Glass Splashbacks or Tiles: Which is Best for your Kitchen?

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When designing a kitchen, one of the biggest decisions is which splashback or tiles to choose. Along with your cabinetry and worktops, your kitchen splashbacks or tiles are one of the key elements which will shape the style and feel of your entire kitchen. Although splashbacks do play a large role in your kitchen design, they are primarily a practical feature. Splashbacks’ purpose is to protect your walls behind the hob or sink from any water splashes and food spatters. The splashback creates a surface that is stain-resistant and easy to clean, unlike paint or wallpaper.

When choosing your splashbacks, it’s important to consider both the functionality and aesthetics of the material. We’ll look at two of the most popular options – glass splashbacks vs tiles – and which is best for your kitchen. 

Glass Splashbacks

Glass splashbacks are an increasingly popular choice when it comes to protecting your kitchen walls. The glass used is strong, durable and heat resistant, making it perfect for any busy kitchen. The glass splash back will be cut to size to ensure it fits perfectly in your space, accounting for any plug sockets or obstacles. This creates a smooth and sleek unbroken surface to protect your walls. With a single smooth surface and the non-porous properties of glass, these splashbacks are much easier to clean and maintain than other options. No more mouldy and grimy grouting! 

Splashbacks made from glass can be manufactured in thousands of colours. This makes them the perfect choice if you have a specific colour scheme in mind. Whether you want to colour match a particular shade or go for a bold contrast colour, you won’t have any issues. There’s also the option to add effects such as colour flecks or sparkles for a vibrant finish. With their block colour and unfussy design, glass splashbacks are particularly popular in modern homes. The sleek look of a glass splashback will enhance any contemporary or minimalistic kitchen.

Benefits of Glass Splashbacks

There are many advantages to choosing a glass splashback. Some of the main benefits of glass splashbacks are:

  • A sleek and modern look
  • Very easy to clean and maintain
  • A smooth finish with no grouting means there’s nowhere for dirt, mould and bacteria to collect
  • Made bespoke to fit your kitchen’s exact dimensions
  • The messier and time-consuming prep work is done before installation
  • Incredible colour choice with colour matching available
  • Glass reflects light which can help make your kitchen feel brighter

Kitchen Tiles

white tiles behind sinkKitchen tiles are a classic choice when it comes to protecting your walls. Kitchen tiles have been used for decades and their neat look and versatility help them remain popular. You can opt to have tile splashbacks just behind the hob and sink where most splashes will occur, or tile the wall section above your work surface all the way along your kitchen. As with any material, the more tiling you want and the fancier the tiles, the greater the cost. However, your standard tiles do tend to be cheaper than glass splashbacks. 

Fitting tiles is a messier and longer process than fitting a glass splashback. As tiles come in set sizes and aren’t made to measure, there will always be some cutting involved to ensure your space is fully covered. Setting tiles, spacing them evenly and then applying grouting is a longer process than simply setting a pre-made glass splashback. What’s more, once installed, keeping the grouting in particular clean can take quite some effort. 

Ultimately, many people choose tiles because they like the way they look. Kitchen tiles come in a vast array of shapes, colours, patterns and textures so there’s bound to be something to suit anyone. There are some styles of home where tiles complement the design better than other materials. For example, in a country farmhouse style kitchen, a sleek glass splashback would look a bit out of place but rustic tiles would work perfectly. 

Benefits of Kitchen Tiles

Kitchen tiling and splashbacks have their own set of advantages. Some of the main benefits of kitchen tiles are:

  • A classic and versatile look that can suit any kitchen
  • A vast array of style choice available, including shapes, colours, patterns and more
  • Tend to be cheaper than alternative materials, particularly if you opt for plain tiles, clearance tiles or ‘seconds’

So, Glass Splashbacks vs Tiles – Which do I Choose?

Both glass splashbacks and tiles have their own benefits and charm. When it comes down to it, the choice will be based on personal preference and the style of kitchen you want. For a sleek modern home and a backsplash which requires minimal cleaning, a glass splashback is perfect. On the other hand, if you are looking for a cheaper material or want to achieve a more traditional or rustic feeling kitchen, tiles are a good choice

KLG Glass is a glass and glazing expert, serving customers across Nottinghamshire and beyond. At our specialist factory, we are able to create bespoke glass splashbacks in any colour, made to fit your kitchen’s exact dimensions. If you have any enquiries, simply get in touch with our friendly team today.

Will Double Glazing Save Money on Energy Bills?

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Installing double glazing can save you considerable money on your annual energy bills. If you upgrade from single glazing to double glazing units, you could halve the amount of heat loss through your windows. With double glazed windows improving your home’s insulation, heat loss is reduced. This means it will take less energy to heat your home and your energy bills will, therefore, be cheaper.

How does Double Glazing Reduce Heat Loss?

Double glazing works by making use of two panes of glass instead of one. The small gap between these two panes of glass, which is usually around just 16mm in width, is filled with an inert gas such as argon. Argon is denser than normal air which makes it harder for heat to travel through it. So, not only does heat have to travel through twice as much glass as in single glazing, it has this dense gas to contend with too. Essentially, double glazing works in reducing heat loss by creating a more effective, 3-part barrier between inside your home and the outdoors. 

Double Glazing and Energy Efficiency

Double glazing is one of the key ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your home. Along with cavity wall insulation and loft insulation, double glazing is a very effective way to reduce heat loss, make your home greener, and more cost-effective to run. By improving your home’s energy efficiency, you are making it better insulated against the weather outside, whether that’s cold winters or hot summers. 

Solid brick walls are better insulators than glass and so it’s your windows where a lot of heat loss occurs. In fact, over 18% of heat loss in a home occurs through your windows. With double glazing units, warmth from inside your home in winter can’t escape through your windows so easily. In summer, heat from the summer sun doesn’t transfer through your windows as easily, meaning your house stays cooler longer. 

How Much Money can you Save with Double Glazing?

home energy efficiencyIn a typical family home, double glazing can save you over £100 on your annual energy bills. The precise figure you can expect to save will depend on a couple of factors: what type of property you have, and the energy rating of the double glazing units you choose. 

Types of property

What kind of property you have will affect how much money double glazing can save you. For example, the reduction in energy bills for a 5 bed detached house will be greater than for a 2-bed terrace. With A-rated double glazed units, gov.uk estimates you can save:

  • Detached house: £120-£155 per year
  • Semi-detached house: £80-£110 per year
  • Mid-terrace house: £65-£85 per year
  • Bungalow: £55-£75 per year
  • Mid-floor flat: £40-£55 per year

Energy ratings for double glazed windows

Not all double glazing is made equal and there are some units that are more energy-efficient than others. There are a few schemes that rate the energy efficiency of windows, all of which work in a similar way to EPC ratings for houses. Window units will be rated alphabetically, with A being the highest and best score. In the British Standards Institute’s rating system, A+ is the best rating available and double glazing with this score will be the most efficient in preventing heat loss and saving you money.

KLG Glass offers sealed double glazed units for domestic and trade customers. With units made to order, we can create double glazing for any size of window. Get in touch with our friendly team today for further information. 

 

A kitchen window looking out across a green garden with sunlight coming through.

Can You Replace Double Glazing Glass?

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If your double glazing has failed, your home won’t be as energy efficient as it should be. Before you replace your windows, frames and all, consider whether you could just replace the glass. It can be a very effective and budget-friendly solution. 

Can I replace just the glass in a window?

double glazed windowIn short, yes! If your windows aren’t as energy efficient as they used to be, you can replace the double glazed glass unit without having to replace the whole window. 

Benefits of just replacing the glass include cost-saving, as this is usually cheaper than replacing the entire window including the frame. It’s also simpler and faster to replace the glass unit only. You can keep the style of your window the same too, whilst reaping the rewards of a more energy-efficient window. 

How long should double glazed sealed units last?

Double glazed units are expected to last around 20-35 years. Sometimes they can last even longer than this! So you’ll get a good lifespan from them. However, the units will eventually ‘blow’. This means that the seal in between the two panes of glass is no longer effective, and won’t be controlling the temperature in your home as it should.  

How to tell if double glazing needs replacing

condensation on windowHere are some telltale signs that your double glazing has failed. 

  • Condensation between panes of glass: this is one of the biggest signs that the window has blown. Condensation can’t form in between the panes when the double glazed unit is properly sealed.
  • Cloudy glass: as above, the glass may appear slightly cloudy due to condensation inside the glass.
  • Chips or cracks in the glass: any damage to the glass may have an impact on the overall effectiveness of the double glazed unit. 
  • Draughts: a draughty window is never a good sign! Although drafts are likely to be a problem with the frame, they may also indicate the double glazing seal has blown. 

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s likely that you need your double glazing or windows replaced. 

How much does it cost to replace double glazing glass?

The average cost to replace a blown window is £55-£145. The price will depend on the size of the window. Larger windows require more glass and also take longer to replace, so material and labour costs increase as the size of the window increases. 

How to replace double glazing units: step by step

There are different types of double glazing system available, these instructions are intended to provide a rough guide for the most common type. 

  1. Starting from the inside of your window, remove the wedge gasket.
  2. Move to the outside and remove the glazing beads. Leave the top one until last.
  3. Make a note of where any glazing packs are located before removing and from around the top and sides.
  4. Remove the blown double glazed unit.
  5. Check the glazing packs are still in the bottom and place the new glazing unit on top.
  6. Hold it secure, and add any other glazing packs back into their original location.
  7. Keep a hold of the glass unit whilst replacing the glazing beads in the reverse order.
  8. Replace the wedge gasket, which will lock everything in place. 

It’s important to familiarise yourself with the double glazing system, as there are different possibilities. The above instructions are intended as a rough guide only and will not be accurate for every type of double glazing. 

Replacing Double Glazing: What you Need to Know

  • You’ll need to measure up and order your double glazed unit before you start. Height and width are fairly easy to determine but thickness can be more challenging. You can always give us a call with approximate measurements and we’ll take it from there. 
  • Different types of glass are available, so you’ll need to decide which type you need for your replacement panel. 
  • Whilst this is a job you could tackle yourself, we can help with any step of the process. Just give our sales team a call on 0115 9222233 or get in touch via our contact page.
How to Clean a Glass Shower Screen - KLG Glass

How to Clean a Glass Shower Screen

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Glass shower screens protect your bathroom and look stunning. Every time you take a shower, a glass shower screen creates a barrier against water, soap, shampoo, conditioner and even steam – helping to keep your bathroom walls and floors free from stains and unsightly marks. 

Unfortunately, this does mean that a sparkling shower door can easily be spoiled by dirt and grime that builds up over time.

Worse still, hard water stains and soap scum can actually scratch the glass if left unchecked. When this happens, your glass shower door won’t look clean and sparkling no matter how much you clean it. Cleaning your glass shower screen regularly is the best way to stop this from happening, and helps to keep your bathroom looking its absolute best. 

So, how do you keep a glass shower screen clean? 

Here’s how to clean your shower door for best results:

What You Will Need:

  • A sponge
  • Bathroom cleaner, or mix one part white vinegar to three parts water in  a spray bottle
  • Glass Cleaner
  • Squeegee
  • Paper towels
  • Microfibre cloth

How to Clean a Shower Screen: Step-By-Step

  1. Get the glass wet using the shower head or a damp cloth.

  2. Spray well with your chosen cleaner, and leave for a few moments.

  3. Use a sponge to work in the cleaner, removing soap scum and hard water stains as you go.

  4. Rinse with warm water.

  5. Use a squeegee to remove the water and cleaning suds.

  6. Dry with a microfibre cloth or paper towel.

  7. For extra sparkle, spray again with glass cleaner.

  8. Let the cleaner soak for a minute or two.

  9. Wipe with a clean microfibre cloth or paper towel (scrunched up newspaper can also work well).

  10. Tackle any remaining smears by spraying with a light mist of water onto a clean, dry microfibre cloth and wipe away. 

What to Clean a Shower Screen With

There are many different options for cleaning a shower screen. Standard bathroom cleaners and glass cleaners can do a great job. But, if you’d prefer to stay away from strong chemical-based cleaners, there are also a few home remedies that are very effective alternatives. Here are a few of the most popular cleaning solutions:

Glass cleaning with dish soap: Designed for getting glassware clean and grease-free, dishwashing soap can work well for cleaning glass shower screens. Rinse any suds off thoroughly to avoid streaks when using this method. 

Glass cleaning with vinegar: Acid is an effective cleaner which helps to loosen mineral deposits. Mix one part white vinegar to three parts water in a spray bottle and you have a powerful glass cleaner ready to go. 

Glass cleaning with baking soda: Adding some baking soda to white vinegar creates a reaction that bubbles, helping to clean off stubborn stains. The baking soda is also slightly abrasive which will add to the cleaning power. 

Glass cleaning with lemon juice: Just like vinegar, the acid in lemons helps to loosen mineral deposits and dissolve soap scum. Add to your vinegar mix or use with baking soda for effective glass cleaning that’s safe and natural. It smells nice too!

How to Keep Your Shower Glass Spotless

To avoid damaging and scratching the glass, a shower screen should be cleaned after every use. The best way to do this is to thoroughly remove any surface water with a squeegee. This will stop hard water deposits of magnesium and calcium building up and damaging the glass. In an ideal world this should be done after every shower alongside your regular cleaning. In reality though, most of us don’t have time to do this as often as it’s needed.

You can add a layer of protection to your shower screen with something that displaces water. This will help the water roll off rather than sit on the glass, which once again reduces the deposits that will build up. There are a few options for this. Cleaning with WD40, baby oil, cooking spray or a specialist car windscreen cleaner will all create this protective layer. 

However, applying such products does take time and care, as you’ll have to work hard to avoid smears and grease. If you can master it though, you’ll find stains don’t build up so quickly between cleans!

So, What’s the Best Way to Clean Shower Doors? 

There are a variety of methods for cleaning glass shower doors, but the most important thing to remember is to stay on top of cleaning. Each clean will be quicker to manage, and less build up will reduce the chances of scratching and staining. Keep it clean and your glass shower door will sparkle for years to come!

Has your glass shower screen reached the point of no return and any rescue attempt seems futile? If so, why not consider a shiny new made to measure shower door that’s bespoke to your bathroom? If you’re keen to find out more, get in touch!

How Long Does Double Glazing Last?

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Trying to answer this question can be tough. So many environmental factors can affect the longevity of double glazed windows, so it really does depend. The lifespan of double glazing can be anything from 10 to 50 years depending on how well they’re made, installed and looked after. However, on average you’d expect double glazed units to last a minimum of 20 years. 

The good news is that over the last few decades, technology for manufacturing double glazing units has improved exponentially and the materials that are being used has improved greatly. Double glazed windows that are made today are far more thermally and energy efficient than those that were made in the 80’s, 90’s and early 00’s. 

As a result, it’s fair to say that a double glazed sealed unit produced today will have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years – and maybe even more if fitted in a sheltered location and not subject to extreme weather. 

What factors affect the lifespan of double glazing?

The three main factors that affect double glazing are location, quality of manufacture and quality of installation. These factors can halve or double the longevity of a double glazed unit, but one of the biggest culprits for causing problems is temperature. 

The insulating gas between panes of glass in a double glazed unit reacts to changes in temperature by expanding and contracting. This is called thermal pumping and often windows that are south facing and in direct sunlight for a number of hours, are most susceptible. 

Thermal pumping can put extra stress on the seals of a double glazed unit as it constantly expands and contracts. Over time, the seals will start to fail and as minute fractures begin to grow, air will be sucked into the unit, replacing the insulating gas and compromising their thermal efficiency.

How do you know if your double glazing needs replacing? 

Energy-efficient windows are a key structural part of a property that significantly contribute to reducing energy bills and ultimately, keeping your home warm. To ensure you’re not paying more than you should be for your heating bills, it’s really important that your windows continue to perform as intended.

If you’ve noticed that your heating bills seem to be creeping up, it could be that your windows are starting to fail. But there are a number of other ways to identify problems with double glazing units too – each of which are a dead give away that something isn’t quite right:

You can feel a draught around the frame

If you run your hands around the frame where it meets the sealed unit and it feels draughty and cold, either the seals around the frame have perished or the double glazed unit itself has failed. If the unit fails, the gas that insulates the panes of glass will dissipate which will dramatically decrease the U Value. If the seal around the frame has perished, this can easily be replaced, however if the unit has failed a new one will be required.

Condensation in between the panes of a double glazed unit

Condensation on windows isn’t usually cause for concern and there are many simple ways to tackle that, but condensation inside windows should be taken more seriously.

Each sealed unit usually contains a desiccant such as silica gel, which forms part of the spacer bar inside the unit. This is there to absorb the natural moisture that occurs between the panes to keep the unit fog-free. If however the seals of the unit begin to fail, more moisture will be drawn in through thermal pumping which will saturate the desiccant. It’s this over-saturation that causes condensation and fog to form and is usually a pretty obvious indicator that it’s time to replace the unit.

It is however worth noting that condensation is more likely to form in windows that are in direct sunlight. So a north-facing window might have failed seals but won’t show condensation for example. 

There’s white dust inside the double glazed unit 

You may not see signs of condensation but once the desiccant inside a seal unit becomes saturated it will start to degrade. As it degrades it will essentially fall apart and the particles will begin to drift around the sealed unit, settling on the inside of the panes of glass. This is a sure sign that your double glazed unit is compromised and will need to be replaced.

You can hear a lot of noise from outside

Not only does double glazing act as insulation against temperature, but sound too. When your windows are closed, the noise from outside should be reduced and muffled, maybe even shut off completely. If however you’ve started to notice more noise than usual, the gas could have escaped from your sealed unit, reducing the insulation.

________

If you have a question about double glazed sealed units, or you’ve decided it’s time to get a replacement, get in touch with our expert team who’ll be able to advise on the best course of action. Here at KLG Glass we only make to order with an extensive range of glass and spacer bars to choose from, all ready and waiting to help you get the job done!

How to Fit a Shower Screen: A Quick Guide

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It’s official, shower curtains are out and shower screens and doors are in. Long gone are the days of mildew stained curtains that barely do the job they’re designed for, shower screens and doors are an increasingly popular choice, and with good reason. 

Not only are they easier to keep clean, they’re also available in a number of different styles and finishes, depending on the look that you’d like to go for and the space you have in your bathroom. There are 3 main types of shower screen; static, hinged and concertina (folding), all of which have their own unique properties but serve the same purpose – to protect the rest of your bathroom from water escaping whilst you shower. 

Despite their design differences, the fitting of each style of shower screen or door is very similar. So, if you’re planning to update the aesthetics of your bathroom, installing a shower screen is a great way to do it – and with not too much effort either. 

If you’re pretty familiar with DIY and you’d like to keep installation costs down, then there’s a good chance you’ll be able to fit one yourself with the know how and tools. Though, if you’re not 100% confident you’ll be able to do the job well enough, we always recommend seeking the advice of a professional.

So, let’s take a look at how to install a shower screen and what you’ll need to get the job done…

What tools do you need to install a shower screen? 

Firstly, you’ll need to make sure you have the right tools for the job, here’s a list of what you’re likely to need:

  • Electric drill
  • Hammer
  • Masking tape
  • Pencil
  • Sealant gun
  • Spirit level
  • Standard screwdrivers
  • Tape measure

If you have a made to measure shower screen or door, you’ll likely need to buy the fixtures and fittings separately (it’s common for these to be supplied with “off the rack” varieties). These will include: 

  • Frame
  • Screws
  • Screw caps
  • Seal
  • Wall channels
  • Wall plugs
  • Silicone sealant

How to install a shower screen

While this guide will focus on the static shower screen, the fitting for hinged and concertina varieties isn’t too dissimilar. So, let’s get started…

  1. Firstly, make sure you have all the parts required for the fitting, the last thing you want to do is get halfway through the job to realise you’re missing an essential piece of the puzzle.
  2. Once you’ve made sure you’ve everything you need, check to see if the wall channels have the holes pre-drilled, if not, you may need to add these yourself. Measure these evenly according to the height and width of the channel. It’s also essential at this stage to check for pipes and wires where you plan to fix it to the wall to ensure you don’t accidentally drill into them.

  3. Once the holes in the wall channel have been established, line this up on the wall where you plan to install it. Using the spirit level as a guide to ensure it’s straight, use a pencil/pen to mark on the wall where you plan to drill the holes.

  4. Once you’ve marked the wall, drill the holes and add wall plugs. If you’re drilling through tiles, one easy way to hopefully prevent them from cracking is to put masking tape over where you plan to drill. Once drilled, remove the masking tape.

  5. Secure the wall channel to the wall using screws (these may be provided by some manufacturers).

  6. Next, secure the shower screen to the wall channel. This can be a heavy job, so it’s always advised to enlist the help of someone else to ensure no accidents happen. How this is done may also vary depending on the manufacturer and the type of wall channel you have (you may not even have a wall channel but a series of supporting brackets/hinges if a more minimalist look is preferred), so it’s always advisable to seek their advice or check out the instructions before you embark on fitting a shower screen. 

  7. You may have some bracing bars which fit along the bottom or top of the screen. If so, you’ll need to install these before fitting to the wall. These not only help stabilise the glass but can also help prevent water escaping, too.

  8. If you have multiple screens to install as part of your shower enclosure, you’ll likely need to repeat the same process.

  9. Once all screens have been fitted and you’re happy the job is done, run a bead of silicone sealant around the edges of the wall channels or brackets with a sealant gun. Remember to leave the silicone sealant to completely cure for at least 24 hours before taking a shower.

While we know that not all shower screens and doors are fitted the same, we hope our easy guide has given you some idea about how to get the job done. If however you’ve decided fitting a shower screen isn’t for you, we definitely recommend getting a professional in to do the job.

Decided it’s time to trade in the shower curtain for a shiny new bespoke shower door designed to your specification? Whatever it is you’d like, give us a call to see how we can help… We can even give you a hand with the fitting if you’re within a 20 mile radius of our Nottingham office!

Obscure Glass - Privacy Glass from KLG Glass

Obscure Glass: Everything You Need to Know

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There are so many benefits to installing obscure glass in doors, windows and even walls into homes and work spaces. They can be stylish, adding a decorative feature in-keeping with a minimalist design, or bringing embellishment to a professional environment. They can help you soak a small room in sunlight, magically making it appear twice the size and so much happier.

In fact, there’s only one drawback that people really imagine when it comes to lots of windows and transparent walls: loss of privacy. 

But you don’t have to sacrifice your privacy if you want to feature glass in your interiors. By using privacy glass, you can couple all the bright, beautiful benefits of regular glass and still keep out prying eyes. 

We’ve put together this FAQ to introduce you to the many possibilities presented by obscure glass, an option that many don’t even realise exists.

What is obscure glass?

Obscure glass is a very broad term that actually covers any type of glass that is not crystal-clear transparent. It is glass which ‘obscures’ the view through it, distorting or concealing what is on the other side, because of this it’s often referred to as privacy glass.

This obscuring effect can be achieved in a variety of ways, usually by use of a texture or pattern. It can range from offering complete privacy by obscuring the view completely or simply showing silhouettes. It can also be more of a style choice, that offers only a very mild distortion.

Obscure glass can be highly decorative and very practical. It is also versatile.

What types of obscure glass are there?

As mentioned above, ‘obscure glass’ is an umbrella term for many types of glass you may have heard of.

One of the most commonly seen types is frosted satin glass. This is glass that has been treated using chemicals to give an almost mottled effect on its surface. It is quite hard to see through, leaving only shadows and vague, fuzzy shapes visible through it. But is a popular choice because it also allows loads of light to flood through, allowing privacy without enforcing darkness onto rooms.

Another one of the most common obscure glass types is sandblasted glass. The ‘sandblast’ effect is created by using a powerful, high speed machine to pepper the surface of the glass with sand, walnut husks or a similar material to give a mottled surface that diffuses light and softens the visibility of anything on the other side.

Like frosted satin, sandblasted glass is a favourite choice among many people as it still lets lots of light shine through, while providing a good level of obstruction.

Here at KLG Glass, we also supply a comprehensive range of Pilkington textured glass, the added bonus of choosing a textured glass is that you can opt for patterns and designs to suit your tastes. It’s also available in a variety of privacy levels, depending on how obscure you’d like the view to be.

It is also possible to tint glass to obscure it, making it darker. This kind of glass can let less light through and will also make a strong design statement wherever it’s used.

Is there a difference between obscure glass and frosted glass?

As we discussed above, ‘obscure glass’ is an umbrella term that refers to a variety of obscure glass patterns, including frosted glass but not limited to it. This means all frosted glass could be called obscure glass, but not all obscure glass is frosted. 

There are options available that would still count as obscure. 

One of the attractive benefits of frosted glass types, is that you can embed designs, logos and embellishments, giving you complete control over the design. These can range from generic floral frosted glass patterns or unique company branding. 

Frosted glass is particularly popular in door panels, glass walls, balustrades and bathroom windows.

Sandblasted privacy glass from KLG Glass

Are there different levels of obscurity available?

By now you’ve probably realised that obscure glass is very versatile. You can choose between obscure glass windows or doors that are almost completely transparent, or ones that are completely opaque. As we mentioned before, Pilkington textured glass is available in 5 different levels of privacy, allowing you to decide on the best level of opacity for your requirements.

While some styles of obscure glass might be limited in how much flexibility is offered in terms of opacity, there are so many options across the range that you will always find a type of glass to suit your needs.

Is obscure glass different to opaque glass?

Obscure glass allows you to lower the visibility through a glass panel. Opaque glass sits right down at the very extreme end of that scale, and leaves the glass completely impossible to see through. And, unlike obscure glass, opaque glass won’t let any light pass through it either, though it is highly reflective. Opaque glass is most commonly used for things like kitchen splashbacks.

If you like the cool, clean lines that glass brings without wishing to compromise privacy at all, opaque glass could however be the perfect choice for you.

Can you ‘temper’ obscure glass?

Tempering is a process you can apply to glass in order to strengthen it. It involves heating the glass to very high temperatures, then exposing it to a very cold temperature. As the outside of the glass cools quicker than the inside, this creates ‘tension’ inside the glass which makes it very strong.

Tempered glass can withstand a higher level of impact without breaking. It also shatters in a certain way, breaking down into crumb-like pieces rather than jagged shards. This means that as well as being stronger, it is safer. 

This process is commonly used for large glass panels, such as those in full length windows, doors and furniture, to make them safer. 

Obscure glass can be tempered just like other glass, and often is. If you are choosing obscure glass to place in a window, door panel or similar setting, you would definitely be better off having obscure glass that is tempered.

Where can you use obscure glass?

The flexibility and versatility of obscure glass mean you will find it at home in a whole host of settings. You can bring light and space to your narrow hallway while still keeping your home secure, by placing an obscure glass panel in your front door.

Or you could give workers a lighter, brighter, cheerier space to work while still allowing them their privacy by installing obscure glass walls in an office, the possibilities are endless!

One of the most popular places to use obscure glass is in bathroom windows. In a space where your privacy is paramount, choosing obscure glass allows you to maximise the light in the smallest room of your house, while maintaining a sense of seclusion and safety.

 

Laminated Glass Vs Toughened Glass – Which Should You Choose?

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Laminated glass and toughened glass are two types of safety glass. Often, people are mistaken when it comes to the differences between the two, or they believe that they’re the same thing. In actual fact, they’re very different, and are used for different purposes – even if they do look the same.

Safety glass is typically used on external windows and doors, glass balustrades, glass shelving and vehicle windows. Essentially, it’s used anywhere that it could cause immediate injury if broken.

Safety glass is usually toughened or laminated, but you can also find other variants too, such as wire mesh glass. These all offer the same end result in terms of protection from injury but they’re created differently and used for a variety of different products.

What is laminated glass?

Laminated Glass - KLG Glass

Laminated glass consists of 2 sheets of glass that have a layer of plastic sandwiched between them. This layer of plastic is called polyvinyl butyral. Polyvinyl butyral acts as a barrier between the 2 sheets of glass and prevents them from breaking into shards or shattering into little pieces. The resistance to penetration provides additional security and the added layer also offers ultraviolet light protection, so prevents fading from sunlight.

Is laminated glass tempered?

Laminated glass and tempered glass are two different things. Tempered glass is standard glass that has been heat-treated to make it more durable.

Is laminated glass more secure?

As laminated glass has a layer of polyvinyl butyral between two sheets of glass, it makes it an incredibly secure glass-type. This material is used externally to heighten security which helps prevents break-ins.

Can laminated glass be cut?

Laminated glass can be cut to size. It is tricky to do though, and requires a professional to do it. Laminated glass can also be etched and sandblasted with your choice of design, unlike toughened glass.

How does laminated glass shatter?

Laminated glass doesn’t shatter. If laminated glass receives heavy impact, the glass will break however the plastic holds the glass in place. Removing any danger from broken glass.

What is laminated glass used for?

Laminated glass is typically used anywhere that human impact may occur and falling glass could add further danger. Laminated glass is used for:

  • Car windscreens
  • Glass floors
  • Glass balustrades
  • Full length internal and external windows and doors
  • Skylights
  • Public spaces where glass is used such as bar shelves and shop windows

Laminated glass isn’t as strong as toughened glass on initial impact, however it’s advantage over toughened glass is that it won’t fall to pieces when hit. The plastic sheet between the two sheets of glass acts as a barrier and will hold the glass in place until a replacement is found.

What is toughened glass?

toughened glass - KLG Glass

Toughened glass is similar to tempered glass and follows the same strengthening process. However it’s much stronger. Toughened glass is designed to shatter into “break safe” fragments rather than shards, reducing the chances of injury.

Toughened glass is heated to high temperatures and then rapidly cooled to solidify it. It can also be heat-soaked and laminated if necessary.

Is toughened glass fire resistant?

Not all toughened glass is fire resistant. Standard toughened glass isn’t. You shouldn’t use toughened glass for doors if the door is a fire exit. However, you can purchase toughened glass that has been specifically designed for this purpose.

Can toughened glass be cut?

Toughened glass can be cut. And, like laminated glass, toughened glass can be cut to size, but not in the conventional sense.

Toughened glass cutting is a long and lengthy process. The glass must be heated to 500-degrees Celsius and slowly cooled. Once cool, the glass can then be cut. However, we recommend that any toughened glass is made to measure in the first instance to prevent issues.

How strong is toughened glass?

Toughened glass can be shattered with impact; it breaks up into hundreds of tiny pieces rather than shards, meaning it’s less likely to cause injury. However, the material is incredibly strong.

Toughened glass is stronger than you might think. For perspective, toughened glass is 5 times stronger than standard glass.

Can toughened glass be recycled?

Toughened glass cannot be recycled. Toughened glass has a much higher melting point than any other glass. If you recycle toughened glass there will still be large portions of unmelted glass which then causes quality issues for manufacturers.

What is toughened glass used for?

Toughened glass is used in places where human injury needs to be reduced, this is primarily for public services and public buildings. Toughened glass is used for:

  • Phone booths
  • Bus stops
  • Glass shelves
  • Splashbacks for kitchens
  • Showerscreens

Toughened glass is the strongest form of glass. When compared to laminated glass, it takes a lot more force to break toughened glass than it does laminated. However, when toughened glass is broken, it will shatter into hundreds of tiny pieces.

Toughened and laminated glass are incredibly durable and provide safety to yourself, loved ones and the public. They are both created to prevent harm coming to human life if broken.

Which type of glass that you use largely comes down to personal preference. Both types of glass have their pros and cons and both are suitable for use in critical locations in the home. If you plan on using one of these glass-types, but you’re not sure which type would be best for you, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

What is FENSA?

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It is every home owner’s nightmare to pay out a large sum of money for home improvements such as new double-glazed windows, only to find that the workmanship is not up to scratch or even worse, they don’t meet building regulations. Failure to comply with building regulations could mean the installation is unsafe and may even need to be removed, at the cost of the homeowner. You could even incur a fine from your local authority. This is where FENSA comes in…

But, what is FENSA?

The Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) is a government-authorised industry standard for self-certification of compliance with Building Regulations. It covers the replacement of external windows, doors, roof windows and roof lights in England and Wales.

Here, we’re going to take a look at all you’ll need to know about FENSA certification, what it is and how it can be obtained.

What is a FENSA certificate?

  • When was FENSA introduced?
    FENSA was created in response to the new building regulations introduced in April 2002. These require that any new double glazed door, window or roof light installations must comply with those regulations and meet certain thermal performance standards.  
  • When did FENSA certificates start?
    FENSA certificates were made compulsory from April 2002. 
  • What is a FENSA registration?
    A FENSA registration is held by installers who carry out work and supply products that comply with Building Regulations. Installers can self-certify the works they carry out and register the installation with the local authority on your behalf. 
  • What is a FENSA guarantee?
    A FENSA guarantee is an insurance backed guarantee that can cover the product and installation work for up to 10 years. This guarantee only applies if the installers are FENSA registered and the subsequent work carried out is also registered and certified. This guarantee serves as peace of mind for customers who are paying large sums of money for an installation, and also for home buyers who did not oversee previous work to the property. 
  • What is FENSA approved?
    FENSA approved installers can be large national brands or small local companies. All approved installers are regularly assessed to make sure they qualify to meet the required standards. If you use a company that is not FENSA approved, any works that include replacing windows, doors and roof lights will require you to get a certificate from Local Authority Building Control instead.

Do you need a FENSA Certificate?

  • Do I need FENSA certificate for replacement windows?
    Yes, FENSA certification is needed when replacing any windows, even if they are like-for-like. 
  • Is FENSA required for replacement glass?
    No, FENSA certification is not required for replacement glass, however it is always a good idea to have the work completed by a FENSA approved installer, for peace of mind. 
  • Does FENSA apply to wooden windows?
    Yes, FENSA compliance extends to all PVCu or wooden/timber windows and doors. 
  • Do I need FENSA for a conservatory?
    FENSA only applies to windows and doors of more than 50% glass, on the main part of a building. Any new conservatory, orangery will not be covered by FENSA and will need to go through the local authority Building Control Process. 
  • Are FENSA certificates required for listed buildings?
    If you live in a property that is a Listed Building and wish to replace your windows, this would fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant Local Authority. Therefore, planning permission would be required and the installation cannot be registered with FENSA. 
  • Does FENSA apply to internal doors?
    FENSA applies to external windows and doors. However, if a NEW doorway opening is to be created this will need to go through local authority Building Controls. 
  • Is FENSA required for single glazing?
    Whether a window is single glazed or double glazed, the replacement installation still has to meet the building regulations and meet thermal performance standards. Meeting thermal standards alone may indicate that double glazing is the preferential replacement.
  • Who issues FENSA certificates?
    Registered FENSA installers will issue you with a FENSA certificate on completion and register the work with the local authority. If you have used a non-FENSA installer, or completed the work yourself, you will have to apply directly to the local authority who will need to inspect the work before issuing the certificate. 
  • How to obtain a FENSA certificate.
    If you have work carried out by a FENSA approved installer, they will register the completed work with your local authority and the certificate should arrive 2-4 weeks after completion. If you are looking for a replacement for a lost certificate, you can contact FENSA and obtain a copy for a £25 fee. 
  • How to get a FENSA certificate from the council.
    If you have had work carried out by a non-FENSA registered installer, or have completed an installation yourself, you need to go through your local authority Building Control process to get the work signed off. If the installation meets the requirements, the certificate will usually take up to 2 months to arrive.

How much does a FENSA certificate cost?

If you use a FENSA approved installer to carry out the work for you, you will not pay anything for the certificate. If however you use a non-FENSA approved installer, or carry out an installation yourself, you will have to obtain approval on the work from your local authority Building Control, who will charge a fee. If you are looking to replace a lost certificate, the charge is currently £25.

How to become FENSA registered

If you’re a window fitter and would like to become a FENSA approved installer, this can be done directly through the FENSA website.

There will be a one-off application fee to pay, and then ongoing fees determined by the number of jobs your company completes annually. more details of which can be found, here.

FENSA installers are pre-approved for adhering to building regulations. They should offer an insurance-backed 10 year guarantee as a minimum on all work carried out.

So, for peace of mind and a quicker sign-off on an installation, it is always best to have your windows and doors fitted by a FENSA approved installer.

 

Green Glass Kitchen Splashback

Choosing a Splashback for Your Kitchen: Which Type is Best?

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Splashbacks have been a part of our kitchens for decades, if not centuries. They were designed to protect the walls of your kitchen from food, liquids and grease. And, they’re still used for this purpose today. Kitchen splashbacks are best placed behind a cooker, whether you have a gas, electric or an induction hob. But a splashback is also ideally suited for the wall behind a kitchen sink – some will go as far as using them across the entire length of a work surface. Not only do they serve a purpose, but they can also play an integral part in the aesthetics of your kitchen.

Using splashbacks to strengthen the design of a kitchen is not uncommon these days. They come in many different shapes, sizes, colours and styles, and a kitchen splashback can be truly unique to your home.

With so many options to choose from, we’re going to delve into the world of splashbacks to help you decide what type is best for you.

Types of Kitchen Splashback

Kitchen splashbacks don’t all have to be the same. Naturally, we favour glass splashbacks, not only are they durable and sturdy, they’re also easy to keep clean and great for modernising your kitchen; the possibilities are only limited by your imagination as far as design and installation goes. 

Alternatively, if you have papered or painted walls and want to add a bit of texture to your kitchen, a tiled splashback would be a great addition. Tiles look great and are fairly inexpensive to purchase and install, however there is a little more maintenance involved. The adhesive (grout) used to stick the tiles to the wall can be a little difficult to clean, and some food and liquid can cause stains, meaning you may have to regrout every so often.

If you want a splashback that doesn’t adhere to the wall, then an upstand is the choice for you. An upstand is used directly behind your hob and only sits around 100mm high. They tend to be filled with chipboard or solid stone to ensure maximum heat resistance, often acting as a continuation of your worksurface. 

As a general rule, an upstand doesn’t cover the entire wall behind the hob, this means there’s potential for food debris to taint the wall above the upstand, so the addition of a splashback in this area is advisable.

Choosing a Splashback Material

The first step in choosing a splashback for your kitchen is to decide on the material that you’d like to use. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to weigh-up your options first.

Glass Splashbacks

Glass is a great material to use as a splashback. Today, you can get made-to-measure splashbacks in pretty much any colour, shape or design. So what are the pros and cons of choosing glass? 

  • Toughened glass is completely safe for use in the kitchen.
  • Glass can be easily customised in colour and shape.
  • Perfect for creating a real statement in your kitchen.
  • Can be used to clad walls in bathrooms too.
  • Glass has a flat, smooth surface, making it very easy to wipe clean.
  • Heat resistant.
  • Measurements are crucial for a glass splashback. You need to ensure there is enough room for the glass to expand so you don’t have any unwanted cracks or breakages.
  • Toughened glass can’t be cut on site to make room for sockets etc, so it’s vital measurements are accurate before they’re manufactured to order.

Tile Splashbacks

Tiles are a great splashback material. If you have plain kitchen walls, you can use different coloured tiles to create a colourful and truly unique splashback. Pros and cons of tiled splashbacks: 

  • Fully customisable in colour and size.
  • Heat-resistant.
  • Tiles can be adapted and cut to fit around kitchen sockets.
  • Depending on the type of tile adhesive used, stains may occur from splashed food.
  • The cost of fitting can be high.
  • Can be difficult to replace if needed.

Acrylic Splashbacks

Acrylic splashbacks are versatile and inexpensive. If you want to create a feature from your splashback, try using different and unusual shapes of acrylic to really add the ‘wow’ factor to your kitchen. Pros and cons of acrylic splashbacks:

  • Fully customisable in colour and size.
  • Water-resistant.
  • Can be cut to size on site.
  • Acrylic isn’t heat-resistant so you shouldn’t use an acrylic splashback near a heat source such as a hob.
  • Acrylic can be cut in many different shapes and patterns making it extremely versatile for plug sockets and unconventional kitchen walls. 
  • Not a totally rigid material so can warp or split over time.

Stainless Steel Splashbacks

Stainless steel splashbacks aren’t for everyone, but they can certainly be an affordable and practical option in a kitchen. Pros and cons of stainless steel splashbacks:

  • Inexpensive.
  • Can be cut to fit.
  • Non-porous and hygienic. 
  • Not always to everyone’s taste.
  • Can be difficult to keep smear free. 
  • Can warp over time.
  • Despite the name, stainless steel can stain, especially if the food debris is acidic such as that from lemons.

Colour Coordinating Your Kitchen Splashback

When it comes to coordinating your splashback with the rest of your kitchen, you need it to either blend in or stick out.

The colour that you use for your splashback is a personal choice however there are some factors to consider. Decide whether you want your splashback to match the rest of your appliances, units and countertops. If you do, it’ll be much easier to decide upon the colour, however you may not be able to find a perfect match. If this is the case, we’d suggest going a shade darker with your splashback.

If you want your splashback to stand out against a plain wall, we’d recommend going for a colourful piece of glass. You can even get sparkles put into it if you really want to make a statement!

For texture, tiles are the best material to use. For colour coordinating your kitchen, we think different shades of the same colour look beautiful as a splashback. An example of this is, if your kitchen is grey, then create a splashback with light and darker shades of grey – you could even include a few black tiles!

When deciding to install a kitchen splashback, we understand how difficult it can be to pick the right material, colour, design, shape and size. Glass, tiles and acrylic all have their pro’s and con’s but glass splashbacks sit firmly at the top of our list for practicality, design versatility and cost.

If you have any questions about splashbacks, or you’d like to learn more about the made-to-measure glass splashbacks that we supply including our colour matching service, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.