Can I Still Use a Glazier During Coronavirus?

Covid-19 is unfortunately becoming a more severe threat with every day that passes in Australia. While we may not have to struggle through these tough times regularly, it’s still important that we all take the necessary precautions to ensure our health and safety.

In order to minimise the risks, our team here at Glass Express feel that it’s crucial that we all try to prevent the chances of transmitting and spreading the virus, so we’re putting measures in place to protect not only our personnel, but also you and your loved ones.

What Are We Doing to Help?

We employ some of the most experienced glaziers and they are taking every measure to understand the best ways to reduce the risks associated with the spread of the coronavirus. We are doing our best to create measures that will be effective and easy to follow, allowing us to take care of both you and your projects.

Putting You First

At a time like this, it’s important that you feel comfortable. If you feel unwell and would like to reschedule, this is more than fine; we’d be happy to come on another date.

Keeping Our Distance

When we visit, we’ll do our best to avoid physical contact (i.e. shaking hands) and ask that only those that are necessary be present while we handle the installation work.

Our employees clean their hands vigorously and use hand sanitiser often – and make sure to disinfectant anything that they touch as they work.

Avoiding Physical Contact While Getting the Job Done

We would rather not touch anything that we don’t need to, so we ask that you move any furniture or items before we arrive to help us avoid having physical contact with anything other than the things we need to.

At this point in time it’s important that we all take social distancing seriously, so we’ll not only make sure to avoid physical contact; we’ll also take care to ensure that there’s plenty of space between us throughout the whole process.

Contactless Payments

We want to keep physical contact to a minimum in any way possible, which is why we’re accepting only accepting contactless payments during this time.

Here at Glass Express we care about your health and safety. While we’ll still be here to assist wherever we can, we’ll make sure that nobody is put at risk.

Glazier Services

What Services Does a Glazier Provide?

Glazier at WorkGlaziers, or window fitters as they are commonly referred to, typically offer an extensive variety of window-related services. Although many people consider them the first port of call for new window installations, in reality they can install, repair, maintain and repair all types of glass. If you’ve found yourself in need of a glass expert, then you may find yourself asking what services does a glazier provide? Here’s a look at what they can do to help.

Window installation

One of the most common reasons a home owner may need to get in touch with a glazier, is to have their windows installed correctly. Single panes, double-glazed versions and everything in between can be handled by a glass specialist. They will be able to install frames, align panels, implement rubber insulation and even remove older windows.

Glass replacement

Although uncommon, it’s not unheard of for double-glazed windows to ‘blow’ every so often. This event usually occurs as a result of exposure to excessively hot or cold temperatures – but it can also take place when impacted. In these events, one of the only solutions is to have the damaged panel removed and then replaced with a new pane. A glazier will be able to handle the entire project.

Glass repair

Small cracks and chips might not seem like a huge deal, but if left to grow they can soon effect the integrity of the entire pane. The best way to treat a chip or crack is to have it repaired by an expert. They will typically inject an industrial strength resin to ensure that the glass holds firm, but other options are available depending on the severity of the damage.

Window maintenance

Windows are subjected to a lot of pressure over time – what with aiding in the support of walls, as well as being responsible for holding wind and debris at bay. It’s not unheard of for glass panes and frames to require maintenance from time to time and fortunately these are services that glaziers specialise in. Even if a window hasn’t suffered with any damage, it’s a good idea to have their integrity checked every so often to maximise safety and functionality.

These are just a few of the most common services relating to a window specialist. These experts have some of the most advanced equipment available at their disposal and there aren’t many glass related tasks that they can’t undertake. Although the material is commonly used within homes, it’s never a good idea for an inexperienced individual to handle it, as it can be very dangerous. Instead of running the risk, give a professional a call and have them take care of your needs for you.

Double-Glazed Windows

What Are Double-Glazed Windows?

In this day and age, keeping a house insulated during those colder seasons is a top priority for most home owners. Good insulation won’t just save money on energy bills; it will also enhance the living conditions within a property by keeping all occupants comfortable and warm during the winter. One of the most common solutions when it comes to insulating a premises relates to windows – double glazed in particular.

But what are double-glazed windows exactly and how do they work?

An introduction to windows and double-glazing

Double Glazed WindowAll homes will feature at least one window in each room and up until a few decades ago, these would typically consist of a single pane of glass. This pane would have been responsible for keeping cold air outside and warm air inside, while preventing water from making its way indoors. Although the concept sounds effective, in reality single panes of glass aren’t very efficient when it comes to insulation.

Not only will the pane struggle to moderate temperatures – it can often grow increasingly weaker over time, becoming both dangerous and ineffective as far as insulation is concerned. That’s where double-glazing steps up to the mark. As its name might suggest, this type of window consists of two panes, but it’s the way in which they are installed that makes all the difference.

Instead of two panes being pressed together to form a single thicker one, double panes have a small gap in between them. This gap serves two purposes: the first is to trap warm air inside as the internal pane is exposed to the atmosphere within the home and the second is to moderate the temperature of the external pane (which will be exposed to the elements).

When combined, the entire structure of the window is enhanced in a way that single panes simply can’t mimic. Installing an entire set throughout a home can help to moderate the temperature, keep chilly winds at bay and they will actually enhance the structural integrity of a property. Double-glazed frames are far stronger than their single pane counterparts, so they will be able to add to the strength of any wall in which they feature.

Is there really that much of a difference between double and single windows?

Yes is the short answer. As mentioned above, single panes are weaker, less effective at containing heat, they are minimally efficient at keeping external cold air at bay and they can be prone to cracking over time. Double windows on the other hand are stronger, feature advanced air containment technologies, add to structural integrity and can help to insulate a home for decades.

Glass Mirror Replacement

Glass mirrors are everywhere in most houses. From wardrobe cabinets to bathroom fixtures, glass mirrors and panes add style and function to ordinary furniture. Glass tends to break, however, so most homeowners turn to the experts when it comes to knowing how and when to have their glass mirrors replaced. Here are a few mirror replacement tips that any homeowner will find useful.

Find out what type of glass you need.

If you are replacing a glass mirror that broke, it is important to find out why it broke in the first place. In some cases, ill-fitting glass or a glass type that wasn’t suited for that piece of furniture or that part of the house contributed to the damage. You can avoid future problems by choosing the right glass for each specific need.

Do an online research to find out what types of glass mirrors are available.

There are so many choices online for different types of glass, and you can make better decisions if you know which ones are available online or in your local shop. Online research also saves more time than canvassing local stores on foot.

Hire or DIY?

Look at the replacement problem and determine whether it is simple enough to do yourself, or if you need the help of professionals. There are some replacement projects that you can do on your own, like simple repair or glass maintenance. But if you lack the skills or the tools, hiring professionals may be a better option.

Request for at least three quotations from different mirror replacement specialists.

You can use online store locators to pick out the best replacement specialists near you and ask for quotes. This way you can compare prices, look at the reputability of the store or shop, and get the best price.

Choosing a mirror replacement specialist

A good replacement specialist should be able to give you a number of replacement options for your glass and a quote for each. Choose a specialist that has a good track record with previous clients and preferably choose a local shop so you can easily reach them for any do-overs or questions.

Mirror Disposal

If you are doing a mirror replacement on your own, or if your replacement specialists do not include disposal in their services, it is important to know how to dispose of broken or old glass mirrors.You can cover the entire surface of the glass, front and back, with duct tape so that it won’t break into pieces during disposal. Contact your local waste management company for very large or old glass mirror panes for proper disposal techniques.

Doing your research and shopping around for the best prices can help you make wise and informed decisions about the glass mirrors for your home. Get the service that is worth your money by following the tips mentioned above today.

Glass Repair Should Be Done By Professionals

glass window repairA common project around any home is glass repair. Homeowners will often try this task, with little success. It takes skill and experience to replace broken windows effectively. The condition and age of the windows or the home may contribute to difficulties in fixing window glass. Lack of proper tools is another reason why less experienced home owners should leave such jobs to the professionals.

Many older windows, and even some newer windows, are out of square, due to setting of the house or warping around the window frame. So, even with the proper tools and measurements, the new pane of glass may not fit correctly. A person who attempts to tackle a window replacement job may find themselves making several trips back to the glass store, to get the right fit.

Sometimes, the frame of the window is warped or out of shape. In some cases, there will be visible damage to the window frame and casing, such as mold, mildew, or rotting. In other instances, warping may be hard to see. What seems like a simple window repair job will turn into a days long project, in order to get the window frame back to its original condition. Window professionals can tell if a frame is damaged and can remedy the situation right away. The homeowner may end up paying more, but in the end, the window will fit better and do a better job of preventing cold air from entering the home.

There are many types of window glass on the market today. E-glass or energy efficient glass is designed to help the home stay cooler in the Summer and Warmer in the Winter, thus reducing costs for heating and cooling. Homeowners may not be aware of all the options available in replacement window glass and may not know how to choose the right glass for their particular situation. Experts know which types of glass perform better in their regions, as they have installed thousands of windows.

Attempting glass repair can be dangerous. This is particularly true for old, broken windows. Sometimes, the remaining shards will become stuck in the window frame. This creates a dangerous situation for the homeowner, who may cut him or herself in the process of removing old glass. Window and glass experts have the know how to safely remove old glass. Reducing the risk of serious injury is worth the cost of hiring a professional, in many instances.

Window and glass repair contractors work with hundreds of windows every week. They have the skill and knowledge to get the repair done efficiently. It may take a homeowner several hours for one repair. Professionals are accustomed to working skillfully and diligently to get windows back in perfect working order. For small repairs, they can be in and out in less than an hour. Larger jobs can be completed in a day or two, leaving the homeowner with new
windows in top condition for years to come.

Glass repair can be simple, for a front door or screen door. But, for windows around the rest of the house, the average homeowner can expect to run into some kind of obstacle. A professional window and glass contractor can diagnose and fix the problem right away. This results in greater satisfaction with the repair and longer life for  the replacement glass. It’s never a good idea to attempt a window glass replacement at home, unless the individual has the skills, knowledge, and tools to get the job done right the first time. In many cases, leaving the work to a professional will result in greater satisfaction, fewer worries, less risk of injury, and in some instances, lower costs.

Tips On Window Repair And Replacement

website pics 904A broken or cracked window is a security hazard.  In addition, it lets the elements in, which can be detrimental to your energy costs and affect the coziness of the space.  Fortunately, this problem can be easily remedied.  You have the option of buying replacement glass and getting it cut to the required measurement at the hardware store or lumberyard.

Repairing a shattered or cracked glass window is a simple repair, particularly if the pane is fairly small.  However, for dual glazing windows or larger panes, it is typically smarter to contact a glass dealer.  Normally, you will need to order a special pane and ensure it is on hand prior to removing the old glass.

If your window is broken or it has another problem and needs to be repaired or replaced, here are some instructions on glass repair and glass replacement:

Cracked Glass

Put on your protective gloves and use a glass cutter to score a tiny arc just beyond the crack; this will prevent the spreading of the crack.  Typically, the crack will not go beyond the arc.  With a chisel, scraper or utility knife, remove the metal fasteners, the old glazing around the pane of the window and the broken pieces of glass.  After which, you can follow the guidelines below:

• Carefully take out the pieces of broken glass.

• For an easy fit, measure the opening and take away 1/8 of an inch from the width and height.

• Use a glass cutter and straight edge to cut the glass or you can get it professionally cut a hardware store.

• Clean the wood around the window, prime it and leave it to dry.

• Place the replacement glass into the opening.

• Glazier’s points that are pressed into both sides of the frame can be used to keep the glass in place.

• Use glazing putty to fill in the opening between the frame and the glass.

• After the putty dries, you can do your priming and painting.

Glass Replacement

When a window pane is being replaced, do your best to acquire the same type that was originally installed.  This ensures all the windows in the house will have a cohesive look.  However, for older homes, it is not always easy to find an exact match.  When this happens, try to get something that matches as close as possible to the existing windows.  Carry a piece of glass to the store and ask for a match.

Glass repair and replacement will restore the comfort and visual appeal of your home. Of course we recommend leaving it to the experts at Glass Express.

Hiring A Glazier With Confidence

website pics 901DIY skills and enthusiasm are all very well for some jobs. But to replace glass safely, consumers need to hire a glazier. Many things can go wrong when glass is handled incorrectly leaving consumers at risk of losing heat/cold from a room or of serious injury. Here are some traits to look for in a trustworthy tradesperson.

Credentials

Firstly, conduct a background check regarding any short-listed service providers. Ask for references from past clients and phone them. Take a look at some of their work. Ask to see evidence of up-to-date licensing in the trade and ensure this person is insured in case you need to claim damages inflicted on your property. If the job is big and possibly complicated, be sure to hire someone with considerable experience and a great reputation. Consider giving a trained, licensed newcomer his chance when the job is relatively small.

Intelligence Test

Well-trained, skilled, experienced glaziers are versatile. They replace glass in doors, windows, and around conservatories or sun rooms. A glazier works with residential and commercial customers. One way to determine if a trades-person has what it takes is to ask a tough question and expect an immediate answer. If this person cannot answer right then and there, don’t wait on the line. A professional might have to look up specific details pertaining to uncommon requests, but his general knowledge of the subject should be at the tip of his tongue.

Expect Respect

Sometimes a professional service provider is so limited he will push a client towards a product that is unsuitable in order to mold the job to his needs. That’s not the attitude of a professional. Professionals find out what their clients want and structure services accordingly. They will make suggestions pertaining to safety, lighting, UV protection, sound proofing, and other factors, but all in keeping with the priorities of their customers.

Price Check

When renovating, conduct a price check in which you can narrow down your list to omit the most expensive and the cheapest contenders. You get what you pay for, but some legitimate companies over-price the work. With a list of three or four mid-range quotes, you have enough information to make a trustworthy choice.

Everything You Need To Know About A Glazier

website pics 1011A glazier is a skilled individual who specializes in selecting, cutting to size, installing, and replacing glass products in both residential and commercial buildings. In some cases, glaziers have to work with large panes of glass while suspended on the sides of tall buildings. Here is a detailed look at a glazier’s job description:

Glazier Duties

A glazier’s duties span every conceivable facet of glass-based work. This includes:

• Cutting glass to required size and shape
• Removing and replacing old glass products with new ones
• Securing/fastening glass onto frames using sashes or clips
• Grinding, drilling, and polishing glass to desired specifications
• Advising clients to purchase glass products that comply with specific building codes
• Handling glass products in warehouses, retail stores, during transport, and at construction sites
• Supervising lifting or handling of large and heavy glass products using lifting equipment such as hoists with suction cups
• Apply the relevant caulks, putty, adhesives, or weather sealants between glass panes or between glass panes and window, door, or wall frames.
• Supervise and advise apprentices learning the same craft.
• Create or fashion decorative glass features.

In residential buildings, the expertise and skill of a glazier comes in handy during the installation, replacement, construction, or re-positioning of glass doors, skylights, glass windows, sun-rooms, or glass-based room screeners/dividers. For instance, a glazier is the right professional to hire if you would like to install a bathtub enclosure. When working on large-scale commercial projects, glaziers usually receive and install pre-cut products. For instance, glass panes used to cover the outer surfaces of high-rise buildings arrive at construction sites pre-cut to the correct size. This makes a glazier’s work easier because all he/she has to do is hoist and secure them onto their frames.

Training

In order to work as a glazier, you must complete an apprenticeship program that includes at least 144 hours of technical training and 2,000 hours of on-the-job paid training. According to the BLS, a glazier-training program takes four years to complete. Most apprenticeship programs admit trainees who are 18 years or older, can handle the physical rigors involved in working as glaziers, and have graduated from high school.To work as a glazier in Connecticut, one must fulfill requirements such as take and pass a written exam, as well as successfully complete the relevant apprenticeship program.

Useful Personal Attributes

A glazier must have great hand-eye coordination, which comes in handy when cutting, drilling or polishing glass products. To succeed in this industry, one must also be physically strong and have lots of stamina because the job entails lifting heavy objects and standing or moving around for long periods.

Knowledge Requirements

A glazier must have a good grasp of different types of glass. This includes knowledge of their physical characteristics such as brittleness. At the same time, one must be well skilled in cutting, polishing, smoothing, installing, and handling diverse glass materials. Furthermore, a glazier must be well versed in local building codes, standards, and regulations. This means knowledge of structural as well as personal safety regulations. Even in cases where a glazier is employed, both employer and employee must comply with the relevant standards and laws.

Work Environment

The duties detailed earlier show that a glazier’s job is not for the faint-hearted because it is physically demanding and may involve working at great heights. As such, expect to spend a lot of time on ladders and scaffolds. This is in addition to long spells spent standing, bent, stretching, or contorting the body in awkward ways.

Workplace Safety

To avoid sustaining injuries while working in the surroundings described above, glaziers must wear protective gear including hand gloves, hard hats, eye goggles, and footwear with anti-slip soles. In spite of these protective measures, glaziers are prone to cuts and lacerations while handling glass, prone to falls and slips, prone to eye injuries caused by flying debris when drilling or cutting glass, and prone to chemical exposure when handling adhesives or sealants. As such, glaziers normally take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue. When working outdoors during summer, glaziers stay well hydrated by drinking water. Some glaziers also snack during work breaks to replenish the body’s energy stores. At every work site, a first aid kit/box is always easily accessible. Finally, glaziers carry communication devices such as walkie-talkies or mobile phones that they can use to call for help in the event of an emergency when working alone.

Conclusion

The work of a glazier revolves around one product or medium; glass. After successfully completing a training program, a glazier can undertake installation of glass windows, doors, handrails, storefronts, mirrors, or wall partitions at commercial and residential work sites.

All About Glass

glass-waterDiscovered by the Mesopotamians around 3500 BC, the human race has used glass in many different ways. Here is everything you need to know about glass:

Early years

According to the Corning Museum of Glass, historians can trace evidence of manufacture and use of glass to communities living in Mesopotamia before 2000 BC. Others peg this period around 3500 BC. However, it is possible human ancestors used obsidian as glass 9,000 years ago. By 1500 BC, the Phoenicians and the Egyptians were proficient enough in the art of glass making to produce glass-based items, such as glass beads. During this period, glass was mostly a luxury material only accessible to the rich, noble or titled community members.

Bronze Age to first Century BC

Rapid breakthroughs in glass making technology did not occur until the Bronze Age. As a result, this industry went through cyclical boom and bust periods through 500 BC. Nevertheless, experimentation led to the perfection of certain techniques, such as making colored glass ingots. A common characteristic of glass objects from this period is color diversity due to high impurity content in raw materials. Colorless glass did not appear until the first century BC. Also, around first century BC, industry experts figured out how to color glass by adding certain colorants.

First Century BC Onwards

From Mesopotamia, glass making artistry spread to communities in the Mediterranean, Indian subcontinent, China and the western parts of Asia. The Chinese learned this technology from Mesopotamians and exported it to their land. The Romans are credited with introducing glass-making technology to Western Europe, including present-day England, France, and Germany. They also invented clear glass manufacturing via the addition of manganese oxide. Through the 11th and 13th centuries, Venetian artisans experimented with ways of making glass sheets and stained glass windows. In 1674, an English glassmaker pioneered and patented the use of lead crystal technology to produce glass with a high refractive index.

Other innovations along the way included:

• The introduction of “polished plate” in France in 1688

• Otto Schott’s study of various chemical element effects on glass optics and thermal properties

• Invention of tank furnace by Friedrich Siemens

• Invention of automatic glass blower by Michael Owens in the late 19th century

• Introduction of the gob feeder to industrial glass production lines in 1923, introduction of “Individual Section” machines in 1925

• Improvement of Pittsburgh process in 1928

• Float glass invention by Sir Alistair Pilkington (UK) in 1959

• The discovery of fluoride glass in France by Marcel and Michael Poulain and Jacques Lucas in 1984.

The Glass Making Process

To make a glass item/vessel, one needs various chemicals including sodium carbonate, pure silica, lime, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, sodium sulfate, antimony oxide, sodium chloride, boron oxide, iron, and cerium oxide. The glass making process has not changed much since the Bronze Age and Anglo-Saxon era. In essence, the process involves heating silica, soda ash, and lime to extreme temperatures. As this mixture cools down, it is shaped into various glass products via blowing or pouring into molds. However, some modern processes are highly automated. Moreover, manufacturers now routinely use additives to enhance color, durability and opacity of glass, among other desirable properties.

Common Uses of Glass

Glass material has almost limitless uses including:

• In building construction, glass abounds in fixtures including doors, windows, walls, roof light clearings, balustrades, tables and shelves

• Packaging of food and cosmetic products

• Manufacture of tableware including plates, cups, and bowls

• Manufacture of medical technology devices used in radiology, biotechnology, and optometrics

• In Automotive and transport industry to manufacture of vehicle windscreens, lights, and other structural components

• In fiber optic cables to relay information to and from PCs, TVs, and mobile devices

• Building construction: Buildings constructed entirely from glass and structural support beams are a common sight in many parts of the world now

• Manufacture of renewable energy appliances such as solar panels

Conclusion

Humans have found different ways to use glass since its discovery around 3500 BC. Today, glass is widely used in myriad industries including building construction, food packaging, automobile, solar panel and fiber optic cable manufacturing industries, among others.

Tips For Saving Money On Glass And Window Repair

glasswindowsGlasses and windows are some of the features that make homes more attractive but they come at a cost. For instance, if your windows are not properly protected, your will experience significant increase in your utility bills. Similarly, broken glasses on your windows can pose great dangers to you and the people that you care more about. The cost of glass repair and/ or window repair can be very intimidating, especially, if you have insufficient information. However, there are several tips that can help you save money without entirely replacing your windows.

Generally, when one encounters window repair and glass repair tips, people tend to consider very little on the ease and cost effectiveness the repairs may turn out to be. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to examine all your windows for cracks, which may be letting in cold air. From your examination, the cracks that you find should be sealed immediately since up to twenty five percent of heating expenses are resulting from cold air, which comes through broken windows. Read More

EMERGENCY 1 HOUR GLASS RESPONSE GUARANTEED

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