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Replace Old, Inefficient Glass Panes Yourself

As windows age they can loosen up in their frames, crack, scratch, or even discolor. Furthermore, windows are the main source of heat loss in the winter and unwelcome heat gain in the summer. In other seasons, a little of both along with variable weather conditions can take a toll on your windows. What to do? You need a practical solution which is of course, to replace window glass in the most efficient way possible.

That sounds logical enough–and thinking along the lines of energy savings, the best solution is to replace the glass with double panes that have insulating properties. However, if the ecologically-friendly fix is impractical or too expensive, there’s still a right way to replace window glass.

If you choose to do it yourself and the pane to be replaced is larger than 2 feet by 3 feet, a professional is your best bet. Glass is tricky to handle and the previous installation can leave behind dangerous shards. If you go ahead and do the job, take extra precautions when you replace window glass.

Wear heavy gloves and safety goggles.

Remove the old glass as carefully as possible.

Clean the area vacated by the old glass.

Apply the proper putty or sealing compound.

Put in new glass that has been properly cut into the frame.

Add the special metal glazier’s points.

Add a finishing coat of putty.

Paint putty carefully and let dry.

Admire your work.

There are kits you can buy with tools and instructions. Be sure of measurements and give it your best shot. However, if you’re going the energy-saving route with the double-pane-insulated-energy-reduction coating, please consider having a professional do it. It might cost a whole lot more but in the end, what you save on electricity and heating, can more than make up for the initial investment.…

Glass Block Window Installations Made Easier With Lighter Blocks

Are you considering doing a glass block window installation project but are worried about the weight of the blocks? Worry no more – there is a solution for you. With the introduction of the 2″ thick series of blocks fabricated into vinyl frames this window installation has been made easier to install a lighter and safer window assembly. In this article you’ll learn 5 tips on where and how to use a vinyl framed block window.

Tip 1 – Identify where you want to use the window – Glass block windows have many uses beyond what most people think about. Here are a few common (and more unique) uses to consider:

Bathroom and Shower- With this type of window you can get rid of the expensive blinds and window treatments in the bathroom while still getting maximum light transmission. Use this window in the shower to provide a low maintenance light source in this wet area.

Basements – This cost effective use is popular to provide maximum security for a cost effective price.

Den- position these windows underneath cabinetry to let natural light flow in while maintaining privacy.

Closets- Do you have problems seeing well in your closet with only a small light fixture overhead? A solution is to install a fixed block transom window near the top of the closet walls. This will even help colorblind people to distinguish between blue and black socks.

Garage – If you like to use your garage for projects natural lighting is a big benefit and the block window provides high security for any valuable items you may be storing as well.

Kitchen – A block window between your kitchen countertops and cabinetry can let light stream in and provide a natural backsplash that’s easy to clean.

Step 2 – Determine if a framed or frameless window is better – The lighter 2″ thick glass block windows are only available in a vinyl framed system. Although it’s easier to work with the lighter window, the vinyl framed system is not the best solution for all projects. Here’s where to use both the framed and frameless systems:

Vinyl framed windows- use in wood framed (rough openings) where the size of the opening will work with the dimensions of the 2″ thick blocks (note: the 2″ thick blocks come in 8″ x 8″ x 2″ size so the rough openings need to work in 8″ increments). These windows (which are available with easy to install nailing fins) are used frequently in new construction, room additions, or in upper floor framed and stucco openings where the window openings can be adjusted to fit the window.

Unframed block windows- this window is (which are available in the heavier 3″ and 4″ thick blocks) generally more cost effective than the framed system and are best used in masonry openings where the block windows can be mortared into place. The other advantage of the unframed windows is they are available in more blocks sizes (the most common are 4″ x 8″, 6″ x 6″, 6″ x 8″ and 8″ x 8″) which allow these window building panels to be designed in 2″ size increments. Most basement windows are completed with the unframed system.

Step 3 – Make sure this window is built for strength – Not all vinyl framed glass block windows are created alike. Make sure you choose a window that is manufactured to withstand extreme weather conditions. The best made windows use a vinyl stacking spacing system in between the blocks which provides superior impact strength, minimizes the chance of water infiltration, and offers higher wind load capabilities.

Step 4 – Add style with colored, frosted, and etched blocks – You no longer need to make your window decision based on a one size fits all approach. You can select from a wide variety of colored, frosted, etched glass blocks. In the lighter 2″ series blocks (which are manufactured by Mulia Inc.) you can choose between two privacy patterns called Wave and Iceberg. There are also white and almond frames available.

Step 5 – If the window’s not a fit you must acquit- A block window is not the right solution for all projects. If you’re looking for full operability (but you like the looks and privacy of blocks) you may want to consider using an acrylic block window. This type of window is available in several opening styles including single hungs, sliders, casements, awnings and hoppers.

Now that you’re equipped with these 5 tips you’re ready to get started with ordering your lighter vinyl framed glass block window.…

Everybody is suffering from the pandemic and thousands of people already died due to this virus, while others are still suffering or fighting because many countries have not yet received the vaccine. Most of the victims of COVID19 are confined in the hospitals or quarantine areas but there are also individuals who can manage to stay at home since they are either asymptomatic or with mild symptoms. The setting at home is quite difficult because you have to isolate yourself from other members of the family and you cannot leave the room until you get better or get a negative result from the swab test.

If you are a victim of this pandemic, then you need to make sure that your room is well ventilated and must be following the standards that are required for such patients. You should be able to seek an expert’s advice from various companies like the RA Styron HVAC system services to help you with the right ventilation. Keep in mind that this virus travels through the air as well so you have to think about safety of the people around you, especially when it is confirmed that you are carrying the virus.

Most of us are only thinking about the safety when going out of the house because we will meet other people and this is why we use face shields or masks as well using hand sanitizers. Since we are facing a tough battle with this pandemic, we should also consider our safety at home because we spend most of our time here. Now that the number of victims due to the COVID19 is still fluctuating, they should be given help by improving the HVAC system in their hospital rooms, quarantine areas, and isolated rooms at home.

Purifying

During this pandemic, we must install air purifiers at home and in our workplace. Technologies are better today, so it would be easier to use purifiers that are designed with an ozone generator, and thermal sterilization as well as irradiation. In this way, particles in the air that carries the virus will be inactivated.

Incorporating advanced technology would be very helpful to the victims of the coronavirus because these filters will control the air that enters the room. The technicians will install the pre-filter that is designed with tangled fibers, which is in-charged in trapping particles.

You may also use HEPA filters because this can help eliminate small particles. This must be installed and maintained by professionals only.

Upgrading

Since airborne transmission of the coronavirus is possible, commercial and residential building owners must immediately act to upgrade the HVAC systems for the safety of everybody – read https://www.expressnews.com/lifestyle/article/Upgrades-to-home-air-conditioning-systems-may-15432814.php to learn the importance of upgrading. The virus is transmitted from one person to another not only through physical or face-to-face contact but also when an infected individual sneezes or coughs and when this contaminates the air, then that is how you can acquire it.

Since you are inside the house or building, the spread must be prevented by maintaining clean air which is possible through a better HVAC system, which means that you have to upgrade it, especially when the age is more than a decade. You have to call an expert and let them configure the existing system to help in keeping the air clean. While others may have to replace parts, such as the fan motor, purifier, and filter.

Airflow

It is also important to properly manage the flow of air coming in and going out of the area because this will reduce the transmission of COVID19. This is done to encourage a vertical laminar airflow than a turbulent one, ensure a steady or slow speed of air, and to direct contaminated air away.

Changes in the pattern of airflow are very important in preventing the transmission of the virus in various settings. When you are at home or in the hospital, the contamination can be minimized through a laminar flow. This means that the air from the ceiling will be directed to the floor.

Also, when a coronavirus victim is living with other individuals, there is a high chance of transmitting it – find out more about how it spreads. This is the reason why social distancing must be practiced. Though the HVAC experts have big participation because they need to regularly clean or maintain the inlets as well as the outlets of the air-conditioning since this may spread particles.

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