Not all glass materials are recyclable through your household recycling programme. While glass bottles and other common glass objects are collected in recycling bins along with paper and plastic materials, recycling plants still occasionally reject treated products like glass windows or oven-proof glass.
Although not yet widely available, collecting these glass items and reprocessing them into a sand-like material before repurposing them into insulation or for use in new glass manufacturing is gaining traction in New Zealand. Until this becomes widespread, however, there are still many ways to upcycle treated glass or repurpose it in your home
Repurposing old glass materials is an environmentally friendly method to create useful pieces around the home or craft works of art. For creatives and homeowners looking for fun things to do with glass, contact a reputable glass supplier in Auckland, such as Atlas Glass, to receive a quote on high-quality glass products for your next project.
Broken glass shards don’t simply have to be thrown away but can be used to form creative new items. These can include stained glass, mosaics, or sculpture art pieces you can display in your window to catch the light in gorgeous ways or as a statement decoration in your home. Add flair and personality to your living space by repurposing old glass objects into new, innovative works of art. Add a string of LED lights to spare glass bottles for a fuss-free illumination source or fill them with coloured sand and glitter as a weekend art project for the kids.
Alternatively, crush shards of glass and file them down thoroughly for a colourful gravel replacement, for use as pond rocks in your backyard, or as glass beads in smaller jewellery pieces. The indoor and outdoor decor options are limitless according to your imagination.
Things you can do with glass include using it for storage according to your needs. Use large panes of glass to craft glass shelving or clear storage containers to organise larger objects. Utilise small glass bottles or jars to store pantry items in the kitchen or use them as organisers for accessories or small nick-knacks in the bathroom or bedroom.
Renowned for their clarity and durability, larger glass pieces can be cut to size and used as countertops or backsplashes as protection in bathrooms or kitchens. Bottles and jars can be repurposed in fun and eco-friendly ways as bird feeders, watering solutions for plants or terrarium pots and candle holders. Versatile and long-lasting, the things you can do with glass in your home are endless.
Glass is a useful and versatile material that can be repurposed or upcycled for almost every need. In addition to all these amazing things you can do with glass, don’t forget to increase the value of your home through retrofit double glazing. Double glazing your windows can improve energy efficiency and help you save on electricity bills throughout the seasons, simultaneously providing insulation and noise reduction.
As Auckland’s double-glazing specialists, Atlas Glass can cut your glass to size and provide insight and advice for your next project. Reach out to our friendly team for more information today!
The benefits of double glazing are understated. From offering better insulation to improved energy efficiency, there are many ways that double glazing can improve your home and quality of life. However, to prolong their lifespan, you need to keep them clean. Cleaning double-glazed windows might seem daunting, but you can do it quickly and easily in a few simple steps. We show you how to clean double-glazed windows with helpful tips to keep them looking and functioning at their best.
The gap between the two panes of glass in double-glazed windows is sealed, so focus on cleaning the interior and exterior surfaces of the glass. You will need the following:
There are some safety precautions you must take before starting the cleaning process. Wear gloves and prepare your chosen cleaning solution by following the instructions on the label of your glass cleaner or by mixing equal parts dish soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals like abrasive or acidic cleaners, as these can scratch or damage the glass, window frames, or seals.
Cleaning double-glazed windows is easy once you know the steps. By following our step-by-step guide on how to clean double-glazed windows, you can keep your windows looking their best and functioning correctly for years.
Atlas Glass provides a range of double-glazed window options to suit your needs and preferences. Not only can you enjoy greater comfort and energy efficiency in your home, but you can also add aesthetic appeal with timber joinery. Contact Atlas Glass today to learn more and start experiencing the benefits of double-glazing wooden frames.
Painting glass windows is an easy DIY project that can add privacy and decoration to your home. Whether you want to create a colourful design or add a frosted effect for more privacy, window painting is an affordable and creative way to update your living space.
Upgrade your timber double-glazed windows in a fun and easy manner as we guide you through how to paint glass windows step-by-step. Learn about this activity here, from choosing the materials to drying and finishing your final product!
Before getting started, you must gather some essential materials:
Making the appropriate preparations before painting your glass windows is crucial to ensure a smooth and long-lasting finish. Clean the glass surface with glass cleaner and microfibre cloth before applying painter’s tape to the areas you want to protect. Lay down tarps or cloth to prevent paint from staining other surfaces.
Once you’ve painted the glass window, leave it for 24 hours to dry completely before removing the painter’s tape or touching up any areas. If you want your painting project to last, apply a clear coat designed for glass surfaces to protect your masterpiece.
Painting glass windows is a simple and fun DIY project that can add colour and style to your living space. With our guide, you can easily transform your plain glass windows into works of art.
Before you begin, you’ll need a high-quality and functional glass window as your base to ensure your art lasts as long as possible. As the most reputable glaziers in Auckland, Atlas Glass can provide that for you. We offer custom retrofit double-glazing options for your home’s existing and new timber joinery. Talk to us for a free consultation on a suitable solution for your home today.
You’ve set up your tree, decorated the front lawn, and hung stockings on the mantlepiece. What now? Don’t overlook your timber double-glazed windows when it comes to Christmas decorating! Dressing your windows for Christmas can go a long way in tying in the rest of the home décor and can even be appreciated from the outside.
Decorating your home for Christmas doesn’t have to be expensive. Adding some simple ornaments or DIY crafts and repurposed items you find throughout the house can shift the mood of your home drastically and boost happiness. Even if your windows are the only thing you’re decorating this season, it is a quick and easy way to add a festive touch to any room without too much effort. We discuss the best Christmas window display ideas for your home to prepare you for this cheer season.
Complement fresh and traditional foliage wreaths with fir cones, dried oranges, and cinnamon sticks for a gorgeous woody and festive aroma. Alternatively, you can customise a wreath to suit your desired style with plenty of unconventional ideas like felted, dried flowers, and mistletoe options.
Adorn your Christmas window with a string of Christmas cards, lights, baubles, or little cut-outs of adorable gingerbread men. Craft homemade garlands from dried flowers and fruits for a homier and more rustic vibe that can lend a subtle fragrance to the air.
Stickers are an easy and fuss-free way to decorate your windows for Christmas. High-quality weatherproof snowflakes and reindeer motifs made from vinyl will allow you to reuse them yearly. You can also place them outside, allowing more space for decorating the interior with other ideas. Stained glass prism stickers will offer great privacy and catch the sun gorgeously, projecting rainbows into your home during the day.
From an attention-drawing large centrepiece to a collection of tiny knick-knacks, ornaments for Christmas windows can be as simple or as complex as you wish. Hang baubles, DIY origami, or a fairy light curtain to add a delicate and subtle glow, perfect for mood lighting.
Can’t seem to find a Christmas window decorating idea you resonate with? Why not create your decorations? Not only are chalk pens an affordable and easy way to display your creativity, but you can also remove them easily with a quick wipe. The beauty of this method is that the options are limitless; draw Santa riding a dinosaur off into battle or a giant gingerbread cookie attacking a city. Express yourself however you wish, get the kids involved, and have a drawing session with the whole family!
You can be as excessive or minimalistic as you’d like; the sky is the limit with creative Christmas window decorations. Atlas Glass ensures your glass windows look good and perform well in any condition, keeping your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Reach out to us to install double-glazed windows in your Auckland home today and start decorating!
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]To give your external windows the longest lifespan possible, it’s vital that you know how to care for them. Timber double-glazed windows are incredibly strong, having been used for centuries to construct all manner of things. Modern manufacturing processes have made timber windows even more durable than they used to be, but that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible!
Proper care and maintenance are still vital when it comes to external windows since they’re constantly exposed to the elements. Glass can wear down, dull, or weaken, while timber can strip or rot over time.
To help you care for your windows, we’ve put together a few basic tips for caring for your external windows. Check out these tips and implement them in your home maintenance routine, and you’ll have windows that last for years to come.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Cleaning and Maintaining the Glass" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Cleaning the inside of your windows is a much simpler task than cleaning the outside, which is why the external side of windows are so often neglected. Over time, a thin film of dust, dirt, bugs, and water spots will build up, obscuring the natural light that would otherwise be flooding your home. After many years of double glazing in Auckland, we’ve seen windows in some pretty rough states, but this is easily preventable.
Depending on the climate in which your home dwells, you should clean the outside of your windows about twice a year to keep them in good shape. For geothermal or coastal regions—which tend to have more debris in the air—a quarterly clean is more suitable. Consider picking up a commercial cleaner if this is the case, as this will tackle dried mineral deposits more effectively than supermarket cleaners.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="How to Clean Outside Windows" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Outside windows typically need more elbow grease than inside windows, as that layer of dust and dirt will dry down and become tough to shift with standard cleaning products.
Start by hosing down the windows to loosen the dirt. If the window has any particular stubborn substances on it—like dried bird poop or mud—douse the spot in a mixture of vinegar and water. Let it stand for a few minutes.
From there, fill a bucket with water and dish soap, then use a soft, microfibre cloth to spread this all over the window. Pick up the hose again and give the windows a good once-over.
Finally, spray the windows with a standard glass cleaner, wiping it off with a rubber-bladed squeegee (ensuring you dry it between each wipe).[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Protecting the Timber Frame" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]If your window frames are made from timber, you should set aside time to give these a clean at least once a year. Aim to do this in summer, as they’ll have the chance to dry and cure without the threat of rain.
When cleaning timber, you should always avoid using a hose or any other kind of method that completely saturates the timber. Rather, use a soft cloth and a bucket of water with a few drops of mild cleaning solution in it. Lightly wipe the timber frames down, removing any dust, insects, or bird droppings that have made a home on them.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="How to Recoat Timber Frames " font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]External timber also needs to be re-coated once every three to four years to maintain its integrity. A three-coat finish is the best option for long-term timber protection, and it’s also very easy to find at your local hardware store.
Follow the steps above to clean the timber, then pick up a high-grit sandpaper and lightly rub down the frame. You’re not aiming to remove the existing coating; you’re simply getting rid of any particularly stubborn grease or particles that could impede the recoating process.
Once that’s done, wipe away the wood dust with a damp cloth and allow the frame to dry thoroughly. Then, apply your chosen finish in three coats, letting each coat dry thoroughly before layering on the next.
These steps are easy to incorporate into your regular home maintenance plan, blending seamlessly into days scheduled for exterior home cleaning. If you’d prefer, you can also hire specialists to clean the windows for you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Looking to improve your windows while maintaining their style? " font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]The team at Atlas Glass can retrofit your existing windows, offering double-glazing options to improve your window quality without compromising your home’s design. We also offer glass supply throughout Auckland for homeowners and businesses. Get in touch with our team today for a free consultation![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Timber joinery is a beautiful choice for windows, because the result is so versatile. You can choose to leave the natural grain exposed for a touch of the outdoors, or you can paint over the frame for a smooth, modern finish. Regardless of how you treat your windows, you need to maintain them properly to make sure that their original finish lasts through the years.
It’s not as time-consuming as it sounds, and establishing a routine to maintain your windows is easy if you know what you need to do. From the experts at Atlas Glass, here is a breakdown of how to care for your timber windows.
Dust and bacteria will accumulate on the wood over time, which can cause mould or mildew to start growing (especially in humid subtropical climates like New Zealand). These pesky growths will grow into the grain of the wood, rotting away at it until it’s weakened and unsightly. To prevent this, you just have to wash the timber regularly without drying it out.
You’ll need:
Simply mix a small amount of detergent with a large amount of warm water and sponge away the dirt on the frame. If you’re washing your windows at the same time, make sure to wash them first, otherwise the dirt from the windows will drip onto the frame and you’ll have to start all over again.
Most window companies recommend that you wash your windows twice a year to keep them in good condition (especially if they’re old glass), so it makes sense to do some maintenance of the frames at the same time. After all, they’re the things holding your windows steady.
Wash your windows first, then follow up by washing the timber with the method described above. Check the wood over for any noticeable chips or scratches, and if you find them, repair them fast! Leaving these cracks to their own devices will cause them to move up the wood gradually, splitting it and making it vulnerable to damp and rot. Use a high-quality wood putty to patch the cracks and re-coat the wood once applied and dried.
New Zealand is a subtropical climate, so it is humid and carries a lot of moisture in the air. It’s important to note that this moisture will cause expansion and contraction of the timber, which wears it over time, but if you care for it properly a timber joinery frame will last a very long time.
Furthermore, if you live closer to the coast your wood will be exposed to a higher salt content in the air. This ages the wood at a rapid pace, so if you live coastally you should inspect and wash the timber once a month to keep on top of the salt build-up.
Designing and customising your home is one of the greater joys in life, so take the time to add a personal touch that will last you for years. Talk to Atlas Glass, the favourite Auckland glaziers, about retrofitting your existing windows or rebuilding them from scratch today.
With the warmer months approaching, it’s time for your annual spring cleaning, and what better way to start on this project with your double glazed windows? They provide so much help with your home’s thermal insulation that they truly deserve a good scrubbing. Window cleaning may not be your favourite task, but there are ways to make it simple, easy, and fun with some window-cleaning hacks. We share some useful tips to start on this important housework project!
Skip the harmful cleaning chemicals that can be too harsh for you and your windows. Cleaning agents with chemicals can create an electrical charge that will attract more dust that sticks to your windows, creating that infuriating, filmy effect. Plus, it’s easy to DIY a window cleaner that you know is safe and gentle. It’s cheaper, natural, and does a better job as a cleaning agent.
Mix ¼ cup rubbing alcohol with 1/3 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle and fill to top with distilled water. If your windows are covered in hard stains, you can concoct a hard water solution made with vinegar, dish soap, and lemon juice. Spritz and let it sit for 10 minutes. You can then scrub the hard stains away!
Using natural products can also be extra helpful if you have timber joinery, as natural formulas and a soft cloth won’t damage paintwork or glazing when you're cleaning the dirt, dust, insects, and grime off of them.
Microfiber cloths are great to partner with your DIY cleaning solution when you’re cleaning your windows. They are made from synthetic fibres, which are not treated with chemicals, and the way they are constructed means they glide any dust off of the window without gripping the surface. Surface friction is what creates the streaks you sometimes get from paper towels, so you can neatly avoid this frustration and leave your window dust-free.
When it’s possible, time your window cleaning for when it’s cloudy or shady outside. If you clean your windows on a hot sunny day, the sun’s heat may dry your cleaning solution to your window’s glass too quickly. That will leave behind stains and residue that may be harder to scrub away.
Dusty blinds can undo all of the hard work you just exerted cleaning your windows to perfection, but how do you dust blinds easily? You can do this with the help of your kitchen tongs. Just wrap rags around the pair of tongs and secure them with rubber bands. Clamp them onto the blinds and drag left and right to pick up excess dust. Hey presto, clean blinds!
Window screens seem like an impossible cleaning task when you don’t approach it with the right tools; there’s an easier way to do it than beating them with a rag. Use your trusty lint roller—that’s right, a lint roller—to clean off any dust and lint that clings to the wire mesh. You’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration, trust us.
Cleaning windows can be daunting, especially when you have many tall windows in your home. But if you have an air compressor stored away, it can make all the difference. Don’t stress about those hard-to-reach, hard-to-clean places. Instead, blast away the dust and debris with a handheld air compressor!
Putting in an effort to making them sparkling clean can go a long way when it comes to extending the lifespan of your double-glazed windows and wooden frames, and it’s not too hard once you get the hang of it.
The team at Atlas Glass are experts in glazing and double-glazed windows with timber joinery. Our Auckland glaziers can provide you with beautiful windows that you’ll be proud to keep shining, so call us today to give your home a modern touch.
At Atlas Glass, we know that life can throw a lot of unexpected surprises at you. Broken windows are one of those nasty surprises, and they can be inconvenient to deal with if you don’t have the time to replace it or have it fixed right away. In order to keep the inside of your home safe from the elements, especially in the colder and rainier months here in New Zealand, you need to either patch or cover the broken pane (depending on the severity of the damage) until you have time to call in a professional.
So, without any further ado, here’s a quick guide on how to patch or cover a broken window from your resident window experts here at Atlas Glass!
If your window has been chipped by a stray piece of gravel or something similar, then you might not necessarily need to replace the entire pane (unless you want to return your window to an entirely seamless appearance). In this case, your main priority should be preventing the chip from spreading into a crack, which can happen when windows flex in New Zealand’s varying temperatures.
Chips can be sorted relatively easily with some clear nail varnish or some clear drying super glue. First, clean the window thoroughly. Next, layer on the varnish or super glue where the chip is located until the gap appears flush with the rest of the window. This fills the gap enough to prevent it from spreading into a crack.
Keep in mind that this is a structural fix more than an aesthetic one, so although your window will remain intact and continue doing its job against the elements, the area where the chip was will still be visible.
The next level of damage from a chipped window is a cracked one which is, unfortunately, a lot more inconvenient to deal with. Modern glass is designed to hold its shape when other sections of the same pane break. However, if your windows are older, then the crack will most likely spread quickly and create more problems for you. Thus, your biggest priority is once again preventing the spread of damage.
There are a couple of things you want to assess before you decide how you’re going to treat the crack.
Firstly, is there any loose or missing glass?
There might be a crack in the window, but that doesn’t necessarily mean there’s any missing glass. Ever so gently push on the area where the crack is to make sure it’s not going to fall out and shatter while you work. If there is missing glass, your best bet would be to cover the entire pane with a wooden board while you wait for it to be repaired.
Next, how big is the crack?
Depending on the size of the crack, you’ll be able to patch the window in different ways. Assess the crack size and how much water and draft it is likely to let into your home. Intuitively, a larger break means more cold air and rain, while smaller cracks mean less.
Once you’ve got a better idea of how severe the damage is, you can approach patching it in a few different ways:
Plastic. If you are unable to reach both sides of the window, or if the damage is more severe, then you should grab a few sheets of clear plastic or a couple of garbage bags. Measure out your window and add about 3 centimetres of length each side, then cut out squares of plastic to place over the opening. Use a staple gun or nails to secure the sides of the plastic over the window. This plastic will act as your protection against the
The last method for sorting out a cracked or broken window is to cover it with a wooden board, which is the most secure and effective method for keeping the warmth in and the rain out.
First, measure out the width and height of the window pane, and then cut a piece of wood to that size. Then, slot the piece over the frame of your window and nail it into place, making sure that the entire setup is secure before you leave it to withstand the elements. If you’re able to access the outside of the house safely, then it’s a good idea to do this on both sides. However, if that’s an impractical choice then only boarding up the inside is fine as a temporary fix.
The very last step is to call your resident glaziers to come and take a look so that you can have your window back in full working order. They’ll be able to give you advice on the best options for replacing your broken window, as well as an indication of the pricing and timeline for its repair.
With Atlas Glass, your resident Auckland glaziers, you can be sure that the job will be done quickly and painlessly. We’ve been in the business of windows for over 40 years, so we’ll be giving you the best advice and the best price on your window repair. Contact us today for a free quote!
The best way to keep your windows in top condition is to keep them clean. While many people think that this is a simple job, doing it well requires the right tools, and a well-informed technique. No matter what window design you’re working with, cleaning them correctly is a huge step toward extending their lifespan. Cleaning windows improperly can wind up looking unattractive at best, or damaging them at worst. Today, we’ll take a close look at how to best approach the job.
Here’s what you’ll need to get it done quickly and effectively:
• Window Washer
A proper window washer is a lifesaver. It’s worth tracking one down – the kind that uses a removable microfiber cloth on a T-bar. Many people who avoid washing windows do so because they associate the chore with the frustration of trying to wash entire windows with just paper towels. A proper window-washer makes the job quicker, easier, and allows you to reach high up windows safely.
• Squeegee
A squeegee is a rubber bladed tool, used for clearing a window of the leftover cleaning solution. They can generally come apart, so you can clean or replace the blade itself.
• Cleaning Product
Cleaning solutions are generally mixed with water, rather than used straight.
• Bucket
Finally, you’ll need something to keep your cleaning products in! It’s best to use a clean bucket – any dirt or grime in it before you start will be transferred onto the window that you’re trying to clean.
Now that you’ve got your tools in order, it’s time to learn what it takes to clean your windows correctly.
1. Mix Your Cleaning Solution
Start by getting the right ratio of cleaning solution to water in your bucket. Most people tend to assume it won’t matter how much water to cleaning solution they use, but following the manufacturer’s recommendations on the packaging can make more of a difference than you realize!
2. Soak Your Windows
When you begin to use the window washer to gently scrub the solution onto the glass, be sure not to miss any corners. Don’t worry scrubbing for a long time – one or two coats is fine. The most important part of this step is to be aware of how fast the solution is drying. You don’t want it to dry to fast and leave streaks, so you may need to wash very large windows in sections.
3. Dry the Glass
The last step is to use your squeegee to remove the solution. This is the step that a lot of people struggle with, so the best way to approach it is methodically. There are many different techniques that professional window cleaners use, but a way for beginners is to do one horizontal stripe from the top left corner to the top right corner, dry the squeegee with a towel, and then dry the rest of the window with downward strokes, from left to right.
If you’re looking for Auckland glaziers who know windows inside and out, look no further. Atlas Glass are the local glass experts, with over 40 years’ experience, and a number of services, including retrofit double-glazing – great for boosting your home’s insulation in the coming summer months. For more information, contact Atlas Glass today.
If you’re a homeowner, it’s likely you’ve heard of double glazing. It’s a simple technique - two panes of glass with a gas-filled vacuum between them – but it’s an investment you’ll want to protect.
Looking after double-glazed windows is relatively easy, and well worth doing to protect them from wear and tear. It helps to regularly check the seals around the windows, looking for gaps or ruptures – take the time to do this whenever you clean them and you should be alright. While cleaning windows, don’t save the job for a sunny day. Cloudy days are better, as your windows could streak if they dry too quickly. Also ensure you clean them with the right products – certain cleaning products can damage the seals of your double glazing.
Keeping your house dry and ventilated will also improve the lifespan of your double glazing, and help you avoid any moisture build-up between the panes of glass – potentially leading to mould, and subsequent replacement costs.
Today, we go through some of the benefits of double glazing, and why it’s worth maintaining, or replacing if needed.
Heat retention
The most commonly known benefit of double glazing is its heat retention. The extra pane of glass and space between them helps retain much more heat within your building. This makes heating your home and keeping it warm much easier and cheaper.
Sound insulation
Living next to a noisy road, sports stadium, or loud neighbours can be a struggle, but double glazing reduces noise pollution by a significant amount. After living in a double-glazed space, you’ll be surprised at the difference in noise pollution when you visit friends or family without it.
Reduced condensation
By maintaining a stable indoor temperature, the chances of cold air meeting warm air on the inside of your windows is reduced. Choosing double glazing, along with a few other minor changes – like keeping windows uncovered by furniture – can greatly mitigate the risk of winding up with mould in your home.
Longer lasting
Single glazing can weaken with time, sometimes over only a decade or so. Modern double glazing generally lasts at least 20 years, and can last longer with proper care. Double glazing also looks better for longer – single glazing can become dirty or misted much faster over its lifetime.
Adds value
If you’re planning to renovate and sell, double glazing goes a long way to increasing the sale value of your house. Any real estate agent will agree that it makes your house worth more in the eyes of prospective buyers, and much more appealing to certain demographics, such as new families.
Can be retrofitted
If you’ve got single-glazed windows, but would like all the benefits discussed above, retrofit double glazing is absolutely an option for you. Atlas Glass provides the best double glazing NZ has ever seen, offering the greater Auckland area glass cut-to-size and installation. Contact us now for a free quote!
