Etched Glass Panels

Etched Glass Panels

Have you thought about purchasing an etched glass window and decided not to because of a concern with replacing the window sash if it becomes broken? Now there is the technology to create high resolution, custom laser etched design in glass blocks. These blocks have standard 3/8" faces which are very difficult to break - and even if one block were to break, it can be replaced without having to replace the entire window.

Here are 5 steps to consider when placing a laser etched glass block window order:

Step 1 - Where are you going to use this window - Block windows can be used in residential or commercial applications. For homes the most common uses are bathroom, kitchen, basement, family or living room windows. The etching process can be applied to either see through (Vue and Clear patterns) or moderately distorted (Decora or Wave patterns) blocks. These blocks come in a variety of sizes to fit any opening and are also available in custom colors.

For architectural, commercial and institutional projects etched glass can be used for exterior or interior window openings and signs. Churches have found these products to offer an excellent alternative to stained glass since the glass blocks can be colored and custom etched. Hospitals are beginning to use these blocks to create directional signs that are functional, structurally strong, and can be custom designed to fit their specific need.

Step 2 - Measure the masonry or rough openings - Most of your window openings will either be in frame or masonry construction. For masonry openings measure from the top of the sill on the outside to the bottom of the header plate that is above the window frame. In most masonry openings the existing window frame will be removed (by cutting, sawing, or prying the frame out) in the installation process.

For framed rough openings measure the space inside of the frame after the old window sashes would be removed. For these applications the new window will generally be set inside of the existing frame.

For new construction you should be able to specify the opening to your contractor.

Step 3 - Determine if a frameless or vinyl framed etched glass window will work best

o Masonry openings in remodeling- It's usually most cost effective and easier to mortar a block window panel inside masonry openings. The frameless window design will tend to work best since the mortar will bond better with the block than a vinyl frame. You will find masonry openings most frequently in basement window and commercial replacement window projects.

o Frame openings in remodeling - For upper floor frame or stucco construction openings where you can create an opening the vinyl framed window is preferred. This window installs like a traditional vinyl window (it is available both with and without nailing fins for an easy installation) and is more comfortable for most contractors and homeowners. If you cannot size the opening usually the frameless windows will work best. For these projects you can use a spray foam insulation around the block window panel, trim the opening out with wood, and use aluminum or PVC coil stock over the wood trim.

Step 4 - Determine what glass block size, color and pattern will work best - Most block patterns are available in 2" increments with the most common sizes being 4" x 8", 6" x 6", 6" x 8" and 8" x 8". When laser etching the blocks the see- through and moderately wavy patterns tend to show the etched artwork most prominently.

The window sizes can also be varied by choosing either mortar or silicone joints to create an optimal fit. The blocks can be etched individually or as part of a mural assembly. For the murals it is recommended to use the silicone jointing process because the blocks are closer together than with mortar jointing. If you have a question about the right sized window and blocks for your project contact a block window specialist. If you want to add even more style dichroic (this is a mirrored multi-color process) and colored glass blocks can be used.

Step 5 - Order a stock pattern or supply your custom image for a one of kind design - Blocks can be laser etched with either stock patterns or virtually any custom image. There are several series of patterns to choose from including:

o Pets, Hobbies & Holiday Series

o Contemporary Series

o Traditional Series

o Earth Series

The stock patterns can be etched into one block or a series of blocks as a mural.

If you'd like a custom image supply a pdf, jpeg, tif or similar type of file and your etched glass window can be turned into a custom piece of artwork. Now that you're equipped with these 5 steps you're ready to order your own laser etched glass block window.

Glass Fibre

Glass Fibre

This is a process in which fibreglass if formed into shapes, the mould process begins with an object known as a buck or sometimes as a plug, this plug or buck is an exact representation of the item that is about to be made, a number of materials can be used for this with foam being the most common.

The process of making the buck begins and when finished a mould release agent is sprayed over it; this will allow the mould itself to separate away from the plug when the whole process is completed. The release agent is a special type of PVA or wax. Wax tends to be the preferred choice as PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol) effects the surface finish of the mould in a negative way.

After the release agent has been applied to the plug another item is used to coat the mould; Gelcoat, this is applied with a spray gun, roller or a brush, this gives the surface of the mould a more durable, harder finish. Gelcoat is a pigmented resin.

The next step is where the Glass Fibre is applied; it is called the laying up process. A mat fibreglass layer is applied and then coated with a resin. The air bubbles are removed by using a special roller, these bubbles must be removed and if they are left in the strength of the product would be significantly reduced.

The final layers of fibreglass must be applied, when they have it will be left alone allowing the resin to set and cure. The mould is then removed from the buck and your Glass Fibre Moulding is complete.

Decorative Glass Doors

Decorative Glass Doors

If you're considering remodeling, or looking at the interior designs of a new home, you'll certainly be looking at painting the walls different colors and adding different types of carpeting, tile, or wood floors. However, have you ever considered what you might want for the doors? Sure, there are the classic light, white wooden doors, or the very heavy carved medieval-looking wood doors; however, heavily carved old-fashioned doors tend to be stained in darker colors, and create a rather gloomy atmosphere in your home. For a more modern, contemporary design, you might want to consider decorative glass doors instead.

Why use decorative glass doors? Well, there are plenty of reasons for that! One major advantage that a decorative glass door has over a dark, old, medieval wooden door is the ability to allow light from room to room. The transfer of so much daylight throughout the house will create an overall lighter atmosphere, allowing more daylight into your home and creating a warmer effect. Recently, studies have shown that exposure to plenty of daylight inside the home is good for your health because it wards off depression and also increases your productivity.

Decorative glass doors come in many shapes, sizes, and designs. For a more contemporary look, you may just simply want to consider an elegant glass door with gold or silver metallic touches on the edges; clear glass will allow the door to let in the most light. These can be effective for the door leading to your patio or deck, so that you get a nice, clear view of the backyard. A decorative glass door also may be used for office and room doors. However, when you are considering doors for the bathroom, you may want to use a frosted glass door, because frosted glass doors are more translucent and provide much more privacy than a clear glass door. This same idea goes for the shower; while shower curtains might suffice, having a glass door for your shower will allow more light in so that you no longer have to stand in the dark shower-you can enjoy the warm water in the light! Frosted glass can come in many different variations. There is frosted textured glass that isn't quite transparent but not that translucent either, and simply has wavy designs all over the glass so that it's difficult to see the clear image on the other side. There's also sandblasted frosted glass, which creates sort of a grayish, almost plastic-like sheen over the glass to create translucency.

Another type of decorative glass door is the stained glass door. Stained glass doors can be used as front doors because they tend to be a bit fancier, though I would not recommend you use bright contrasting colors on your stained glass door, as that may seem a bit over-bright and difficult to match to your exterior house design. Many homeowners have also used stained decorative glass doors as their cabinet doors, and these create beautiful effects for your kitchen area, as it allows light to travel into and light up all your cabinets-and thus, your entire room.