Northern Utah Glass

formerly Andrew's Glass

(801) 528-2800

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How Do I Install Commercial Glass Doors?

As we go through our daily activities and errands, many of us use commercial glass doors without even thinking about it.

The storefronts of our favorite shops, the cozy table overlooking the street in our go-to restaurant, or the sleek entry of a new office building—each of these features commercial glass. If you’re opening one of these places of business, or even remodeling, you might be wondering how to go about installing commercial glass. If that is you, read on.

What is Commercial Glass?

Commercial glass is formed using a six-step process to create a soda-lime-silica combination glass. Different applications of glass will also have additional chemicals added to change the property of the glass. In much the same way that different metallic compounds can be added to molten glass to create the colors of stained glass, iron and chromium can be used to create green-tinted commercial glass.

The main difference between commercial glass and residential glass is the thickness, with commercial being thicker. Where the typical residential glass thickness is 1/8”, commercial glass is usually ¼” thick, but can be as much as 1” thick. Some common types of commercial glass applications are tempered glass, float glass (clear or tinted), laminated glass, and coated glass. High impact security glass is another option that can withstand more pressure than the other types of glass, which is ideal for areas that experience heavy storms.

When to Use Commercial Glass

One of the main benefits of using commercial glass in a building is increased light. The value of natural light in a building is virtually undisputed, with one study showing that commercial real estate with no windows leases for 20 percent less than spaces with windows. Using commercial glass doors also allows customers to see into your business, creating a welcoming and inviting entrance.

Additionally, properly installed glass doors are low-maintenance and will last for years. You can easily clean them, and they don’t require any painting or staining like wood or metal doors might. Most commercial doors of glass are framed with aluminum as well, adding to their durability and ease of maintenance.

Glass Doors Installation

Unless you’re a better than average DIYer, installing a commercial glass door is best left to the experts. For one thing, these doors are often custom-made to fit both the application and the location of the project. Some pre-assembled glass doors are available, but even these will require carefully positioning the door; checking the existing wall to make sure it’s both plumb and square; mounting the door; caulking and sealing; checking for light leaks; and so on. Glass doors are heavy, and require more than one person to lift and install them properly, as well as the proper equipment to prevent breaking the glass.

Call in the Pros at Northern Utah Glass

If you’re ready to add commercial glass doors to your space, you can rely on the expertise and experience of our teams at Northern Utah Glass. Based out of Ogden, Utah, we provide installation and repair services in Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake counties with a focus on safety and customer satisfaction. For a free quote or in-home estimate, contact us today!

Most cleaning is straightforward, but what should you use to clean acrylic shower doors? Read on for some tips and tricks.

Information on Acrylic Doors

If you have an enclosed shower, you likely have a shower door made of either glass or acrylic. Acrylic is one of the most transparent materials because it consists of clear plastic, which is why it’s often used in aquariums. It is lighter than glass, and cracks rather than shatters. Furthermore, it is more prone to scratching than glass, which will cloud the surface over time without proper care. It’s important to use the right materials when cleaning your shower door and avoid cleaners that might scratch or discolor the surface.

Which Products Should I Use to Clean My Doors?

A mild, acid-based solution is an excellent choice when it comes to cleaning acrylic. Stick to commercial products that are safe for your shower door, such as non-abrasive ones that will not mar the acrylic’s surface. You should always check the label of a cleaner to make sure it is safe for acrylic, ABS, polystyrene, or plastic.

Avoid abrasive cleaners that contain harmful chemical compounds, such as acetone. If you want to go the DIY route, you can make a homemade cleaner using the following:

  • 2 cups of water
  • ½ a cup of distilled white vinegar
  • A squirt of dish soap

Mix these together and pour into a spray bottle.

Safest Way to Clean Your Doors

Spray or apply the cleaner of your choice to the acrylic’s surface, then gently buff it over the shower door. It’s best to use a terry cloth towel, soft cloth, sponge, or nylon scrubber when cleaning, again avoiding anything abrasive. Once the entire surface is generously coated in cleaning solution, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes; this allows the solution to break through grime, soap scum, hard water, and build-up that may have accumulated.

Use fresh water to rinse away all the liquefied dirt and build-up, then go over any remaining spots with the cloth, sponge, or even a toothbrush. Rinse again with clean, hot water. You can then use a soft dry cloth or a squeegee to remove water from the surface of the clean acrylic shower doors and avoid water spots. Keep a squeegee in your shower to remove water after each shower to prevent the doors from getting dirty as quickly.

If you examine your shower doors and find scratches, you can try gently buffing them out using a resurfacing gloss approved for acrylics. Remember to read labels to ensure that you’re using the right products for the job.

Contact Northern Utah Glass

If you have tried to clean acrylic shower doors to no avail and need to replace them with glass, contact us. Our experts have over 15 years of experience and serve Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake counties. Give us a call for a free quote or request an in-home estimate.

Shower doors can transform the look of a bathroom and are effective for ensuring water can’t leak onto your floor; however, they may need adjusting after a time. If your shower doors need a little help with staying on track, without the added stress and cost of replacing them, scroll down and read on DIY shower door adjustment.

Adjusting Shower Doors

There are typically three types of shower doors, sliding doors, hinged doors, and frameless doors. Here are the steps for adjusting each of these types.

Sliding Shower Doors

If you have a sliding door, good news! These types of doors are the simplest to repair and adjust since they run on a door along a track. These doors can start sticking or not glide as smoothly as before, so fixed them immediately can save issues in the long run. 

Here are the eight steps to adjusting sliding shower doors.

1. First, check to see if the roller on the track is a problem or if it’s more complex. If it’s just the roller that slipped off the track, just lift the sliding door and put it back.

2. Before starting, place a drop cloth down to protect your shower from scratches. Now, unscrew the guide rail from the bottom of the shower track..

3. Lift the sliding door out of the track and tilt the door in or out to remove it. Now, remove both doors so you can observe any problems.

4. Clean both the top and bottom tracks to remove any grime, soap scum, or rust in small areas.

5. Locate the rollers in the track that are positioned on a slanted opening and adjust them. Raise or lower the door by moving the roller up or down in its slanted cutout.

6. Loosen the screw and move the roller to the desired location, making sure any other rollers are in the same locked position to keep doors even.

7. When the roller has been adjusted and tightened, it’s time to replace the doors and screw the bottom guide rail back in place.

8. Now test the doors to ensure they slide smoothly.

Ensure your rollers are the same type all across the guide rail. They are either round edge or flat edge. Inspect each one to ensure they’re the same type and that the roller is not cracked or showing any signs of defect. 

Hinged Shower Doors

Hinged doors are commonly glass doors with a framing system around them and. They’re hinged to the wall or another framed section. Again, these doors are reasonably easy to fix when becoming stiff. Before trying to adjust them, inspect them to see if the shower doors are rigid or other issues such as damage that may require a door replacement. If it’s been gradually sticking more, then using something to help it glide smoothly may be all that’s needed.

Here are the Steps to Adjust Hinged Shower Doors.

1. Tighten the hinges attached to the wall.

2. Loosen and remove the hinge screws and the shower door.

3. First, clean the screws with white vinegar.

4. Spray the hinges with WD-40 to help loosen them up.

5. Finally, replace the shower door and tighten the newly cleaned crews.

Lift or lower your hinged shower door by moving the rollers in the top, to allow the door to swing higher into the opening To lower the door, do the following:

1. Move the hinge down so you can adjust the door to the right height.

2. Ensure you clean up any adhesive or caulk when moving the hinges.

3. Once you move the hinge, apply a fresh coat of the sealer if you want.

4. Let the adhesive or caulk dry before using your shower or allowing any moisture to penetrate the hinges.

Avoid taking a shower or using your handheld shower head until completely dry. 

Frameless Shower Doors

Frameless showers and shower doors are thicker than framed doors, therefore, resulting in sturdier glass. Most of the pre-made frameless doors can be adjusted by about ½ inch. If your shower door is having issues with fitting in the track, you can adjust it rather than trimming it down. 

Two issues are associated with frameless shower doors: a shower door doesn’t match up with your shower head correctly and ill-fitting shower doors, due to wear and tear. For the former, it’s as simple as replacing the shower head. In the latter, you just need to fix the door by tightening or replacing the clamps.  

Here’s how to adjust the loose clamps on your frameless doors.

1. Open the door partway and prop it on a wedge. Level it where it should be.

2. Loosen the top and bottom clamps, so they go back to their original upright positions.

3. Remove the clamp and apply some Loctite Heavy Duty Threadlocker onto it; this keeps the clamps from stripping and helps preserve them.

4. Replace the clamps and tighten the screws in it, ensuring you clean up any excess Locktite.

5. When the Locktite dries, remove the wedge holding the door up and test the door to ensure it holds.

 

Need to Replace Glass Shower Doors?

If you’re ready to replace or upgrade your shower doors, contact Northern Utah Glass. We offer beautifully-crafted glass that’s topnotch quality, so contact us for a free quote or schedule a free in-home estimate.

 

When installing a frameless shower door, you may need a header, which is metal support at the top of the shower that attaches to a wall and keeps the shower stabilized. A support header, therefore, takes off some of the tension to prevent the weakening of the glass-to-glass connection over time. 

Let’s discuss more in-depth about frameless shower doors and the need for a header.

 

What is a Frameless Shower Door?

A frameless shower door is just what it sounds like—a shower door that has no bulky frame. It is the most popular, but the most expensive shower door. A header is built from frame-free glass, but also includes a metal header across the top of the enclosure. It creates a clean and seamless look for a modern-style bathroom. 

 

There are many custom styles available, with less metal to corrode, easier to maintain and offers many glass options. However, with a frameless shower door, it still needs a support bar, if the shower isn’t attached to the wall. This could result in a complicated installation process that can be more costly.

 

When and Why a Header is Required

There are several reasons why a header is needed for a frameless shower door. A header might be required if there’s no wall to hinge a door from, and is used when a fixed glass panel is hinged to an adjoining glass door, thereby carrying the weight of the shower door. 

 

It could be a matter of structural integrity and safety—if you hinge a door from a stationary panel, it mustn’t exceed the maximum width allowed. Each time a glass shower door is pulled open, it pulls on the attached glass panel, so a header protects the shower and you and your family from glass shattering.  It also protects from water leakage. However, a door can often be hinged from a stationary panel of glass to eliminate a header. Headers aren’t necessary if the glass door attaches to the wall.

 

Other Options

To ensure your frameless shower is attractive and doesn’t look like a framed one, contractors can design the shower with a support bar, which is lighter top support that reinforces the fixed glass panel. The requirements of the supports are determined by measurements, weight, and thickness of the glass, as well as the weight and strength of hinges and clamps. These minor alterations to the design could eliminate the need for a full shower header.

 

Types of Shower Door Headers

The types of shower door headers vary from traditional headers to stabilizer bars and u-channels for steam units. 

 

Header Bar 

A standard header for frameless units is designed so that the flat or round profile can be visible from the outside. If it’s deemed you need a header for your frameless glass shower, each side of the shower needs to have a header bar for a two-sided Neo Angle. If you have a three-sided Neo Angle, it needs three bars. A corner bracket is required for each corner of the header. 

 

Glass-to-Ceiling Stabilizer Bar

This can be a great option for customers who don’t like the traditional header bar that goes along the whole perimeter of the top of their glass. It’s also helpful when hinging off a glass panel since you typically can’t hinge off a stationary panel that is wider than 22”. With this system, you can hinge off a stationary piece of glass up to 48” wide.

 

Glass-to-Wall Stabilizer Bar

This system is preferred over the glass-to-ceiling version since it’s less intrusive as far as it almost hides behind the glass. With this option, you can run the bar to the ceiling or an adjacent tiled wall.

 

Glass Vs. Metal Headers

You can install a metal or glass shower header; however, a glass header requires clamps on either side, plus a hinge for the door, whereas a metal header doesn’t. A metal header is a thin strip that goes up and along the top of the shower, but the thickness depends on your preference. It’s stronger than a glass shower header, so keep that in mind when deciding which type you want to install.

 

Need help? Contact Northern Utah Glass

If you’re looking for a customized frameless shower that provides for an all-glass design that minimizes the look of a frame with a header, give Northern Utah Glass a call. To get a free quote and schedule a FREE in-home consultation and estimate, please reach out to us today.

 

If you’re thinking of installing shower doors on a new build or remodeling your bathroom, there are many options from which to choose. Whether you want a classy look or modern design, shower doors increase the beauty in your home. See if adding shower doors add value to your home, as well. 

Added Value

Any remodeling you do will indeed increase the value of your home. Shower doors, individually, add functionality and attractiveness to your bathrooms, which increases the resale value of your home. On average, a bathroom remodel adds anywhere between 60.2% and 67.2% to a home’s value.

Let’s talk about what types of shower doors add the most value.

Shower Door Styles

There are several different styles to consider, depending on your preference. One thing to remember is adding a shower enclosure helps to open up the bathroom space, so it appears larger. Here are some shower door styles to consider.

Frameless Enclosures

This type of shower door uses heavy tempered safety glass and limited hardware that provides a modern, clean look and is excellent for a bigger bathroom that adds dimension. A frameless shower enclosure allows stone, tile, or other attractive features of the shower’s interior and can be rectangular or hexagonal, depending on the size and budget restraints. Frameless glass is also easier to clean than framed glass doors.

Framed Enclosures

Tempered glass framed shower doors offer a more waterproof enclosure than a frameless door and can be wrapped in aluminum that’s colored to match the overall decor of your bathroom. Framed doors are more affordable, as well.

Semi-Frameless

A semi-frameless enclosure offers the strength and economic advantage as framed options, plus allows the exposure of glass edges. This creates a beautiful, attractive appearance.

Sliding Vs. Hinged Doors

The traditional design is that of a hinged shower door, but the more modern look includes adding a sliding door. It offers a more practical option in a smaller space and a vital water barrier from the shower to surrounding areas. Choose from a variety of options that include styles, sizes, and hardware finishes that match with your decor.

Steam Shower Enclosures

There are a few options when it comes to choosing steam shower enclosures: custom-built or prefabricated, all-in-one units. You can have a custom-built steam shower that’s tailored to match your bathroom space perfectly. Choose from clear glass to showcase your shower, or if you prefer, choose rain glass for a more discreet look. Include different amenities, such as lighting, a sound system, and foot massager in a small compact design, and have a piece of heaven. 

Accessibility

Another way to add value to your home is by making your bathroom more accessible. A shower door that is flush with the floor allows easy usage by wheelchair users. By 2040, 21 percent of the U.S. population will be seniors who will be looking for homes that offer easy access. Adding accessibility to your bathroom can increase your home’s value, if you choose to sell, or can accommodate your needs if you are in that age group. 

What to Consider Before Installation

Before installing a shower door, consider the following:

  • Measurements: Have an expert measure the shower area to ensure correct measurement before installation.
  • Configuration: This is important to know since the makeup of your walls and surrounding will influence the volume of weight that can be supported with a new fixture.
  • Shower Heads: Choose a shower head that won’t spray outside the parameters of the shower wall.
  • Ventilation:An expert needs to evaluate the ventilation in your bathroom to ensure no mold, mildew, or moisture buildup occurs.

Remodeling Statistics

Interestingly, approximately 62 percent of people who remodeled a part of their home felt more joy than those who didn’t, according to the National Association of Realtors Research Department (NARI). Taking on projects is often worth the investment and time. NARI reports that after remodeling, a whopping 75 percent of owners have a greater desire to be in their home, with sixty-five percent having an increased enjoyment in their home. Fifty-six percent feel happy, and 39 percent feel satisfied when they see their completed project with a typical Joy Score of 9.6. 

A further 77 percent feel a significant sense of accomplishment when they think of their completed project, with 36 percent of owners reporting the single most important result from remodeling is better functionality and livability. Seventeen percent say durable and long-lasting results, materials, and appliances, with the same percent reporting beauty and aesthetics.  

Contact Northern Utah Glass

Are you ready to remodel your bathroom and add elegant and functional glass shower doors? If so, we’d love to talk with you about your options to fit with your style, needs, and budget. Give us a call today and let us upgrade your bathroom for a sleek and modern look.

 

How To Choose The Right Front Door For Your Home
The curb appeal of your home is one of 5 key factors in selling your home. This one element done right can get you an extra 10% added on to the sale price.

Improving the curb appeal of your home means looking at 3 main elements: the door, the paint, and the yard. The door is so important because it’s a sign of things to come for those entering.If your door is old and busted looking, people will assume the rest of the home follows suit. If your front door is bright, fresh, and modern looking, it’s a more inviting experience.Ready to give your front doors a facelift? Let’s get started with how to select your new doors. After all, you’ll want to pick the right door to improve your curb appeal.

Your Budget

The first thing you need to think about is your budget. If you are planning to update other elements on your home such as the windows, your budget may be more limited.If you are only replacing the door, your budget could be larger. The size of your budget will dictate the materials that get used in the door.For instance, steel doors tend to be the cheapest option. However, fiberglass doors tend to come with the best warranties, which could save you money later on.

Installation

You also need to budget for the installation of the door. You could save money here by attempting to install the door yourself.However, it is best to hire a professional. The professionals will make sure that it is hung correctly in the frame. This will eliminate gaps, which will help with energy efficiency.You also want a professional to install the lock hardware. The hardware is vital to your safety.

The Materials

The most popular materials for front doors are steel, wood, and fiberglass. Many people opt for the fiberglass because it can look like wood, but is a lot more durable.

Wood Front Door

For a traditional option, wood doors are the way to go. They are fully customizable, but the more customizing and detail, the more expensive they get.For a standard engineered door, expect to pay a few hundred dollars. You can also go with a more customized and elegant option with a decorative solid door. This can run you up to a few thousand dollars.Wood doors won’t rust, but they do require painting and regular maintenance. If neglected, you risk the door rotting or warping.Wood doors these days are built from a wood core with a veneer layered over the front and back of the door. These styles help reduce the chance of warping.

Fiberglass Front Door

Fiberglass doors are the most versatile options for homeowners. They range from basic at a few hundred dollars to ornate at a few thousand dollars.A basic fiberglass door is going to have little decorative elements, and most likely no glass elements. They won’t really enhance your home’s curb appeal.The advantage of fiberglass doors is that they are inexpensive, won’t rust, and don’t require you to paint them. Investing in a more decorative option will give you these benefits plus curb appeal with glasswork and finer details.

Steel Front Door

While you’ll save money with a steel door, you will sacrifice a lot with the harsh industrial metallic look. Expect to pay as little as $150 and up to a couple thousand dollars.There are three main categories of steel doors: basic, fire rated, and decorative. Basic doors are plain and well insulated. There won’t be decoration and it will be unpainted.Fire rated doors are code compliant for resisting fire for up to 3 hours. These doors will not have glass, can rust, and will need regular maintenance and repainting. These are not the doors people typically buy for your front door.A decorative steel door will be the more expensive of the steel doors. These doors can add a bit of curb appeal with some glasswork options.You will need to maintain these doors too with regular painting and maintenance. If not, you risk the door rusting.

Glass

You probably won’t have a door that is 100% completely glass. However, you do have a ton of options when it comes to having a glass element as a part of your door.There are a few terms you need to learn when shopping for doors with glass options. If you see the term “full view” this means that there could be 1 to 7 panes of glass that cover the entire area of the door.A “mid view” will be an oval or rectangle in the center of the door. A “high view” will have the glass in the top half of the door. This is the most popular option for front doors.

Seal Types

The most common type of seal for front doors is a flexible PVC gasket. It will fit around the edge of the door in the frame.When you close the door, the gasket compresses down. This creates a tight seal so that air does not seep in or out of the home.Another option is to go with a magnetically sealed door. The door is either metal, or there is a metal seal around the outside of the door.It works a lot like the magnetic seal that is on your refrigerator door. This kind of seal is more expensive, but it is the most energy efficient.

Size

Before you buy any door, you need to measure your current door to ensure you buy the right size. The standard size of a front door is 36 inches wide, 80 inches tall, and 2 inches thick.Don’t assume that your front door is a standard size. You need to measure the actual door size. This is the height and width of the door.Next measure the jam width. This is the distance between the backside of the interior and exterior trim.Finally, measure the exterior opening. This is sometimes referred to as the masonry opening. It will be the measurement of the entire space you have to work with within the brick or stonework around the outside of the door opening.Having a professional help you with these measurements will make sure you get them right. This will save you time and frustration later on when you go to install your new door.

Style

The style of your front door needs to fit the style of the rest of the home. Don’t pick a super modern steel and glass door if you have a traditional ranch house.TraditionalA staunchly traditional looking home will do well with a wood paneled door. If your home is a bit quirky, you could opt for more decorative glass elements.A traditional panel door is going to have raised panel sections that number from 2 to 12. Sometimes they will have glass, scrollwork, or colored panes.

Modern

Modern doors have sleek lines and are minimalistic in their decoration. The elements tend to have an oversized look such as large panes of frosted glass.

Craftsman

Craftsman doors will have more intricate of details. These doors appear on cottages or a mountain retreat lodge. They mimic a shaker style of look.They will feature large windows for a view of the outside. You will also find that the glasswork will be more intricate and sometimes be stained glass.

Rustic

If the exterior of your home features natural materials such as wood, brick, or stone then a rustic door will match. These doors have a heavier and heartier feel to them. They could have raised panels or glass in them.

Arched

If you have arched front doors, you will need to buy custom doors. While they add a ton of charm to your home, they are not standard. The exact curve will need measuring and your doors will have to be built to fit.

Front Door Color

One of the easiest ways to make a statement with your front door is to make it a bold color. The easiest way to do this is to paint your door.You want to improve the curb appeal of your home, so while going bold, choose a color that will compliment the other colors of your home. The most common colors people choose are a primary red or blue.If going bold isn’t your style, you can always choose a more subtle tan, grey, or white. These will compliment almost any color you have chosen to paint the rest of your home.Your final option is to not paint the door at all. This is a great choice if you have chosen a wood door. Just finish the wood with a clear or tinted stain. The natural beauty of the wood will star with this method.

What’s Your New Front Door?

Choosing the right front door can change the entire look of the front of your home. It is one of the easiest ways to boost the overall curb appeal.You need to choose the right front door though. You have the option of three different materials: steel, wood, and fiberglass.Once you choose the main material, you need to decide on decorative options such as glass and detail work. Choosing these elements will depend on the style of your home.Your final step is to choose the finish for the door. Will you paint it a bold color or feature the natural beauty of wood?Ready to boost your home’s curb appeal with a new door? We can help; contact us today to get started!