News & Blogs | True Blue Glass

24/7 Emergency Window Repairers

At True Blue Glass, we aim to provide the most comprehensive glazing services throughout South East Queensland. One of the many services we offer is a 24/7 emergency window repair service. We know how stressful a broken window can be, especially if it means your home or business won’t be secure overnight.

When hiring the True Blue Glass team for your 24/7 emergency window repairs, you can expect us to attend within an hour, day or night. It’s not only glass windows that we replace but also glass doors, shower screens, mirrors and more.

Our glaziers have been in the glass industry for decades, and we utilise the latest technology and equipment to deliver first-class services time after time. Whether it’s day, night, or on a weekend, we can come to you to fix your broken windows, giving you peace of mind that your home or business is safe and secure once more.

The True Blue Glass team have the expertise to handle all types of emergency glass repairs no matter how complex, from accidental damage to deliberate destruction, we have you covered.

Our emergency glass window replacements are conducted to the absolute highest standard and are fitted in line with Australian Standards AS 1288 2006.

Why choose True Blue Glass for your emergency glass window repairs

As one of South East Queensland’s most trusted and well-known glass companies, you can have complete assurance that your glass repairs will be carried out to precision. All our glaziers are qualified, licenced and insured and have in-depth knowledge and experience working with all facets of glass.

It’s not only our workmanship that we are proud of but also our dedication to providing exceptional customer service.

What you can expect with our emergency glass window replacement services:

Affordable and competitive pricing.
We aim to be friendly and reliable. We can work with you to find a glass replacement option that works for your specific requirements and budget.
Our glazier’s service all of South East Queensland, and our glaziers can come to you at a time that suits.
We cover all types of emergency glass repairs including residential and commercial. We can converse with shopping centres, schools, property managers, body corps and more.
No emergency glass window job is too big or small, we do it all.
Minimise the insurance claim process, we can send invoices directly to your insurer to save you the hassle.

Why you should consider an emergency replacement service over a regular glass replacement service

It is no secret that broken glass is dangerous, and opting for a regular glass replacement service means that your glass window won’t be fixed straight away. There are a couple of issues with this aside from the potential hazards it poses, but it also opens your home or business up to the elements, bugs, pests and potential thieves. It is simply not worth taking the risk when you can get it taken care of with an emergency glass repair service. Rather than waiting days to have your window fixed, it can be repaired in around an hour.

Replacing a broken glass window is a good time to look at upgrading to better-quality glass. This not only offers better security but energy efficiency too. This is better for your wallet and the environment.

Some potential glass replacement options include:

Double glazed glass
Wired glass
Frosted glass
Coloured glass
Safety glass
Laminated glass
Textured glass
Tinted glass

Repair vs replacement

Our emergency window repair services are available for broken or shattered windows that are beyond repair. If your glass simply has a chip, this is not considered an emergency and a regular service will likely be booked to repair or replace it for you. In some instances, a repair won’t suffice and an entire replacement is required. Attempting to repair glass that has large breaks isn’t a feasible, nor safe option. If your glass is old and outdated and a repair is all that is required, it may be worth upgrading your glass instead. While it may cost more, it hosts an array of benefits such as reducing energy consumption and boosting the value of a property.

Glass windows and doors move, and they need to be able to withstand impact and force without breaking or shattering as a result. The fit needs to be extra secure to prevent the glass from shifting when the door or window is opened or closed, touched, or slammed. To ensure a long-lasting and safe installation, the right type of glass and installation technique needs to be used. You can be assured that we fit and install the correct glass for the application.

Common reasons you may need to request an emergency glass window repair

Accidental breakages
Vandalism
Break-ins
Natural disasters such as storms or cyclones

Regardless of what your emergency is, our emergency glass repairers can come to you immediately to remove the broken glass from the window and replace it with a new piece. They can also replace frames and fixtures too if required. Our glaziers will arrive at your home or business with a fully equipped vehicle that has numerous panes of glass onboard. We can cut and measure your glass to size on site enabling you to have your window fixed promptly ensuring the security of your property isn’t jeopardised for longer than it needs to be.

How long does an emergency glass window repair take to complete?

How long an emergency glass window repair takes depends on how big the repair job is, how accessible the window is and whether only the glass needs replacing or the frame and fixings as well. On average, a standard emergency glass replacement takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Call the best in the best in the business for your emergency glass repairs

For all your emergency glass repair needs, contact the glass specialists here at True Blue Glass. We can come to you in an hour if required, to repair your glass. We’ll clean up after we’re done and take the old broken pane with us ensuring that no one can be injured from broken pieces of glass.

Feel free to contact us on (07) 3733 2297 or request a free quote online via our website.

Reduce Heat with Window Tinting

When temperatures rise in the summer, who doesn’t want to come back to a cool and comfortable home? Fans and air conditioners work well to keep your house cool during the summers. But, they also increase your energy bills. What if we told you there was an easy solution to lower your energy bills while keeping your house cool? The answer is window tinting.

During the summer months, your house gets a lot of sunlight. The sun’s rays get in through your windows, raising the temperature within your house and making your air conditioning unit work harder. Sunlight is primarily made of three types of rays- visible light, ultraviolet rays, and infrared reds. These rays easily pass through your unprotected window panes, and your furniture, walls and flooring absorb these rays. Infrared rays increase the warmth inside your house and everyone is aware of the ill effects of ultraviolet radiation on your health. How would you feel if you could block the UV and infrared rays, while only letting in visible light? Window tinting could do that.

By tinting your windows, you can keep the temperature down, without compromising on natural light.

Why is it necessary to minimise heat inside your house?

Keeping your house cool is not just about comfort. High temperatures can harm your health as well as your house. A big portion of the total surface of your house is made up of windows. Your windows let in both light and heat into your house. A couple of hours of sunlight streaming through your windows could increase the interior temperature by several degrees.

If your home is very hot, it may cause dehydration or even heat stroke. You may not experience any initial symptoms, but prolonged exposure to high heat could be damaging to your health.

Sunlight can also cause your expensive curtains, upholstery, and carpets to fade. Plastic items in your house, when exposed to high levels of heat, could release toxic benzene gas. Benzene is known to be carcinogenic and has also been linked to anemia and immunodeficiency problems.

Window tinting is a simple solution that can help to keep your house cool with absolutely no side effects.

What are the benefits of window tinting?

Besides keeping your house cool, window tinting can also protect your health against the ill effects of sun exposure. Skin cancer is on the rise in Australia, with the primary cause being sun damage.

Here are some compelling reasons why window tinting is beneficial for you and your family:

Conserve energy

Energy efficiency is perhaps the biggest benefit of window tinting. The windows in your house let in a lot of sunlight, making your house prone to heat. The higher the internal temperature, the higher your energy bills.

A higher internal temperature also means that your air conditioning has to work longer and harder to get your house to a comfortable temperature. The longer your air conditioner needs to work, the higher your electricity bills will be.

Window tints work by making your windows energy-efficient. The tints prevent heat from entering your house, which means that you do not need to use your AC as often. Even if you do run your AC, it does not have to work very hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Consistent temperature

Some rooms in your house receive a lot more sunlight than others. It could be because of the size of the windows or because of the direction they are in. Your air conditioning system needs to work harder to cool these rooms, and not so hard for other rooms.

Window tints can help you eliminate sun pockets around your house, making it easier to maintain a consistent temperature. By limiting the amount of sunlight that enters your house, you can lower the internal temperature by several degrees. A small investment in window tints can go a long way in lowering your electricity bills.

Reduce glare

Have you ever had to move because of the glare on your laptop? Glare from the sun rays when working or watching the TV can be pretty annoying. Another benefit of window tinting is that it can eliminate glare to a great extent. By applying a tint to your windows, you can work in peace and no longer have to worry about missing the best scenes of your favourite show.

UV protection

UV rays are responsible for causing many health problems, including skin and eye issues. Ultraviolet rays consist of UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for sun damage such as wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays, on the other hand, cause sunburns because they have a higher intensity.

Window tints are quite effective in keeping the harmful UV rays out, protecting you and your family’s health.

Protect your furniture

The harsh rays of the sun can also damage your furniture and flooring. In just a few months, UV rays can damage your sofas and couches by fading. Leather couches can even crack due to prolonged heat exposure. Your expensive upholstery and carpets can also fade if they remain exposed to the sunlight for long periods.

How to choose the right window tint for your house?

You can choose from a wide variety of window tints. Reflective window tints prevent anyone from peeking inside your house, but it does not obstruct the view from inside. Dyed tints also prevent others from seeing within your house, but also tint the windows when you want to look outside. Opaque tints allow natural light through but may distort the view.

You should pick a window tint according to the room. For instance, opaque tints work well for bathroom windows. However, for the bedroom or living room, you may want reflective window tints so that you can look outside without compromising on the view.

Conclusion

If your HVAC costs are running high, something as simple as window tints could help get your energy bills down. Besides reducing heat and keeping your house cool, window tints can also enhance the privacy and aesthetic appeal of your space. So get in contact with your local Brisbane Glazier!

What are the different types of window condensation?

You’ve likely seen condensation on a window before, but what causes it? Well, several things can cause condensation to form on your window panes. In this post, we’ll explore those different reasons and what you can do to prevent it from occurring at your place.

What is condensation?

The conditions have to be right for condensation to occur, and it happens when an object i.e., a window, is cooler than the air surrounding it. Water droplets form on the windowpane as a result of water molecules in the air hitting the cool, impermeable surface and sticking to it.

Different types of condensation

Below are the main types of condensation that you’ll notice on your glass at home:

Condensation on the inside pane of glass

This is the most common type of condensation you are likely to see on the glass around your home. You may think it is nothing to worry about, but over time the excess moisture can run down the pain and pool onto the framing below it. This can promote mould growth within the room, and timber fittings such as window sills and skirting can be prone to rotting. Mould is a hazardous contaminant that can affect your air quality and can cause a series of other health concerns.

What causes this type of condensation?

Often condensation forms on inferior glass that is lacking in quality. Old and outdated glass is notorious for condensation, among other issues as they lack insulation.

On the other hand, it may be happening because you have all your windows closed and the humidity is high in the room, for example, straight after a shower. It’s more of a concern when it’s occurring in multiple areas of the home regularly.

How to remedy the problem

The residual condensation left on your windows will evaporate eventually however, it’s a good idea to remove it with a microfibre cloth to avoid mould growth. Other ways you can help to alleviate it is by investing in a dehumidifier, adding weather stripping, and turning your exhaust fan on in the bathroom if you have one, if not, open the windows after a shower to allow the excess humidity to escape. Simple things such as turning on your ceiling fans is a great way to get the air circulating in the room and can help the condensation to evaporate more rapidly.

If your budget allows and your windows have seen better days, it may be worth upgrading them to better quality glass such as double glazing.

Condensation in between the panes of glass

This problem only occurs with double or triple-paned glass. Rather than consisting of a singular piece of glass, they are made up of two or three. The condensation doesn’t sit on the external pane of glass, it sits in between the sections. When this occurs, it is usually an indication that something is wrong with your windowpane.

What causes this type of condensation?

This type of condensation means that air is getting in between the panes of glass and sash. This humid air hits each side of the glass and causes condensation. You’ll be able to see it trapped inside the windowpane itself. Unlike condensation that sits on the external pane, this condensation doesn’t evaporate quickly as the amount of fresh air that is blowing on it is limited. Over time this moisture can build up, and mould can fester in between the sections. This can not only affect your health but the appearance of the glass too. This excess moisture can deteriorate the sill and sash and will progressively get worse.

How to remedy the problem

There is a temporary solution to this issue, and it involves professionally drilling into the windows to allow air in and dry them out. To ensure the efficiency of your home is maintained and your windows are in optimal working order, it pays to have them replaced. If they have been installed recently, and your new windows are experiencing this, be sure to contact your glazier and let them know.

Condensation on the exterior pane of glass

Sometimes it can be hard to tell whether the condensation is coming from inside or out until you touch it. It usually occurs on the exterior of windows when they don’t get much air to them, for instance, a window that’s blocked by thick landscaping or a neighbouring wall.

What causes this type of condensation?

Condensation usually forms on the exterior of a windowpane because the air outside is humid, and the pane of glass is cooler. You may notice this more in the middle of summer when your home is cool from air-conditioning and the temperature outside is hot and humid. It can occur on almost all types of windows, new ones included.

How to remedy the problem

There isn’t too much you can do about exterior condensation, and until the humidity drops outside, it will continue to form regardless of if you’ve wiped it down or not. You can prevent moisture from building at the bottom of your window by wiping it down every so often.

If condensation is a permanent problem for the windows at your place, it may be time to upgrade them. For more information on this topic or to get a quote from the glass experts on the Gold Coast, contact our team here at True Blue Glass.

You’ll likely come into contact with a glazier at some point. Often, it is not for good reason but rather needing them to come out and fix broken or damaged glass. A glazier is a tradesperson that specialises in glass for both residential and commercial settings. In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about glaziers and what they do in case you are interested.

What can a glazier help with?

Glaziers are highly skilled professionals that have a wide scope of knowledge when it comes to glass products. Their skills are vast, and their role includes but is not limited to selecting glass types, measuring, fitting, water sealing, cutting, repairing, replacing, and even fabricating. There is no room for error with glass, and glaziers are known for their eye for detail. The smallest discrepancy can be unsafe, affect a home’s efficiency and look unsatisfactory. It is a physically demanding job that often requires them to work at a height while handling heavy yet delicate materials. Here are some glass applications that your local glazier can assist with:

Windows
Mirrors
Glass pool fencing
Skylights
Shower screens
Glass doors
Splashbacks
Tables
Display cases
Glass shelves
Apply designs and films to glass
Signage
Shop facades/frontages
Staircases and balustrades
Partitions
Glass cabinetry
Pet door installations
24/7 emergency glass repairs

Glaziers can also repair and replace all the above.

Responsibilities of a glazier

Glaziers have many responsibilities; they are working with a dangerous product, and this not only impacts their safety but also those around them when conducting their work. Here are some examples of their responsibilities:

Communicate well with fellow team members and clients.
Work on both residential and commercial construction sites.
Maintain high safety standards, including removing old glass from the site and keeping the working environment safe.
Service glass contraptions such as windows, doors, storefronts etc.
Ensure the glass and installation processes meet Australian Safety Standards.
See to repairs that are under warranty
Educate customers on potential safety hazards and benefits of using better quality glass.
Confirm measurements, blueprints, dimensions etc.
Recycle materials where possible.
Handle, transport, and store glass safely.
Use the correct PPE, including hard hats, safety glasses, hand gloves, and steel cap boots with a non-slip sole when handling or working with glass.
Ensure the correct glass is used for the job.
Make and install aluminium frameworks for windows.
Use a CNC machine safely and effectively.

What kind of training does a glazier need to complete?

Not just anyone can trade as a glazier, you need to complete a qualification first. This involves obtaining a Certificate lll in Glass and Glazing as well as completing an apprenticeship through a glass company. Two years of on-the-job training is also required when completing the apprenticeship. Here in Queensland, glaziers also need to have a scope of work licence from The Building and Construction Commission (QBCC). This acknowledges the skills and knowledge needed to work in the glass industry and enables them to work using various glass applications.

Different types of glazier licences

The following can apply for this licence:

Contractor
Site Supervisor
Nominee Supervisor

Glaziers can also further their training and specialise in:

Glass Etching
Glass Silvering
Glass Bevelling
Glass Embossing

Glazing companies can offer a singular service such as emergency only glass or automotive glass, or they may offer a breadth of services and cover almost anything to do with glass. When hiring a glazier, it’s a good idea to make sure they specialise in the area that you require services for. This will ensure you get the best result each and every time.

How do I know if the glazier is qualified or not?

The easiest way to determine if a glazier is reputable or not is by checking their licence status via the QBCC website.

Most common jobs for a glazier

The most common jobs a glazier will do depends on the type of work they carry out however, in most cases, a glazier primarily attends to residential glazing. This can include replacing broken windows, installing shower screens, doors, updating outdated glass, and fitting mirrors. Second to residential is commercial glazing and this type of work commonly includes glass security doors, shopfronts, panelling and dividers.

What types of glass does a glazier work with?

They work with many glass products, here are some of the most common ones:

Insulated or double-glazed glass
Float glass
Laminated glass
Toughened glass
Textured glass
Safety glass
Decorative glass
Screen printed glass
Coated glass
Screen printed glass
Frosted glass
Mirrored glass
Self-cleaning glass

Only use a professional glazier for glass work around your home or business

We hope this post has given you an insight into what a glazier is and what they do. Remember, you should only ever hire a professional glazier to handle the glass around your home or business. It is a highly dangerous material, and if installed or handled incorrectly, it can have devastating consequences. Not only that, if glass has been installed improperly, it may let in drafts and affect the comfortability and safety of your premises. Quality glass and proper installation are key. If you’re looking for a highly skilled glazier to complete some work around your home or business, contact our expert team here at True Blue Glass. We specialise in residential and commercial applications and have decades of experience and knowledge behind us. Get in touch today.

If you’re like most, you’ll have some form of heating running during winter or at the very least, you’ll want to keep what warmth you have indoors inside the home as much as you can. We have a few simple steps that you should be following in the lead up to the cooler months to ensure you and your family aren’t shivering through the winter.

There is no better time than now to prepare your windows

A lot of people don’t even realise that their windows aren’t up to par until winter hits. Don’t wait for the temperature to drop to sort your windows out. When your windows are in good condition, they offer many benefits, regardless of what time of the year it is.

How do I prepare my windows for winter?

You can start by conducting a visual inspection of your windows, including the framing and fixtures. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional to take a look at them for you. This is recommended especially when you are looking for potential flaws, they may go unnoticed by the untrained eye.

What benefits can quality windows and proper fittings offer?

Optimal thermal protection

Probably one of the major benefits of preparing your windows for the cooler climate is that it provides your home with greater thermal protection. This stops heat from transferring through the glass and to the outside. It enables you to heat your home faster, and it stays warmer for longer. This can effectively cut down on the amount of electricity you use over wintertime and, in turn, save you money.

Keeps your home safe and secure

Unfortunately, burglars don’t hibernate in the cooler months and having unsecured or outdated glass and fittings can put your home and, more importantly, your family at risk. Too many times intruders have gained access to homes through inferior window fittings or low-grade glass. The more difficult your home is to gain access into, the less likely burglars are going to attempt to break-in.

Reduce the occurrence of problems such as condensation

Condensation occurs when warm air that is moist comes into contact with something cool such as a cold pane of glass. It creates water droplets on the pane, and over time this moisture can cause damage to the timber frames and areas surrounding it.

How to prepare your windows

Once you’ve had your windows visually inspected, you can either hire a professional to rectify all issues or, you can try to do it yourself. Here are some common issues, and how to fix them:

Drafts getting in through the windows

Drafts are not only going to make the home colder, but they can be a sign of an issue with either the pane itself or there may be gaps around the windows that are allowing cool air to get inside. You can determine where the air is getting in by placing your hand close to the glass. If you can feel the air through the pane, your glass will most certainly need replacing. If no air is passing through, it’s more likely that the draft is getting in through gaps around the windows. The good news is this is a straightforward and inexpensive fix. You can use an appropriate caulk in most instances, or if the gaps are larger, you may have to use insulation tape or foam to resolve the problem.

Damaged weatherstripping

Weatherstripping plays a key role in preventing heat from escaping from around the window. Over time it can get damaged or wear away. Since you want to keep your home warmer and avoid unnecessary heat loss, it’s best to check the condition of these and replace them where necessary.

Replace old or broken frames

After a while, old window frames can deteriorate, and this can affect how well they hold the glass into position. If any of your window frames have seen better days, it’s best to have them replaced as having broken glass at any time is not ideal, especially when the weather is cold.

Give them a good clean

Windows accumulate a breadth of gunk, dirt, and other contaminants. Built-up dirt can affect how well the windows mechanisms work and can wear them down. Give your windows a good clean to ensure they stay in optimal working order.

Invest in good quality windows

It goes without saying, if you want the best protection from the elements, superior security, and thermal protection, you can’t beat investing in energy-efficient windows or storm windows. They are stronger than other types of windows and provide more resistance in strong winds or storms. Both window types can help to cut down on your energy bills too.

Add a film to the windows

If you can’t afford to update all the windows in your home, a cheaper alternative is applying window films to the existing glass. They don’t affect the appearance of the glass, and they can provide additional comfort in both winter and summer. The best part? They are a fraction of the cost of purchasing new glass.

As you can see, there are many advantages to preparing your windows for winter. If you are looking at replacing old windows at your home with quality glass or, you need some window repair work done, our team of highly skilled glaziers here at True Blue Glass can help. Contact us today!

Glass windows! Virtually all houses have them, and they serve many useful purposes, they let natural light in, can improve air quality, make your home more comfortable by offering great insulating properties, and so much more! Older glass windows however generally don’t provide the same benefits as their newer counterparts. Here are three reasons why you should consider replacing the outdated glass in your home.

Superior energy performance

The cost of everyday living is continuously rising, and one of the larger expenses you can’t live without is electricity. If you have no form of energy efficiency implemented at your place, it is likely your quarterly bills are hefty especially if you depend on heating and cooling to get you through the summer and winter. Good quality glass can drastically reduce your home’s energy consumption by decreasing the amount of heat that transfers from inside the house to the outside and vice versa. This can cut down the time you need to run your heating and cooling as the home retains the temperature for longer. When the glass in your windows is old or isn’t up to par, heat passes through it with ease. This means your home will get hotter in summer and colder in winter, and to counteract this, heating and cooling is generally needed for longer to get the house to a comfortable temperature. When you think of how many windows are in a home, that’s a lot of areas that are transferring heat. Installing new glass that’s more energy-efficient can drastically reduce the amount of heat that transfers through your glazing. You won’t need to run your heating or cooling for as long, and these two things alone contribute significantly to the cost of your energy bill. Good quality glazing can save you a considerable amount of money in the long run. It is not only better for your back pocket but the environment too. If being greener is something you are mindful of, you can’t go past double-glazed windows. They are made up of two panes of glass with an insulating gas separating them. Pairing this type of glass with composite frames can provide you with the ultimate thermal protection.

Boost the safety and security of your home

If your home is older and the glass in it is original, there is a good chance it doesn’t meet current Australian glass standards, and if it happens to break, it will in large, sharp shards which pose a major safety risk. If someone were to accidentally fall onto the window or grab it without proper PPE, it can cause significant injuries. Modern glass does not do this, it shatters into tiny blunt pieces or holds its form when it breaks, which drastically reduces the risk of injury. All new houses must have this type of glass, using regular glass is not safe, and it is actually against the law but there is no law stating that old properties need to remove this glass and replace it with safer options, so many homes still contain this type of glazing today. Old glass is fragile which makes it easy for an intruder to get inside. New glazing is considerably thicker and it is much harder to break therefore, it acts as a good deterrent to those trying to get into your home. Because it is stronger and more resistant to force, the person trying to get in is likely to give up as it doesn’t provide a quick entry point, and they are more at risk of getting caught the longer they are outside your property. This keeps your home, your belongings and most importantly, your family safe.

Can add value to your home

Upgrading the glass in your home is not only beneficial to you while you’re living there to cut down on your energy bill but, if you ever decide to put your property on the market, it can be a selling point and add to the overall value of your home. For some, the prospect of having to replace all the glass in a home can be discouraging. Some put all their money into buying and don’t have extra cash for upgrades straight away. Knowing that their energy bills are going to be higher, and the glass is unsafe can see potential buyers walk away from your property. A lot of older properties have regular glass partitions starting low to the floor, and this can be hazardous for young children who tend to push and lean on hard surfaces. Any improvements you make to boost energy efficiency is going to make your home more appealing. Everyone loves to save money where they can, and with more and more people looking for ways to be greener, installing quality glass is an all-round good investment.

If you want to make your home safer, more efficient, and add value investing in quality glass may be the solution. If replacing all the glass in your home is out of your budget right now, you can do it one or two rooms at a time. While it is an initial cost, the long-term savings you make will quickly see you recoup your investment. For all your glass needs, contact our highly skilled team of glaziers here at True Blue Glass. We have decades of experience helping the people of South East Queensland choose the perfect glass for their homes and businesses.

Whenever you hire a tradesperson, you should have a clear understanding of what is included in the quote they provide you with to ensure there are no hidden surprises and you are receiving a service that you think you are paying for. Here are some important questions you should ask your glazier.

What type of glass will you be using?

Depending on what the glass will be used for, you may have several options available to you. This is where it pays to do a bit of research. If you know what types of glass meet the Australian Safety Standards and are suited to the project, you can make an informed decision. Higher quality glass will cost more but, for some applications, it may be needed. Using glass that is not suitable can be extremely unsafe. Ensure that the glazier runs you through all your options.

Is the quote all-inclusive?

It’s important that you ask if the quote is all-inclusive. It needs to include the glass itself as well as labour, travel, fixtures, and any other elements required to install your glass. The last thing you want is to think you’ve got yourself a bargain only to discover the quote is for the glass only.

Are you insured and qualified?

You should ask the glazier if they are qualified to ensure they have the necessary skills and experience to install your glass to the highest standard. Glass that hasn’t been installed properly poses a significant risk to you and your family, not only that, it can affect your home’s heating and cooling which can cost you money on your energy bills. Ask if the glazier is insured. This will cover you if any damage is sustained to your home while the glacier is in the process of completing the job. You may think the likelihood of this happening is low however if it does and they don’t have adequate insurance, you are the one who will be out of pocket for the repairs.

How soon can you complete the job?

In emergency glass situations, you want the glass to be replaced as soon as possible, for obvious reasons, it’s dangerous and it can leave your home vulnerable to the elements and break-ins. Typically an emergency glass service is completed within a few hours. If it is not an emergency call out, it may take longer to get an appointment time. If you know you need glass, it’s a good idea to book in advance so that you can choose a time that suits you as someone will most likely need to be home to allow the glazier access.

How long will it take to complete?

This is another question to ask your glazier when getting a quote. If you have work or other commitments, you will need to allow the glazier sufficient time to do the job while working it into your schedule. By asking this question, you can do this rather than guessing the time it will take and hoping it will align. Depending on the size of your job, the glazier may need to return to fully complete work. If you need a fair bit of work done or the job is complex, ask if it can be completed in one day or if they’ll need to return.

Can you come out to complete an onsite quote?

Some glaziers offer free onsite quotes, others don’t. It’s always a good idea to get an onsite quote, that way if there are any discrepancies with the measurements, you won’t be at fault for it. It also provides the glazier with an opportunity to see what they are working with and can offer friendly advice on which options will give you the best result for your money. It can take out the guesswork and give you a flawless finish.

Do you take old/broken glass with you?

Having old glass lying around can be a hazard, and while most glaziers will take the old stuff with them, it’s important to ask just in case as it needs to be disposed of properly to prevent injury.

Do you offer a guarantee on your workmanship?

Often glaziers will offer a guarantee or warranty on their workmanship, and the glass products they install. There’s no harm in asking if they do, It’ll cover you if you notice an issue with the installation or the glass itself. They’ll come out and fix it for free.

Does the glazier give you definitive answers to your questions?

If the glazier you are considering booking gives you answers that are not clear such as “that should be ok” rather than yes, this can lead to you paying more than you assumed you would. Make sure they confirm all details and clear up any uncertainties before you book with them for peace of mind. They should be friendly and happy to answer any questions you have without hesitation. Choosing a reputable company can ensure the entire process runs smoothly.

If you’re wanting to give your home a freshen up, an effective way to do this is with interior glass doors. It’s not only bedroom doors that they can be used for, they can also be used to define areas in place of traditional walls. This can add a touch of luxury while creating an illusion of space. Like most things, interior glass doors come with some pros and cons. Here is everything you need to know about interior glass doors for your home.

It not uncommon to see glass partitions and doors in modern architecture and design. They can give a home a grand feel and let in light without encroaching on spaces and making them feel closed off.

Here Are Some Pros To Choosing Interior Glass Doors For Your Home:

Let There Be Light

Light and airy homes create a sense of comfort, warmth and can enhance the overall appeal. The more light a room has, the bigger and more open it will feel.
Glass doors still offer the same insulating benefits as a regular door, if not more, and will prevent heat and cooling loss. By installing a thicker pane of glass, you can reduce noise reduction drastically.

Contemporary and Stylish

Interior glass doors can make your home look more sophisticated and high-end. They come in various designs which makes it easy to find the perfect one to suit the style of your home. Arched doorways and glass doors are all the rage this year, and you may notice that many newly built or renovated homes are featuring these types of doors.

Ideal For Closed In Areas

Some areas in the home see very little natural light, one of the more common ones is a hallway. Often the only light it will get is from the rooms running adjacent to it. When glass doors are used for bedrooms, the light can filter through into the hallway and completely change the look and feel of it.

Here Are Some Cons To Choosing Interior Glass Doors For Your Home:

Requires More Cleaning

While interior glass doors look stylish and can improve the appearance of your home, they do require a little more cleaning than standard door types. If you have pets or young children, it can become a hassle having to continuously remove fingerprints and marks off the glass. The good news is if you have a hydrophobic coating placed over your glass, it can prevent marks and fingerprints significantly and can reduce your cleaning time by 90%. When installing glass internal doors, this should be considered if you don’t want to spend more time than you have to keep your doors clean.

They Don’t Offer Than Same Privacy Benefits As A Standard Door

Some people prefer having a solid door due to privacy benefits that glass simply cannot match. While regular glass offers little to no privacy, you can install a shutter or blind to cover up the glass. Another alternative is frosted or etched glass. This provides great privacy while still letting in ample light.

Different Interior Door Styles

You’re spoilt for choice when choosing interior glass doors for your home. Here are some options below:

French doors
Sliding doors
Hinged doors
Bi-fold doors
Stacking doors

Popular Types Of Glass For Interior Doors

Everyone has different tastes and preferences, and what may be a good option for one person may not be for another. Here are some glass types that are often used in interior glass doors to help you decide which may be best for your home:

Clear glass – Clear glass interior doors are the number one choice if you want maximum light indoors and you don’t mind seeing through the glass and into another space.

French glass – French interior glass doors are usually added to rooms or living spaces leading into dining areas. They are made up of two doors that open simultaneously and feature panelling that breaks up multiple glass sections with aluminium or timber.

Frosted glass – You will find frosted glass on almost every bathroom window in Australia, and it’s an ideal solution for those who love the idea of internal glass doors but not the lack of privacy. Frosted glass obscures the view from both sides of the door, but they still let in a lot of light.

Make Sure Your Interior Glass Doors Comply With Australia Safety Standards

The Australian Building Code and Australian Standards have set safety requirements for the glass used in your home. For interior glass doors, the glass should be toughened or tempered to ensure it can withstand certain force that comes with opening and closing doors. If it does happen to break, it will shatter into thousands of small blunt pieces rather than large shards that can cause injury. Make sure the glass company you use for the glass in your home install glass to meet Australian standards.

We hope this post has given you a brief insight into interior glass doors. They can add light, enhance the appeal of your home and potentially add value too. For many, the pros outweigh the cons. If you’d like more information about glass doors for the interior of your home, get in touch with our highly skilled team here at True Blue Glass, we have decades of experience and are happy to answer any questions you may have. Contact us today!

Most bathrooms have a few elements of glass, whether it’s the shower screen or windows, and if the glass in your bathroom has been broken or needs to be replaced, you may find it’s more expensive than regular glass. Why is this? Here, we’ll explain why you can expect to pay more for the glass in your bathroom than in some other areas of your home.

Safety

Quality glass types are used in bathrooms and they are more expensive than regular single-paned glass. Quality glass types need to be used in bathrooms for several reasons. The first and most important is safety. Bathrooms can be slippery when wet which can make them a hazardous environment. If inferior glass is used and it breaks, it will often break in large shards and if someone were to slip onto it, it can cause serious harm. Along with safety, bathroom windows and glass needs to be able to withstand heat and constant exposure to moisture. Glass suitable for bathroom use should have good insulating properties to keep in the warmth and minimise condensation to simplify cleaning.

Privacy Glass

Privacy glass types such as acid-etched glass, textured, coloured, and low-iron glass combined with toughened glass and are commonly used for bathroom windows. They still allow ample light to filter into the area while maintaining uttermost privacy. These types of glass are popular but can be more costly than clear glass. While they are pricier, they eliminate the need for blinds or shutters in the bathroom which detract from its overall appeal, plus if you don’t choose moisture resistant window coverings, it’s a good chance that they’ll get mouldy in due course which is not only hazardous for your health but looks unsightly too.

Hardware And/or Framing

Often when glass shower screens or windows break, the hardware supporting it gets damaged too. Other times it’s old and seen better days and needs to be replaced. If this is the case, it can add to the cost of your repair or replacement.

Suitable Glass For Bathrooms

The glass in your bathroom must comply with The Building Code of Australia. Here are some suitable glass choices for both your shower screen/s and windows:

Shower Screen

To comply with Australian safety standards, shower screen glass must be a minimum of 4 mm thick in a fully framed shower screen and a minimum of 6mm thick for partial screens or frameless shower screens. From an aesthetic point of view, there are many options you can choose from, some popular ones included textured glass, sandblasted glass, and frosted glass. The glass must be Grade A, toughened, or safety glass. This type of glass is specially treated and up to five times stronger than standard glass. It is very hard to break, but if it does, it shatters into small blunt pieces which makes it far safer than regular glass. This can provide you with peace of mind knowing that if it is broken, you and your family members won’t be seriously injured from it.

Bathroom Windows

Privacy is key in a bathroom and there are several glass options that can provide just that as mentioned above. If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you, installing energy-efficient glass such as double-pane or triple-paned windows is a good idea as they prevent the bathroom from getting too cold or hot. They also eliminate condensation. If your windows are prone to condensation, the excess moisture can pool may damage the surrounding framing over time.

How Can I Save Money On My Bathroom Glass?

The correct glass must be used for your shower screens to ensure they are safe and compliant. If cost is an issue and you are renovating a new bathroom, consider using a single frameless pane rather than two for your shower, or perhaps even a screenless shower will be better suited. For your windows, rather than choosing high-end glass for privacy, consider using a frosted film instead.

How Long Does It Take To Replace Or Repair My Bathroom Glass?

Unlike regular glass, toughened glass cannot be cut without exploding, because of this, we will normally only measure your glass requirements on the initial visit, then we will get the right sized glass for the job heat treated. Once it’s done, we’ll return a few days later to install it. The process takes no longer than a week to complete from start to finish.

Quality Glass Is An Investment

Whilst we all love to save money where we can, when it comes to safety, no corners should be cut. If your bathroom glass or window needs replacing, you should purchase quality glass. It is an initial investment, but the safety and energy saving benefits they offer are simply unmatched by regular glass. The same applies if you are renovating your bathroom and need to purchase new glass, don’t make the mistake of using glass that isn’t up to the job. Using regular glass is a liability and someone may get seriously injured, it is simply not worth the risk.
If you need the glass in your bathroom repaired or replaced, get in contact with our team of expert glaziers here at True Blue Glass, we specialise in all things glass and can help you find a glass type that suits your bathroom and budget to make it look like brand-new again.

The importance of keeping our homes and workplaces clean and hygienic has never been more prevalent than it is now during the COVID-19 pandemic. Glass windows and doors make up a big portion of a building, so they must be sanitised correctly to stop the potential spread of this deadly virus. Not sure if you’re cleaning your glass properly or if the products you are using are killing COVID-19? Well, we’ve put together this post to share what you need to know to ensure your glass is clean and free from contaminants.

Can You See Traces Of COVID-19 On Glass?

Glass isn’t very good at hiding fingerprints, dust, dirt, and smudges however, if someone who is infected has touched the glass, or even brushed past it, it can leave the virus behind and it will be virtually impossible to detect with the naked eye. So, even if your glass looks crystal clear and gleamingly clean, it doesn’t mean that it is.

How Often Should I Clean My Glass To Prevent The Spread Of COVID-19?

The virus can survive on glass surfaces for up to 4 days. Cleaning of all surfaces should be done daily and more often if the glass is touched regularly, especially in places where multiple people from different places are visiting each day.

What Products Should I Use?

When coronavirus first hit our shores, there was some confusion as to which products would stop the virus in its tracks. Its been more than a year now, and this has given researchers time to formulate and determine which products work. While there are endless options out there, you don’t have to splash out on all new cleaning chemicals. The ever-humble dishwashing liquid does just as good of a job. It will leave your glass streak and germ-free. There is a catch though, it must be anti-bacterial, and it must kill 99% or more of bacteria to work effectively. You can buy this reasonably inexpensively from the supermarket and you don’t have to worry about dowsing your home or workplace in strong chemicals.

How Do I Clean My Glass Using Detergent?

Store-bought glass cleaners are self-explanatory, you just spray them on and wipe them off. Making up your own can be just as simple, here’s how:

You need to purchase two spray bottles. You can get them for around $2 each from a discount store. Fill one with water, the other with water and a dash of detergent.

Spray the glass liberally with the water only and wipe over with a cloth to remove any dirt and debris. Repeat if necessary. All the dirt must be removed before cleaning as it can inhibit the detergents ability to clean the surface.

Spray down your glass with the water and detergent and wipe over with a microfibre cloth.

Regularly cleaning the glass around your home or workplace means that dirt, dust and most importantly COVID-19 doesn’t have a chance to contaminate the glass, and it’ll be far easier and quicker to clean each time.

What About Glass Cleaners?

Glass cleaners can be harsh and using them too often can cause damage especially if you have glass with a film such as Low E glass. Once you’ve got your two spray bottles made up, they are ready to go. It’s cheaper and eliminates the sometimes-overbearing chemical smell that some cleaners are notorious for. If you are cleaning glass that is frequently touched or is a high traffic area, you should sanitise the area using a disinfectant based product to ensure it is actively killing the virus.

Which Cleaning Cloth Is Best?

The cloth you use doesn’t matter in terms of killing COVID-19, but it does matter when protecting your glass. You should always use a soft, clean cloth that is non-abrasive to clean your glass. If you have troublesome stains, try soaking them with a little of your soapy mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes. If this doesn’t help, you can try a soft brush to lift it. Squeegees are another popular choice and so is scrunched up old newspaper. Remember to be gentle when cleaning your glass, rubbing an area excessively can irreversibly damage it.

Products You Should Never Use On Your Glass

Regardless of their COVID-19 killing abilities, there are some products you should never use on your glass. Here are some products that you should keep far away from your glass:

Acid-based products.
Bleach based products.
Abrasive cleaners.
Abrasive cleaning materials such as scourers, stiff brushes, or scrapers.
If you do use a disinfectant on your glass, instead of leaving the product on the surface, wipe it off with water and a clean cloth. This will prevent it from damaging your glass. It will also remove some of the smell too.

We all have had to learn to live with COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take the necessary measures we can to prevent the spread of infection from both our workplace and home. Being vigilant can protect us from contracting this potentially fatal virus. Here at True Blue Glass, we abide by Government guidelines when visiting your home to keep both you and our employees safe. If you have any questions about cleaning your glass to prevent COVID-19, just ask! Our knowledgeable team will happily answer them. Get in touch today.