Glass Power

When the 17th century final arrived, the glass made in europe had become cheap enough for the ordinary non wealthy person to use it for, initially their windows. The glass panes didn’t only protect the people from the elements, but also made sure that lots of light was let into their homes, and the light, prompted a massive leap forward in their hygiene. London Glazing know the power of glass. This was because all of a sudden the vermin and dirt that was hidden by the dark was seen so they became clean and free of disease. This definitely contributed to the elinination of the plague in europe by early in the 18th century. The mid-19th century, the easy sterilisatuion of swan-necked glass flasks helped the French chemist Louis Pasteur disprove the theory that germs spontaneously generated from rotting matter. This was a revolution in the understanding of disease. Not too long after, the glass light bulb changed work and leisure completely and with the turn of the 20th century, new ways of laminating made glass tougher and safer than it everhad been up until then.

The Glass King (1368-1422).
France’s King Charles VI suffered from repeated hallucinations that his whole body was made of glass and tha in order to protect himself he needed to carry iron in his clothing. He was not surprisingly known as Charles the Mad and Charles the Well Beloved. London Glaziers supply all types of glass.

Very Clever Glass.
With the appearance of spectacles near the end of the 13th century, around 15 years of extra working time was added to the academic and scientific careers of those men whose work totally relied on reading books etc. It was the 17th century, when the philosopher Baruch Spinoza earned his living grindind lenses, which allowed him to practice his philosophy without private funding, but probably contributed to his early death from a lung illness in 1677. The glass mirror was believed to have been used by Filippo Brunelleschi in his experiments to understand the laws of perspective, which would have a huge impact on Renaissance painting. Microscopes and the telescopes, were invented at the end of the 16th century, and they opened up two new universes, the far away and the very close.

Glass is a basic material that is in products many that we see every day. It is used for windscreens and windows for cars and transport, windows for houses and buildings, as well as equipment like solar thermal panels and photovoltaic modules. It can be used, but in much smaller quantities, for lots of other applications like interior fittings and decoration, furniture, appliances and electronics. Below is some different types of flat glass:

Mirrored glass
To make mirrored glass, a metal coat is put to one side of the glass. The coat is generally silver, aluminium, gold or chrome. For basic mirrored glass, a fully reflective metal coat is applied and sealed using a protective layer. To produce “one-way” mirrors, a thinner metal coat is applied, with no additional elements.
Mirrored glass is very populare now in architecture, for practical reasons as well as for aesthetics.

Self Cleaning:
This style of glass is a true innovation because it features a photocatalytic covering that will react when it meets daylight and then will begin to break down any organic grime etc. on the glass. The second action of this glass is when it rains and the water hits the glass, it will just evenly covers instead of the formation of raindrops and runs of in one and this takes the dirt with it. It even dries very quickly also. There aren’t even any streaks left. London Glazing supply all types of glass.

Security Glass:
This type of glass offers real security whilst not scrimping on the warmth that it can retain. The glass is constructed of special reinforcing elements that are contained within the glass that will to all intents and purposes make it impossible to breach. The outer pane is made of two bonded pieces that feature an inner layer of film of plastic giving it strength. Should there be a break, then the glass shards just stick to the plastic and therefore do not pose a danger from flying glass with the plastic still maintaining it’s integrity. London Glaziers supply security glass for windows.

Wired Glass:
This type of glass is normally manufactured from something called float glass. The best example is fitted in a fire door as it contains wire to keep the glass from shattering if a fire happens. It has no real security value and is quiet and not really likely to injure anyone.

A windows efficiency is actually down to all the parts that go to make the whole window. The window frame is actually a heat conductor and this is a factor also that will contribute. London Glazing tradesmen are experienced in all glass. This is applicable also for the windows U-factor. This U-factor is the rate at which a window will allow heat to flow through it. Referring to windows, skylights, and glass doors, the U-factor can just be applied to refer to just the glass or glazing on its own. The less the U-factor, and the effective the window, door, or skylight. the most important consideration is how the window actually works, because some types have a lower rate at which air can leak air than others, this improves your home’s energy efficiency. London Glaziers fit all types.

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.

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.

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.

Thin Glass.
This type of glass has various uses, typically specialised and in lesser volumes and in the technical world. Thin glass is used for in microscope slides, which are normally 1mm thick, and for the similar cover glasses which are only a fraction of a 1mm in thickness. Float glass manufacturing can make very thin glass down to .4mm. Thin glass is used to perform specific functions in a wide array of equipment and appliances, various kinds of mirrors such as electrochromic mirrors and cosmetic mirrors, touchscreens and filters, glass masters and data storage glass discs, displays, and telecom equipment. London Glazing use different glass.

Appliances.
Flat glass is mainly used for home appliances, office equipment, and similar applications. The doors on yor oven are constructed of tempered glass and can stand very high temperatures. The tops of stoves and control panels are made of drilled, silk-screen printed and tempered glass in order to give high thermal and mechanical safety and to look good also. Fridges are equipped with silk-screened, tempered, edged and clipped glass for their shelving, this is so they are shock resistant and cab stand shocks and spills. Washing machines and dishwashers also use tempered glass in their drums and panels. Non-reflective glass is used in order to stop the glare that reflects from televisions, computer screens, glass cases and other screens. Photocopiers, scanners, and fax machines all use highly transparent glass for document images. London Glaziers recommend glass for homes.

Urban Furniture.
Glass is more prevalent in the urban envirnment than you might know, bus and tram stop shelters, advertising stands, kiosks, street lighting, traffic lights, and covered walkways all have large glass parts. Glass is really very easy for cleaning and highly very weather resistant. The best feature is that if it is damaged it can be fixed or replaced and is able to be made to resist vandals.

The glass we use is a mixture of sand and other minerals that are melted together at a really high temperature to produce a material that is perfect for a massive range of uses from packaging and construction to fibre optic technology. London Glazing can advise on glazing for your home.
A form of the glass occurs naturally within the mouth of a volcano as it erupts there is a formation of something called Obsidian which is glass like but very tough yet brittle and has very sharp edges. Obsidian has in the distant past been used for cutting tools and even been experimented with as a medical tool. Glass is actually more of a liquid as it stands, yet feels solid, but will at high temperatures become softer and look like a liquid. Of course this is why glass can be poured and manipulated, molded and blown. Today man has conquered glass productio and can make many different types of glass. London Glaziers understand the process for making glass.

The Making Of Glass.
The glass we know is manufactured initially with the melting of different minerals at really high temperatures. The principle element in this process is something called Silica, (which is one of the most commonly found sands on earth) which combines with limestone and something called soda ash and they are melted at around 1700°C. During this process the manufacturer can add various different materials to change colour or the glass’s properties. Glass can be covered with a coating, treated with heat, decorated or even engraved for different uses. When the glass is in a molten state it can be formed into things like windows, screens for cars or packaging, in fact there are lots of uses for glass. It will depend on it’s ultimate use as to the rate that it is cooled and also it’s composition.

Glass is a really unique element. It is not a well known fact, but glass is the only 100% recyclable material. The fact is, it can be recycled time and time again. This means that less energy and resources are used and that in turn is very good for the planet. London Glazing encourage recycling.

Energy Of Recycling Glass:
The energy or power saved by using one recycled glass bottle is able to provide power for and run:
1). The washing machine for 10 minutes.
2). A TV for 4½ days.
3). A PC for 5 full days. London Glaziers recycle old glass.

Facts:
As stated, glass can be recycled for all time and will never lose its qualities, strength or even its functionality. In other words it is very flexible. The word ‘cullet’ is an industry term that refers to a manufacturer using recycled glass, this means actually that the glass is crushed. This process will actually allow savings of raw material (virgin or unused) of around 2.5 to 3% of saved energy for every 10% of cullet that takes the place of the virgin material. This means that there is no major energy requirements needed to carry out the melting process on the cullet. The increased use of this cullet will also replace carbonates and other raw materials and this in turn will actually reduce the carbon dioxide emissions which is a great achievement. For every tonne of new glassware like jars and the bottle that are made out of recycled glass rather than new materials will save 0.67 tonnes in CO2 emissions. Recycling glass will stop precious raw material wasted by being used and then dumped in a landfill site. It would take 1tonne of cullet to make 1tonne of glass whereas it takes 1.2tonnes of virgin raw material.

Nearly all windows and doors still fitted in properties today are in some cases as old as the house itself. Therefore these are the homes that would really benefit from having new windows and doors fitted. London Glazing can supply and fit all types of glass. They would benefit from the heat retention and draught prevention. Today there is a huge move towards more efficient types of windows and doors. Because of this there is a massive choice of windows and doors for this purpose. These new, energy conscious windows should give a good return for the investment, through low heating, and maybe even the cost of using the lights less in your house. Improvement in the performance of the windows in your home will depend on design, choice, and installation. London Glaziers use skilled tradesmen who can work with all styles of glass.

Energy:
To make the correct choice you have to appreciate the energy performance ratings of windows so you will know what energy performance you need for your windows based on the climate and the design of your home. For the energy-efficient windows, Energy Star ® has created minimum energy performance ratings by climate. This, however does not make allowances for the design, like the window positions etc. These passive types 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 in the sky, overhangs or other shading devices stop excessive heat gain. It is difficult to control the heat and light coming through east and west facing windows if the sun is sat low in the sky.

The only way to cut any piece of glass to a high standard and also without any damage is to use a glass cutting tool. London Glaziers carry the best quality glass cutters. This is a hand operated tool, that has a wheel specifically made to actually scratch the surface of the piece of glass. The process of scratching or scoring is done on purpose, because it interrupts the tension and makes the glass easier to cut (in other words it weakens it). This is a ‘score line’ in the trade. It is better to start with the best quality cutter that you can afford. This will ensure that your glass is cut correct at the first attempt. If you have the opportunity, look at and try a selection of varoious cutters before you choose. Below is a selection of the glass cutting tools that are available on the market to make sure the glass is cut accurately. Below are two types of cutters:

The Strip-and-Circle.
This type of cutter isn’t necessarily required, but it is very good, especially if you want to make glass boxes or a lampshade. the name gives its function away, 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. London Glazing tradesmen can measure and cut all types of glass.

The Pistol-Grip.
This type of cutter is a real benefit if you have muscular problems or cannot hold your fingers tense for long periods of time. This cutter is custom made to fit very comfortably in the palm of the hand, relieving the pressure from your fingers. The pistol-grip cutter has the same swivel cutting head as the barrel cutter, so it cuts just the same.

To fit your own windows will require, time, patience and quite hard work. The key to success is good preparation, so get all the measurements correct (you can never measure enough). Learn and memorise the names of the various parts of the windows, and what they are for and where they fit. London Glazing can offer advice on all thing glass. If this is the first project you have undertaken, then it is advisable that you begin with something easy, maybe a small downstairs window. however once you have gained experience and your confidence is high you’ll be able to tackle bigger jobs. There is always the back up of callin in a professional service to install for you. Always keep their number handy just in case. Below is a guide to installing a window assuming that the old one is now removed:

This is a basic guide, however it is designed show that fitting your own double glazing need not be difficult.

• Place the double glazed panel moulds into place. London Glaziers use qualified tradesmen for all types of work.
• This may need some heavy treatment. Align the draft proofing strips and begin screwing in the catches and hinges. Fit the glass windowpanes into position.
• Make sure that you consult the planning regulations as permission might be required, because as of April 2002, building regulations have been applied to replacement glazing. Under these regulations, external windows and doors are classed as “controlled fittings” so there are certain standards that will need to be satisfied in order for planning permission to be granted. If in doubt, it would be wise to speak to your local authority or a registered installer. With a little planning, you can save a lot of time and money, and those of you who are confident should have little difficulty installing your own double glazing.

A long time ago it was just a dream to be able to save heat, stop condensation and also keep out noise from our homes. The landscape has changed completely now and it is not now a question of how but how much can we do. Something called the Building Regulation Document ‘L’ is the advocate of heating and energy conservation for every new build home in the UK. London Glazing can provide advice and a first class service for your glazing needs. Below are some benefits of Double Glazing.

Noise Protection.
The sealed double glazed units that are fitted today are very efficient at keeping noises out of the home. This is achieved by the use of varying depths of glass. There is a recommendation that a sealed unit should be made from two different depths of glass for example 10mm with a 6mm second piece. This is said to reduce any resonating frequencies occurring between the two. London Glaziers can supply and fit secondary glass.

Heat Retention.
Heat cannot escape quite as easily if double glazed windows are fitted and draughts are reduced. These attributes are beneficial as they make the overall temperature in the house more comfortable. It’s not just the glass you should look at to retain heat, the casing is just as important, and local climate and indoor temperature will play an important role. The best windows are those that will allow more energy to pass through the glass and into the room, than will be lost through the window. 

Did You Know:

• The life span of a double glazed sealed unit can be from 2 years to over 20 years. This will depend on the quality of the unit installed and the quality of the installation.
• The biggest threat to any double glazing are the sun’s rays and ingress of water.
• These units will fail if they are made from poor materials or are not fitted correctly.