October 2020 - New Town Glass Ltd

Glass shower enclosures should be designed and installed to suit their purpose. They should provide a stylish and practical showering solution that will freshen up your space and increase relaxation.

With so many options available in the market today, choosing the right shower enclosure is not that easy. Like any other decisions you make involving investments for your home improvement, careful planning and research must be done so you end up with the best solution that will give you the most benefits.

There are many factors you should consider such as your renovation budget, types of shower glass, and finish. The cost of your glass shower will depend a great deal on the style, size, and shape of the enclosure. A custom design tub-and-shower combo and walk-in shower will be more costly than a small en suite. The quality of the glass for showers, the complexity of the shower design, and the cost of installation can impact your budget significantly.

Guide to Choosing the Perfect Glass Shower for Your Bathroom

There are six important factors to consider when choosing the perfect shower enclosure suited for your bathroom.

1. Renovation Budget

The first major consideration in any remodeling or renovation in your home is your budget. No matter what your style preferences are and how grand your plan is, you will be limited by your budget. Align your plan to your budget. This means you need to choose from among the types of shower glass with the price range that suits the amount you are willing to spend. Many glass shower styles fit in your current space. Selecting one of them is cost-effective. You need to consider in your plans not just the cost of the glass shower but also installation, which can depend on the complexity of the job and your location.

You can opt to spend a little more if your shower glass upgrade can bring dramatic transformation to your bathroom and can add value. You can consider glass with a unique texture or pattern or a custom design.

2. Bathroom Space

It is best to maintain a static footprint in your bathroom especially if you are satisfied with your bathroom configuration. You can determine the type of shower enclosure to use in your upgrade by deciding to follow your existing bathroom layout and footprint. You avoid spending more on a different shower enclosure configuration, relocating other fixtures, and extra project completion time.

Depending on your budget, you can renovate to convert your tub-and-shower combo into a walk-in glass enclosure while maintaining the existing footprint. With an added cost, you can improve your home’s value.

3. Shower Glass

There is a lot of variety to choose from when it comes to types of shower glass for your bathroom. Safety glazing should be the foremost consideration when choosing glass for showers, especially for doors. Tempered glass, the most common shower glass used in bathrooms, shatters into small pellets rather than shards when it breaks, avoiding significant injury to people.

Though not common in door glass for showers, laminated glass is a much stronger glass. It is made from at least two pieces of glass and one plastic interlayer forming a glass sandwich. The interlayer material holds the glass in place when it breaks, keeping it from falling out. The disadvantage with a glass shower that utilizes laminated glass is it is prone to lamination over time when exposed to moisture. This makes tempered glass the most preferred choice.

4. Your Decorating Style

You can have your style preference show in your choice of the perfect enclosure. You can adopt different shapes such as boxy rectangles and curved semicircles for your enclosures to highlight your bathroom’s design scheme and your aesthetic taste. If you want to bring moiré light to your bathroom, an upgrade of your existing shower by adding a glass shower enclosure can help you with your objective.

Among the options you can have include sliding, hinged, and pivot doors, bypass shower doors, and framed door options with glass thickness, typically 3/16 or ¼ inch. The common frame material is aluminum that can be painted, coated, or finished in a range of different colours. Frameless doors do not have supporting frames and are therefore made thicker like 3/8 or ½ inch, making them among the most expensive types of shower glass.

5. Shower Hardware

It is best to match hardware for your showers such as cabinet handles, towel bars, and faucets to your shower door for a more inviting space.

6. Your Bathroom’s Functionality and the Foot Traffic

If it is frequently used by many people, your shower must be designed in a way that it can withstand everyday knocks, bangs, and slams. The materials used should be able to resist wear and tear. The shower should also be easily accessible by its intended users, including older people and children.

New Town Glass is the expert that can help you toward a selection of the perfect glass shower enclosure for your style and budget. Call us for a free consultation.

Dos and Don’ts in Glass Installation

October 19, 2020

Harison Pyykko

Glass installation may seem simple enough to be a DIY project. However, glass is a fragile and sensitive material to work with. Unlike steel, aluminum, wood, and other materials, glass requires extreme care in handling and processing. Minor mistakes can cost you dearly.

Whether installing glass for the replacement of your windows, doors, or other glass structures, you should consider some important factors that can help you make your glass installation successful and hassle-free.

Make the most of your important investment by following these helpful tips when installing glass for your home improvement.

What You Should Do When Installing Glass

1. Explore your options.

Explore the design and material options for your home glass structures. Take advantage of the opportunity to improve your existing windows, doors, and other enclosures at home. The technology has come a long way since your last installations. There are several styles available today that can enhance your home’s aesthetics and add significant financial value to your home. For your windows for example, aside from the traditional casement windows you may have, more modern styles have developed such as slider windows, bay windows, and bow windows.

There have been great advancements in the glass as well. Glass products with Energy Star seal can make them achieve the highest energy efficiency. They can likewise have energy-saving features such as argon gas, krypton gas, low e-glazing, and more. You can ask an experienced glass installer for the best options for your type of home.

Your glass selection can also include clear glass, tempered, and tinted or obscure glass, which are generally available in bronze or grey.

2. Consider the benefits of dual or triple pane technology.

38% of heat loss is through windows and doors in average homes. This may increase to 50% if your home has drafty single-pane windows. Upgrading to a dual-pane or triple-pane design can’t just increase energy efficiency, it can also provide sound-blocking benefits, that can help you sleep more soundly. It is especially useful when your home is located on a busy street or with loud neighbors.

3. Consider the impact of resistant glass.

If you live in an area prone to severe storms or on a golf course, impact-resistant laminated glass is a smart investment. Stronger than tempered glass, It is extremely difficult to penetrate.

4. Handle with care and be gentle.

The sides or edges of the glass are where it is most vulnerable. Avoid impacting them. Cleaning the glass with a mixture of ordinary dish soap and water with a sponge will suffice, followed by a soft, non-abrasive cleaning cloth to buff it dry. Stubborn dirt and stains may be removed with a glass cleaner and damp cloth.

5. Observe safety during glass installation.

Consider installing a film on glass windows that can hold a broken glass.

6. Adjust with shims.

Adjustments can be made with shims installed at all anchor points and anywhere necessary to keep the unit correctly in place.

7. Seal all joints.

Seal all joints with caulk or sealant on the interior and exterior.

8. Hire a reputable contractor.

Glass windows and glass doors are only as good as their installation. When you have chosen the best-suited style for your need and requirements, you’ll need a professional glass installer for a high-quality and proper glass installation. Choosing just any glass service provider cannot guarantee you flawless workmanship. You may not achieve better functionality and improved energy efficiency, the reason for your new glass installation or replacement to begin with.

Seek out manufacturers with warranties that cover the frame, sash, and insulating glass units of your window. Likewise, if hiring a window installer, make sure to request paperwork that assures you that the entire installation team is bonded and insured.

What You Should NOT Do When Installing Glass

1. Don’t use abrasive solutions.

Using washing powder or cleaning solutions containing abrasives can scratch and damage the glass surface.

2. Don’t assume correct measurements.

Most manufacturers offer standard size windows and doors to closely match existing units. Before removing the existing unit for replacement, double-check the measurements for fit. Make sure the replacement unit fits into the opening level, plumb, and square, on both sides.

3. Don’t ignore chips and small cracks.

Mind even small chips and cracks that appear on the glass surface. They can weaken the glass that can subsequently cause the entire piece to shatter.

4. Don’t do the job yourself.

Some people are tempted to do glass installation themselves even when they do not have the experience and the right tools to perform proper glass installation. In their desire to save a little by doing the glass installation job themselves, they end up spending much more than they expect because of poor quality workmanship that usually entails reworking. What’s worse is when their lack of experience results in serious structural integrity or safety issues. Unless you have advanced carpentry skills, have done similar home improvement projects before, and have the right tools for the job, leave major technical activities such as glass installation and replacement to the expert glass installer certified to do the job.

Contact New Town Glass for professional, high-quality glass services. With us, you are guaranteed proper glass installation so your money doesn’t go to waste.

Advantages of Using Glass in Patio Railings

October 12, 2020

Harison Pyykko

Any structure that is 1 meter or more in height above the surrounding ground requires barriers or railings to protect people from falling over the edge. Railings are both practical and decorative, providing style and support.

Patio railings safely contain people inside a patio deck. They are usually attached either to the floor or secondary support like in standoff railings or a base shoe railing. Today, more modern homes turn to glass patio railings for customizable elegant design and low maintenance.

Types of Railing Materials

You can choose from the different types of railing materials that are most commonly used in patios – wood, cable, glass, and aluminum railings.

Cable Railings

Using cable wire for patio deck railing can help enhance your patio. While not blocking the beauty of nature around you, it helps protect your guests. It lasts for a long period and will not rust or corrode easily.

Wood Railings

Wood provides a classic look for your patio and can easily withstand hot and cold weather. When not properly maintained, wood railings can start to rot and warp.

Aluminum Railings

Aluminum railings tend to be extremely long-lasting and durable. They also offer very little maintenance, won’t rust or corrode.

Glass Railings

Similar to aluminum railings, the glass will not rust or rot or wear out easily. Glass railings are tempered, making them four times stronger than regular glass. Glass is an excellent material choice for deck railings.

Factors in Choosing the Right Patio Railings Material

Choosing the best railing material for your special patio deck space will depend on a range of different factors. When selecting a material for your patio railings, some of the things you should consider include:

Environment

Consider how your choice of patio railings material will be impacted by local geography and environmental factors, such as extreme temperatures, saltwater, or precipitation.

Use and Exposure

How often will the railing be used? High-traffic use can often lead to scratches, nicks, dings, and other maintenance concerns. Having a good idea of the wear and tear the railing will experience will help you select the most durable, best long-lasting option.

Sightlines

You don’t want to let the beautiful views you have available from your deck go to waste. Choose a deck railing material that provides more open sightlines that creates unobstructed views.

Advantages of Glass for Patio Railings

If you haven’t identified yet as to which material to use for your patio railing, these advantages of glass railings should help you decide.

1. Glass requires low maintenance.

Glass railings do not need to be treated, stained, painted, or finished. The material maintains its natural beauty and durability. Weathering is inevitable because decks are continuously exposed to the elements such as sun, water, wind but glass railings require almost no maintenance except for occasional cleaning with soap, water, and squeegee.

2. Glass does not corrode when exposed to water.

Glass panels and other materials used for parts of the railings such as treated aluminum for posts and shoe base railing and stainless steel for standoff railings will not corrode when exposed to water. Using the proper materials for your railings will not let you worry even when they are constantly exposed to the weather.

3. It can tolerate extreme temperatures better.

Unlike wood railing materials, tempered glass panels are not vulnerable to surface cracking. They are safe and sturdy. And even when they do crack, they do not shatter.

4. It is highly customizable.

Wood and metal railings have permanent issues with view obstruction. With glass, you get the advantage of better transparency. When you want added privacy, you can choose frosted exterior panels for your railings.

5. Glass railings are easy to assemble.

Deck upgrades and installing new glass railings including standoff railings and base shoe railing in your patio deck is easy.

Your Railing Options Using Glass

Standoff Railings

Standoff railings provide a streamlined effect and a clear and uncluttered perspective for patios. Usually made from stainless steel material, standoffs are designed to hold glass panels from 1/2” up to 2” thick. In the installation of glass standoff railings, the glass panels are leveled in place. Their sides are drilled so the panels can be installed with the standoffs. The top caps and accessories are then installed.

Base Shoe Railing

Another way of installing the monolithic glass for patio railings is by using extruded base shoes. Usually made from aluminum, base shoes are designed to hold the tempered glass panels. The primary means for installing glass railing is through a wet glazing process. The base shoe is structurally set to the surface. Glass is placed atop a setting block in the base shoe molding. Grout, silicone, or cement is then poured on either side of the glass to hold it in place.

A dry-glaze option of installing glass is also available. In this process, glass is centered on a plastic isolator and an aluminum wedge is hammered into place to set the glass.

You can learn more about glass railings and how it can enhance your beautiful patio and home by calling the glass experts in Kelowna, New Town Glass at +1 778-400-8001.

Commercial Glass Uses: Should I Choose Glass for My Store?

October 4, 2020

Harison Pyykko

Your storefront speaks well of your business. Professionally designed and installed storefront windows can help increase customer traffic to your commercial establishment and boost sales. They make a great marketing tool to attract people for the products or services you offer.

Don’t let customers shy away from old, damaged, and shabby storefront windows and storefront doors. It is important to know the best commercial glass to design your store with and employ the professional services of expert glass installers for your commercial windows.

Benefits of Glass Commercial Windows

You have all the good reasons to use commercial glass for your store.

1. It enables people to see your merchandise without the need to enter the shop.

Their busy schedule would not normally allow people to enter your store just to browse the products you sell. You can take advantage of your transparent glass storefronts to display your bestsellers to passersby and window shoppers to entice them to buy or return to go check your products.

2. It is more versatile in terms of design.

Commercial windows made of glass allow you to change your display with the seasons. It is easier to promote your merchandise that is suited to the occasions. Summer, autumn, or winter sales are more conveniently promoted through your glass window displays. So are your promos during special times of the year, such as Christmas, Halloween, and Mothers’ Day.

3. Glass is generally more visually appealing.

The use of high-quality commercial glass can make your store look clean, organized, and your business reputable. The modern appeal of glass in a store is lasting so you can continue to use your windows time and again while you regularly adopt a different, interesting look or theme for your shop.

You can also make use of digital signage displayed on your storefront doors or windows using them to inform the customer of your store hours, announce specials, and promotional sales.

4. Customers feel more comfortable to stay inside glass stores.

Even when you have very interesting products to sell but your store is not quite comfortable, you will not generate sales. Customers love to stay inside cozy shops with a well-controlled and maintained environment. Whether it is searing hot in summer or cold in winter outside, people will stay in your store longer. You get more opportunities for a sale.

5. It improves the ambience of the store.

Customers prefer to stay inside a store with a nice ambience where they feel warm and inviting. Glass permits natural light to enter, improving the atmosphere. A positive ambience doesn’t just have an impact on the customers but on the employees as well, who are inspired to be productive all day.

6. It conveys a positive image of the business to people.

Glass projects a lot of positive images including transparency, peace, and trust among people. To the customers, glass connotes an openness and cordial atmosphere where everyone who enters feels welcome.

7. It provides a feeling of being secure to customers.

Aside from people being aware that modern commercial glass being durable and strong can provide them enough protection, they also feel secure being inside a store that is visible from the outside. The chances of a violent criminal incident happening are minimized.

Different Types of Glass for Commercial Uses

Glass has been a proven solution for home and commercial applications for quite a long time because of the safety and security they provide and their elegant look. There are three major types of glass – plate glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass. Let’s look at their differences, characteristics, and pros and cons.

Plate Glass

Plate glass also called float glass, offers protection from the elements but minimal physical security. It breaks when subjected to accidental impacts. The most commonly used glass, it is usually annealed for extra strength, heat resistance, and improved durability to meet different application requirements. It is made from liquid glass by casting it on a solid plate through rolling processes to produce flat glass.

Plate glass is very brittle and can cause serious injuries from its broken shards when shattered. It is mostly used to make windows, in the manufacturing of mirrors, glass tables, and other applications requiring flat glass.

Tempered Glass

Tempered or safety glass is recommended for safety purposes. Manufactured by the use of thermal or chemical treatment processes, its strength is increased about four times compared to the standard plate glass. Tempered glass fractures into small pieces when it breaks, making them relatively harmless. It is used in both residential and commercial applications such as in shower doors, motor vehicle windows, and architectural glass structures, including storefront windows and storefront doors, and other applications.

Laminated Glass

A near-perfect safety and commercial security solution, laminated glass tends to remain intact when shattered, protecting interiors from flying glass and projectiles and other damage. Its panes are held in place by the interlayer, which is typically of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA). Because of its strength and safety features, laminated glass is preferred for applications such as commercial windows requiring resistance to strong impact, explosions, forced entry, and other unforeseen serious events.

Depending on the security level and other requirements of your store, both tempered and laminated glass may be suitable for your storefront windows and storefront doors.

New Town Glass is a reputable Okanagan glass company offering a wide array of professional glass services including the installation of storefront windows, storefront doors, and other quality glass products for homes and businesses. Call us now for a complimentary consultation.