Common Glass

The glass that we take for granted everyday in the form of windows, jars and bottles are known in the glass making trade as commercial glass or even soda-lime glass (this because the glass contains soda ash). London Glazing know how glass is produced. The main element for the manufacture of this type of glass is sand, which is melted at around 1700°C which is an incredibly hot temperature, so other minerals are added to reduce the temperature at which the melting occurs. Sodium carbonate or soda ash reduces this fusion heat to around 800°C, with the mixture then being 75% silica and 25% sodium oxide. The glass is made even more stable by adding magnesium oxide and calcium oxide, contained in limestone, after which the glass is pure. This commercial glass is usually colourless to allow the transmission of light, which is great for the window and other uses also. Other chemicals for colour can be added. Flat glass has a very similar construction but has more magnesium oxide in its composition. These days, recycled glass from place like bottle bank collection points, known as cullet is used to make the new glass that we use, with the environmental benefits being very important, as cullet will melt much easier than new glass which will save lots of energy and also emissions in the production process. There is an infinite proportion of this cullet that can be added (this is known in the trade as ‘Batch’) as long as its condition is good. Green glass for example that is made today will be made up of 85%-90% of the recycled cullet batch. London Glaziers recycle glass. Recycled glass can be sourced from countries all around the world, but the important point is the colours shouldn’t mix. Cullet is free from impurities, particularly any metal or ceramic material.

Storm windows can be fitted to most styles of windows, either internally or externally to a main window. Whatever type you choose, the storm window frame must be fitted square to the chosen window and sealed to the opening. External storm windows must have holes at the bottom of the frame to allow any moisture that collects between the primary window and the storm window to drain away. Although the drain holes detract a little from the energy that’s saved, the window would rot without them and would not work correctly. The windows can be a cheap inexpensive plastic sheet or film manufactured for one heating season to triple-track glass units with low emissivity coatings that give many years of use. Storm windows may use glass, plastic panels, or special plastic sheets that have specific optical qualities. London Glazing know this style of window.

The ones manufactured from polycarbonate plastic or laminated glass can offer a high resistance to shattering in really bad weather storms or from a burglar. Interior storm windows give greater ease of use than exterior storm windows. They are easy to fit and remove and need less maintenance as they are not exposed to the weather and, because they can seal tight to the primary window, and they are great at reducing air infiltration. London Glaziers supply all types of window glass. Interior storm windows can be the best choice for flats and houses with one floor or more. If you can afford to buy exterior storm windows, you will probably be able to afford new, more energy efficient windows, and a better investment. The glass pane type give a better visibility and longer lifespan than plastic panes, however, glass is heavy and brittle. Normally, plastics are the most economical for people with small budgets or who live in apartments. However, while inexpensive and relatively easy to install, they are easy to damage. Plastic panels, such as Plexiglas and acrylics are tougher and lighter than glass, but may scratch easily. Some may turn yellow over time as well. Some plastic films may significantly reduce visibility and degrade over time when exposed to sunlight. Wood, aluminium, and vinyl are the most common storm window frame materials. There are advantages and disadvantages to all types of frame materials. Although very strong, light, and almost maintenance free, aluminium frames conduct heat very rapidly. Because of this, aluminium makes a very poor insulating material.

All of the glass that we use can be recycled 100%. This can go on forever and it will not lose any of its quality, purity and clarity. Glass is manufactured with materials that are very safe and glass has been used for has been a loyal packaging material for over 2000 years. As the description states glass has no limits to the benefits associated with the recycling of glass. Looking at this from an environmental position, glass recycling will minimise the use of precious raw materials and reduces the pressure on our very limited natural resources. It also has the potential to lower the world’s collective carbon footprint. More usage of waste glass lowers the energy needed to manufacture the glass in the first instance. This type of recycling process can reduce the emission of harmful greenhouse gases. London Glazing do recycle glass.

Do You Know?

• The recycling of glass can be done again and again and still not affect the quality or integrity of the new glass product.
• The first glass was formed from molten volcanic rock that cooled down really quick.
• The Egyptians made the first glass containers.
• Glass is thought to be one of the best containers. This is because glass is pure, and does not affect or change the properties of the contents within it.
• Cullet is the name for waste/recycled glass.
• Glass recycling figures have increased from 147,000 tons to 295,879 tons. This is a massive increase of more than 100% in the short history of recycling. London Glaziers have all types of glass.

Did you know that during the process of melting the waste glass known as cullet there is no fusion lost. This means that 5tons of waste will make 5tons of the new product. However it would take 5.2 tons of raw materials are required to manufacture one 5tons of glass

There is an ever growing selection of new window types on the market. This is good as this will allow all kinds of window requirements to be satisfied. Many years ago the choice was limited to side hinged or the sliding sash style of window. Today there are a couple of options for the mechanics that provide a hinge for our windows such as a pivot and friction type which is quite common. There has also been a revolution in the materials that our windows are made from and also the shapes and sizes are really quite considerable. The process of window fitting has become quite straightforward as well. If the house is an older style and you need a new window it could be that a new replacement window needs to be made to measure for you. London Glazing can supply and fit all your window needs. Normally, when a window is renewed, the materials and also the functionality and hardware mechanics are made in a sympathetic way in order to keep to the original design and promote an authentic product that will not look out of place. There are some windows like a sash for example that will feature a more modern balancing system that will not be made from hazardous material like lead.

The window frame is also very important, so you must always ensure that if the old window is fitted with a sill, then, that you make sure that the replacement is the same. London Glaziers fit all types of glass.

Aluminium (Metal):
These window frames are slim but very strong, durable and able to support large panes of glasswork. They have a big problem, however and that is they conduct heat and are also prone to massive condensation issues. The older of this type of frame used to rust, but the new ones are protected and require little or no maintenance.

Hardwood:
The wooden type are still very popular, with many people picking hardwood for its hard wearing qualities and looks. Hardwood can be painted or just oiled for protection, it is quite expensive but good value.

Vinyl Covered:
This type a replacement option for older windows and come in double glazed units, in white and a varied colour option.

The storm windows can be used for most types of windows. They can be fitted on either the inside or outside of a primary window. They can be a cheap inexpensive plastic sheet or film manufactured for one heating season to triple-track glass units with low emissivity coatings that give many years of use. Storm windows may use glass, plastic panels, or special plastic sheets that have specific optical qualities. London Glazing know these windows. The ones manufactured from polycarbonate plastic or laminated glass can offer a high resistance to shattering in really bad weather storms or from a burglar. Interior storm windows give greater ease of use than exterior storm windows. They are easy to fit and remove and need less maintenance as they are not exposed to the weather and, because they can seal tight to the primary window, and they are great at reducing air infiltration. London Glaziers can fit these. Interior storm windows can be the best choice for flats and houses with one floor or more. If you can afford to buy exterior storm windows, you will probably be able to afford new, more energy efficient windows, and a better investment. The glass pane type give a better visibility and longer lifespan than plastic panes, however, glass is heavy and brittle. Normally, plastics are the most economical for people with small budgets or who live in apartments. However, while inexpensive and relatively easy to install, they are easy to damage. Plastic panels, such as Plexiglas and acrylics are tougher and lighter than glass, but may scratch easily. Some may turn yellow over time as well. Some plastic films may significantly reduce visibility and degrade over time when exposed to sunlight. Wood, aluminium, and vinyl are the most common storm window frame materials. There are advantages and disadvantages to all types of frame materials. Although very strong, light, and almost maintenance free, aluminium frames conduct heat very rapidly. Because of this, aluminium makes a very poor insulating material.

Laminate:
A product called laminated glass is supplied in varied choice of thicknesses and is normally made from a large number of laminated layers which also include polycarbonate. The laminated glass product has many uses and is the popular choice to increase security in many guises and is even available in a bullet-proof option. The laminated glass can be used as a large sheet of glass with a toughened glass to give safety and also piece of mind. London Glazing can supply and fit different security glass.

Security Glass Film:
The type of film glass is available in a choice of thickness and is made for addition to things like glass on windows and doors for increased security but when applied it should be behind any beading etc. for optimum performance. This film has the action of keeping the glass together should someone try and smash it. This is also a great quality in office windows that could fall victim to collateral bomb damage, meaning that no glass shards will enter the rooms, offices or even fall to the ground and so will not cause injury. It can also be used to allow privacy and also reduce the heat that would be radiated through the glass which could save on running conditioning equipment for cooling. There is also a reduction in the glare that is nearly always present in buildings with lots of glass, so it will also reduce the affect of fading the furniture such as tables and chairs that may be in the direct path of such glare for example in a homes conservatory in summer. London Glaziers can supply security glass.

Polycarbonate:
Polycarbonate plastic glazing material is very strong and usually used for security access entrance doorways. When you see this type of glazing it is very likely that it is a place of high of damage or vandalism and could mean that there has been an incident previously and there is a high risk of another such incident.

The humble Glass Cutter is one of the most important tools that you can purchase if you are working with glass. The cutter is a tool that is hand held, with a wheel designed to scratch the glass surface. This has the effect of making the tension of the glass softer so it can be broken along the scratch line, which is also known as a ‘score line’. A good quality Glass Cutter lets you to cut the glass shapes you need without excessive breakages. Where possible, try a selection of different Glass Cutters before you make your choice. Below is a selection of the glass cutting tools that are available on the market to make sure the glass is cut accurately. London Glaziers carry glass cutting tools.

Barrel Cutter:
This is the most common style of self-oiling tool. The Barrel cutter has a swivel cutting head and a barrel that’s designed for comfort in your hand with the barrel serving as the oil reservoir. London Glazing know glass cutting.

Pistol-Grip Cutter:
If you have arthritis or difficultly holding finger tension for extended periods of time, the pistol-grip cutter may be a good option for you. This device is designed to fit comfortably into the palm of your hand, taking the pressure off your fingers. The pistol-grip cutter has the same swivel cutting head as the barrel cutter, so it cuts just as well.

Strip-and-Circle Cutter:
A strip and circle cutter isn’t a necessary tool, but I highly recommend getting one, especially if you want to make glass boxes or lampshades. As its name implies, you use the strip and circle cutter to cut straight strips of glass and circles. You can adjust the tool to cut almost any size of glass strips from 1⁄2 inch up to 8 to 10 inches It also easily converts into a circle cutter, allowing you to cut circles of glass.

There are very many homes still in the UK that have older less energy efficient windows fitted. Therefore it will be a lot more sensible to fit new, more efficient units and bring your home into the 21st century. The new, energy-efficient type of windows will, in time pay for themselves through low heating and cooling costs, and maybe even the cost of lighting your home. Provided these are sensibly selected and fitted, energy-efficient windows will help to reduce those heating, cooling, and lighting costs. London Glazing can advise on this. Improving window performance in your home involves design, selection, and installation. Before choosing the new windows for your house, work out what types of windows will work the best and how to maximise your home’s energy saving. You should understand the energy performance ratings of windows so you will know what energy performance ratings you need for your windows based on your climate and the design of the house. For the energy-efficient windows, ENERGY STAR® has created minimum energy performance ratings by climate. London Glaziers are experts in glass. These criteria, however don’t account for a home’s design, such as the window positions. These passive type of solar design plans use the glass to maximize solar heat gain in winter and minimize it in summer. In climates that are dominated by heat, major glazing areas should generally face south to collect solar heat during the winter when the sun is low in the sky. In the summer, when the sun is high overhead, overhangs or other shading devices prevent excessive heat gain. Windows on east, west, and north-facing walls should be few while still allowing for adequate daylight. It is difficult to control heat and light through east and west facing windows when the sun is low in the sky, and these windows should have a low SHGC. (solar heat gain coefficient).

The efficiency of a window will depend on all the parts that make up the window. The frame of the window is a conductor of heat, which forms part of the efficiency overall. This applies also to the windows U-factor. The technical side of the glass and glazing industry has become really advanced in recent years, with some design professionals demanding glass or glazing that will suit various designs and climates etc. London Glazing know the details for all types of glass. An important consideration is how the windows actually work, as some working types have a lower rate at which air can leak air than others, this improves your home’s energy efficiency.

Normal operating types are:

Awning:
Uses hinges at the top and opening out. Because the sash closes by pushing against the frame, they usually have low air leaking rates. Lower than sliding windows. London Glaziers fit these.

Casement:
Hinged on the sides. Look similar to an awning window, they generally have lower air leakage rates than a sliding window as the sash shuts by pushing against the frame.

Fixed:
Fixed panes that will not open. Once installed properly these windows are airtight, however, they are not suited in areas where window ventilation is required.

Hopper:
Hinges at the bottom and opening in. Just as with both awning and casement windows, these usually have low air leak rates as the sash shuts by pressing against the frame.

Single and Double-Hung:
Each of the sashes moves vertically in a double-hung window. The bottom sash is the only one that slides up in a single-hung window. These sliding windows generally have high air leak rates than projecting or hinged windows.

Single and Double-Sliding:
Each sash moves horizontally in a double-sliding window. There is only one sash that slides in a single-sliding window. As with single and double-hung windows, they usually have high air leak rates than projecting or hinged windows.

There are more and more householders that are making their kitchens bigger to achieve much more space and light. The older bricks and mortar extensions and more conventional conservatories are making way for a newer sleek glass made extension to the rear of the house. However is it easy and affordable to get that great look? Below are some questions for you to ask yourself before you start:

Would a Glass Extension Suit The Way I live?
Firstly, be real. A futuristic-looking glass structure straight out of a magazine will give your home fantastic light and space as well as the wow factor, but you will be subject to onlookers. Lack of privacy could be a something to consider. Also think carefully about how you will cool the room. During summer, a room of glass can get really hot. Maybe a partly glazed version could be a more practical option. London Glazing can advise.

What Glass Options are out there?
Your wallet will dictate which way you can introduce glass into your kitchen. There have been great advances in this technology that has produced larger, stronger panes so that even complete sections of ceiling can now be replaced with glass. Fitting a skylight (or window in the roof) is a really cost effective way of bringing light into an extension.

Glass Sliding Doors?
Ordinary French patio doors can be changed for the latest concertina style glass doors along the width of a whole wall. Although, a set of around seven glazed panels covering an 18ft opening could cost in the region of £8,000, however, this can really bring the outside into your home as well as providing extra ventilation on hotter days.

Advice on Glass Extensions:
Make sure you think very carefully about where to locate a roof light in a kitchen extension. Above the cooking or dining area is usually good. London Glaziers fit extensions. A frameless glass box structure can be costly, but it’s worth investing in top quality glass with high performance coatings, otherwise the room can get unbearably hot.