4 Popular Residential Glass Services That Give Homes a New Look

Installing glass in various ways is an easy and affordable way to bring new life into the same old routines. Glass is stylish and chic, and comes in a range of different tints, textures, bevels, and more. Glass is one of the most versatile materials available, and the suggestions presented here are only a sampling of everything you can accomplish with residential glass.

1. Tub and Shower

Residential glass contractors are at their best when they are installing glass tub and shower enclosures. Benefits include less mold and mildew in the bathroom, the illusion of more space, and better lighting related to translucent surfaces that light can penetrate. Additionally, glass fixtures and enclosures give the room a more sophisticated, inviting feel and add thousands to your home's resale value.

2. Mirror Magic

Every room and hallway become more inviting when mirrors are placed in key locations. They make rooms appear larger, provide better visibility, and have the potential to channel natural light from other rooms into areas with no external exposure. A common household hack is to use a mirror to reflect television action into a different room. All of the text on the screen will be backward, but a mirror is a perfect solution when adding another television isn't a feasible idea.

3. Convenience and Functionality

Glass shelves, display cases, and cabinet fronts make it easier to find what you need, show off what you love, and provide easy access to dishes and containers. Display cases can be custom-built to fit into a nook or corner, lighted from the inside, and provide viewers with a 360-degree view of treasured collectibles and memorabilia. Be sure to ask about the many options available, including tinted glass, bevel styles, and more.

4. Entryway Options

The first thing visitors-- or prospective buyers-- will see when they visit is the front of your home and the doorway leading into it. Sidelights are window glass installed beside the door, and may be clear, translucent, or opaque. They are available in different styles and custom shapes, and are often complemented by windows above the doorway called transom windows. Transom windows can be manufactured in any size or shape, with dozens of tints, coating, and styles to choose from.

Residential glass can be used in many ways to give your home a fresh, new look. You can even install new types of windows or frames. If you feel like it's time to add a touch of class to your castle, it might be a great idea to take a few minutes to look at the many ways your glass contractors can give your house a new look.

Does My Auto Glass Replacement Fall Under Items That Have a Deductible?

If something such as debris thrown up from the roadway causes you to need auto glass replacement, it is important to know whether your auto insurance deductible will be a factor. It is a valid question, and the answer may be more complex than you think.

Facts About Auto Glass

Depending on the type of incident, your auto glass provides between 45 and 60 percent of the structural integrity of your vehicle. But your windshield doesn't have to be cracked or broken to become an insurance red flag. That is why it is important to clean your windshield often and resist the urge to plaster cute bumper stickers on your window glass. It is very important that you can clearly see where you are going and what is behind you.

Auto Insurance for Windshields

Some insurance companies offer special windshield replacement insurance that has a lower deductible or none at all. Other companies include windshield replacement coverage as part of your comprehensive auto insurance policy. The point is, auto glass replacement is available from your insurance company, although how beneficial the coverage will turn out to be is based on individual insurers and state laws.

Insurance Companies Differ

It is rare for PIP or gap auto insurance policies to provide free windshield replacement. Instead, you would need to have comprehensive auto coverage-- commonly referred to as "full coverage." And even companies that provide windshield replacement may require you to pay a deductible or even carry specialized windshield replacement coverage. Finally, some companies allow you to pay a special deductible for a windshield replacement that is not affected by your regular policy deductible. This allows you to replace faulty auto glass at a lower cost than if you had to pay for it out of pocket, but not exactly free of charge.

Auto Glass and State Laws

State laws affect how auto glass replacement is handled by insurance companies. In Kentucky, Florida, and South Carolina windshield replacement is included for free in a comprehensive policy. In half a dozen other states you can purchase a separate, non-deductible windshield policy. Everywhere else you will have to meet your policy deductible before insurance kicks in-- and it may be a better idea to simply replace the glass out of pocket.

Talk to your insurance provider before scheduling windshield repair or replacement. If it is covered on your policy, your auto glass company will take care of billing the insurance portion of the cost, and all you will have to pay is the deductible.

5 Things to Check During a Home Plumbing Inspection

Having a household plumbing inspection will help you prevent major problems caused by things like broken valves, clogged drains, and plumbing leaks. The inspection only takes a few minutes, and taking care of any issues it reveals will have the potential to save you thousands of dollars in renovation repairs further down the line.

1. Fixtures and Appliances

Your faucets, tubs, and other appliances need to be checked during a home plumbing inspection to make sure they haven't become loose. When a faucet set loosens up, it can cause the pipes leading to it to loosen as well-- or completely break. Similarly, your toilet will become unstable if the bolts attaching it to the floor are loose, often leading to leaks around the toilet base.

2. Plumbing and Valves

Symptoms of plumbing problems are not always visible. For example, pipes rattling in the walls are typically a sign of plumbing lines that aren't properly fastened inside the wall, allowing the pipes to shake and rattle when water flow is turned on or off. This may be a sign of age, poor workmanship, or related to valves that aren't fully opened.

3. Sewage Lines

Problems with your sewer lines range from things like a perpetually wet spot in your lawn, odors near drains, or sewer lines that aren't working at all. In some cases, your lines can be opened up by rooter service, but other situations require sewer line replacement. When that happens, it may be a good idea to consider trenchless sewer replacement to minimize potential problems and get the job completed faster.

 

4. Traps and Drains

If the traps under your tubs or sinks are clogged, they will prevent proper drainage. This can sometimes be corrected by the homeowner using a plumbing plunger, but some clogs will have to be loosened and removed using a plumbing snake. If you have drains that are flowing slowly or not at all, try using a plunger first then call for a plumbing inspection if that doesn't fix the problem.

5. Water Heater

Your water heater is a vital part of your plumbing system. Water heaters need to be replaced about every 20 years, but they may need minor repairs along the way. Replacing a thermostat or heating element usually takes only a few minutes, and repairs of this type are much more affordable than replacing a water heater with only minor problems.

When your plumbing inspection is done by a licensed plumber, repairs can usually be made right away, reducing the damages caused by leaks and allowing you to focus on other things. Compared to the damages that they prevent, plumbing inspections can save you a lot of time and money.

What is Rooter Service and Why Should It Be Done Professionally?

Rooter service is a broad term used to describe locating and repairing sewage problems. The resident can usually repair simple clogs, but more complicated problems should be left to experienced sewer contractors. These five types of sewage repair will help explain when and why rooter service is needed.

Plunging - Using a hand plunger to remove minor clogs is easy enough. Place the plunger firmly into the toilet drain and pump the handle down and up vigorously a few times. If there is already a lot of water in the bowl, you will see the toilet drain when the clog has been removed. If there isn't much water in the bowl, flush the toilet after plunging.

Snaking - A plumber's snake is a long insert that can be used in sewer lines to remove moderate clogs. Never place a snake directly into a toilet bowl because inexperienced rotation and force can cause permanent scratching of porcelain and other molded surfaces. The best solution is to call a plumbing service if you are unable to remove the clog with a plunger. 

Tank Pumping - If your home has a private septic system, the tank should be pumped annually, or more often when necessary. Keep in mind, however, that having a septic tank pumped more often than 3 times in a year probably indicates a drain field problem. Continually pumping the tank may be an expensive stop-gap for symptoms of a more serious issue.

Drain Fields - When a drain field stops functioning correctly, it can prevent the septic tank from draining. Septic system drain fields will fail over time due to becoming clogged with material that hasn't properly biodegraded, tree roots, or accidentally driving across the drain field. 

Sewer Pipe Repair - Sewer pipes can become clogged, crushed, or broken for a variety of reasons. Your plumbing contractors can use trenchless or trenched sewer repair when that happens. Depending on your location and the available access to the sewer lines, your plumbing service provider can advise you on the most appropriate solution.

Hiring a great contractor takes more than dialing the first number you come across. You should always verify that you are working with a company that is both licensed and insured and that the company has the experience and staff to get the job done right the first time and without dragging out the project. Licensing is required by law in California and indicates that the company has proven its knowledge and ability as required by local law.

Residential Glass is More Than a Better View

If you are tired of looking at the world through windows that always seem to be dingy, it may be time to invest in residential glass. The good news is that installing window glass will do a lot more than give you a clear view, including reducing your energy costs, keeping the home quieter and more comfortable, and increasing the asking price when your home goes on the market.

Temperature Barriers

Installing new residential glass will help insulate your home against exterior heat and cold. As windows and their frames age, joints break down and sealant fails. Additionally, modern advances in window technology such as multi-paned glass provides a better barrier than older windows were ever designed to handle.

Noise Blockers

Replacing your old windows creates a renewed sound barrier as well. Annoying outside noises like traffic or the neighbor's pet are kept at bay with windows and frames that provide a solid seal. You will also notice fewer drafty areas, eliminating the whistling and hissing sounds of high winds blowing against old window panes.

Time Savers

Older windows become more difficult to keep clean as they age because of years of sand grains blasting against the glass and creating micro pockets for dirt and other contaminants to accumulate. Similarly replacing worn window frames eliminates the need to repaint the frames often and reduces gaps where mold and mildew often become a problem. Window cleaning can be a tedious job, but replacing your residential glass will make them easier and faster to clean while reducing the frequency of cleaning required.

Boost Home Value

New window glass will have a profound impact on your home's curb appeal. Just as you will enjoy a clear view of the outside world, people passing by will notice a sparkling new look, attracting interested buyers who are willing to pay more. New residential glass can have an even bigger effect on home value if you install a large bay window or tinted glass that helps block dangerous UV light without compromising the privacy of the residents.

There is a lot to be said for installing new window glass. By choosing from several types of window designs and considering options like tinted glass, or laminated panes, you can give the exterior of your home a makeover that will boost property value, increase privacy, and keep your family healthier. Because of the many benefits provided, replacing your residential glass is much more than just a better view from within.

5 Things That Indicate You Need to Schedule Rooter Service

When sewer lines begin to clog, there will be a variety of signs that rooter service is needed. Not all problems will have all of the symptoms, but if you notice any of the things listed below, getting your sewer lines checked is the first thing to put on your schedule.

1. Standing Water

If there is a place in your home or yard that is always wet but shouldn't be, there is a good chance that you have some sort of plumbing problem. The problem could be a burst pipe, but a more common cause is that your sewer lines are clogged and rooter service is the place to turn.

2. Unpleasant Odors

Sewage is not a pleasant smell, but it is a key indicator that there is a problem somewhere in your sewer lines. Whether you are noticing unpleasant scents inside the home or somewhere outside, the best way to deal with the situation is to have a home plumbing inspection to determine whether a rooter service needs to be brought in. 

3. Clogged Drains

Slow-flowing drains or those that no longer flow at all are a certain indication that something has gone awry with your sewer lines. This problem can also present itself as a perpetually wet spot in your home or yard. Because sewage can lead to serious health problems, a clogged drain needs the attention of plumbing services as soon as it can be arranged.

4. Unusual Noises

Sewer lines can cause all sorts of strange noises when they become clogged. Gurgling noises are common, but you may also notice random sounds of water flowing, clunking sounds, or bubbly noises. Some plumbing noises are also attributed to things like loose pipes in the walls or a water heater that is about to fail, so it may be a good idea to schedule a plumbing inspection first unless multiple sewer symptoms are present at the same time.

5. Inconsistent Water Levels

If the water level in your toilets seems to vary from one use to the next, it may be a sign that something is wrong with the sewer line. When this happens, you may also notice that the toilet is not flushing as completely as it should. In this situation, the lack of proper refuse removal often contributes to faster sewer failure.

 

Keeping your sewer lines clear and working properly is good for your plumbing and your family's health. If you encounter a situation where plunging the toilet does not correct, call a plumbing specialist as soon as possible because the problem is likely to get worse fairly quickly.

5 Renovation Ideas That Use Residential Glass to Revitalize Your Home

When it comes to home renovations, residential glass is one of the most versatile ways to bring new life into your home. From exterior windows and doors to shower enclosures, glass adds visibility, provides aesthetic appeal, and increases home resale values. As examples, we have chosen these 5 renovation ideas that will revitalize any home.

1. Sidelights, Doorlights, and Transoms

The first thing every visitor to your home will see is the door they enter through. There is a wide variety of residential glass options that can make a great first impression. In addition to the possibility of installing a glass entry door, you can use glass in these ways as well, and all of them are available in many styles, tints, and sizes:

• Sidelights - Glass panels installed on either side of the door increase visibility, provide additional natural lighting, and give the front or rear of your home an exciting new look.

• Doorlights - A doorlight is a glass panel installed in a new or existing door. Doorlights can be placed in multiple locations and are available in many styles and formats, including tinted, textured, beveled, and double-paned glass.

• Transoms - A transom is a glass panel installed above the door. Transoms are available in the same styles as other glass door renovations and allow natural light to enter the home without increasing interior visibility from the outside.

2. New Windows

When you mention home glass installations, the first thing that comes to mind is the windows. There are many different types of windows, including dual-paned glass, hinged windows, and bay windows that offer expansive views of the outside world.

3. Glass Cabinet Doors

Kitchen renovations aren't complete until you have taken a good look at your cabinets. Cabinet glass fronts make it easier to see where the item you are looking for is located, as well as give the kitchen a more open and airy feel.

4. Shower and Tub Enclosures

Glass can be used in numerous ways in your bathrooms, but one of the most popular bathroom renovation ideas is to install glass tub or shower enclosures. Glass is resistant to mold and mildew, cleans up easily, and allows more light into the enclosure for a more effective bathing experience.

5. Display Cases and Shelves

Every room of the home will benefit from installing glass shelves, curio cases, and displays. Glass excels for these purposes because it allows viewing from different angles. The added benefit of a glass curio case is that items inside are protected from dust so they remain shiny and exciting.

Glass is an affordable way to revitalize every room of the home, and some glass options-- especially mirrors-- allow you to channel natural light into areas that would otherwise rely on harsh electrical lighting alone.