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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!

Contact us today for soundproof windows and soundproof doors

If you have recently purchased a glass product only to have it shatter due to a thermal break this can be a frustrating thing. Although thermal breakage is not a common occurrence, it does happen on occasion. When a thermal break does happen it is not typically the result of faulty glass. Here are a few reasons why thermal breakage happens and how to prevent it.

A thermal break in the glass will occur when there is uneven heating. What happens is that only part of the glass is able to expand causing stress within the glass and when the stress exceeds the strength of the glass then a thermal break will happen. In a high-temperature climate, glass may be more at risk for a thermal break since temperatures are higher for longer periods hence putting the glass more at risk.

Other Factors in Thermal Breakage

Although heat is the number one cause of thermal breakage, other factors may also play a part in causing a window to receive the damage. Such as if heavy drapes or blinds are put over the window this can cause the heat to be reflected upon the glass more intensely which can cause the thermal heating to start. If part of a window is kept cooler then another part of the window this can, in turn, cause uneven heating in the glass which may eventually cause breakage as well.

Keep in mind different types of glass are more prone to thermal breakage than others. A strong tempered glass is more likely to be more tolerant of thermal heat stress than thin laminated glass.

Preventing Thermal Breakage

As thermal breakage does not cover by most glass manufacturers’ warranties, it is best to know what to do to prevent a thermal breakage.

Be sure to check your window frames for any leakage that may cause water to get into the frame and cause damage to the glass.

Try to avoid covering the glass with any heavy types of material that may hold in heat.

Try to avoid damaging the glass, any damage done to the surface of the glass or outer edges may increase the risk for the glass to weaken and be more likely to succumb to heat stress.

Do not paint directly onto a glass surface

Avoid black backings behind a pane of glass.

Although this is rare, it is an unfortunate thing that does happen sometimes, however by remembering these tips to prevent thermal breakage it is less likely to occur.