Author Archives: Gene Graham

Glass makes everything look modern, stylish, and sophisticated. But like anything, it can easily collect dirt, dust and grime. To make sure it stays looking new and shiny, it does need some level of care and maintenance–a task many people do not look forward to doing.

Part of what makes glass cleaning a frustrating and tiring job is that homeowners insist on using the infamous newspaper and spray cleaner method. This is not a good idea as rubbing the glass with wadded-up paper towels or newspaper only moves the dirt around and produces static electricity, causing streaks and attracting more dust.

In order to keep your glass products in tip-top condition, you can’t simply spray on a bit of polish or glass cleaner and wipe it with crumpled paper. You’ll require the right tools and the right set of knowledge to make your glass products sparkle like new.

Below, we give you some simple tricks to ensure you don’t leave behind streaks, stains, and lint on glass surfaces.

Get Rid of Loose Dirt

Prior to cleaning your glass products, make sure to remove as much loose dust and dirt first. If you don’t, this loose debris could potentially cause scratches and streaks.

Use a Strip Applicator for Picture Windows

Large glass surfaces call for large tools, such as a strip applicator. So, This tool has a long cloth head that soaks up soapy water and effectively knocks dirt and grime lose without leaving scratches on the glass. Partner it with a cleaning solution made of warm water and dishwashing liquid.

For glass products with smaller surfaces, a handheld hog-bristle brush or sponge will do the trick. Opt for a natural one instead of synthetics. They are firmer and more absorbent.

Wipe Clean with a Squeegee

Instead of rinsing the glass with water, wipe it clean with a squeegee. So, Before having another go at it, wipe the tool’s blade clean with a microfiber cloth or lint-free rags, such as old linen napkins or cloth diapers, to avoid streaks and watermarks.

Swipe from Top to Bottom

Whether you are cleaning shower screens, windows, doors, or mirrors. It is important to note starting from the top and working your way down is the way to go it. And make sure to wipe it clean in one go. Otherwise, you risk leaving streaks along the glass.

Dry off the Drips on the Glass’s Edges

Remove any remaining soapy water on the edges of the glass and along the windowsill using a wrung-dry microfiber cloth or chamois.

To remove stubborn stains and spots that normal glass cleaning can’t. Gently rub it with either a fine 0000 steel wool. Or a wet towel dipped in a cleansing powder that contains oxalic acid. Adding a coating of surface protectant after “super cleaning” it will get rid of the stains for good.

If a good, meticulous cleaning just isn’t enough, consider having it professionally cleaned, repaired, or replaced.

Image courtesy of 123rf.com

Benefits of Safety Glass- Many people see glasses as an instrument to augment the appeal of a certain space. Be it an office or residential location, glass can provide functionality, as well as attractiveness.

In architecture, the use of glass has increased tenfold. Previously perceived as non-durable and fragile, glass today has engineered to be safer, tougher, and more secure for residential, industrial, and architectural applications.

Available in a variety of layers and thicknesses, safety glass, as they come to term. It has a multitude of advantages and diverse applications without the hazards of conventional glass. The benefits of using safety glass include the following:

Getting splashbacks for your home is a huge decision. It’s no secret that it can be more costly than traditional alternatives, so you could end up investing a sum of money in splashbacks. On the bright side, it can be a brilliant feature in specific areas of your home for years to come. Hence, with the right product and quality installation, they can be worth every penny! Plus, it provides many other advantages. Below, we give you a multitude of benefits that come with using splashbacks.

Below, we give you a multitude of benefits that come with using splashbacks.

Nanotechnology deals with the study of molecular and atomic particles, a world that is measured in nanometers (billionths of a meter or 10-9) and is 1000 times smaller than the human eye can see.

Nano coating technology research has come a long way since its first inception back in 1975 and ever since then consumer interest in such goods that incorporate nano coating’s protective features has steadily grown and now millions of items per year are being produced and utilized.

Ecoshield is a special nanotechnology product with a long-term hydrophobic effect on glass surfaces. This is not a sealer that forms a film. But rather is a modification of the surface on a molecular level to provide an easy-to-clean surface effect.

The particles themselves automatically bond at the nano level where liquid meets the glass. And this results in total and complete protection that outstrips all other previous and competing technologies. It goes without saying of course that because nanotechnology is exactly that, the correspondent coating particles are not visible to the naked eye and so it doesn’t compromise the natural transparency of the glass.

The hydrophobic product works by repelling water and prevents the adhesion of foreign matter on the surface. (Easy to Clean/self-cleaning effect). An ultra-thin and invisible coating appears on the glass surface. As a result, dirt particles cannot penetrate the matrix of the surface. Water runs off easily from the treated surface. And all dirt particles washed off by rain or when rinsed with water

Why should you use it?

There are in fact many benefits, not the least of which is nanocoating’s durable longevity; nano coatings are of a long-lasting nature and so the glass that has this technology applied won’t require constant maintenance throughout its lifetime.

The fact that the particles themselves bond at the nano level also lends incredible strength and integrity to the glass that utilizes nanotechnology. Inorganic and UV resistant, common cleaning methods such as pressure washers and surface cleaning agents will not weaken its durability or cause disruption to its organizational integrity. The surface even repels dirt and dust, frost, and rain.

On those rare occasions that such elements as dirt and dust do become attached. They can easily remove with a quick application of rinsing using clean water and a soft sponge. The coating is much, much smaller than the human eye can detect. Hence the coating is 100% transparent. Coated glass surfaces are not slippery and do not appear oily.

Never a need to use aggressive cleaners and mild detergents. That sometimes use and needed in many reduced volumes making your shower environmentally friendly. Taking all these benefits together then, it is easy to see why nano-coating is now the number one glass technology. And why you should be using it to protect your glass products and save you valuable cleaning time!

CIP Laminated Safety Glass is a particular type of laminated glass. Generally, laminated glass is produced via one of two methods.

The first of these methods and which is in fact the more common method produces a glass known as Poly Vinyl Butyral (PVB) Laminated Safety Glass whereby a thin layer of PVB is sandwiched between two layers of glass using the process of heat and the application of pressure. This product is commonly used in door panels, windscreens in cars, and larger floor-to-ceiling glazing in residential homes.

The second method however is achieved by holding two separate sheets of glass together, parallel to one another, and then pouring a resin into the very thin space between the two panes. Then, using the application of Ultraviolet (UV) rays, the resin cure and solidifies itself into a hard plastic state that quite naturally at this point, bonds the glass sheets together. This produces what is known as CIP Laminated Safety Glass.

With Toughened CIP Laminated safety glass the panes on either side of the interlayer a toughened/ tempered safety glass adding considerable strength and a great product that can use in a variety of applications

CIP Laminated Safety Glass is much stronger than your normal laminated safety glass through its solidified interlayer. Thus when something impacts the surface of the glass, rather than smashing it to smithereens. The interlayer tends to absorb the damage and what damage there is, tends to cause a splintering effect rather than an outwardly shattering shower.

CIP laminates used in the following applications

Balustrades – The safety features of this glass type ensure that a handrail not required. Whilst it is considerably more expensive than normal toughened safety glass. Normally used it ensures lines much cleaner with the minimal visual disturbance caused by handrails. And other fixings required to meet Australian standards

Overhead glazing – Commonly used for large overhead canopies and roof glazing applications. This specialty glass will ensure that if broken the panel will not come crashing down.

Floors – Because of its very high strength and load capacity, CIP toughened laminates always used in flooring applications. It’s always scary walking on glass floors but rest assured. This glass is much stronger than many other building products on the market!

Glass installation using neutral cure and sanitary silicone sealants. Silicone sealant is a versatile and flexible waterproof sealant with a large number of applications, especially in the glass and glazing industry.

Most silicone sealants release acetic acid while curing. This gives off a characteristic vinegar-like smell. In some circumstances, this odour may very undesirable but more importantly the acetic acid may have a negative impact on the materials being sealed and this is what brings us to this article.

Acidic cure silicone has negative effects on a range of materials paint, silvered coatings, plastics, stone, and timber are all affected negatively by the curing process. More often than not causing a reaction in the form of staining or bubbling effects.

This is why neutral sure sealants and glues should always use when glass installation for mirrors or painted glass splashbacks. Neutral cure silicone products reduce or eliminate the production of acetic acid while curing ensuring that your newly glass installation product not negatively affected as described above. Often the better quality sealants also tend to be neutral cure products.

Sanitary silicone

Mould a real issue with silicone sealants used in wet environments such as bathrooms. Silicones contain acetates which effectively feed mould causing it to go black soon after your glass installation.

Mould/mildew-resistant silicones are widely available on today’s market. And should always demand when glass installation done for your next bathroom products.

These silicones include an added fungicide that actively reduces the formation of mould on silicone that frequently exposed to moisture. I must also add that these products are 100% resistant. The shower and silicone still need to clean regularly and general maintenance required for the best results.

Speak to us about Neutral cure and Mildew resistant silicones on your next glass installation. Economy Glass is always ready to help you!

Argon glass has recently began to get notice as an energy efficient tool anyone can take advantage of for their home. Argon is a colorless and odorless gas. Its symbol is Ar on the periodic table. It also makes up about one percent of the atmosphere. It has long been used in other home products, such as fluorescent tubes and electric bulbs. The Australian government has a rating system that assigns a grade for energy efficiency to windows. Those double-glazed windows made with argon gas have been getting some of the highest ratings for energy efficiency.

A double-glazed window is a window that is created with a set of two glass window panes. The window panes place separately in the window frame space and there is air in the space between the two panes. The space between the two panes known as the cavity. Normally, the air vacuum and sealed in the cavity. This helps for both insulation and reducing noise from outside. In recent years, some double-glazed windows made with different inert glasses. Argon is the most popular and widely used. It is perfectly safe to use argon gas as a substitute for air in the double-glazed window pane.

Normal air is mainly nitrogen and oxygen. However, argon is already present in the air naturally. This new idea of filling the cavity of double-glazed windows with argon gas may be slightly higher price-wise than traditional air-filled double-glazed windows. However, when argon glass used then energy efficiency savings come into play! Savings of up to 30% can achieve on household energy bills when going with argon gas in a double-glazed window. This means that even if a little more cash shelled out when the windows place in the home the savings will continue year after year. This also means that the home will retain heat in the winter and a/c in the summer better than other windows.

Another important factor to note in choosing argon gas in double-glazed windows is that the gas will not leak. Also, unlike plasma televisions that need plasma refills every few years double glazed windows filled with argon gas do not need to refill for the life of the window. Low maintenance is always a plus when choosing any product for a home!

Soundproofing is important in a home for a myriad of reasons. First, you want to keep the noise out! When you close your windows you expect them to soundproof your home. Is your neighbor’s kid learning the trumpet? Need glass soundproof windows and! Traffic noise getting to be too loud? Then you need your glass windows to be soundproofed

What type of glass is best for soundproofing? The thicker the better!

Double-glazed soundproof windows are best for soundproofing your home. A double-glazed window pane is a much better soundproof tool than a single-paned glass window. With the correct glass types, these units can help soundproof your home by reducing the noise in your house by up to 25%!

Our lives are continually disrupted by noises from neighbours, traffic, railways, industrial facilities, loudspeakers, pubs, and aircraft, which prevents us from finding the peace we so desperately need.

Windows and doors are usually the weakest point of sound insulation in the home and the problem gets worse with traditional windows or doors which have gaps even when closed. The gaps – a result of flaws in the design, construction, or installation – allow easy passage for noise to just barge in and destroy the tranquillity of a home.

Not so with Economy Glass soundproof windows and doors, which when closed block out the outside disturbances, creating a comfortable environment to concentrate, enable a peaceful night’s sleep, relax and enhance your quality of life. Below are the features that help Economy Glass protect you from your city:

Some common tips for reducing noise through your windows

Consider laminated glass within the double-glazed units. Laminated glass has a plastic interlayer that helps eliminate a wide frequency of sound waves.

Consider specialty laminates (sound stop) These products have been specifically designed for reducing noise and with the correct installation method, sealants, and adhesives you will hear a clear reduction in unwanted noise.

Consider using two different glass thicknesses when installing double-glazed units. This is scientifically proven to eliminate a wider range of sound waves.

Before spending any money on soundproofing by buying new soundproof windows then you can try a few do-it-yourself tricks.

Check gaps in the soundproof windows frame and patch them to reduce noise instantly.

Fabric curtains are a great soundproofing tool although they only work when pulled.

Insulation – ensure your home is adequately insulated within walls, floors, and ceilings

Plants also absorb sound so next time you are out pick up a pretty potted plant!

Firstly, What Thing People Say About Our Pet Doors? That They’re 100% Worth It.

Always happy clients tell us how their pet doors have greatly decreased their stress levels, decreased their home expenses, and—most importantly—improved the happiness of their pets.

Are you tired of letting the dog in and out all day long?

Have you considered putting in a doggie door but decided against it because your door is glass? You are in luck!

Economy Glass can supply and install a cat doors in your home with no problems at all.

FOR ENERGETIC ANIMALS: Sturdy, Tough-as-Nails Pet Doors

Heavy-duty aluminum frames for extra durability.
Secure locking covers for when you’re away.
Hinged flaps that designed to prevent tearing and chipping.
Large flap sizes for giant-breed dogs.

DRAFT & WEATHER-TIGHT PET DOORS FOR EXTREME WEATHER.

Withstand UV radiation equal to two years of sun.
Flexible and tight-sealed even at -40°F.
Withstand winds greater than 50 mph.
Energy efficiency equivalent to dual-pane glass.

First, what type of glass do you have that needs cut?

If it is tempered glass then you cannot cut it. Tempered glass is a type of safety glass and it will shatter if you try to cut it. If you do have tempered glass then you have to buy new glass for your door. If you want to go down that route.

So, If you do not have tempered glass then our glaziers can easily cut the opening for your pet doors.

Using a specialist glass circle cutter and refined techniques our glaziers can attend to your home and cut the hole in your desired location all in under an hour or so

Call us today for all of your pet doors requirements.

Economy Glass is always here to help you with your glass product-related issues or doors, window, shower, splashbacks, etc.

Starfire Glass – When remodelling a kitchen or building a kitchen from the ground up multiple decisions will need to be made every step of the way. One of those decisions will involve putting in a splashback. A splashback or backsplash is a panel placed behind the sink to protect the wall. It literally prevents water or cooking materials from splashback on the wall. Generally, you will find a splashback behind the sink and stove. It can make of several materials and glass one of the most popular. Glass can use as a splashback in home bars, kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms. Glass is so easy to clean and will shine up to a sparkle every time.

Not only is Starfire glass extremely easy to clean it can easily match to your décor in any room. One of the most important things to consider when choosing glass for the splashback is colour. If colour is an important factor in your home decorating plans then Starfire glass is the best choice. Starfire glass is low iron and lead-free. The low iron removes the greenish tint that most other glass has. This ensures that if you choose a blue glass you get a true blue and if you choose a red glass it is really red. Starfire glass is the perfect choice for your splashback to ensure that the vision you choose comes to life exactly as you imagined.

With Starfire glass, you can accurately match items you already plan to use with the colour of the splashback. This means if you love the green towels in your bathroom. You can make a paint sample to match the green of the towel. And when the glass made it will exactly the same colour that you love. If your kitchen has gorgeous blue tile then the same principle applies. You can take a tile sample to the paint store and have a sample created to have the glass made in the exact same blue of the tile. Colour uniformity is a classic tool to pull a kitchen together and make it stand out!

Starfire glass for use in a splashback is now in your arsenal of home improvement tools! The Starfire glass will bring out your home’s personality and make the splashback an area that your friends and family will comment on time and time again.