There’s a good reason why designers and homeowners look closely at window design. The stylistic elements you choose and how you dress your windows sets the tone of your home, and your choice of window is ultimately complemented by what you place around it. Though often underestimated in its impact, how you dress your windows can ultimately change the overall atmosphere of an entire room.
Whether you choose to have blinds, curtains, shutters, or valances adorning these features, your choice will have many practical implications as well. Internal window coverings can ensure privacy, as well as dramatically improving the temperature within your home. And if you choose with care, they can help keep you and your family comfortable for years. Let’s look into how you can find the right window treatments, tackle the benefits of each, and understand how they can be ideal for your own home.
Window dressings are not just meant to be aesthetically pleasing. They serve a variety of purposes including securing privacy, controlling light and glare, buffering sound, and retaining and reducing heat. Primarily, you should be able to determine your goals before committing to any kind of window dressing. Remember to take into account the many different factors that may contribute to your decision, as they should coincide with the general purpose of your windows. For example, when you want to minimise heat gain during the summer, you may have opted for the double glazing approach, and you could supplement those benefits with curtains or blinds that block heat. You also have to consider the size of your windows, the space of your room, and what specific issues you want to deal with when you research possible window treatments.
Now comes the exciting part! Once you’ve determined your goals, you now at least have an idea what kind of window treatment or dressing will fulfil your goals, serves a specific purpose in your home, and also meets your design preferences.
Heavy curtains are perfect for thermal performance and are a great option to block out light. They are perfect for homes that have large floor space, and where there is enough allowance to mount the tracks. Curtains with enclosed pelmet at the top prevent airflow from the room down behind the curtain, which allows great thermal retention.
Blinds, on the other hand, are a good option for smaller and narrower windows where there isn’t really room for curtains. The secret to the maximum effectiveness of all type of blinds is fitting them snugly and securely within the window reveal. Blinds provide versatility, and are good for privacy. With blinds, you always have the option to see through your windows, or get the privacy you need on demand. Blinds are also very good insulators and are clean and contemporary in design. They can easily match with the interior decor in your home.
Interior shutters with adjustable blades are also great for providing privacy as well as blocking out light. They are convenient to use, as you can control the amount of light you let it. This way, you can regulate the UV rays and sunlight entering your home. Letting in less light can also preserve your floors, walls, and furniture.
There are numerous types of material or fabric for every window dressing. Durability is also an important consideration, so think about materials which can last you for many years, such as natural fabrics like cotton or linen. Though window dressings are not as exposed as external windows, they still need to be durable to withstand strong sunlight.
Another important consideration is making sure your window treatment is easy to use and that it is suitable for your room. Imagine using a pull-down blind that gets in the way of a door, now we wouldn’t want that would we? It’s all about choosing the right window treatment that will match your space, room size, and overall room vibe.
You can only achieve transformative window treatments when you start with a solid window design. Atlas Glass works with a team of excellent Auckland glaziers who can provide a complete range of window and mirror services to help you make the most out of your home’s windows. Our products and services can improve security, thermal performance, and the overall look of your windows. Call us to learn more about how we can transform your home.
Window design often remains disregarded when building one’s home. However, taking special consideration when choosing your window treatments can really add value and sophistication to your home, and even the quality of your life. Choosing the right kind of windows up front offers numerous benefits for you and your family, and today we go through some of the ideal options you can look into when you’re choosing a suitable window design.
Window designs that allow natural light in are always a plus. Well-lit rooms automatically create a warm and inviting atmosphere and reduce the need to use artificial lighting. Wall windows are great because they give you and your guests an expanded view of the environment, and allows the most sunlight in.
UV-inhibiting windows are a great option for maximizing large or wall windows that allow natural light in, as they prevent harmful ultraviolet radiation from entering your home, while still promoting stunning natural light and views.
As any experienced Auckland glazier will tell you, room temperature is a critical factor in any home, and your windows can have a significant effect on how well the house retains heat. Choose the appropriate design for your locale – the right glass will have a significant contribution to your home’s temperature. Double glazed windows can increase a room’s comfort levels as it can make your rooms warmer during winter and cooler in summer, and triple or quadruple-paned windows only maximise this effect.
Just because you’re living indoors does not mean that you have to be entirely disconnected from the beauty of the outside world. Windows are our portals to the views and light that suffuse the outdoors, and our eyes are naturally drawn to what’s on display, which in turn makes your room feel larger and more inviting.
It’s important to consider what particular window design and window placement will maximise the lovely scenery of the outside. Wall windows enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor, as they create an instant backdrop. This connection improves comfort and calmness, and can affect your overall mood on a day-to-day basis.
The specific function of each room of the house is an important factor when it comes to choosing the window design. Different rooms will require windows that suit their specific needs. For example, kitchens can make the most from double-hung windows when they get a little too stuffy from cooking, as double-hung windows allow the hot air to escape out of the top, and cooler air to enter through the bottom.
Double hung windows are also great to use in kids’ rooms, as the design prioritises safety. The top of the window can be lowered for ventilation, and the bottom half can be left closed.
Always choose to work with professionals to get the best quality windows that are a good fit for you and your home. Here at Atlas Glass we pride ourselves on giving you windows that will improve your quality of life. From retrofit double glazing, to timber joinery glazing, Atlas makes it all possible. We provide glazing for a number of timber joiners throughout Auckland, and are proficient in all of the latest methods. Give us a call today!
Modern glass that allow natural light into your home has significant benefits. Wouldn’t you agree that there is no better feeling than waking up in a room lit with sunlight? Just imagine how nice it would be to sit back in a warm and sunny spot in the living room in your favourite chair, gazing over your garden.
Professional architects, designers, and even researchers will tell you that, despite all of the advances in design techniques and technology, sunlight or natural lighting remains the best option to give life to any room. It creates a welcoming and warm atmosphere for your home. Today, we’ll talk about how natural light can turn your home into a sanctuary, and discuss how it improves not just your space, and but also your health!
A huge benefit, and not just for you, but for the environment as well. You can save up to 20-60% of energy when you maximise natural lighting for your home. Instead of turning on the heater, the warmth of the sun can work as a natural heat source. This can significantly reduce your costs in utility bills, saving you a lot of money on home maintenance costs.
Your home’s window design plays a significant role in reducing energy usage at night as well as during the day. With the proper thermal coating and insulation throughout your home, your walls and floors will absorb the infrared radiation from the sun throughout the day, then slowly release it in the cooler nighttime hours. This reduces your overall energy bill by a significant amount.
Utilising natural light also improves the aesthetic of your overall space. A well-lit room adds beauty to a space because everything looks better when everything is illuminated! Auckland glaziers and designers recommend the use of large windows that allow natural light to come through to make spaces appear larger, cleaner, and more appealing, thereby increasing the value of your home.
When your homes are well lit, energy-efficient, and have additional features such as patio enclosures and sunrooms, you increase your home’s desirability levels. Therefore, you also increase the overall value of your home.
Natural light is something our bodies and minds naturally need. Studies show that the use of natural light in homes and in workspaces help you become more productive, and can enhance your concentration levels. It also improves one’s mood as natural light can make you feel happier and calmer. Research shows that when exposed to natural light for a healthy amount of time, it can prevent mood disorders and alleviate depression. Create a calm and peaceful sanctuary for you and your family to return to by taking this into consideration.
An essential vitamin for all people, you can actually get it free from sunlight. Vitamin D has numerous benefits including strengthening your immune system and improving your brain function. With the rise of technology and indoor entertainment, it’s important to combat vitamin-D deficiencies proactively; large and well-placed windows is one such way that you can accomplish that goal.
Sunlight also reduces the amount of mildew and mould growth in your homes. It helps to evaporate any accumulated damp, and it kills the bacteria hiding in any dark or damp corners, making your space healthy and clean for you and your family.
If you’re building a new home or upgrading your windows, Atlas Glass can help you choose and install the most ideal window option for your home. Our professional glaziers can assist you throughout the whole process – from supplying the products, all the way to installation. We provide glass products and quality installation services that will surely make your space beautiful, safe, and comforting. Let us pour some light into your home! Contact us and get a free quote!
An aspect of window design that is commonly overlooked by homeowners is the degree to which your windows insulate you from external noise pollution. Sound insulation keeps outside noise out to create a peacefully quiet home. But why is that so important, and how do your windows play into it? In this blog post, we’ll look into how acoustic glass plays a role in the comfort of your home, and how important noise insulation really is.
First, it is important to understand how sound travels. Sound travels as a wave through the air and by vibrating through objects. The more material the soundwave has to travel through, the smaller it gets so less noise gets through. Usually, your windows would be a key point of weakness in your home that sounds easily travels through, as most traditional windows are only made of a single layer of glass.
Acoustic glass, on the other hand, is specially designed to combat this problem!
Acoustic glass is a special form of laminated glass designed to reduce the amount of noise that can travel through it. It’s bonded together using a special resin, giving two panes of glass the appearance of one single pane. This way of assembling glass reduces the amount of noise that can vibrate through it,
because the thicker the glass is, the more material sound has to vibrate through in order to reach the interior of the home. The noise-proofing qualities of the glass are increased by the bonding layer, which also absorbs the sound energy.
Glaziers use acoustic glass as a supplementary method for noise-proofing homes, as the insulation found in the walls and ceiling are sometimes not up to the job – especially if people live in particularly noisy spots such as commercial business districts or near public transport.
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment in New Zealand states that noise insulation “plays a key role in maintaining people’s wellbeing”. This is because consistent noise even at a low level can boost stress levels to the point where we experience hypertension. Our minds need to relax, but if we’re constantly processing sensory input then there’s no opportunity for them to do so.
Therefore, we need to insulate the places we spend the most time in – such as our homes – against the constant assault of external noise. If you live near a motorway or construction site this is especially important, as the sound of driving cars or moving machinery is exponentially more bothersome than the everyday noises of a suburban community.
Talk to your local glazier about installing acoustic glass windows at your home in order to improve sound insulation. Remember that this is not the only way to insulate your home against noise, and that you should also make sure that the insulation in your walls, ceiling, and floor are up to code.
You may also consider double glazing your windows, which is when you install two panes of glass in the same frame with a layer of argon in between. Argon works to disrupt the frequency of the travelling sound so that it only makes its way into the house at a far-reduced decibel level (i.e. sound intensity). Double glazing alone has been used for years as the solution to sound pollution, but now that it can be compounded with acoustic glass, and homes are quieter and more peaceful than ever.
We believe that everyone deserves to feel like their home is a sanctuary. When you get in touch with us, we will be with you every step of the way to create your perfect, quiet home. Contact Atlas Glass today to get a free quote on your acoustic glass windows installation!
At Atlas Glass, we know that life can throw a lot of unexpected surprises at you. Broken windows are one of those nasty surprises, and they can be inconvenient to deal with if you don’t have the time to replace it or have it fixed right away. In order to keep the inside of your home safe from the elements, especially in the colder and rainier months here in New Zealand, you need to either patch or cover the broken pane (depending on the severity of the damage) until you have time to call in a professional.
So, without any further ado, here’s a quick guide on how to patch or cover a broken window from your resident window experts here at Atlas Glass!
If your window has been chipped by a stray piece of gravel or something similar, then you might not necessarily need to replace the entire pane (unless you want to return your window to an entirely seamless appearance). In this case, your main priority should be preventing the chip from spreading into a crack, which can happen when windows flex in New Zealand’s varying temperatures.
Chips can be sorted relatively easily with some clear nail varnish or some clear drying super glue. First, clean the window thoroughly. Next, layer on the varnish or super glue where the chip is located until the gap appears flush with the rest of the window. This fills the gap enough to prevent it from spreading into a crack.
Keep in mind that this is a structural fix more than an aesthetic one, so although your window will remain intact and continue doing its job against the elements, the area where the chip was will still be visible.
The next level of damage from a chipped window is a cracked one which is, unfortunately, a lot more inconvenient to deal with. Modern glass is designed to hold its shape when other sections of the same pane break. However, if your windows are older, then the crack will most likely spread quickly and create more problems for you. Thus, your biggest priority is once again preventing the spread of damage.
There are a couple of things you want to assess before you decide how you’re going to treat the crack.
Firstly, is there any loose or missing glass?
There might be a crack in the window, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s any missing glass. Ever so gently push on the area where the crack is to make sure it’s not going to fall out and shatter while you work. If there is missing glass, your best bet would be to cover the entire pane with a wooden board while you wait for it to be repaired.
Next, how big is the crack?
Depending on the size of the crack, you’ll be able to patch the window in different ways. Assess the crack size and how much water and draft it is likely to let into your home. Intuitively, a larger break means more cold air and rain, while smaller cracks mean less.
Once you’ve got a better idea of how severe the damage is, you can approach patching it in a few different ways:
Plastic. If you are unable to reach both sides of the window, or if the damage is more severe, then you should grab a few sheets of clear plastic or a couple of garbage bags. Measure out your window and add about 3 centimetres of length each side, then cut out squares of plastic to place over the opening. Use a staple gun or nails to secure the sides of the plastic over the window. This plastic will act as your protection against the
The last method for sorting out a cracked or broken window is to cover it with a wooden board, which is the most secure and effective method for keeping the warmth in and the rain out.
First, measure out the width and height of the window pane, and then cut a piece of wood to that size. Then, slot the piece over the frame of your window and nail it into place, making sure that the entire setup is secure before you leave it to withstand the elements. If you’re able to access the outside of the house safely, then it’s a good idea to do this on both sides. However, if that’s an impractical choice then only boarding up the inside is fine as a temporary fix.
The very last step is to call your resident glaziers to come and take a look so that you can have your window back in full working order. They’ll be able to give you advice on the best options for replacing your broken window, as well as an indication of the pricing and timeline for its repair.
With Atlas Glass, your resident Auckland glaziers, you can be sure that the job will be done quickly and painlessly. We’ve been in the business of windows for over 40 years, so we’ll be giving you the best advice and the best price on your window repair. Contact us today for a free quote!
There are many different types of glass, and they all have relatively different energy efficiency levels. In this blog post, we’re exploring Low E glass to help you find out if it’s right for you. We’ll cover the basics of what it is, what it’s for and how it works, so read on if you want more details!
Low-E stands for ‘low emissivity’, which means it radiates less absorbed energy. Low-E glass has been the standard material for windows since around the 1980s, so newer glass is more likely to have Low-E coating already in place.
Essentially, Low-E glass works by blocking some wavelengths of light and allowing others; a lot of the extremes of the sun’s spectrum are left outside, while the sun’s visible light waves will pass through normally.
You’ve probably already heard of the different groups of light waves – ultraviolet (UV) light, visible light (VL), and infrared (IR) light. These categories each have a band of wavelength (measured in nanometres) that they are associated with – UV spans 310 to 380, VL 380 to 780, and IR is 780 and above. Low-E coated glass allows visible light from 380nm to 780nm to be transmitted through the glass.
The reason Low-E glass cuts out as much of the UV and IR light as possible is largely to prevent heat passing from one side to the other. This means it keeps your home cooler in summer by keeping heat inside, and warmer in winter by keeping heat in.
This is all thanks to the Low-E coating, a tiny layer of reflective material that is applied over the glass. It’s important to coat the right side of the glass, as this has an impact on performance. If you’re just coating a single pane, for instance, you’d want it on the inside. If it’s on the outside, it will wear off by exposure to the elements much faster than if it was on the interior.
In double-glazed windows, Low-E coating can be applied to the sides that face the vacuum on the inside of the window, keeping it safe from any exposure at all!
There is also a difference between soft-coat and hard coat Low-E glass. Soft-coat tends to be better at blocking heat, but only works for double glazing. Hard-coat is great for single panes of glass, and is still much more effective than no Low-E coating at all.
If you have double-glazing, you may already have Low-E glass. Today, we’re focusing more on single pane windows, since there’s a higher probability that these need to be updated.
Single pane Low-E glass coating is great for retrofitting into old windows. If you want to preserve your historic windows, but need to keep them from bleeding heat in or out of your home, Low-E glass is the perfect solution. There are a few ways you can achieve this, depending on the window in question.
For example, if your historic window already has exterior storm glass, swapping this out for hard-coat Low-E will provide an immediate and noticeable boost to the efficiency of your older windows.
If storm windows aren’t an option, you can always replace the glass in the windows themselves. While this doesn’t suit everybody (as it doesn’t preserve the original condition of the historic window design), it is the next best path to take, as it saves the basic structure of your older windows.
Finally, you can try a Low-E tint film. Using quick and easy film tints is a cheap and fast way to block heat. However, it is less efficient long-term.
Whether it’s summer or winter, Low-E is a great way to optimise your environmental efficiency, cut power costs, and make your home that much more comfortable.
To find out more about Low-E glass, retrofit double-glazing, timber joinery glazing and more, talk to the expert team at Atlas Glass. With over four decades of experience, we know we can help you get the windows your home deserves. Contact us today!
When it comes to retrofit double glazing, houses in New Zealand stand to benefit more than most. Almost two-thirds of NZ houses were built during the 70s or earlier, and many of them didn’t need to comply with mandatory insulation guidelines. This means most houses in New Zealand still have single pane windows, which retain less heat and are less energy efficient. It’s no wonder so many older NZ homes tend to feel cold and damp.
Windows are usually the weakest point in your home’s insulation, and underperforming windows are the leading cause of both heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, both of which make your home uncomfortable and expensive.
When a new home is built these days, double-glazing is mandated, as it’s much easier to integrate while a house is being built. But building new homes isn’t the answer to New Zealand’s housing woes. We also need to put effort into updating older housing, which still makes up the majority of all homes in the country.
It can be harder to justify retrofit double-glazing in older homes, so let’s dive into 0the five biggest reasons why it’s worth it.
The most obvious benefit for retrofit double glazing is the improvements to your home’s energy efficiency. Beyond that, though, there are a number of options for updating your windows that can improve the quality of life in your home in ways you might not initially expect.
For example, retrofit double glazing might involve replacing the pane of glass that is already in place, or it could involve just placing a second pane of glass behind the existing one. Both options improve insulation, but the latter also increases soundproofing. This is largely because there is more opportunity to insulate the frame itself, and it is easier to increase the size of the vacuum between the panes of glass, which is a major factor in how much soundproofing the window will offer you.
As previously mentioned, a majority of retrofit double glazing is carried out on older windows. Many of these may be heritage pieces that need preservation. Retrofit double glazing is the perfect option for retaining the style and feel of your home, while bringing it into the modern era and making it more liveable. If you want to keep the character of your home, but need to update it, retrofitting is the way to go.
As far as environmental concerns go, retrofitting can be a huge step toward sustainability for a few key reasons.
First, choosing not to entirely replace your old windows is less wasteful, and saves your original pane of glass winding up in the landfill. Second, the better your home’s insulation works, the less you run your heater or air conditioning, which saves on your energy bill and your carbon footprint.
If you plan to sell at some point, retrofitting existing windows is a great way to drive up the value of your house with minimal investment. It makes sense – everyone wants to live in a home that’s comfortable, and improving the thermal efficiency of your windows makes your space somewhere that is comfortable and peaceful not just for you, but for potential buyers too.
Finally, retrofitted double glazing doesn’t come in just one size – it can be cut to fit the window that needs it – ranch doors, awning windows, etc. It works for both timber and aluminium frames, and there is always a way to integrate it successfully, no matter the shape or aesthetic of your window.
Double glazed windows are the secret to a year-round comfortable home, lower power bills, reduced impact on the planet and a higher market price for your home. If you have old windows you want to preserve, but it’s time for your home to modernise, talk to the experts here at Atlas Glass. We have over four decades of experience in the greater Auckland area, so if you need a glazier that knows double glazing inside and out, come to us first.
The best way to keep your windows in top condition is to keep them clean. While many people think that this is a simple job, doing it well requires the right tools, and a well-informed technique. No matter what window design you’re working with, cleaning them correctly is a huge step toward extending their lifespan. Cleaning windows improperly can wind up looking unattractive at best, or damaging them at worst. Today, we’ll take a close look at how to best approach the job.
Here’s what you’ll need to get it done quickly and effectively:
• Window Washer
A proper window washer is a lifesaver. It’s worth tracking one down – the kind that uses a removable microfiber cloth on a T-bar. Many people who avoid washing windows do so because they associate the chore with the frustration of trying to wash entire windows with just paper towels. A proper window-washer makes the job quicker, easier, and allows you to reach high up windows safely.
• Squeegee
A squeegee is a rubber bladed tool, used for clearing a window of the leftover cleaning solution. They can generally come apart, so you can clean or replace the blade itself.
• Cleaning Product
Cleaning solutions are generally mixed with water, rather than used straight.
• Bucket
Finally, you’ll need something to keep your cleaning products in! It’s best to use a clean bucket – any dirt or grime in it before you start will be transferred onto the window that you’re trying to clean.
Now that you’ve got your tools in order, it’s time to learn what it takes to clean your windows correctly.
1. Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Start by getting the right ratio of cleaning solution to water in your bucket. Most people tend to assume it won’t matter how much water to cleaning solution they use, but following the manufacturer’s recommendations on the packaging can make more of a difference than you realize!
2. Soak Your Windows
When you begin to use the window washer to gently scrub the solution onto the glass, be sure not to miss any corners. Don’t worry scrubbing for a long time – one or two coats is fine. The most important part of this step is to be aware of how fast the solution is drying. You don’t want it to dry to fast and leave streaks, so you may need to wash very large windows in sections.
3. Dry the Glass
The last step is to use your squeegee to remove the solution. This is the step that a lot of people struggle with, so the best way to approach it is methodically. There are many different techniques that professional window cleaners use, but a way for beginners is to do one horizontal stripe from the top left corner to the top right corner, dry the squeegee with a towel, and then dry the rest of the window with downward strokes, from left to right.
If you’re looking for Auckland glaziers who know windows inside and out, look no further. Atlas Glass are the local glass experts, with over 40 years’ experience, and a number of services, including retrofit double-glazing – great for boosting your home’s insulation in the coming summer months. For more information, contact Atlas Glass today.
The world of window design has a deeper creative undercurrent than some might think, and this extends all the way to decorative glasswork, too. Everyone has a mirror above the bathroom sink, and we’ve all seen glass table tops before, but beyond that, how else does glass feature in a home?
Glass is practical, but often underused – or misused – in décor. There’s no shortage of common areas to place glass fixtures, so today we’ll explore some stranger ones. If you’re planning on redecorating or renovating, browse this article for inspiration!
If you want to bring your kitchen into the modern age, why not try a glass backsplash?
There are a number of different ways to use glass instead of tiles in your kitchen. Tinting or frosting glass can boost its character and really help it become a cohesive element within your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, especially if you lean toward neutral palettes. Alternatively, using panels of glass to cover painted surfaces is a great way to get intricate designs that still function as a backsplash.
Rather than hanging art, filling oddly shaped or ornate frames with mirrors by custom-cutting them to fit is a fantastic option for wall décor. If you don’t want to highlight one large mirror, you can also explore the idea of grouping several together. This way, the dimensions of your wall space open up to all sorts of possibilities.
Hanging mirrors is also a great way to make your spaces seem bigger than they really are. Despite being a well-known optical illusion, using mirrors to enlarge rooms is still an underutilised interior-design trick.
Other ways to use glass in a decorative context is to use glass tiling around your fireplace, if you have one, or as a faux-window above the mantlepiece. This look works best in homes that employ a distinct, rural aesthetic.
Mirrors are expected in the bedroom. Whether you have a mirror over your bedroom dresser, or a full-length mirror by your wardrobe, they are a well-established staple of bedroom design. In order to break the mould, you have to get creative – try turning mirrors into mirror mosaics, or using a faux-window where you would expect a mirror.
Mirrored furniture is also an option, though it’s worth mentioning that you should try not to overdo it - you don’t want your room to blind you every time you walk in. Pick one or two statements pieces, and stick with those.
If you need the help of an expert glazier, get in contact with Atlas Glass today. Our friendly team has been providing the greater Auckland area with quality double glazing for more than 40 years, so you can trust us to see your windows done right. Whether you want help with broken windows, reflective glass, or even UV protection, we can help. Call today to get a free quote!
A failed seal around your double glazing can cancel out all the benefits it offers over single glazing. Seals can fail around any variety of window, but double-glazed windows require particular fixes. As they are much more energy efficient and better at insulating your home, they’re much more important to fix properly than the standard fare.
In this blog, we’ll go over how to identify a failed seal on your windows, and what your options are to fix it.
It’s possible none of these will occur with a failed seal, but condensation between the panes is usually the most common signifier. This is more likely to occur when there is a drastic shift in the weather, or the temperature suddenly drops, either inside or outside your home.
