Wallside Windows

A Guide to Keeping Your Windows Sparkling All Year Round

Your window glass is a crucial part of the visual and architectural appeal of your home. It is easy to keep your windows spotlessly clean when you use the proper materials and follow a few simple guidelines. Here is a guide to keeping your windows sparkling all year round:

Use the Proper Equipment
When washing your windows, you can either choose a commercially available glass cleaning solution or a homemade solution of one part vinegar and one part warm water. You will also need a large squeegee blade, a sponge, lint-free cloths or paper towels, and a ladder for reaching high windows. To protect your hands, you can also wear rubber gloves.

Clean From Top to Bottom
To begin the cleaning process, first apply a generous coating of cleaning solution to the entire window and scrub gently with a sponge. Next, remove the cleaning solution using the squeegee, and make sure to draw the liquid away from the top corner to the bottom. Make sure that you squeegee off all of the cleaning solution, including any residue along the sill. Finally, touch up any areas with your lint-free cloth or sponge. The result should be a clean and sparkling window with no streaks.

Time Your Cleaning
Find a time of day to clean your windows when the sun is not directly shining on the windowpane. Sunshine can cause your windows to dry with a streaky pattern, and you will have to clean them all over again.  Also, be sure to wash your windows regularly to prevent unsightly dirt and buildup from forming between washes. The more often you wash your windows, the faster and more efficient the cleaning process will become! 

For more window care advice, or to schedule a window replacement estimate for your home, contact Wallside Windows. Call our Taylor location in the Detroit area at (313) 908-5243 to learn all about our window replacement services. 

The Finishing Touch on Your New Home Design: Window Treatments

Window treatments can provide the finishing design touch to any interior space. When choosing window treatments, be sure to choose a style that will match your style and privacy needs. When selecting your window treatments, be sure to measure each window in your home individually, and decide whether you want to cover your window moldings. For more tips on selecting window treatments for your home, watch this video clip.

At Wallside Windows of Michigan, we can help you put the finishing touches on your home’s windows. Call our Detroit area location at (313) 908-5248 to learn more about our replacement windows and window treatments. 

Find More Useful Window Replacement Information By Visiting These Sites

If you found our recent blog posts interesting, please explore the information provided below. These links contain useful information about window replacement that could help you save energy. To learn more about our professional window replacement services, call Wallside Windows at (313) 908-5243.

Check out this article from How Stuff Works to learn more about how tempered glass is made.

For more information about vinyl windows, read this page from NACHI.org.

To find out more about the window recommendations for your Energy Star climate zone, check out this page from Energy Star.

Learn more about the history of window glass by reading this article from Apartment Therapy.

If you want to know more about Low-E coatings, check out this article from the Efficient Windows Collaborative.

Check out this page from Home Advisor to learn more about the benefits of Low-E windows.

Learn more about the savings you could enjoy through window replacement by reading this article from House Logic.

For more information about the benefits of choosing vinyl windows, check out this article from Vinyl Replacement Windows.

Read this page from the CCMR.Cornell.edu to learn how glass is made.

For more information about increasing natural light in your home, check out this article from How Stuff Works. 

A Look Back on the History of Window Glass

Most modern homeowners find it difficult to imagine a world without glass windows. After all, we rely on windows for natural light, ventilation, and even interior design. However, window glass has taken a long journey to get to its current level of versatility and sophistication. Here is a brief look back at the history of window glass:

The Origin of Window Glass
For the vast majority of human history, glass windows did not exist. While the earliest windows were simply holes in the wall, there is evidence that people also used paper and animal skins to cover windows and provide relief from heat or other climatic conditions. Glass windows first came into use during the days of the Roman Empire; however, they were only partially transparent and extremely expensive.

Window Glass in the Middle Ages
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, glass making became a lost art. It wasn’t until the Middle Ages that glass windows once again became prominent. In the 14th century, the French developed a method for making glass, known as crown glass. Although the Middle Ages saw a proliferation of glass-making techniques, glass windows were still very expensive and only available for the wealthy.

Glass in the Modern Era
From the Middle Ages onward, glass windows exploded in popularity. As more techniques for shaping glass were discovered, the cost of glass windows decreased. The famous Palace of Versailles in France represented a culmination of advances in glass making technology. In 1851, the Crystal Palace in England took glass windows to the next level, and paved the way for the skyscrapers of today.

Understanding the long history of glass windows can give anyone an appreciation for glass’ beauty and importance. If you want to learn more about how glass windows are made today, call Wallside Windows at (313) 908-5243. We’ll gladly install sophisticated and energy-efficient windows throughout your home.

How Do Tempered Glass and Regular Window Glass Compare?

Although glass is used for all kinds of windows, not all types of glass are the same. Each type of glass has its own strengths that make it particularly suited for a certain type of window. Here is a brief guide to the differences between tempered glass and regular window glass.

Strength
Tempered glass is much stronger than regular window glass. This makes it a great choice when security is at stake. Made through a process of heating and rapid cooling, tempered glass is generally four times stronger than regular window glass. For this reason, tempered glass is a popular choice for windshields and security glass.

Shatter Dynamics
When subject to a sufficiently powerful force, a regular piece of glass will shatter into many sharp pieces, posing a health and safety risk. Tempered glass, on the other hand, is designed to shatter into many small dull pieces, which have a much smaller chance of cutting people nearby. Tempered glass is especially important for vehicles, as it reduces the risk of lacerations in the event of an accident.

Appropriate Use
There are certain cases in which manufacturers or builders are legally required to use tempered glass. For example, the law requires that tempered glass be used in doorlights, bathroom windows near tubs or showers, and windows with glass that is within 18 inches of the floor. Regular glass is less expensive and has its fair share of uses—homeowners install regular glass in most windows throughout the house.

Homeowners have more choices than ever when it comes to windows. Understanding the different types of glass available can help you make the best decision for your next window replacement project. If you want to learn more about the differences between regular glass and tempered glass, call Wallside Windows at (313) 908-5243. Our window replacement professionals are happy to help you find the best windows for your home.