Sliding glass doors can be a great convenience, at least, until they start to get stuck in their track. Having a sliding glass door that only slides with great effort is about as good as no sliding glass door at all. However, there are some simple maintenance tips for keeping a sliding glass door operating…
Windows are probably one of the first things you think of when thinking of glass, but glass is useful for more than windows. Decorative glass paneling is a design idea used in both residential and commercial architecture, and it adds dimension, contrast, functionality, and a feeling of elegance and sophistication to many interiors and exteriors…
Not all glass is the same. From time to time, new technology in glass manufacture brings new types of glass into the market, and low-e glass coatings are one of these recent innovations. Low-e glazing is embedded or coated with a microscopically thin layer of metal or other reflective compound. These coatings reflect the sun’s…
Sliding glass doors add light while at the same time creating the convenience of a large doorway for accessing a patio, deck, or backyard area. Sliding glass doors often get a lot of use, leading to wear and tear damage to the door and problems with its functionality. Old sliders also waste energy. Save Energy…
Windows get old and out of repair, and then comes the decision point: Can you repair the old window or is it time to replace it with a new window? Here are a few guidelines for deciding. Repairing or Replacing Windows Whether or not a window can be repaired depends on several factors: Old Wooden…
An emerging technology in window design is thermochromic glass. This innovative, smart material changes tint automatically, using heat and light from the sun to darken or lighten the tint of the glass, reducing glare and increasing energy efficiency inside the building. How Thermochromic Windows Work Thermochromic design in windows involves an interlayer of special material…
The sleek, clean look of a glass table top makes any room look great. Dining rooms graced by glass dining room tables create an especially elegant and sophisticated décor. But how big should a glass table be to accommodate your list of diners? Sizing a Glass Table Top for Your Dining Room Glass table tops…
People have been fascinated by mirrors for thousands of years, and owning a mirror was once a sign of wealth and status. Making the Most of Mirrors Everyone is familiar with the simple mirrors of everyday life used for checking your appearance in the bathroom before heading out the door or looking behind you in…
Humans have been using glass since at least 3500 BC when the process of creating this wondrous substance was first tamed by people. Before that, glass from volcanic eruptions existed and enchanted those who found it and sometimes formed it into jewelry. The modern world is filled with all sorts of glass, and it is…
Windows bring light and the view from outside into the house, but they also transfer heat and cold. The construction of a window greatly affects how much heat is lost or gained. If you are replacing windows, knowing a few basics about window insulation can save you money and make your home more comfortable. Problems…