How to replace double paned glass that is broken or fogged
How to add glass fronts to cabinet doors
How to keep your shower glass clean with out using harsh chemicals

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How to replace double paned glass that is broken or fogged:

If you have a fogged or broken double pane window (also called an insulated unit) you don't have to replace the whole window. You can just have the glass replaced and keep the existing frame in place, then there won't be a problem matching frames and you’ll save money. Even if only one piece of glass is broken or fogged you'll need to have all of the glass replaced. These insulated units come sealed from the factory so they won't fog, the pieces are sealed together.

Instructions
Things You'll Need:

  • Tape measure
  • White piece of paper

Step 1
Try to see if the window is tinted or has a low -e coating. You can hold a piece of white paper behind the glass and see if it changes color. Low-e glass is more expensive than clear and is more energy efficient. You'll want to make sure the repaired window matches all of the other windows so it looks the same. We have samples of low-e coatings to choose from and we will help you make a match.

Step 2
Measure the glass size; it doesn't need to be exact for a cost estimate. Also note if you have muntons or dividers inside the glass, new units can be ordered with these in place.

Step 3
Now that you have the sizes call us for an estimate. We will give you an estimate over the phone. You should be able to get a material and a labor price so you can decide if you want us to do the work or if you want to do it yourself.

If you can remove the insulated unit yourself you can bring the broken one to glass shop so we can order a new one. If you can not remove the glass we will send a glazier out to get exact measurements and material specifications. Then we will order the material and come back to replace it. It usually takes 3 or 4 days to get the new glass.

Step 4
Enjoy the clear view!

How to add glass fronts to cabinet doors:

Glass fronts on cabinet doors can really update the look of a room. Glass cabinet fronts look great in kitchens, dinning rooms, bathrooms and family rooms. You can have glass panels put into existing cabinets for a fairly reasonable price. You can use clear, patterned or beveled glass depending on the look you are going for, what you will be keeping in the cabinets and your budget.

Some things to consider:
1) Clear glass really shows off the items that are behind the glass, adding lighting inside the cabinet will further amplify the show case aspect.
2) Patterned glass comes in many varieties and differs in opaqueness, price and style. This glass can enhance the room design without amplifying the show case effect. These also look great when lit from the inside.

Instructions
Things You'll Need:

  • Screw driver
  • Hillcrest Glass
  • A good cabinet maker (we have referrals if you need one)

Step 1
First decide what cabinets you would like to have glass fronts. This decision should be based on design and budget. Cabinet makers can remove the center panel for you, they should leave a lip for the glass to sit on (most glass is between 3/16" and 1/4" thick-plus leave a little extra room for the silicone adhesive), or you can do it your self if you know how to use a router.

Step 2
Call cabinet makers to see how much they charge to route out cabinet panels. They probably want size and wood type so have this info ready. The charge depends on the size and the wood type but should range from $7 to $20 per cabinet.

Step 3
Visit the showroom at Hillcrest Glass to choose glass type. Glass is sold by the square foot and can be cut to order. Again have the sizes available so you can calculate square footage and price.

Clear glass should range in price from $4 to $8 per square foot depending on thickness. Edge beveling ranges from $1 to $3 per lineal inch of the edge. Patterned glass ranges fro $5 to $30 per square foot.

Square footage = (length in inches x width in inches)/144

Step 4
Once you have all of the pricing gathered and the glass chosen, bring the cabinets to the cabinet maker to be routed, then to the glass shop to have the glass cut and or glazed in.

After the silicone has cured for 24 hours re-hang the doors and enjoy your new cabinets!

How to keep your shower glass clean with out using harsh chemicals:

Here is a quick, easy, green way to keep your shower glass sparkling clean. Try this method while you're in the shower with products that you already have and you'll never have spotted or milky glass again. Just a little elbow grease a few times a week and you'll be amazed at how great your shower glass will look.

Instructions
Things You'll Need:

  • Any kind of shampoo
  • Nylon puff body scrubber

Step 1
While you're in the shower you can use an ordinary puff nylon body scrubber with shampoo on it to keep your glass sparkling clean.

1. Put a small dab of shampoo on scrubber

Step 2
Rub the glass with a small circular motion

Step 3
Splash water on the suds to rinse the glass.

Step 4
If you have time you can squeegee the glass when you turn the water off. It's good to try to do this once a week or so. It also helps to keep the shower door open for a while after you're done so all of the steam can get out of the enclosure. By keeping the door open after each shower condensation on the glass is really limited and glass stays cleaner longer.

Step 5
Enjoy the crystal clear view!

Hillcrest Glass
504 Fourth Ave.
Longmont, CO 80501
Phone: (303) 776-9511
Fax: (303) 776-3443

Hours:
Mon-Fri, 8:00-5:00
Please call to make after hours appointments

We offer complementary design consultations and quotations on any project that involves glass. Our experts are available to make your concept a reality. Visit our showroom to get your project started.