No one wants to experience a broken window, but chances are at some point or another you’ll experience it for yourself. Natural disasters, and wanna-be professional athletes practicing in the backyard, can have a negative effect on your windows. When this happens, your initial response may be “Oh, crap, now I have to buy a whole new window!”. Never fear, whether you have a single-pane or double-pane window, you don’t have to replace the whole window. Window glass replacement is possible and often the preferred fix when you have a broken window.
When the glass breaks in a double-pane window, you can not simply repair or replace the single pane that broke, you have to replace both. This is because the two panes of glass are sealed together, (this is what makes your window energy-efficient), which is why when one pane breaks, you have to replace both panes, with a new sealed, insulated unit.
A broken piece of glass is not the only indication that you need to replace the glass in your double-pane window, if you’re experiencing foggy windows, or moisture between the panes of glass, these are all indications that your window glass needs replaced.
How Do Double Pane Windows Work?
Double-pane windows are exactly what they sound like they are, they are two panes of glass that are sealed together with a space between them. The space between the two pieces of glass is often filled with argon or krypton gas, as a means to increase the energy efficiency of the window. When the seal breaks, or one of the panes of glass breaks, the windows will begin to fog up, allowing for air to escape, and ultimately leading to the glass needing to be replaced. This then generally leads to the commonly asked question: “Can I replace just one pane of glass?”
The short answer is no, you can’t replace just one pane of glass. Because the two panes of glass are sealed together, creating an insulated unit, it is not possible to replace a single pane of glass. When one pane of glass breaks or you try to replace just one pane, it breaks the airtight seal, allowing for any insulating gas that was added to the unit to escape.
When one pane breaks or your unit begins to fail and is fogging up, you’ll need to replace both panes of glass with a new insulated unit. Thankfully the process of replacing the old unit with a new one isn’t as daunting or challenging as it may first appear. In fact, when it comes to window glass replacements in Logan, Utah the professionals at Gordon’s Glass have years of experience in replacing glass in windows, that it can be done quickly and effortlessly.
Double Pane Window Replacement Process
Once you have identified that your window glass needs to be replaced, your first step in the replacement process is to call a professional window repair company, such as Gordon’s Glass. When you call Gordon’s Glass, the first step they’ll take is to schedule an appointment to come out, look at your window and get you a free estimate for the necessary repairs.
Once you’ve been provided with an estimate for the necessary repairs, and you’ve approved the estimate and placed a deposit, a new unit will then be ordered. Once the new unit has been received in the shop, another appointment will be scheduled to come out and replace the broken unit with the new one. This process includes removing the old, broken unit, installing the new unit, and hauling the old one away.
The whole process is relatively easy and can be accomplished within a few weeks from the initial appointment to installation. If you are in need of window glass replacement in Logan, Utah be sure you call the industry experts at Gordon’s Glass and get your new insulated unit on its way today!
A common hurdle that many who are beginning to work with stained glass will be faced with, is deciding what size of copper foil to use. With all the different choices available, it can appear daunting or overwhelming to decide what size to use over another choice. Before you can make a decision, it is good to know what options are available. The different sizes of copper foil will vary in width, thickness, and backing color, which are all things to take into consideration.
Width
The most common widths of copper foil include 3/16”, 7/32”, 1/4”, 3/8 “, and 1/2”
Thickness
Typically copper foil comes in 1mm and 1.5mm thickness. Occasionally you can find 1.25mm thick foil as well.
Backing Color
Foil is available in three different backing colors–silver, copper, or black. Typically the backing color is selected based on the finished color of solder that will be used.
Characteristics of Good Copper Foil
Not all copper foil is going to be the same quality, some will be better than others, and some will work better for your project than others. Copper foil's essential function is to allow pieces of glass to be soldered together to create a masterpiece of various stained glass pieces. Because the solder won’t still have to glass itself, it needs a good quality foil to help it adhere. Think of the foil as the foundation of the stained glass piece.
A good quality foil will be flexible enough that it can form around all the different shapes that fit together to create your finished piece. In order to be able to fit around each individual piece, the foil will need to be stretchy enough that it won’t tear or split when forming to inside curves. Also take into consideration the softness of the foil, as the softness will factor into how well it stretches. Finally, a good quality copper foil will be strong and adhere to the glass well, so that it can be burnished (rubbed smooth), and remove all kinks without ripping or tearing.
4 Things to Consider When deciding on the size of Copper Foil to Use
Now that you know what types of copper foil are available, and what characteristics make a good quality copper foil, here are four things to take into consideration to decide on the right copper foil for your specific project.
Size of Your Project
For the vast majority of stained glass projects, the appropriate size of copper foil will be either 3/16“ or 1/4“. Opting to use anything wider can make a project appear heavy compared to the size of the overall pieces.
The Thickness of the Glass
Not all stained glass is going to be the same thickness, which is why you need to take it into consideration when selecting the copper foil you’ll be using. The foil that you select needs to be wide enough that it wraps around the front and back of the glass equally, to create stability in the pieces. When you solder the front and back of a project along the seam, you are essentially creating your own “i’ beam. The solder will seep between the two pieces of glass that are being soldered together, when enough solder has been added to the front and back, it makes a shape that then secures the two pieces of glass together. The final width of a seam is determined not by how much solder is used, but instead by the width of the foil that is used.
Appearance
After you determine the structural needs of the project, the next thing you need to consider is the overall look and appearance that you are trying to achieve. If you tend to lean towards heavier lead lines, you’ll want a wider foil. The opposite goes if you are looking for a lighter appearance, you’ll want a narrow foil.
Artistic Design
A combination of wide and narrow foils, creating thicker and heavier lines mixed in with narrower and lighter lines can help to give a project dimension and depth. Different thicknesses in foil will allow you to give emphasis or focus on specific areas that you want the eye drawn to.
Gordon’s Glass is your local, stained glass supply shop. With a wide variety of copper foil available in various sizes, thicknesses, and colored backing, you are sure to find the right copper foil to complete your stained glass masterpiece. Stop into Gordon’s Glass today and get started on your next stained glass project.
When ordering a mirror, you have more options than just deciding on the mirror size to order for your space. The other option you’ll have is whether or not to order a flat mirror or a beveled mirror. Not sure what the difference is, or what a beveled mirror is, don’t worry we’re here to explain it to you and make the decision easier for you when the time comes.
Flat Mirrors
A flat mirror is exactly what it sounds like, a flat plane reflecting surface. It does not have any special edging around the premier other than a possible seamed edge. While there are no special effects to flat mirrors, they reflect light clearly and can be framed or installed directly onto the wall. There are many advantages to flat mirrors, such as the ability to accommodate any design form. Additionally, flat mirrors are popular and more affordable than beveled mirrors.
Beveled Mirrors
A beveled mirror is simply a flat mirror that has had its edges cut and polished to a specific angle and size. This process leaves the mirror thinner around the edges, while the middle remains the standard 1/4 inch thickness. Beveled mirrors are created by creating an angeled surface cut around the perimeter of the mirror. The angled surface is generally approximately 1 inch wide. The bevel acts as a prism that refracts light, splitting it into the various different colors of the rainbow.
Advantages of Beveled Mirrors
Aside from the edges of a beveled mirror, there isn’t much that is different between a flat mirror and a beveled mirror. While they both reflect the same amount of light, there are a few advantages of investing in a beveled mirror over a flat mirror.
Whether you go with a flat mirror or a beveled mirror, you won’t be wrong. Both are beautiful and classic in their own ways. Next time you are looking for a new mirror, consider where it will be and what will look better in the space–flat or beveled.
Getting a new shower door installed can take your bathroom from mediocre to Wow! Creating a space that you will want to be in, and won’t dread having to clean every week. There are a variety of different shower door options available, and you are guaranteed to find the right style and fit to make your space exactly how you’ve always envisioned it to be. With so many styles and options available, it can seem a bit overwhelming not knowing where to start or what style you want for your space. The two main shower systems that you’ll need to decide between are framed or frameless.
There are benefits and disadvantages to each system, that you may want to consider prior to making your final decision. To help make it easier for you to decide between the two, we’ve compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages associated with both. Once you’ve decided which shower system is right for you, contact your local shower door experts at Gordon’s Glass to schedule a free estimate today!
Advantages of a Framed Shower Door
Framed shower doors are exactly what they sound like, they are a glass shower door that has a heavy-duty aluminum frame encasing the glass. As a major upgrade from a shower curtain, there are a number of reasons aside from being cleaner and nicer looking, why you should consider a framed shower door.
Disadvantages of Framed Shower Doors:
While there are plenty of advantages that draw people to purchasing framed shower doors, there are a few disadvantages that you should consider before making a purchase.
Advantages of Frameless Shower Doors
Currently, frameless shower doors are all the rage, with many homeowners electing to purchase a frameless shower door over a framed door. Often times they have a clean, more modern appearance, that many homeowners appreciate. Aside from the appearance of frameless shower doors, there are other advantages to going for frameless instead of a framed option.
Disadvantages of Frameless Shower Doors
Frameless shower doors and beautiful and offer a lot of flexibility, but they do have their drawbacks as well
As you can see, there are advantages and disadvantages to both framed and frameless shower doors. To learn more, or to schedule a free estimate, contact Gordon’s Glass today!
The days are getting shorter and the weather is getting cooler, which means that many might not be thinking about replacing their windows. In fact, many people might even be wondering if window replacement in the winter is even possible. With the cold temps that take your breath away and the mounds of snow on the ground, it might not seem possible to be able to replace your windows during the winter. But, you just might be surprised, to know that you can! Windows can be replaced year-round, including in the cold winter months.
Not only can you replace your residential glass windows in the winter months, but in fact, there are many advantages and perks that come along with it. So, now that we’ve already established the fact that you can replace your windows in the winter, let’s dive deep into the benefits of doing so.
Flexible Scheduling
Because most homeowners don’t replace their windows in the winter, local window professionals won’t be as busy. Due to the slower pace, installers will have a more flexible schedule, which means that you will have a better chance of getting your new windows installed on a date that is more convenient for you.
Discounts
Another advantage of getting your residential glass windows replaced in the winter is that you could possibly score a discount on either the windows themselves, installation, or both. Many dealers and installers offer a discount as an incentive to purchase windows as a means to make up for the slower months. Who doesn’t love to save money where they can when taking on such a massive home improvement project? Just remember that not every residential glass window professional will offer a discount during the winter months.
Energy Saving Benefits
The reason why homeowners invest in new windows in the first place is many times their existing windows are old or damaged, which results in heat loss. If heat is escaping your home through your drafty windows, your HVAC system will have to work even hard to keep up with the heat loss and keep your home warm. The harder your HVAC system has to work, the more money it will cost you to heat your home during the winter. New windows will cut down on the amount of heat that escapes your home and can cut down on your energy bill all season long.
If you are considering replacing your residential glass windows this coming winter season, give Gordon’s Glass a call today to schedule your free estimate! Don’t wait and miss out on the benefits of having new windows you can enjoy all season long, call today!
Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient windows can save you money while keeping your home comfortable all year long. Just because a window says that it is energy-efficient, doesn’t mean that they are all the same. Energy-efficient windows have different ratings, that indicate the level of efficiency that they provide, and as with most other things, some windows will be more energy efficient than others.
Thankfully, when shopping for new windows you aren’t going to be left in the dark to determine which windows are actually energy-efficient and which ones aren’t. Window manufacturers place a sticker on their windows, that displays all the energy ratings for the specific window, until you learn what all the numbers mean, the label might be a bit confusing. Don’t worry, I’ll help you break down what each number means, to help you make an informed decision.
Window Ratings
There are different factors that help to indicate the efficiency of the various different windows available to you. For these specific factors, the lower the number the better efficiency the window has.
While most ratings, you want a lower rating to indicate a more energy-efficient window. There are a few ratings, where a higher number indicates a better window. These two ratings are two such, where a higher number is better.
Certification Labels
In addition to energy-efficiency labels and ratings, you’ll also come across certification labels as you are window shopping. There are different labels, which are awarded for different reasons. Similar to knowing and understanding energy-efficiency labels is important, so is understanding how certification labels are awarded.
While there are these different organizations that offer product testing, not all manufacturers choose to have their products tested and certified by every organization. Most manufacturers will opt for one certification over another, for various reasons. While not every product will have a certification from each of these organizations, knowing about and being aware of the different certifications is good information to have when you begin shopping for new windows.
The two labels that you should make sure you find on windows you’re considering buying should be the ENERGY Star label and the NFRC label. The NFRC will provide you with unbiased numbers that you can use in your decision-making process. The ENERGY Star label will explain if the numbers meet their standards for superior performance.
When you hear that your commercial door glass needs replaced, you might initially think that it is going to require some specialty glass that will cost you a small fortune. Lucky for you, commercial door glass replacement in Logan, Utah doesn’t have to cost a fortune, because you have options. The two most popular options include tempered glass and laminated glass, both of which are considered to be safety glass, so they can be installed in a commercial door. But, how do you know which one is right for you? Here is a guide to help you know the difference between tempered and laminate glass.
The easiest way to describe laminated glass is to think of it as a sandwich, you have two (or more) layers of glass that sandwich a piece of plastic in between the layers. All of these layers combined, make the glass much stronger and thicker, which makes it a safety glass, which is ideal for entrance doors, display cases, sliding doors, and other applications.
One of the biggest advantages that laminated glass has over tempered glass, is that when it breaks it sticks to the plastic layer, instead of shattering into a million tiny pieces. The ability to keep its structural integrity, even when broken, can be a huge safety benefit as it eliminates the possibility of getting cut or hurt from broken glass.
Tempered glass is made through a process of taking a pre-cut piece of glass, with finished edges and heating it up in a tempering furnace, then rapidly cooking the glass. This process results in tempered glass that is 4-5 times stronger than annealed glass of the same size and thickness.
One of the characteristics of tempered glass that makes it unique is that it has more tensile strength than laminated glass. In other words, tempered glass is more capable of bending without breaking, which makes it ideal for skyscrapers and other areas that are susceptible to severe weather. In the event that tempered glass does break, it will break into small pieces that reducing the risk of injury compared to the large shards of non-tempered glass.
Ultimately the decision between the tempered and laminated glass is going to be a personal choice based on preference and budgetary restrictions. To learn more about what glass type will work best for your commercial door glass replacement specific needs and application, contact Gordon’s Glass and talk to one of their commercial glass experts. With over 50 years of experience, Gordon’s Glass is your one-stop shop for all your commercial door glass replacements in Logan Utah!
As anyone will tell you, the bathroom, and more specifically the shower is the most-used area in any home. Because it is used so often, it can be difficult to keep up with it and keep it clean. The area of the bathroom that is especially prone to getting dirty and requiring regular cleaning is the glass shower doors. Shower doors seem to attract more dirt, grime, and soap scum than any other area of the bathroom; so how do you combat the filth and keep your glass shower door sparkling clean? Here are a few tips to help keep your bathroom shower looking clean and brand new, year after year.
What causes a dirty shower door?
There are many different factors that contribute to a dirty shower door, including the high level of humidity that is often found in the bathroom. After a shower, the water droplets that are left behind, dry on the glass, leaving a film behind on the door’s surface. This film can be exacerbated by the use of bar soap or body wash, as these products tend to leave behind a residue on the glass.
Another factor that can contribute to dirt and grime accumulating on the glass is the type of water that you have in your area. If you have hard water or water with high mineral content, it can result in limescale or film building up on the glass as well. The film that is visibly left behind, can be hard to remove and will often require special cleaning solutions and/or scrubbing to remove.
Different Cleaning Solutions to Effectively Clean Your Glass Shower Door
If not done regularly, cleaning a shower can be a difficult task, to remove the build-up of dirt, grime, and soap scum. When you use a chemical-based cleaning agent or a natural cleaner, it can make the daunting task easier to accomplish.
Not sure how or where to start when it comes to cleaning your glass shower door, here are a few cleaning solutions that can help to make the process easier.
If your shower door is beyond help to look clean and new again, visit Gordon’s Glass today. At Gordon’s Glass, we have special cleaning solutions that are designed specifically to clean shower door glass, to remove dirt, grime, and soap scum. A little elbow grease and a specialty cleaner can really make the difference, from taking a dirty old shower door and restoring it to its former glory days.
For those who are in the market for a new shower door, ask Gordon’s Glass about a special coating that you can order on your new shower door, to repel water and help to prevent dirt, soap scum, and hard water from building up on the glass.
Gordon’s Glass has extensive experience installing custom shower doors, for thousands of satisfied customers. Come in today, take a look at the showroom to see what options are available, and be one step closer to getting the dream custom shower door you’ve always wanted! Additionally, take a look at the “Gallery Page” on our website, to see some of the custom shower doors we’ve done recently.
Once you’ve made the decision to replace all the windows in your home, there are still a few things that you’ll need to do to be ready for your new windows to be installed. Once you have them ordered and scheduled to be installed, you can do a few things to make the process smoother and easier for everyone.
The biggest thing you can do to make the window installation process go easier and smoother for everyone is to clear the area outside your window. This simple task will make it easier for the installers to have direct access to the space, without having to navigate around outdoor furniture or larger planters. Installers may need to use ladders, scaffolding, or even a lift in order to reach the window, and having the area clear of obstructions makes it easier and safer for everyone.
Additionally, having the area around the inside cleaned will help to make the installation go smoother. Any furniture that is placed in front of or near the window, should be moved out of the way to allow full access to the workspace. Remove any area rugs or cords that could pose a tripping hazard. Remove anything that is of value or is breakable, to eliminate the risk of damage or breakage. When in doubt ask, or simply remove anything to ensure the process is smooth and easy for everyone, without having to worry about breakage or damage to anything.
Finally, it is going to be critical that you remove ALL window coverings prior to installation. Due to the natural process of tearing out and installing a new window, any window coverings that are left hanging, are likely to be damaged. To save yourself some money and a headache, remove all window coverings (blinds, drapes, curtains, etc.), prior to installers showing up.
Depending on the style of windows you ordered, the majority of the installation may be able to take place from the outside. But, installers will need access to the inside of your home, throughout the installation process. If you are unable to be home during this process, make arrangements for someone else to be there, or for your home to be unlocked so that you don’t have to reschedule. Additionally, if you have a home security system, you’ll need to ensure that it is disabled throughout the duration of the installation process, especially if you have window sensors.
It is natural for children to be curious and to want to watch and see what is going on, but it can be dangerous for small children and pets to be underfoot of the installers. Keep children and pets away from the installation, for the safety of the installers and for their own safety as well. Without having to work around or worry about children or pets, installers can get the windows done quickly and be out of your home in a timely manner.
Planning ahead and doing a little preparation before the installers show up, will help to streamline the process and ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. Clearing the work area ahead of time help prevents any damage from possibly occurring. If you looking to get the windows in your home replaced, contact Gordon’s Glass today for a free estimate!
Anyone who has a beautiful table in their home may consider purchasing a custom-cut glass tabletop to protect their furniture. But how do you know what type or thickness of glass you need to purchase for your specific table? Here we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions regarding custom-cut glass table tops.
What is the best glass thickness for my tabletop?
The thickness that will be best for your specific table will be dependent upon the style of table that you have. If you will be using the glass to cover and protect the top of your table, you can get away with a 1/4-inch table top. If you are going to be using the glass as the surface of the tabletop, you’ll want a thicker piece of glass, based on the table’s size.
The standard thicknesses of table tops range from 3/16, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2-inch. Aside from instances where thicker glass is necessary, choosing the thickness for your tabletop is a personal preference. Thicker glass looks and feels more substantial, but can be extremely heavy as glass gets heavier with increasing size and thickness.
What Are Heavy Glass Tabletops?
Heavy glass tabletops are those that are 1/2 or 3/8 inches thick. They are most commonly found on top of larger tables, like those found in dining rooms, or outdoor patio tables. Heavy glass tabletops are more durable and stronger than those made out of a thinner piece of glass, which is what makes them so desirable for larger tables. If you have a table, where the glass will be sitting directly on top of the table legs, then you’ll want to purchase a heavy glass table top for its ultra strength, safety, and durability.
Does a Tabletop Have to be Tempered?
In most cases, a tabletop can be tempered, but it's a good idea, due to the extra strength that tempered glass provides. If you put glass on an outside patio table, you will HAVE to be tempered. Additionally, if the glass will sit directly on the legs of the table, then you should invest in tempered rather than an annealed tabletop. If you’re not sure if you should order a tempered tabletop or not, ask the experts at Gordon’s Glass and they will be able to provide you with expert advice on which route you should go. Remember, tempering glass will not change the weight or appearance of the glass.
What Type of Edge Work Should I Have for a Custom Cut Table Top?
Gordon’s Glass offers four different edges that you order to finish off your custom-cut table top.
If you are in the market for a custom-cut glass table top, contact Gordon’s Glass today. With the ability to provide beautiful, custom-sized glass table tops, you will be able to enjoy your table for years to come with a custom-cut glass table top from Gordon’s Glass.
