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Designing a Frameless Glass Shower Door

Designing a Frameless Glass Shower Door

In this day and age residential bathrooms have become a sanctuary where homeowners can relax. They are designed with focal points in mind, and incorporate the use of high quality, natural, and well-appointed materials such as glass and stone. One such focal point has become the shower itself. They are no longer standard fixtures that require nothing more than a simple shower curtain. In fact, modern showers are designed around frameless glass shower doors that provide both beauty and function.

Although designing a frameless glass shower door should always be left up to a professional in order to ensure the proper fit, the following guide will provide you with a good idea of how it is done.

Step 1:

The very first thing you need to do is to measure the width of the shower opening. Always keep in mind that the majority of shower doors are fit based on the opening in the shower. That being said the typical shower door measures a minimum of 36-inches wide. If your opening happens to be wider the use of a fixed panel on either side of the door itself is always a good idea.

Step 2:

Next, measure the height of the shower opening. Typical shower doors measure 72-inches to 78-inches tall. The shower door should be as high or higher than the showerhead, or up to the top of tile line if the ceiling is not tiled.

Step 3:

This is the point where design aspects come into play, so you must choose how the door is going to operate. For small showers a hinged door or bypass style are good options. Hinged doors typically swing open. Bypass doors are comprised of two doors that slide over each other to open and close. Always keep in mind that when the shower doors are the same plane it is referred to as an aligned configuration. However, if the shower includes a corner than it is referred to as a right angle. Typically right angle shower enclosures are designed with a transparent glass panel that is mounted above the bath allowing for the shower door to open on the adjacent side. Frameless glass doors have the ability to be designed with curved sides and custom angles as well creating a stunning effect. Another terrific aspect of frameless glass shower doors are the fact that they have the ability to be designed to extend all the way to the ceiling. This design aspect creates a spa like, steam shower setting.

Now that you have some glass shower door designs in mind, and an idea of the size and shape that will work best for your bathroom, it is time to sit down with a professional.

A Cut Above Glass is a leading designer, manufacturer, and installer of frameless glass shower doors in Scottsdale, Arizona and surrounding areas. We take great pride in providing our clients with the most cutting edge designs and highest quality materials available on the market. We are happy to work with you from start to finish in order to get the job done right. Please contact us for an initial consultation. Our team of design experts will show you exactly how we can transform your bathroom space into a luxurious spa like atmosphere.

 

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Spontaneous Tempered Glass Breakage

What Causes Spontaneous Glass Breakage?

Although most people do not need to worry about spontaneous glass breakage in their homes or buildings it certainly does occur on extremely rare occasions, and can strike without even the slightest warning. It is a phenomenon that transpires when tempered or toughened glass breaks or shatters, seemingly out of nowhere without any perceptible reason. That being said there is an explanation for it that is most definitely not based on user error. So if this has happened to you it is not your fault whatsoever.

The most common causes are based on the following factors:

Internal Defects Within The Glass Such As Nickel Sulfide Inclusions

Nickel sulfide inclusions or stones may be present within the glass. They are caused by the use of stainless steel machines in the glass manufacturing and the glass. Breakage occurs once those internal stresses exceed the actual handling process. On occasion small shavings of stainless steel, that contains nickel, finds it’s way into the glass mixture. Over time these deposits change structure and grow in size. This action creates internal stresses within strength of the glass itself.

Minor Damage During Glass Installation

When glass pieces are being moved and installed some installers accidentally make minor chips and nicks with their tools or fasteners such as nails and screws. These small chips and nicks are not large enough to be noticeable once installed, and typically do not cause immediate issues. However, as time passes the glass will naturally contract and expand. At this point the chips and nicks become a larger issue causing stress concentrations to develop. Much the same as what eventually occurs with nickel sulfide inclusions, breakage tends to happen when the internal stresses are stronger than the glass strength. This is why it is so critically important to only hire an experienced, professional, and reputable glass company that will takes the extra time and precautions required in order to avoid the unnecessary chips and nicks that end up causing serious damage.

Binding Of The Glass In The Frame

Window and exterior panel glass tends to contract and expand when environmental temperatures changes occur. In order to counter this, modern glass is set on resilient blocks that are located at the bottom. This provides space for expansion at the top and both sides. The gaskets holding the glass in the frame are typically resilient in order to cushion the glass from wind buffering. If there is not enough space provided at the perimeter of the unit than the glass will bind up against the frame. This action causes internal stresses to develop within the glass. When the stresses surpass the glass strength breakage will occur. Once again, it is of utmost importance to only hire an industry leading glass installation company in order to avoid these costly problems.

At A Cut Above Glass we pride ourselves on the fact that our company only works with the leading industry experts to design, manufacture, and install the highest quality glass products for all of our clients needs. When you work with us you can be rest assured that your property is as safe as possible from spontaneous glass breakage. Please contact us for an initial consultation, we hare more than happy to walk you through the entire process.

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GPAD Keynote: Glazing’s Role in Energy Consumption and What Can Be Done

PAD Keynote: Glazing’s Role in Energy Consumption and What Can Be Done

Posted on March 15, 2016 by Nick St. Denis

Stephen Selkowitz discusses glazing’s role in energy consumption during the GPAD conference in San Diego.

Buildings account for most of the energy consumption in the United States, and innovations in glass can help curb that trend. Stephen Selkowitz, senior advisor of building technology and urban systems at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, discussed the topic Tuesday during his keynote speech at Glass Processing Automation Days (GPAD).

The conference is being held at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in San Diego.

“Why are we picking on windows? Why not cars?” he asked rhetorically after opening his presentation on the issue of carbon emissions. “Well, because buildings use more energy than any other [sector] in the country.”

He pointed out that buildings use 70 percent of the U.S.’s electricity, and building energy costs are approximately $500 billion per year. Currently, windows account for approximately 4 percent of total energy use and $50 billion a year in energy cost.

“So what do we do with windows, glass and facades?” he said.

He showed an image of a “code official’s view of windows in 1970,” which was a brick building with brick-filled windows. “Fast forward to 2016,” he said, showing various examples of new construction using large spans of glass and glazing.

He said it is possible to design fenestration systems that will outperform insulated, opaque walls. The challenge is optimization.

The role in achieving net zero through facades is to reduce heat losses so ambient solar energy balances and exceeds loss (in heating climates), reduce solar loads and provide ventilation (in cooling climates), and to replace electric lighting with daylight (in all climates). Additionally, photovoltaics in the building skin can provide a power source.

Selkowitz discussed various types of glazing systems. “The problem with triples is that they weigh a lot, and they’re wide,” he said.

One ideal solution, which he has tested and modeled, is using thin glass in the middle of the insulating glass unit. That comes with its own challenges, however, such as fabrication and glass handling, as well as assembly and edge spacer design.

He’s also done modeling with vacuum insulating glazing. “This is another promising approach,” he said.

He later pointed out that ideal solar optical properties of a window depend on where it is being used in the country. “Rather than having fixed properties in windows, we should have variable properties in windows,” Selkowitz said.

He discussed dynamic control of windows, balancing cooling, daylighting, view and glare, as well as active and passive shading options.

“Facades are intrinsically integrated systems,” he said, as they’re tasked with managing light, glare, solar gain, heat transfer, ventilation and can contribute to power generation and energy storage.

When he discusses that idea with architects and points out the various solutions, “at first they say it’s too complicated and expensive,” he said. However, he noted the relative cost and complexity of generating electricity from a nuclear power plant for heat, cooling and light compared to getting heating savings from high-R windows and cooling savings from automated shades.

He also used the example of integrated systems in cars. “We can build integrated technology with cars, but you’re telling me we can’t make automating shades to go up and down?” he said.

One key challenge with an integrated façade is the sheer number of players in various sectors.

For example, with 20 glazing/curtainwall suppliers, five smart glass suppliers, 30 shading suppliers and 50 lighting fixture/control suppliers, you can get 150,000 possible combinations. He said collaboration and communication between various industries and technologies is key.

Overall, innovation must be driven by “some kind of comprehensive program” consisting of people, technology, policy, market economics, innovation and processes.

He added, “We need some kind of win-win,” which new technology and smarter design can accomplish.

In developing innovations, the manufacturer can benefit from new business opportunities, the architect gains design freedom and flexibility, and the occupant and owner receives value-added benefits and energy cost savings. Additionally, Selkowitz said, society benefits from a “lower impact on the global environment.”

Stay tuned to USGNN.com™ for continued coverage of the GPAD conference, which continues through Wednesday.

Protect glass with Coating

Protect glass with Coating

There is nothing more elegant than a brand new frameless glass shower enclosure.

From the sleek lines to the beautiful hardware, there is a certain wow factor that occurs when

you walk into a bathroom and see it for the first time. Now keeping it looking like new is the

challenge.

Glass feels very smooth to the touch and looks smooth but did you know that under a

microscope, glass has peaks and valleys resembling a mountain range? It is in these valleys

that dirt, soap scum, waxes from shampoos and minerals from the water accumulate. Before

you know it your brand new shower enclosure becomes a nightmare and a point of frustration.

This is because you can’t keep it clean without exposing yourself to toxic cleaners and spending

precious time and energy scrubbing it.

 

 

As hopeless as it may seem there are ways to remedy this situation. Most of you have

used homemade concoctions of vinegar or bleach. These concoctions may clean the surface

temporarily but they are also causing permanent damage every time you clean.

There are products available to the consumer that will coat the glass, making it so that

the contaminants do not adhere to the surface therefore making it easy to clean. Some need to

be applied by the consumer and some are applied by a service provider. The length of time that

it will last varies between manufacturers ranging from 6 months to a “Lifetime”, whatever that

means. Some services can remove the build up on existing glass and then apply the protection

or they can apply the protection the day after it is installed. Some protective coatings need a

day or two to cure before using it and some are ready to use immediately.

Ask your shower glass vendor for the options available to protect your investment. I’m

sure that if you had or have untreated shower glass and know what it is like to maintain you are

wishing you spent the extra money for the protection. You will not regret it. Spend less time

cleaning and more time doing what you enjoy.

For help with your Arizona treatment: www.HydroShieldPhoenix.com

 

 

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Luxury Showers Transform Bathrooms

Luxury Showers Transform Bathrooms

Luxury showers have the unique ability to transform an ordinary bathroom space into an extraordinary room that will vastly improve the look, feel, and value of any home. It is extremely important for homeowners to realize which home improvement projects add the most value to their properties prior to planning any undertaking. Often times upgrades are done solely for the owners personal enjoyment, however fiscal responsibility should certainly be taken into account when investing in what most people consider their largest asset. Upgrading the bathroom is at the top of the list of home improvements that increase property values. In fact it is one of the very first rooms that potential homebuyers flock to see. Although you may not be planning to sell your home anytime soon, it is certainly a good idea to spend your hard earned money wisely. In addition, adding a luxury shower to your bathroom will significantly increase your enjoyment when spending time at home.

Luxury glass showers are a relatively cost effective method of dramatically transforming the bathroom design. They tend to add a contemporary flair or even an industrial style that has become extremely popular as of late. Custom designed glass enclosures provide an incredible component that has the ability to literally fit into any space, small or large. Luxury glass showers install quickly once they are designed, manufactured, and delivered to the site. This results in the fact that homeowners do not need to suffer through long periods of disruptive construction. Instead they can start to enjoy their new bathroom in no time at all. Both modern and the more traditional glass shower designs display the most recent bathroom trends. They greatly help to improve overall functionality with the added bonus of providing an incredibly stylish bathroom interior that any homeowner would be proud of.

Glass shower enclosures, shower cubicles, steam showers, and walk in glass showers allow for the ultimate at home relaxation. Glass and natural stone elements are used in order to create a spa like feel and style that is more comparable to artwork than a simple bathroom fixture. Thanks to modern technology, this luxurious beauty and functionality is easily accomplished in the same exact space where the plain old shower resided. Luxury showers are all about comfort, relaxation, and style. They tend to connect people to nature through the use of nature inspired designs and natural materials. Imagine using a custom designed shower after a stressful day of work to literally wash it all away. Gorgeous glass shower designs allow homeowners to enjoy the water and feel stress free.

At A Cut Above Glass we take great pride in designing, producing, and installing the most beautiful, and unique custom luxury showers in Scottsdale, Arizona and surrounding areas. Our team of highly experienced experts is on hand to work with you from start to finish. We strive to create the bathroom of your dreams. Please contact us today for an initial consultation.

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