As those in the commercial and residential construction industry already know, tempered glass is the strongest type of glass that can be used. Basically, tempering means to heat the glass to extreme temperatures, and then rapidly put it through a high-pressure cooling process. 

This procedure puts stress on the glass, which in turn produces tension that begins in the center of the piece and spreads out. The tension is then compressed on the outer edges, which gives the piece its strength. 

Let’s take a “behind the scenes” look at the five-step process used to produce tempered glass.

As anyone who works with commercial glass projects knows, incorporating glass elements into the décor adds a bold touch of beauty and elegance to any environment.

With up to 40 percent of a property's annual energy budget dedicated to heating and cooling costs, anything that you can do to improve a businesses' energy efficiency won't just help it become more sustainable — but it will result in more disposable income as well. 

Being that glass is still one of the most widely used materials in architectural design and overall décor, it’s imperative to work with a vendor that offers the capabilities to make your space or products stand out. 

Whether you’re shopping for a new glass fabricator or just looking to see what capabilities are out there in the industry, here’s a closer look at some of the key capabilities any vendor should be able to provide.

When designing a commercial space, designers and contractors often focus on the actual shape of the space, thinking about the space and its furnishings, form, and function.

In addition to creating a perfectly functioning space with the typical tools, a commercial designer or contractor can elevate their design plans by incorporating colored glass products within the build itself.

You can use glass elements and glass statements in your design to add an additional texture to your design's texture palette, cast light into the interior in interesting, pleasant, or thought-provoking ways, to create semi-private spaces, and even to change the feel of your design, taking it from mainstream to modern or using beveled glass to create a more classically appointed atmosphere.

For many homes and commercial properties, mirrors and mirrored walls often add a striking design element. They can make a room seem larger, add depth, and brilliantly reflect light or draw in outdoor scenery.

Mirrors can be used to bring a space together, or they may even become the center of attention. The only limitation is that the mirror must blend in harmoniously with the rest of the environment.

With that in mind, here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive about mirrors and mirrored walls.

In the world of interior décor and commercial design, it is often the smallest details that make the biggest difference and bring the real “wow” factor to a room. Such is the case when it comes to beveled glass.

This creative addition to décor specifications can up a creation from basic to elegant. Just when it might start to feel like every design element looks the same, the use of beveled glass can truly make all the difference in the world.

The value of a window in any space is evident: they let in natural light, provide ventilation outlets, and help add to the overall ambiance of a room.

Oftentimes what is less evident is the considerations for what windows are best for various applications, and how the windows will suit the final project as a whole.

Double pane and triple pane windows are often the most popular choice for new builds, both residential and commercial, due to their high grade of efficiency -- as well as several other characteristics that are attractive to buyers. This post will take a closer look at the key differences, benefits, and situations where double pane and triple pane windows are commonly considered.

Screens do more than keep bugs out and let air in. They contribute significantly to a residential or commercial property’s aesthetic appeal.

But the fact that they serve important functions beyond looks makes choosing the right kind important.

Selecting the right screen for a specific application — say window, door, patio, commercial spaces, and more —takes a couple of factors into consideration:

• Material: Which material will best suit the screen’s purpose, environment and desired aesthetic?
• Screen mesh size and strand size: How big is whatever you want to keep out? And how wide a span do you want the screen to cover?

Guide to Custom Glass Shower Enclosures

The question of installing a shower versus a bath has been hotly contested over the years. While “spa tubs” were once all the rage, many home builders and designers are now seeing a trend towards removing the tub and installing a bigger shower. Today’s  showers are larger, more luxurious, eco-conscious and safer for older adults than ever before. 

Stunning new design options for 21st century homes can include a Wi-Fi or cloud-based digital shower, wireless speakers, thermostatic trim plates, chromotherapy lighting, and an incredible variety of luxurious shower-heads. It’s no wonder people want to spend more time in their showers! 

Whether as part of a walk-in shower or a bathtub/ shower combination, the new affinity for showers offers a great opportunity to commercial installers, architects, and interior designers everywhere. But, before all of the fancy gadgets and modern technology can be considered, it’s crucial to start with dependable glass.

Here are some elements to take into consideration regarding glass for shower enclosures.