The benefits of double glazing are understated. From offering better insulation to improved energy efficiency, there are many ways that double glazing can improve your home and quality of life. However, to prolong their lifespan, you need to keep them clean. Cleaning double-glazed windows might seem daunting, but you can do it quickly and easily in a few simple steps. We show you how to clean double-glazed windows with helpful tips to keep them looking and functioning at their best.
The gap between the two panes of glass in double-glazed windows is sealed, so focus on cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass. You will need the following:
There are some safety precautions you must take before starting the cleaning process. Wear gloves and prepare your chosen cleaning solution by following the instructions on the label of your glass cleaner or by mixing equal parts dish soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals like abrasive or acidic cleaners, as these can scratch or damage the glass, window frames, or seals.
Cleaning double-glazed windows is easy once you know the steps. By following our step-by-step guide on how to clean double-glazed windows, you can keep your windows looking their best and functioning correctly for years.
Atlas Glass provides a range of double-glazed window options to suit your needs and preferences. Not only can you enjoy greater comfort and energy efficiency in your home, but you can also add aesthetic appeal with timber joinery. Contact Atlas Glass today to learn more and start experiencing the benefits of double-glazing wooden frames.
Winter is coming, are your windows prepared? If thick socks and woolly jumpers are a must and your power bill leaps into heart attack territory during winter, you may want to consider upgrading your window furnishings. Retrofitting double-glazing windows in your home could solve your winter blues this chilly season. But what is retrofit double glazing? We discuss.
Retrofit double glazing involves retrospectively installing energy-efficient double glazing to your existing window frames that previously only held a single pane of glass. This process involves removing the single glazing and making minor changes to the current framework, such as changing the timber beads. Unlike other options, this process is quick, easy, and almost unnoticeable, resulting in a finished product that remains faithful to the existing windows.
There is no doubt that double glazing will have an enormous impact on the comfort of your home and the power bill at the end of the month, but deciding between retrofitting or installing entirely new joinery can be a tricky one. Usually, retrofit double glazing is what you’ll want to go for due to its affordability compared to new joinery. By utilising as much of the existing framework as possible, you can save on materials and time required for installation.
However, in some circumstances, you may not have a choice. If timber joinery is rotten beyond repair, it may be more cost-effective to replace the joinery. As one of New Zealand’s leading double-glazing companies, our expert team can help you make the best decision suited to your situation.
For heritage properties, retrofit double glazing maintains the home’s character, accentuating the historic features while providing modern comforts and functionality.
The retrofitting process is a far more affordable alternative as you are improving upon the existing window, not replacing it entirely. Retrofitting leads to faster installation and less money coming out of your pocket.
Utilising the existing windows and frames means they won’t add to the overflowing landfills, helping create a more sustainable environment. The added energy efficiency will also mean less power will be required to maintain a healthy home.
Create a warmer home and a happier environment by retrofitting your double glazing. Double glazing will ensure a warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient home all year round. Not to mention you can take a sizable chunk out of that electrical bill! Retrofit double glazing is what we specialise in at Atlas Glass; if you’re considering upgrading your window furnishings, give us a call to discuss your options with our expert team today.
Image credit: Natalia Blauth on Unsplash
Open windows are dangerous to children of all ages, especially younger kids, and if you live on higher floors. Toddlers are good at causing mayhem and running about unrestrained, and a moment of distraction can cause potentially fatal accidents from broken windows or falls. These accidents are easily preventable by childproofing your windows and practising proper window safety. We discuss window safety and other methods to childproof your home windows for peace of mind.
Unintentional yet fatal accidents occur due to children falling out of open windows or getting entangled in blind cords. Windows are particularly hazardous for toddlers who are highly mobile, curious, and want to explore but are unaware of the dangers. It can take only take one second of distraction for an accident to occur. Since children have a different centre of gravity and their heads are much heavier than the rest of their bodies, they usually hit the ground head-first, proving potentially fatal. Childproofing your windows as soon as your child starts crawling is essential.
Upgrade to a window glass solution that doesn’t break easily. The cost of retrofit double glazing is affordable and an easy fix to stronger, longer-lasting windows.
Keep blind cords out of reach of children. Kids can easily hurt themselves or get strangled in loose blind cords. Otherwise, motorised blind options make it easier to operate your blinds without too much effort.
Move furniture like big armchairs or sofas away from windows, especially ones higher from the ground. Toddlers are curious and can get up onto furniture easily without you noticing.
Window gates or grilles are a great solution, as they’ll allow you to easily manoeuvre your windows without worrying about your child opening them accidentally. Install vertical bars to prevent your child from climbing on them like a ladder, and choose grilles that don’t have large gaps between the bars. Alternatively, a mesh window guard would be more pleasing to the eye, allowing you a more aesthetic solution without being too complicated to install.
Install a window model that comes with built-in locks. Otherwise, you can easily find window sash locks for almost every window type at your local hardware store. However, this can be inconvenient and limit ventilation in your home as you’ll have to keep the windows closed almost all the time.
Teach your child about proper window safety etiquette. Ensure they understand the dangers of playing around with windows and explain the consequences of opening them or playing with the blind cords. Alternatively, you can create a danger zone around the immediate area of the window and mark it off to prevent your children from playing near it.
Practising window safety begins with investing in durable, high-quality windows. For double-glazed windows with noise reduction and increased insulation, contact Atlas Glass, Auckland’s premier glazing specialists.
Painting glass windows is an easy DIY project that can add privacy and decoration to your home. Whether you want to create a colourful design or add a frosted effect for more privacy, window painting is an affordable and creative way to update your living space.
Upgrade your timber double-glazed windows in a fun and easy manner as we guide you through how to paint glass windows step-by-step. Learn about this activity here, from choosing the materials to drying and finishing your final product!
Before getting started, you must gather some essential materials:
Making the appropriate preparations before painting your glass windows is crucial to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Clean the glass surface with glass cleaner and microfibre cloth before applying painter’s tape to the areas you want to protect. Lay down tarps or cloth to prevent paint from staining other surfaces.
Once you’ve painted the glass window, leave it for 24 hours to dry completely before removing the painter’s tape or touching up any areas. If you want your painting project to last, apply a clear coat designed for glass surfaces to protect your masterpiece.
Painting glass windows is a simple and fun DIY project that can add colour and style to your living space. With our guide, you can easily transform your plain glass windows into works of art.
Before you begin, you’ll need a high-quality and functional glass window as your base to ensure your art lasts as long as possible. As the most reputable glaziers in Auckland, Atlas Glass can provide that for you. We offer custom retrofit double-glazing options for your home’s existing and new timber joinery. Talk to us for a free consultation on a suitable solution for your home today.
Window shapes are incredibly multifaceted. From run-of-the-mill square and rectangular windows to geometric octagonal and curved irregular ones, window shape designs come in many forms. With creativity and a little inspiration, the shape of your windows can enhance the overall aesthetic of your home. We discuss different window shapes and how to choose a suitable one for your home.
A timeless feature perfected by the Romans, the elegant curves of an arched window draw the eye and offer visual appeal. Ideal for Mediterranean and Gothic-style homes, you can use arched window shapes to frame a gorgeous view of the outdoors or accentuate a feature and let in plenty of natural light to any room.
Round window shapes come in many forms — circles, ovals, semi-circles — all of which help to soften a room’s aesthetic and break the monotony of straight lines and rectangles in homes and buildings. They add a unique touch to any modern or contemporary home and are ideal for creating a cosy and inviting space. Due to their association with boats and water, round windows are a popular feature for holiday homes with nautical themes and will also work well in bathrooms.
These unique window shapes will draw the eye to any room. Ideal for modern homes with a geometric design theme, you can also use octagonal windows to create the illusion of height or width. Tall octagonal windows look gorgeous and add a distinctive flair to any living or dining room.
Instead of sticking to traditionally smaller window placements, why not invest in a beautiful floor-to-ceiling picture window? This window shape features large, fixed windows that provide a gorgeous and unrestricted view of the outdoors. They are ideal for homes with beautiful surroundings and can create an indoor-outdoor connection to make any room in your home seem larger.
Custom window shapes offer unlimited possibilities to express your creativity. Incorporate your style and individuality to create a one-of-a-kind home design that speaks to you. Examples of custom window shapes include rhombuses, irregular polygons, or wavy shapes. In addition to visual appeal, you can accentuate your custom windows with different glass and frame choices for increased functionality. For example, a stained-glass window will add colour and vibrance to any living space, while villa retrofit double glazing will provide added insulation for a more comfortable home.
Atlas Glass is a renowned glass company in Auckland with over 40 years of experience in the industry. We offer retrofit timber joinery and quality window glazing solutions for new builds or existing homes to increase your overall comfort and standard of living while reducing expenditure on electrical bills. Rest assured that we manufacture each product with the greatest care using only the highest quality materials for an affordable yet long-lasting solution. Contact our expert team for more information on window shapes and how we can help improve your home windows today!
Mould spores thrive in damp conditions and can grow virtually everywhere — from wood and fabric to drywall and plastic — making them prevalent in homes throughout New Zealand. Mould can cause many health effects, from milder colds to severe infections. It can be dangerous if left untreated, especially for immune-compromised and asthmatic individuals. Mould can also cause permanent damage to your furniture and even compromise the structural integrity of your home. Stamp out mould infestation; we discuss how to prevent mould in your home and how double-glazing windows can benefit you.
You can identify mould by its distinctive discoloured spots or a rotten and musty smell. If you are experiencing cold-like symptoms or allergy flare-ups without apparent reason, it could be the cause of mould lurking in your walls.
High levels of humidity and moisture are the primary cause of mould. Water can enter your home through cracks in your roof or walls. Leaks can also form from sinks and water-wielding appliances. Winter is prime time for mould formation, as most of us keep windows and doors tightly closed to prevent chilly drafts from getting in. Proper ventilation can prevent adequate circulation and build up excessive humid air indoors. Homes with single-pane glass windows can also experience excessive condensation, which can collect on joinery and walls, damaging them.
Upon discovering damp patches in the walls and ceiling or around your home, you must run a thorough inspection to find the source and deal with it promptly. There could be more existing mould than you expect.
Install a well-functioning ventilation system in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms. This allows fresh, dry air to enter your home, expelling moist and warm air outside. In addition to being great for collecting moisture from the air, dehumidifiers also work well to reduce dust mites — perfect for sensitive individuals or those with allergies. Consider investing in double-glazed windows, which feature a trapped layer of air between two glass panes that serve as an insulating barrier and help limit excess moisture and condensation.
Regular vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning around your home — especially in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms — will help prevent mould formation.
Avoid dry brushing mouldy areas as this can release spores into the air, increasing their spread and concentration. Use a mild detergent like sugar soap and a microfibre cloth to dab at mould, ensuring you dry the area thoroughly after cleaning. Otherwise, a solution of diluted vinegar will work well too. If neither of these solutions is effective, switch to a diluted bleach solution or a commercial mould cleaning product while wearing proper safety gear to protect your eyes, skin, and clothes from chemicals.
Mould prevention is vital to ensuring the health and safety of your family and home. Double glazing your windows is an easy way to achieve that. As Auckland’s retrofit double glazing experts, Atlas Glass will support you in the manufacturing and installation process at every step. Upgrade your home with an easy method to prevent mould formation; talk to our expert team for a free consultation and quote today!
Despite the wide variety of windows available on the market, timber casement windows remain one of the most popular options in many homes today. These windows offer a unique take on style and functionality; they feature an outward opening window hinged on either the side or top of the frame, allowing for a door-like opening system. We discuss all you need to know about timber casement windows and why you should choose this timeless design for your home.
A popular choice for homeowners looking to add warmth, charm, and character to their homes, timber has a natural beauty that is hard to replicate with other materials. It can be stained or painted to match the overall design of your home. Whether you're looking for a traditional, rustic, or modern look, timber casement windows can help achieve the desired aesthetic.
Timber is a natural insulator, which means timber casement windows can help reduce heat loss and keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. You can also upgrade wooden windows with retrofit double glazing for increased insulation. This can translate into lower energy bills, reduced carbon emissions, and a more comfortable living environment, making it an excellent choice for many homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
Timber can withstand harsh weather conditions and last for years; it is a strong and durable material that can resist rot, decay, and insect infestation if properly treated and maintained. Timber windows are also less prone to warping or bending, which can be an issue with other materials like vinyl or aluminium, meaning that timber casement windows offer excellent value for money over the long term.
Timber requires relatively little maintenance compared to other window materials. It is easy to repair and maintain, which can save you time and money in the long run. Regular cleaning and occasional repainting or staining can help keep your timber windows looking new for years to come.
You can customise timber casement windows to suit the style and architecture of your property, as well as your personal preferences and requirements. We discuss the different timber options available below.
Generally more affordable and readily available, softwood is a highly versatile and popular choice for windows and other construction projects. It requires additional treatment for added strength and durability.
Hardwoods are often more durable, resistant to decay, and ideal for withstanding extreme weather conditions. This timber option is naturally resistant to warping, swelling, or shrinking and does not usually need additional preservative treatment, making them a better long-term investment. While generally more expensive than softwoods, they may offer better durability and longevity.
Frequent maintenance and cleaning will help keep your timber casement windows looking fresh for longer. Here are some steps you should take to ensure the longevity of your windows:
Enjoy the best of both worlds by fitting your timber casement windows with retrofit double glazing from the best double-glazing company in Auckland, Atlas Glass. This affordable option will improve thermal insulation and energy efficiency, providing a more comfortable environment. Speak to our expert consultants and get a free consultation today.
No other build material can get as modern as glass. Its versatility has increased by leaps and bounds, making it one of the most popular materials for modern architecture. From its ability to provide excellent thermal and sound insulation to its capacity for external glazing, natural light transmission, weather and rust resistance, and mouldable structural components, there’s no denying that glass is transforming the field of architecture. Today, we share some incredible glass architecture buildings, offices, and homes from around the globe.
Discover some of our favourite designs, from glass houses to glass museums and gardens!
Nestled in Victoria’s High Country in Australia, Mansfield House is a unique bungalow designed by Robbie Walker. With an open glass pavilion to the north and a concrete bunker to the south, it can withstand extreme weather thanks to the bungalow’s retrofit double glazing. Residents enjoy comfortable temperatures year-round, with steel screens and a roof overhang minimising glare during summer.
The Louvre Pyramid in Paris is a modern glass and metal pyramid completed in 1989 and designed by I.M. Pei. It is an iconic Parisian landmark constructed with 689 clear glass panes. This iconic glass architecture building was built originally as a royal residence before becoming a museum.
The Glass & Steel House in East Hampton, New York, is a massive 10,000 square feet steel and glass home designed by Juan A. Figueroa. It boasts an open living layout with dining and kitchen spaces framed by floor-to-ceiling glass walls, polished concrete floors, and beautiful natural light. With a landscaped outdoor area, six bedrooms, and six full bathrooms, this luxurious home is stunning inside and out.
Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the IAC Building in Manhattan, New York, is a renowned glass building completed in 2007. This glass architectural building was designed to resemble a ship in full sail. The design of the façade for this building features impressive, double-glazed glass panels, measuring 12’x5’, that were carefully crafted into shape using a unique method. Rather than being pre-bent, the unitised panels were transported flat to the construction site and then shaped into their curved form on-site using a process known as ‘cold warping’.
In total, the project required the design, engineering, manufacture, and installation of an impressive 8,800 sqm (95,000 sq ft) of double-glazed, curved glass curtain wall.
The Invisible House in Joshua Tree, California, is a 5,500-square-foot mirrored box home that reflects the surrounding desert environment. It was designed by film producers Chris Hanley and Roberta Hanley in partnership with architect Tomas Orsinski. The home features heat-reflecting Solarcool glass, which keeps the interiors comfortable despite the harsh desert weather.
The Shard in London, completed in 2012 and designed by Renzo Piano, is the tallest skyscraper in London. It features angled glass that reflects the sky, giving it a unique appearance that changes depending on the weather.
The Botanical Garden of Curitiba in Brazil, constructed in 1991, has a striking glasshouse modelled after the Crystal Palace in London. Despite occupying only 4,800 square feet, its Art Nouveau style has captivated visitors for over two decades.
The Kanagawa Institute of Technology Workshop in Japan, designed by Junya Ishigami + Associates, is a transparent building that provides ample natural light for students to work and study. With columns arranged like trees on a landscape, the building offers visitors beautiful views of forest-like plants and lush trees.
Thanks to the versatility of glass, advances in engineering, and the creative minds of architects and designers, there’s an increasing number of innovative glass buildings that shape how we work, live, and see and appreciate modern glass architecture. Glass technology has advanced so much that it’s now possible to create dynamic structures made almost entirely of glass. Whether that’s a full glass building or a home with glazed windows and doors, glass is a versatile and sophisticated option that can beautify and enhance buildings and help our homes and offices achieve comfortable temperatures.
Maximise the benefits of glass for your home or office space with Atlas Glass. We specialise in glass supply in Auckland. Our team of professional glaziers can provide your home, office, or commercial space specialist glazing services. Get a free consultation today to find out more!
Windows are essential to any building, providing natural light, ventilation, and a view of the outside world. However, choosing the right type of glass for your windows can be daunting. Many different types of glass are available, each with unique properties and benefits. Some are more energy-efficient than others, some are stronger and more durable, and some are better at blocking out noise. We cover some of the most common window glass types, the benefits of retrofit double glazing, and how to choose the best window glass for your needs.
Float glass is the most used type of window glass. This type of glass is made by floating a sheet of molten glass on a bed of molten metal, usually tin, resulting in smooth and flat glass with a uniform thickness that you can cut into various sizes and shapes. With transparent and high visible light transmittance features, float glass is frequently used as the building block for many types of interior, exterior, and architectural glass products.
The colour and quality of the glass can vary depending on the raw materials used and the process. For example, body-tinted or heat-absorbing float glass has the same production process as clear float glass. However, it has the addition of colouring agents during production to achieve a range of tinted shades such as grey, bronze, green, and blue. Tempered glass is made by heating and rapidly cooling float glass to create a tougher and more durable product, commonly used in applications where safety is a concern. Float glass is highly versatile and offers numerous benefits, including energy efficiency, durability, and clarity, making it the go-to choice for many window construction projects.
Low-emissivity (Low-E) glass is a type of energy-efficient glass with a special coating that helps reflect heat into the room. The coating is typically a thin layer of metal oxide, which reflects infrared radiation and helps to keep heat inside the building during colder months and outside during warmer months. It also has higher insulative properties than standard uncoated glass due to its low-emissivity film, thus making it an excellent option for those looking to reduce energy consumption in their homes. This results in lower power bills, a more environmentally friendly home, less condensation on your windows, less glare and UV radiation, and a great resale value for your home. When selecting this window glass type, we recommend looking out for the NZS 4211 label, proof that your purchase has been rigorously tested for various performance criteria, including air leakage, water leakage, and wind resistance.
Double glazing refers to windows consisting of two panes of glass separated by a gap containing air or gas, which acts as insulation. Compared to single-glazed windows, double-glazed windows provide better insulation by restricting heat transfer and are known for their energy efficiency. This window glass type is perfect for helping you save money on heating in winter and cooling costs in summer.
Triple-glazed windows consist of three panes of glass that seal to form an insulated unit. This window type is very energy efficient, as the extra pane of glass provides better insulation. The two air gaps between the three panes of glass significantly reduce heat loss. However, while triple glazing offers superior insulation, this window glass type is typically more expensive. It is a good option for those looking for maximum energy efficiency and sound insulation, but it may not suit everyone due to the higher cost.
Choosing the right window glass for your home ensures comfort and energy efficiency. When making this decision, we recommend carefully considering the star rating system used in New Zealand, which rates the energy performance of the combination of glass type and frame. We also suggest choosing window and door glass types with the highest star rating within your budget.
For high-quality double-glazed windows in Auckland, look no further than Atlas Glass. We assist you with the entire process, from recommending and supplying a range of glass solutions to helping with your installation. Need help figuring out where to start? Consulting an expert glazier like Atlas Glass will help guide you towards the best choice for your home's functional and aesthetic needs. Reach out to us today!
Light exposure is essential to happiness, emotional health, and overall wellbeing. Before the invention of glass, the earliest windows comprised simple openings in roofs that admitted light during the day before progressing to include animal hide, cloth, or wood coverings. These protected the inhabitants from weather elements while being translucent, allowing trace elements of light to illuminate homes. Learn more about how glass has been used through the years as we explore the history of glass windows.
The first glass creations were found in nature. Naturally occurring volcanic glass, or obsidian, was used to fashion basic ornaments and spear tip weapons or serve as forms of currency in the prehistoric age. The first existence of man-made glass can be traced back to 3500 BC.
Glass is manufactured from natural raw materials like sand, soda ash, and limestone that are melted at high temperatures to form a liquid. It is then manipulated and moulded into different shapes before cooling into hardened glass structures. The introduction of the blowpipe was pivotal in the construction of glass containers. However, the glass produced in this period contained a high level of impurities and was mostly used for fashioning jewellery and vessels. Glass windows had not yet been invented.
The history of the first glass windows began by the end of the 1st century AD, as glass material became commonly available throughout the Roman Empire. The Romans were the first to make window glass panes. Blown cylindrical shapes were flattened out into thinner sheets, serving as the building pieces for window creations. However, this manufacturing process meant that windows were limited to a small size of uneven thickness and weren’t completely transparent.
Stained glass gained popularity across Europe as Christianity spread in the 4th century and was used to create biblical images by joining different coloured pieces of glass together.
The history of glass windows and innovative experiments have culminated in the revolutionary window-making techniques we use today. The float glass-making process was introduced in the 20th century and remains the industry standard for making glass windows. Molten liquid glass is poured and spread out on a bed of molten tin, paving the way for large panes of unblemished glass devoid of flaws to be created.
Today, we see many innovative window glass variations like retrofit double glazing and tinting, together with different framing choices that you can customise to suit your home and the climate.
Enjoy the many benefits of modern technology and innovation with Atlas Glass, Auckland’s double-glazing experts. Retrofit double-glazing features two or more panes of glass spaced and hermetically sealed, creating a layer of air in the middle. A high-quality and attractive window solution, this method provides insulating qualities for an energy-efficient home with cost-effective minimal maintenance. Talk to our experienced team for a free consultation and advice on how retrofit double-glazed windows can work for your home today!
