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.