Fire and Glass

Ever wonder how fire affects glass?  This interesting article found on glassonweb.com provides information about fire-rated glass. 
http://www.glassonweb.com/articles/article/455/

Contact Ace Discount Glass and Doors for all your glass needs.

Thanks for reading!

Chip Repair

Great, fast service!

by ShereeB935

My windshield had a large chip in it and needed to be replaced. I had plans to go out of town so needed quick service. Not only did Roy get me in and out in less than an hour, but his staff did an excellent job and offered great customer service. And the price was fair and reasonable! I am very happy with my new windshield and will be recommending Ace Discount Glass to all my friends. Thanks Roy!


Thanks for the review on City Search.  We always like to hear a customer's satisfaction with the services received.  Remember to visit Ace Discount Glass and Door for your chip repair needs.

Frameless Shower Door Design Tips

The following article was produced by CR Laurence Co., Inc., who manufactures shower hardware and material for Ace Discount Glass and Door, and was posted in Glass Magazine's April 2012 issue.  It provides some valuable tips for designing a frameless shower for your bathroom. Here is the link for the article:

 http://www.glassmagazine.com/files/FN_GM412.pdf

Removing Mirrors Safely

How Mirrors Are Mounted

Mirrors are generally installed using 1 of 3 methods.  Most commonly, they are adhered to the wall using some form of “glue”.  Mirror mastic is the best and most commonly used as other adhesives can eat the backing off the mirror.  Make sure you check your labels before using something to stick a mirror to a wall, other than mirror mastic.  The second most common way to mount a mirror is with J channel.   That is the long metal strips at the bottom and top that the mirror rests in.   Mirrors can also be mounted to walls using clips.  Often people will use some combination of these three methods.

Check for Adhesive 

Regardless of how your mirror is attached, the most important thing to remember is that whatever the mirror is sitting on is holding the weight of that mirror.  Often times people think the mastic or glue holds the mirror to the wall, but the truth is, whatever the mirror is sitting on is holding the mirror up and the glue and clips are keeping the mirror from flopping off the wall.  I have heard numerous horror stories of people removing their backsplash only to have the mirror come crashing down on them.  The best way to check if the mirror has an adhesive on the wall is to press in and out gently on the mirror.  If it vibrates or moves then there is no adhesive, if it does not budge then it is probably glued.  

Removing a Mirror with No Adhesive

If there is no adhesive, then your mirror will come out by removing the top clips and lifting the mirror off the wall.  You will need a special suction cup or you will chip the mirror lifting it off the bottom clips.  A suction cup is also needed to evenly set the mirror back in place and avoid chipping.  A chipped mirror can quickly turn into a crack and the mirror you are holding will turn into a giant guillotine when it separates in your hands.  Standard mirrors are ¼” thick and weigh approximately 3.5 pounds per square foot and because of the silvering on the back produces razor sharp breaks when it cracks.  Every experienced glazier holds mirrors with a higher amount of respect than any other glass.

Removing a Mirror with Adhesive

If the mirror is adhered with glue, then the mirror can only be removed with a special suction cup.  The procedure is quite simple.  You put the cup on the mirror, pull as hard as you can, and pray that the mastic rips the sheet rock off the wall before the mirror breaks.  The good news is that if the mirror breaks, then the glue holding the broken pieces keeps it from falling off the wall.  The bad news is that even if you save the mirror it now has dried mastic on the back, old paint, water damage, and probably won’t fit back into the new opening when you are ready for it. 

Call a Professional

Mirrors should be removed by professionals.  Yes you can do it, even without the right tools, but is it worth it?  Mirrors are cheap, emergency room visits are not.  Call a professional.  Ace Discount Glass and Doors has several expert technicians, and we will be glad to help you remove and reinstall a new mirror for a great price.

Pass-Through Windows

If you have a business with drive-through or walk-up service where you need quick access to greet your customers but still want insulation and quiet from the outside, then you might need a pass-through window.  These windows can come in different sizes and specifications and are quit simple to install.  

Ace Discount Glass and Door can easily provide this service for your business or home.  All we need from you are the measurements of the hole or space where the window will go.  We call in the order to our fabricator, then they ship us the frame and we build the window in our shop.  For drive-through windows our fabricator offers custom fabrication to fit any opening, many frame colors, and several options for sliding configurations.  For an interior pass-through window, they offer six designs with a choice of satin anodized or duranodic bronze finish.  We have expert glass technicians who can then come to your location and quickly install your new pass-through window.  Contact us at 512-345-3105 if you want a quick and professional installation of your pass-through window.

Minimize Risk of Falls from Ladders

Warning - Falls from ladders can cause serious injury or fatalities.  Follow these safety tips to minimize the associated risks.

1.  Ladders come in many different designs.  Always read labels and markings on the ladder.
2.  Avoid electrocution.  Be mindful of what is overhead.  Never use metal ladders when power lines are overhead or near energized equipment for that matter.
3.  Inspect the ladder before you climb on it.  If it is damaged, then mark it clearly with a tag and fix it right away or dispose of it.  Do not leave it around trying to make up your mind whether to keep it.
4.  Three point contact with the ladder is a must.  That means always have two hands and one foot on the ladder or two feet and one hand on the ladder.
5.  Only use the ladder and any accessories for their intended purpose.
6.  Make sure there is nothing slippery on the ladder steps or rungs.
7.  Do not use a step ladder in the closed position.
8.  Never use the top step of the ladder.
9.  Only climb a ladder on a flat surface unless it is secured in a safe manner.
10.  Do not put a ladder up on anything to get more height, like a barrel or box or anything shaky.
11.  Do not attempt to move a ladder if equipment or a person is on the ladder.
12.  A straight ladder or extension ladder must extend three feet over the point where the ladder is leaning.  Do not climb on the top three steps of this type of ladder.
13.  The proper angle for placing a ladder is achieved by putting the foot of the ladder a distance away from the vertical line bisecting the resting point of the ladder equal to 25% of the height of the resting point of the ladder.
14.  Take the precaution of securing any ladder used in a place where it can be hit or bumped by other workers.  Barricades may also be used to keep people away.
15.  Check that extension ladder locks are correctly working and latched before climbing.
16.  Do not overload the ladder.  All ladders are rated.  That rating includes equipment.

Do not be careless!  Your family depends on you to stay alive and healthy.  You are responsible to care for them, which means taking care and protecting yourself.  Never take a chance on getting hurt. 

The best way to avoid a fall is to stay off of ladders.  Instead call Ace Discount Glass and Doors for insulated window, door glass, french door glass, atrium door, and patio door repair or replacement.  Ace also can install framed showers or frameless showers, mirrors, lead glass, or commercial store fronts and board ups.  We are open 24 hours for emergency service, and for your convenience we are open Saturdays and Sundays.

Frameless Shower Installation

could not have asked for more!!

by clevehghts at Citysearch

From start to finish our experience with Ace Discount Glass was exceptional. We wanted a frameless glass shower door and RJ was precise with measurements, recommendations and answered all of our questions. The price was also very competitive. The installation was flawless and we are more than pleased with the results! This was a wonderful addition to our bathroom. Will contact Ace for as further needs arise.


Thank you to this customer for writing a great review.  We are glad you were pleased with the service we provided.  Contact RJ at 512-786-8534 if you are interested in frameless showers or framed showers for your bathroom.

Replaced Window Regulator on Car

Replaced Window Regulator on Car

by Austin Resident at Citysearch

Brought my car in to replace an old window regulator. Roy was helpful and gave me an estimate. I also got 2 other estimates from other places, but ACE Discount Glass & Door on Spicewood Springs was by far the least expensive. The part was ordered and the next day I brought my car back at a time I suggested...they were ready for me as soon as I drove in. My car was ready in an hour. It was fast service at a reasonable price. I would definitely go back to ACE!
Also, you can go to their website and Roy made a video on how a window regulator works! Very interesting.
Thanks!


Thank you to this customer for a great review.  If you need a window regulator replaced, then please contact Ace Discount Glass and Door.

Emergency Glass Service

On 4/20/12 at 1:30 in the morning, we received a call from a Valero gas station and convenience store requesting emergency service.  We responded within the hour and found four commercial door glasses were broken out plus two large plate glass windows.  Our technician called in a second technician for help because this was a two-man job.  They met at our shop at 6308 Spicewood Springs Road and proceeded to cut the two plate glass windows from a larger piece of glass taken out of a case.  We stock thousands of dollars worth of glass so that we can handle emergency service jobs on the weekends or at night.  We also had the tempered glass door lites in stock and had more than the four we needed.  We put up the capital and buy in bulk so we can handle big jobs when our customers need them.  Of course we also have the manpower ready to make emergency repairs.  The manager was astounded that we could fix six large windows in less than three hours, but that is how we do business! Call Ace Discount Glass and Door for any glass repair, glass replacement, or board up service anytime you need it.

Argon Gas-Filled Insulated Window Units

Why Use Argon?

When insulated windows were first produced, the air space between the panes was filled with air or was flushed with dry nitrogen just prior to sealing.  In a sealed unit, as the temperature varies, the hotter air moves to the top and the cooler air to the bottom.  It was found that if the air space was filled with argon gas, which is less conductive, more viscous, or in other words a slower moving gas, that the overall transfer of the heat between the inside and out was reduced.  They become more energy efficient, which means lower energy bills.

 
Does Your Home Need Updating?
Ace Discount Glass and Door can come to your home and measure the insulated windows in your home that have become fogged and replace them with new, clear, insulated, double-pane windows that are more energy efficient as well.  We can also offer you patio door repair if your rollers are sticking.  We can replace those worn rollers.  We also can install a new shower enclosure if your old enclosure has become corroded or water stained over time.  We install both frameless showers and framed showers.

Door Closers

Why Do Door Closers Go Bad?

The most common door closers are mounted to the top frame of a commercial door on the inside of the door.  The commercial doors referred to are the ones you enter at strip malls typically.  Over time, or in the event of a strong wind, the door closer can become damaged beyond repair.  Extended use causes the seals to fail and the door closer will begin to leak oil, and it will cease to close the door.  In this case, you will need to replace the closer.

Sometimes rare and extremely strong winds will rip the mounting bolts out of the frame above the door.  New bolts and steel plates mounted above the door as reinforcement can fix this problem and avoid costly replacement of the store front doors and/or frames.

We Provide Emergency Service!

Ace Discount Glass and Door stocks closers and supplies to repair doors on an emergency basis.  We have six glass service trucks with experienced technicians ready to offer emergency service, including board ups, door glass repair, closer replacements, hinge or pivot replacement, or even complete door replacement.  When you have an emergency or need a quick fix on your door, then call Ace Discount Glass and Door at 512-345-3105.

Don't Get Cut

The average cost of a hand laceration in 2007 was determined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to be $6000.  That included medical costs and administration.  As a home owner or business owner, this potential cost should be evaluated when you decide whether to do it yourself or hire a professional glass company for your glass repairs.  Ironically, the simplest jobs with the thinnest glass can cut you the worst.  Sharp, pointed edges can puncture your skin with the slightest touch.  When you start using force, a slip can easily cut a flap of skin off your hand or worse.  Gloves can help a lot but they cannot guarantee your safety.  Glass can cut through any glove under the right circumstances.

Benefits of Going to a Professional Glass Company

If you choose not to take the risk of a cut or a fall, please call Ace Discount Glass and Doors at 512-345-3105.  We have experienced people with the right safety gear.  We also have full insurance with very high levels of protection for you and for our employees, including Worker’s Compensation coverage.  Many small one-man glass companies do not carry insurance at all, so be careful.

Emergency Repairs

Ace Discount Glass and Doors is ready with emergency service to repair or replace single or double pane insulated windows.  We also can repair tempered patio glass doors, French tempered glass doors, and atrium tempered glass doors.  Mirrors and frameless shower doors can also be quickly repaired or replaced by our shower division.