors in lieu of traditional wood closet doors. Mirrored closet doors can help to create a more modern style and contemporary vibe with a distinctive design statement. Featuring clean lines, with contemporary hardware results in a sophisticated, up-to-date style that is both modern and functional.
Increase Lighting
Mirrored doors can also help to brighten up a room, by reflecting light. This can be especially beneficial in parts of your home that don’t get a lot of natural light and tend to be darker. Because mirrors naturally reflect lighting, adding mirrors can instantly lighten up any space.
Convenient and Functional
Older mirrored closet doors had a bad rap of being heavy, clunky, and difficult to open and close. Modern sliding mirrored doors are much better, being constructed of lightweight material so that they are able to open and close with ease.
Maximize Space
Unlike other types of doors, sliding mirror doors don’t take up extra space. Instead, they are installed with the track on the frame of the door, so you don’t have to worry about them swinging into or out of your room.
If you’ve ever wanted to install mirrored closet doors, now is the time! Contact Gordons’s Glass today to learn more about how installing mirrors on your closet doors can change your space!
It is frustrating when you try to look out your windows and cannot due to the condensation that has accumulated on them. Initially, you might think you will need to look into window replacement, but that might not necessarily be true. There are things that you can do to help reduce the amount of condensation that collects on your windows. But, before we do that it is important to understand what causes the condensation in the first place.
What is Condensation?
Simply put, condensation occurs when water droplets collect on a cold surface (i.e., your window) because there is humid air that comes into contact with it. Condensation often occurs on windows because the surface of windows is colder than your walls, which are filled with insulation.
Now that you know what condensation is, you can work to mitigate it from happening. Are you noticing the condensation on the inside of your window? The outside? Or is it occurring between the two panes of glass? Regardless of where it is occurring, here are a few tips to help prevent it from happening.
Condensation on the Inside of the Windows
When humid air within your home comes into contact with the cold glass of your windows, condensation occurs. This is especially common in the cold winter months, as the temperature outside your home, is cold and dry compared to the warm and humid air inside your home. This is true even if you aren’t using a humidifier, as daily activities, such as cooking, bathing and even breathing all contribute to the amount of humidity found within your home.
Window replacements to replace old, drafty windows, new energy-efficient doors, or installing a new roof or siding can all contribute to the condensation on the insides of your windows. On their own, each of these elements, is a good thing, helping to make your home more energy-efficient, but more often than not, they create too tight of a seal, eliminating the ability for excess humidity to escape. With nowhere for the humidity to go, condensation on the insides of your windows becomes more frequent, which can lead to more serious problems if ignored.
Ways to Reduce Winter Condensation in Your Home
As the temperature drops outside, we all begin to turn up the thermostat within our homes. As a result, the humidity found within our homes begins to increase. Here are a few tips to help you reduce the amount of humidity found within the walls of your home, thereby reducing the amount of condensation on your windows.
Condensation Between the Panes
Unlike when you get condensation on the inside of your window when you experience condensation between the panes of glass, it's not a humidity problem, it's a failed unit problem. A seal failure is the most common reason why windows get condensation between the panes of glass. If you notice that you are getting condensation between the panes, it is time to consider window replacement, to remedy the problem.
Contact Gordon’s Glass today if you are experiencing condensation between the panes to schedule your free, in-home estimate today! Our expert technicians can talk to you about your window replacement options, to find the right one that will fit your need and your budget. Give us a call today!
Whether you need a custom cut glass table top to go on top of a fancy console or coffee table, or perhaps you are looking for a glass table top to set on top of your office desk, there are a few things that you might need to know before you purchase one. Do you know what thickness of glass you need, or what type of glass will be best for your specific needs? Don’t worry, if you don’t know or aren’t sure, we’re here to help you make an informed decision.
Solid Top vs. Open Top
There are different styles of tables, such as solid top and open top which will play a critical role in helping you to know what type of glass you’ll need to order. A solid table top is exactly what it sounds like, they have a solid piece of material (generally wood), as the top base of the table. This is where the glass will sit, giving the necessary support that the glass needs to provide a stable and solid surface.
Open-top pieces of furniture, do not have a solid piece of wood or other material, instead, it has slats or a frame to support the top, whether that be wood, glass, or any other material. Knowing if you have an open-top or solid-top table, is going to be vital when ordering a glass table top because it will determine what type of glass you will need. In the instance of an open-top table, the glass will be required to provide structural strength to support the weight of items placed on the glass.
Thick vs. Thin Glass
As was previously mentioned, the thicker the glass the more weight it is able to hold. Another reason why you may need to consider the thickness of the glass is based solely on the appearance. A lot of highly regarded designers argue that thicker glass gives the illusion of being richer and better than thinner glass. Whether that is a true assumption or not, is up to you. The most common thicknesses of tabletop glass are ¼”, ⅜”, and ½”.
Annealed vs Tempered Glass
To the naked eye, annealed and tempered glass both look exactly the same. In fact, it can be impossible to tell the difference, if tempered glass is not marked. While they might look exactly the same, there are some differences between the two. For one, tempered glass is a toughened glass, that makes it much stronger, has a higher thermal tolerance, and is harder to scratch than annealed glass. Because of its strength and safety glass properties, tempered glass is recommended for all open-top tables.
Edge Work
Cut glass is extremely sharp and can be very dangerous, which is why all tabletops need to have some sort of edge work done to remove the sharpness. There are a few different options available to help you achieve the finished look you want while ensuring that your tabletop is safe for everyone.
Next time you are looking for a custom-cut glass table top, contact Gordon’s Glass today!
It is not uncommon for homeowners to enjoy their home windows for the natural lighting they provide, and the gorgeous views found only in Logan, Utah, not giving a second thought to their windows until there is a problem that needs to be addressed. When windows start to indicate that there is a potential problem, it can be difficult to determine whether you need a window repair or replacement.
Here we’ll discuss three of the most common indications that you need a glass repair shop in Logan, Utah to help you repair or replace your residential windows.
Cracked Window
This one is kind of obvious, but if you have cracked windows it is a good indication that you need to get your window repaired as soon as possible. A cracked window is not only costing you more money in monthly utility costs, but it can also be a safety concern. If left unrepaired and ignored it can potentially cause further damage. As soon as you notice that you have a cracked window, you should call a local glass repair shop to come and assess the damage and give you an estimate on how much repairs will cost you.
Leaky Windows
A window that leaks are not doing anything for you, besides creating more and bigger problems. A leaking window can allow unwanted water to seep into your home, causing damage to the wood surrounding your window or to the frame itself. Additionally, excess water can cause mold and mildew to build up and grow, which can have an impact on your and your family's health and well-being. Water is not the only thing that can leak in through a leaky window, drafty windows can cost you more on your monthly utility bills as you are having to pay for your HVAC system to run more frequently to keep up with the air that is leaking in or out of your faulty window. If you notice or suspect that you have a leaky window, contact a glass repair shop in Logan, Utah to have expert technicians come and inspect your window, and recommend the best course of action to mitigate the issue.
Broken Window
If you have a broken window–glass or frame, it can pose a safety concern as it leaves your home vulnerable and unsecured. When you have broken glass in your window, it is a clear indication of an easy entry point to your home, which is ideal for theft and vandalism. As with other window concerns, a broken window allows for cold air to enter your home with little to no resistance, making it difficult to keep your home warm during the winter months ahead. If your window is broken in any way, contact a glass repair shop soon to mitigate the problem, and ensure that your home is safe and secured.
If you have a cracked, leaky, or broken window in your home, contact a local glass repair shop in Logan, Utah as soon as possible. Gordon’s Glass has been providing exceptional glass repair services to homeowners all over Cache Valley for over 50 years, don’t trust your home window needs to just anyone, trust the experts at Gordon’s Glass! Contact Gordon’s Glass today to schedule a free in-home estimate to get your windows repaired or replaced before the problem becomes more serious.
It's impossible to drive through any city and not notice all of the glass on the exterior of commercial buildings–large and small. This is due impart to the fact that glass has become a popular construction for a number of different reasons. Those reasons include security, increased productivity, and visual appeal and aesthetics. In order to achieve these various other goals with your commercial building, there are different types of commercial glass that can be used.
The most common types of glass used in commercial applications include: flat, plexiglass, tempered, laminate, tinted, insulated, spandrel, and security glass. Some of these you’ve probably heard of, and others you might be wondering what they are or why you should consider using them. Here is a brief overview of some of these options to hopefully answer some questions that you might have.
Flat Glass
Probably the most common type of glass to be used not only in commercial applications but residential ones as well. Flat glass is generally the starting point for creating glass doors, walls, and windows. Flat glass is also known as plate glass, or sheet glass and is often the material used to create double-pane windows. When flat glass breaks, it will break into sharp jagged pieces.
Plexiglass
Plexiglass is a type of plastic material that is highly shatter resistant and can be applied in a variety of useful applications, such as skylights, panels for building windows, signs, displays, and more. Plexiglass is available in different shades and colors, with the ability to apply tints and coatings to plexiglass, leaving you with an unlimited array of possibilities.
Spandrel Glass
Unlike most other types of glass, spandrel glass is not see-through. It is primarily used as a decorative accent or as a means to conceal a portion of a building structure. Because it is not transparent, it is available in various colors, giving you the ability to customize it to suit your design and decor preferences.
Laminated Glass
Laminated glass is a safety/security type of glass that is often used in buildings that need an extra layer of protection. When broken, the laminate glass will hold together, thanks to the thin layer of plastic located between the layers of glass. Not only is it strong and safe, but laminate glass has the capability to reduce the glare and fading of interior components. Additionally, it can be tinted to reduce solar heat gain. In commercial glass applications, laminate glass can be used in windows, curtain walls, and storefronts.
Security Glass
Designed to be a step up from safety glass, security glass is designed to protect those who work on the other side of the glass from what is outside. Depending on the design, this can be anything from bullets, blasts, forced entry, or burglary. Additional options available for security glass include sound dampening, fire-rated, tinting, and high performance.
Insulated Glass
Insulated glass works to keep inside a building in the winter months, and out during the hot summer months. While helping to control the heat, insulated glass still allows light and sun heat to come into interior spaces. Due to its ability to cut down on the amount of heat loss, insulated glass is ideal in areas where that experience extreme, cold winter months.
Regardless of the type of commercial glass that you need or want, Gordon’s Glass has extensive knowledge and experience with all types of commercial glazing. Not sure where to start or what glass option is right for you, give Gordon’s Glass a call today and talk to one of our commercial glass experts.
