A Guide to Protecting Windows During Severe Weather

When severe weather arises in the San Bernardino area, homeowners should take steps to protect their windows. Use this guide to prevent window glass from breaking, which can lead to flood damage and costly repairs.

Add Window Film

Storm-protective window film can help prevent cracks and shatters caused by high wind. This translucent solution also lets light shine through the windows and provides UV protection to keep home fixtures from fading. However, storm film won't protect residential windows from large projectiles or winds that break the entire frame.

Create Plywood Coverings

Simple plywood shields cut to fit the windows provide an affordable, effective method of storm protection. However, the home will become very dark inside if the electricity goes out. Also, the homeowner must keep these shields at the ready and install them immediately before a storm, which can be difficult in the event of sudden inclement weather. Those who go this route should choose plywood of at least 5/8-inch thickness, cut it to extend 8 inches past the window in every direction, and bolt it in place every 12 inches.

Consider Storm Shutters

These permanent fixtures made from foam, reinforced fabric, or aluminum can be pulled over windows when a storm comes. Some styles even let natural light shine through. The professional installation of storm shutters will help ensure reliable protection of the home.

Choose High-Impact Glass

Business owners who need replacement windows may want to consider hurricane-proof glass. These durable, dual-pane commercial tempered glass windows are much stronger than traditional models since they're built to stand up to high winds. They look like standard windows and don't require any pre-storm preparation, so they provide the least obtrusive, hassle-free way to protect your business from storm damage.

Home and business owners needing glass repair or replacement services can rely on the team at Victorville Glass Company Inc. We've been serving the High Desert area for more than 55 years. Call 760-245-3456 to schedule your free estimate today.

What Makes Tempered Glass Stronger and Safer Than Regular Glass?

All glass is breakable, but some types are harder to damage and less hazardous when broken than others. Thanks to a unique manufacturing process, tempered glass can hold up to seven times more weight than regular glass, and it isn't nearly as sharp or jagged when broken. Here's a look at what makes tempered glass such a strong and safe choice for a range of applications.

Processing and Manufacturing

Glass is made by mixing and melting soda ash, sand, and lime, then putting that hot liquid mixture through a cooling and reheating process known as annealing. The strength of the resulting glass depends on how quickly the material is cooled during annealing. Because it's cooled very rapidly, standard glass is reworkable and can be produced quickly in large quantities, but it is also more breakable and dangerous when shattered. Tempered glass is cooled slowly, which makes it stronger, more scratch-resistant, and less harmful when broken.

Strength Advantages

Many glass enclosures and household items use tempered glass to be able to withstand more wear and tear. Thanks to the slower cooling process during annealing, tempered glass is typically four to seven times tougher than standard glass. While regular glass can withstand around 6,000 pounds per square inch of pressure, tempered glass can handle up to 24,000. However, it's still important to adhere to the weight limits on tempered glass products, both to ensure their longevity and prevent breakage.

Added Safety

In addition to its strength, tempered glass is also popular for its safety (in fact, it's sometimes referred to as safety glass). Shards of broken standard glass are often large, jagged, and very sharp, not to mention difficult to thoroughly clean up. Rather than breaking into shards, tempered glass produces small round pieces that aren't nearly as sharp and dangerous. The added safety benefits of tempered glass make it a common material for many household and automotive applications, where there is a greater risk of breakage and human contact.

The strength and safety benefits of tempered glass make it useful in a wide variety of products and applications. Victorville Glass Company Inc. offers a wide range of commercial and residential glass products and services, including storefronts and doors, window installations and repairs, and custom cut glass. For a free estimate, call us today at 760-245-3456.

Removing Pesky Stickers From Glass: A How-to Guide

When removing stickers, labels, or decals from glass, home and business owners are often left with stubborn and unpleasant marks. The good news is that the right techniques can get rid of these marks and leave a sparkling clean surface. Try out the following tips to successfully remove annoying stickers from glass.

A Hot Soapy Soak

Soaking glass in hot soapy water is one of the simplest methods of getting rid of irritating labels. If there is space to do so, immerse the glass completely. Otherwise, soaking a washcloth in warm soapy water and using it to dampen the area can also help stubborn stickers release. The soap will help soften the decal vinyl, making it easy to remove with warm water.

The Baking Soda Technique

Baking soda's non-toxic nature makes it a safe method of removing stickers and can be an alternative if the hot water isn't enough. Mix equal parts of baking soda and cooking oil and stir until the mixture turns into a paste. Applying this paste directly on the sticker for at least five minutes will reveal sparkling clean glass once it's wiped away.

Try Masking Tape

Masking tape is a useful alternative for getting rid of residue on glass surfaces such as tabletops. To try this trick, one should wrap the tape around their fingers with the adhesive side facing outward. Pressing the sticky side of the tape on the decal, then quickly pulling it off should remove most of the vinyl, and the process can be repeated until the entire sticker is off.

A Bit of Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol is a relatively mess-free way to get rid of labels and works by making the vinyl soft and crumbly after absorbing the solution. Soak a rag in the alcohol and then dab it on the sticker until it's saturated. Afterward, the sticker should peel away or can be gently scraped off using a razor.

Regularly cleaning your glass can help prevent dirt and debris that causes damage and may require you to replace a window. At Victorville Glass Company Inc., we have 55 years of experience in providing residential and commercial glass repair and replacement services to Victor Valley, CA residents. Call us today at 760-245-3456 for a free estimate.

Tips for Planning New Window Placement

Windows are more than just something we use to let fresh air into our homes. They give houses character and provide views of a property or an entire neighborhood. You might start to notice how important windows are when they aren't positioned right, or the size was miscalculated.

Some rooms in your house might be too dim or too bright. With proper planning, windows will only improve the ambiance of a home. Here are some tips to consider when planning a new window placement.

Consider Your Comfort Level

Just because windows might look good on the outside of a home doesn't mean they'll bode well on the inside. When seeking window installation services, consider which direction your windows will face and the orientation of the house to the sun and wind. Shades or curtains might be necessary if the windows are facing the east and west with the low-angle sunlight. Also, keep in mind the heating and cooling comfort level of the house. Some windows with large panes of glass can reduce the energy efficiency of the house.

Add Lighting and Improve Your Views

Lighting can improve the overall feel of your home because natural light can help you relax. Residential window placements should include natural light sources in every room when possible. Consider where the sun shines mostly throughout the day on your home. You'll also want to watch out for shadows or if new windows will add a glow to walls and ceilings.

The view from a window can make the room very special. If your property has a great sightline, windows can make them easily visible. If there are no spectacular sights on the property, well-placed windows can still add fresh air or sunlight when placed high on walls.

Forget About Tradition

Many older and traditional houses have window designs that were created when walls weren't even insulated, or when there was no central air system circulating air in homes. Traditional homes didn't include picture windows simply because of technology at the time. Older homes are more than capable of supporting new window placements.

With over 50 years of experience, Victorville Glass Company Inc. is your trusted glass and window installation company in the Victor Valley, CA. Learn more about us online and call today for a free estimate at 760-245-3456

Three Window Styles for Modern Homes

One of the major characteristics of modern houses is simplicity. These houses feature a minimalist design as well as distinct shapes. However, the homes are not complete without abundant smooth lines, natural light, and uncluttered décor. Nothing completes them better than large windows. They not only add style to the houses but are also a perfect feature to draw attention to the house’s stylish structure. To stay on-trend, homeowners should select large windows with contemporary window styles.

Sliding Windows

Sliding windows feature a large expanse of glass, making them a great choice for modern-style homes. The best part about gliding windows is that they can be used to maximize landscape views. For example, they are the perfect option for access to gardens and balconies. These windows help in saving space as they only glide sideways, which helps with furniture arrangements in high-traffic areas such as decks and patios.

Double-Hung Windows

While double-hung windows are most often associated with traditional houses, they are also an ideal option for complementing modern houses. They are a perfect way to break the monotony of walls and add some spice to a minimalist home. These windows provide a classic charm to any home.

Casement Windows

These windows are common in contemporary houses, especially with their simple yet neat look and side hinges. They provide energy-efficient ventilation when opened. This makes them suitable for a busy room, including living rooms and kitchens.

The first step towards selecting the right windows is to choose a reliable glass company. The right window company should be experienced and offer excellent customer service. Victorville Glass Company Inc. has been providing window installation and repair services to homeowners and businesses in Victorville, CA for the past 55 years. If you need window services, call us at 760-245-3456 for a free estimate.

Brief History of Vanity Mirrors

Vanity mirrors, whether attached to ornately decorated vanity tables or standing alone, have played an interesting role in helping people look their best for centuries. The simplest definition is a small (or large) mirror used for applying makeup. But that definition belies the level of inventiveness and craftsmanship that people have used over the years in crafting vanity mirrors as part of vanity tables or dressing room sets that embody luxury and sophistication.

Before Vanity Mirrors

While vanity mirrors have only been around for a few hundred years, vanity itself is as old as humanity. The earliest manufactured mirrors date to around 6,000 B.C. Found in modern-day Turkey, these mirrors were made of obsidian (volcanic glass) that reflected enough light to provide a person with a clear, though dim, reflection. Over time, different cultures such as the Greeks and early Chinese civilizations developed metal mirrors made of polished bronze and copper. The Venetians perfected the modern glass mirror by coating molten glass in an amalgam of tin and mercury while it cooled. From there, it spread across Europe like wildfire during the Age of Enlightenment.

The First Vanity Mirrors

Physical beauty has always been a way for elites to distinguish themselves from the masses, but this delineation took on its most extravagant dimensions in the courts of European monarchs starting in the 1600s. Aristocrats began commissioning highly decorative vanity tables, also known as toilette tables, with expensive mirrored glass built in. As these vanity tables became more in-demand, different designs proliferated. Some vanity mirrors from this period were built into tables also had wash basins, drawers, and concave mirrors that created magnification.

Modern Vanity Mirrors

In the 1920s and '30s, vanity mirrors and tables held on to their role as status symbols for the uniquely American aristocracy of film starlets. Rita Hayworth, Audrey Hepburn, Lana Turner, and others filmed scenes that showed them posing before vanities. While the ornate antiques from Europe never went away, they were overtaken by more affordable and simpler styles in the United States as vanity mirrors became commonplace in middle-class homes.

Whether you are looking to restore a 17th-century vanity table to its regal glory or build an art deco vanity that harks back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, Victorville Glass Company Inc. can help. We can cut and install mirrors from stock sheets or custom-make a pattern or curvature to fit your needs. We also provide residential window services and commercial glass services throughout the Victor Valley area. Call us today at 760-245-3456 for a free estimate on your project.

Choosing Table Top Glass: Three Factors to Consider

From classic end tables to modern dining sets, glass embodies a sleek look that complements any design style. Many types of glass can be used for table tops, but considering a few specific details can help determine the best choice.

The Intended Style 

Before deciding on a type of glass, buyers should have an idea of the overall look they want for the table as well as the room it will be in. Cut glass can be made in different shapes, sizes, and patterns to match any buyer's preferences.

The Importance of Strength

While not a necessity, tempered glass is a popular option for glass table tops because of its strength. The tempering process subjects glass to thermal and chemical treatments, making it up to seven times harder than regular glass without changing its weight or appearance. Additionally, tempered glass shatters into pebbles instead of jagged shards, making it a safer choice. Most glass table tops over 1/2 inch thick aren't tempered because their thickness provides additional strength.

The Purpose of the Table

The type of table and what it will be used for are determining factors when choosing the thickness of glass table tops. They often come in the following thicknesses:

• 1/2 inch: The thickest cut for the heaviest loads, this option is ideal for tables that are expected to hold a significant amount of weight.
• 3/8 inch: A step thinner than the 1/2-inch option, this choice can maintain a substantial amount of weight.
• 1/4 inch: This thickness is best for small or infrequently used tables, tables with an outside frame, or as a table top cover (cut glass that rests on top of an existing table top).
• 3/16 inch: The thinnest option, this cut is recommended only for table top covers or small, light tables with supporting frames.

At Victorville Glass Company Inc., we have decades of experience providing residential and commercial customers across San Bernardino County with exceptional glass products and services. If you're considering a glass table top, give us a call today at 760-245-3456.

How to Maintain an Automatic Sliding Glass Door

An automatic sliding glass door is a common feature at offices, retail stores, and hospitals. The best sliding glass door is one that people barely notice as it efficiently and silently opens on approach. For that reason, maintaining an automatic sliding glass door to ensure that it continues to operate smoothly is essential for customer satisfaction. Here are three things any business owner or facility manager can do to keep their sliding glass doors working well.

Regular Maintenance 

While an automatic glass door shouldn't demand attention every day, there are a few things to check regularly. The safety device, either a laser sensor or a rubber leaf that will retract if it contacts something, must always be working properly. Any cracks or breaks in the glass itself should be repaired immediately. Owners and managers should also ensure that the door area is free of any obstacles.

Full Inspection and Maintenance

Aside from the regular checks, the door should be inspected and maintained at least twice a year by a qualified technician. This includes checking the door sensors to make sure they are working properly, oiling the gears and drive belts in the mechanism, and ensuring that the guide rails have not been damaged.

Keep a Record

Whether regular repair services are done by an outside team of professionals or by an experienced in-house facilities manager, it is important to keep a log book of all maintenance done. This will help identify and correct any recurring problems and provide important information for future maintenance technicians.

At Victorville Glass Company Inc., we have over 55 years of experience of glass services and sales for both residential and commercial customers. We offer 24-hour emergency repair services to get your doors open for business as soon as possible. Call us at 760-245-3456 today to learn more.

Image by Mike Kalasnik from Wikimedia Commons.

Window Problems That Lower a Home's Resale Value

Windows add so much to a home. In addition to letting in daylight, they frame each room, serving as visual portals to the outside world. But various window problems can lower a home's resale value. New window installations will help bring the home's value back up to where it should be. According to the 2017 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine, window replacement has a return on investment of 93.1 percent for homeowners on the West Coast, making it a great investment for homeowners.

Cracked Windows 

Not only are cracked windows unsightly, they are also hazardous. If the cracks spread, the glass can break and fall, possibly injuring anyone who is nearby. For the safety of the home's inhabitants and guests, as well as to restore property value, cracked windows should be replaced as soon as possible.

Fogged Up

When windows get foggy, the view to the outside world becomes dull. Double-pane windows, in particular, are prone to this problem as they age. Foggy windows occur when the seal between glass sheets is broken and moisture becomes trapped inside. While this isn't a dangerous situation from a safety standpoint, it does detract from the beauty and clarity of a window.

Cold Drafts

If it's starting to feel cold and drafty around a window, it probably means the window's integrity has been compromised in some way. The solution could be something as simple as replacing worn weather stripping. However, if this doesn't fix the problem, then the draft could be coming in from a window that no longer fits properly in the wall. Whether due to rain, soil conditions, earthquakes, or other reasons, buildings move and settle over time. This movement can create structural gaps between residential windows and the walls they inhabit, resulting in leaks and drafts.

Stuck or Crooked

In some cases, a stuck window that will no longer open or close can be repaired. Windows that have become crooked over time due to settling may also not work properly. If they can't be fixed, they should be replaced. Not being able to open a window is a hazard, especially if a fire breaks out in the home.

High Energy Bills

Even when windows appear normal, a telltale sign that there may be a problem with some or all of them is a spike in energy costs. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 25-30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy is lost through windows. If utility bills suddenly increase for no particular reason, windows should be inspected to determine whether they're the culprits.

Window Replacement

Even if windows aren't showing signs of problems, old, dated windows can still bring down a home's value. Before selling, consider upgrading at least some windows for a more contemporary, stylish look. The specialists at Victorville Glass Company Inc. can help with recommendations for residents across the High Desert and surrounding areas. Call us today at 760-245-3456 for a free estimate on window repair and replacement.

How to Clean Your Glass Shower Door Tracks

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as having a perfectly spotless bathroom, including shining mirrors and shower enclosures, only to discover that dirt, grime, and stains have found a way to creep into the smallest places. One of the most common places for this buildup is the tracks of a shower door, which are often forgotten or neglected over time, leading to years of filth. Even the dirtiest shower door tracks are not beyond hope, as long as the proper techniques are used to clean them.

There are two basic ways to clean a shower door track: by using a steamer or by using vinegar. Both can be completed easily and with household items.

Vinegar Method 

Vinegar can easily be used to clean out the tracks of a shower door. Longtime stains can be removed using only half a cup of distilled white vinegar, cotton balls, a grout brush, and distilled water.

For this method, simply dampen the tracks of the shower door using vinegar soaked cotton balls, letting them sit for three to five minutes. After that time has passed, use a toothbrush or grout brush to scrub the area. Spray distilled water to remove the vinegar and residue, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. This method is not advised for showers with stone or tile, as they may be damaged by vinegar. Depending on the surface, this method could also be used for certain window tracks.

Steamer Method

For this method, the only necessary materials are a steamer with a wand attachment, microfiber cloths, and a scraping utensil such as a plastic spatula or even a plastic putty knife.

To clean the shower door tracks, simply follow the directions on the steamer and then use the wand to free up any residue or grime in the tracks. Once that’s complete, wrap the microfiber cloth around a spatula or putty knife in order to scrape away any buildup that has accumulated over time, and then wipe any remaining residue with the microfiber cloth.

Having a clean shower door track is a great detail to finish off an otherwise spotless shower. If you’re looking to replace your glass with the latest and most updated shower enclosure designs, then call Victorville Glass today at 760-245-3456. We have been serving the Victorville area for more than 55 years!

The History of Glass Windows

Glass windows are such a ubiquitous part of life in the modern world that they're often taken for granted. Though it's easy to forget, there was a time before glass windows when all interior spaces were either devoid of natural light or exposed to the elements. While they have been around since the Roman Empire, the technology used to make them has varied greatly.

The Roman Era

Ancient civilizations developed some remarkably advanced glass-making technology. Glassblowers would produce a bubble of molten silica and then slice it in half. They would then apply pressure while the glass was still hot enough to be malleable and flatten out the half bubbles into small panes. Because the process was so labor intensive, only the wealthiest Romans would have been able to afford glass in their homes.

Medieval and Renaissance Europe

Since much of the glass-blowing knowledge from the Roman era was lost during the Dark Ages, medieval Europeans were forced to rediscover many of the techniques. French glassmakers produced small discs of glass by blowing bubbles and then spinning them until the centrifugal force spun them flat. Many windows of the time incorporated small latticework windows of cut glass because they were unable to produce larger pieces. Also, many churches and mosques during this period developed stained glass window techniques, where metallic oxides were adding during the production process, and then monks or artists would add paint to the finished glass to enhance its colors.

Modern Glass Windows

In the 1950s, an Englishman named Alastair Pilkington developed a technique that would revolutionize the word of glass windows. The float glass process (also known as the Pilkington process) involves pouring molten glass onto a pool of molten metal, usually tin. The glass floats above the metal and smoothens under its own weight, leaving behind a perfectly flat and uniform pane of glass. With small variations, this is the process that is still in use today.

Glass windows have come a long way since their earliest beginnings. Today, glass can be molded and formed to create a virtually limitless array of shapes and structures. At Victorville Glass, we have glass solutions for nearly every application, from commercial and residential projects to glass enclosures and mirrors. If you live in the High Desert area and need an installation or replacement for your home or business, then call 760-245-3456 today for your free estimate.

Trends in Window Treatments and Updates

Every window in a home represents the chance to be creative. Residential windows can dramatize a room and even make it appear larger. By following contemporary trends in window treatments, homeowners can dramatically enhance a home's appearance.

Of course, the best first step for home enhancement is installing new windows. While the right treatments can help, energy-efficient windows will also improve curb appeal, lower energy bills, and increase the value of the home. Showcase new residential windows with some of these interior design ideas.

Opt for Organic Materials

Among today's more popular window treatments are natural woven shades in matchstick and bamboo. They allow for diffused light, which creates a great balance of natural lighting and outside views without sacrificing privacy.

Play With Shades of Blue

Various shades of blue are prominent in window treatments, especially such soothing ocean hues as aquamarine and teal. Neutral blue shades also pair well with warm tones, browns, and pops of white.

Try Out Velvet and Grosgrain

As soft textiles continue to influence the market, the trend is toward couture fabrications and such dressmaker details as ruffles, cording, beading, and lace. Grosgrain, a woven ribbed fabric, has become a fashionable ribbon detail for blinds and drapes.

Create Sleek Lines

From chrome decorative hardware to flowing curtains, sleek lines dominate modern window treatments. Bringing sleek silhouettes to a window lends a clean, contemporary look to any room.

Add High-tech Touches

Similar to replacing old windows with more efficient options, installing advanced window treatments that utilize technology can improve convenience and home value. For example, blinds can be adjusted by remote control, a light switch, or even using internet connection.

The key to creating a cohesive residential window design is to build on the current aesthetic of the space and add trendy touches without sacrificing functionality.

What to Know Before Replacing Wood-frame Windows

Old wood-frame windows can last centuries with a little loving care. When properly maintained and repaired as needed, original windows can add value and charm to an older home.

The Best Offense is Good Maintenance

Many older commercial and residential buildings have old wood-frame windows. While they have a reputation for being drafty and difficult to use when compared to more modern models, many of these issues are simply a result of poor maintenance. Here are some tips to keep windows in good shape:

• Keep the windows painted and sealed to preserve the wood
• Re-glaze windows as needed to prevent leaks
• Add weather-stripping to reduce drafts and save on energy costs

Remember that the wood sashes are designed to open. Don't let the DIY-shortcut of painting them shut diminish their usefulness.

Repair, Don't Replace

When homeowners are faced with the decision to repair or replace windows, they don't always realize that window repair can pay off over the years. Properly repaired wood windows can last for a century, while modern plastic windows will need to be replaced within a few decades.

Wood windows are designed to be reparable. The sashes can be restrung so the windows open more easily. Individual panes can also be replaced. Finally, window repairs can make windows more energy-efficient and less drafty.

When Is the Right Time to Repair or Replace a Window?

Before replacing a window, it is important to first consider making a few repairs or installations. Buying a new window can be costly, and it may take some time to recover the investment. Whatever the case, it is important to identify the right time for window repair or replacement. Here are a few tips to help homeowners.

When to Repair

First, a professional inspection can help determine which parts of the window have problems. Issues such as jammed sashes or rot can be repaired. Sticking sashes can be fixed by rubbing a candle along the bottom and sides of the window to enhance sliding in the channel. If the problem is draftiness, installing weather stripping, caulking, insulation, or draperies can be helpful.

When to Replace

For old homes, especially those that were built before 1960 and have single-pane windows, replacement is a worthwhile option if the window is damaged, broken, or warped beyond repair. In some cases, leaks and cracks may be repairable, but these older windows likely have poor insulation that leads to high heating and cooling bills. Install energy-efficient options, and lowered bills can partially offset the cost of new windows.

It is necessary to work with a window repair expert to determine which issues can be fixed to save unnecessary costs, and when the time is right to just replace the windows.