Glass is an essential element in the home that is often taken for granted. Windows, doors, coffee tables, shelves, shower doors, fireplace glass and more parts of a home rely on glass for looks, safety, and keeping out the elements. When something breaks or needs to be replaced, it becomes important to understand the basics of standard glass size installations and techniques that can be used to cut glass for custom projects.
Glass for most windows, doors, mirrors and other pieces comes in a range of standard sizes. Standard sizes are used because they are less expensive due to mass production. It is easy for designers and contractors to select the right standard size for most projects and replacements. With a little maneuvering, a standard window, for example, will fit tightly into a standard opening and result in a clean installation that looks good, is airtight and water tight.
However, there are probably several glass items in your home that are not a standard size. In these cases, more care must be taken to ensure that the custom glass is sized and installed correctly. Large picture windows, mirrors, and custom shower doors are likely to require a custom piece of glass.
Glass companies are able to cut a piece of glass to suit your precise needs. It is essential that your custom glass is cut properly so that it fits well for air tightness, to prevent moisture infiltration, and for aesthetics. Options for custom glass cutting include hand cutting and using specialized machinery for cutting glass.
Hand cutting custom glass involves using a straight edge, a glasscutter and a pair of pliers. The straight edge is used to guide the glasscutter to make a deep score in the glass in a single pass. After scoring the glass, it is a good idea to use a glass tapper to begin to weaken the scored line.
With glass pieces that are small, pliers can be used to break off the excess. For large pieces, it helps to lay the scored line along the edge of a table and give a firm push down to crack the glass along the score. This technique works well for glass up to one quarter inch thick. Some people choose to cut the glass themselves, while others prefer to leave it to professional glass cutters.
For more involved projects, like custom shower doors, a water jet is the best way to cut glass. Water jet glass cutting machinery is able to cut many kinds of glass, ranging from small, delicate pieces to thick, bullet resistant glass. A fine but powerful cutting stream of about 1mm in thickness can quickly cut custom pieces, holes and intricate shapes.
Laser cutting is a newer method now being employed at some glass companies. This is a more involved and expensive process, but has exciting possibilities. A glass company can offer you different services for glass cutting, as well as advice on the best glass cutting technique for your project.
Murray Glass offers fast, professional window services and a wide glass selection for cabinets and other custom uses. They are a locally owned company known throughout Salt Lake and Park City Valley for home and business glass needs. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services
