Commercial Applications of Smart Glass

Smart Glass is the popular term used to describe electronically switchable glass. A small electrical current changes the opacity of the glass pane so that once can control the transparency of the surface. This is "electric frosting" can done via a wall switch, light sensors, movement sensors or a remote control. The fact that the methods of control range from basic a dimmer switch and to mass integration into a building's or vehicle's intelligent control system mean that there are hundreds of options available to architect and engineers today.

Typically Smart Glass refers to an entire glass sheet that was manufactured specifically for this purpose but some suppliers offer the cheaper alternative of pasting electronically-controlled laminates into existing surfaces. Such laminates do tend to have a lower lifespan and are not recommended for commercial applications. The term sometimes also applies to when an electro-chromatic function is added to plastic polymers for a similar transparency control.

Building Facades, Skylights, Doors and Windows

Smart Glass surfaces have the benefit of controlling both privacy and the amount of light that is allows into the interior of a building. Allowing more natural light into the building reduces heating requirements in winter and allowing less light into the building in summer reduces glare as well as cooling costs. Apart from lower building energy usage the switchable glass provides an elegant solution to privacy control. Intuitive Systems can be installed to automatically respond to light levels or individual installations can be controlled by the room occupant.

Hospitality Interiors

Hospitality suppliers often use Smart Glass for privacy screen between areas (Bathroom/bedroom), external windows, doors as well as toilet or shower cubicles. Glass partitioning in larger areas such as conference rooms, bars and restaurants is often installed with flexibility in mind and features such as mobile screens and projection screens commonly provide this flexibility.

Medical Interiors

Smart Glass is inherently easier to clean and more hygienic than traditional blinds and will often be used to create modern post operation and isolation single-bed units. In such delicate environments, extra care must be taken to protect those who are most vulnerable to infection, patients and healthcare personnel. In examination areas, privacy on demand is a concept that allows practitioners to select opacity levels of the glass walls to suit the needs of the moment.

Some manufacturers can even tailor the units to suit varying healthcare requirements such as fire rated, x-ray proof and impact resistant glass.

Marine and Aviation Applications

Glass itself is often too heavy to be considers for wide scale applications in Marine and Aviation engineering so most "Smart Glass" is actually more accurately described as a "Smart Polymer". These lightweight cousins of smart glass still operate on the principle of electronically switchable opacity and include: windows, partitions and cabin dividers.

Rail and Car

The two main concerns when installing electric glass partitions on trains, trams cars and similar car driver privacy and security.

Kiosks and Promotional Cubicles

A kiosk with controllable opacity allows for dramatic effect whether you are displaying a large product such as a car or are projecting visual media onto the walls of your display. Different portions of such cubicles can be controlled separately and can add an enticing element to launches, information based displays and sales points.

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Fitting UPVC Windows For a Stylish and Functional Home

Whether you're building a new home or making over your exist ting home, fitting UPVC windows can transform your residence both in terms of style and functionality. These windows bring a rich array of advantages to any home - they're stylish, durable, eco-friendly, easy to clean and maintain and highly weather resistant. What's more, they can be very easy to install. Look for more fire rated windows.

UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, also known as PVC-U) is an attractive material available in a wide range of colours and finishes. You can opt for a plain bright white or choose from a number of photo effect wood-finishes to achieve the look you want for your windows.

It's also a highly durable material that will give you a lifetime of use. UPVC windows will handle anything the elements can throw at them whether sun, rain, snow or frost; and they won't discolour, warp, crack, peel, rust, corrode or tarnish.

It's also an eco-friendly material. For one thing, it can be recycled. There's also the matter of better insulation. As it's harder than wood, UPVC is better at retaining heat which makes for buildings which are more energy efficient.

These windows are easy to take care of, too. Just wash your window frames with soap and water every now and again and they'll keep looking spanking new for years and years. There's no need for painting or sealing as with wood.

Another big plus for UPVC windows is their ease of installation. Fitting windows was long an involved process the good news is that fitting UPVC windows is a breeze if you use an adjustable steel fixing strap.

These items are compatible with all window types and can handle all cavity widths. These straps come in sizes of 100-200 mm with a few firms offering sizes of 250mm to fit wider cavities.

This approach makes fitting UPVC windows a snap. The steel strap clips and locks onto the outer window frame. There's no need for screws or other fixings. Once the window is positioned in the aperture, the strap is just screwed to the interior blockwork to secure the window in position.

One consideration when dealing with UPVC windows is that of trickle vents. These are small openings integrated into window frames that allow natural ventilation when the windows are closed. In this way, they lower the generally humidity in your home.

Excessive humidity can cause a number of problems including condensation and growth of mould. Trickle vents also reduce the need for you to keep your windows open which could result in increased energy consumption, draughts and a higher risk of break ins. Trickle vents on windows are now compulsory on all new builds and extensions but not on replacement windows.

When fitting UPVC windows, you need to also consider the matter of the cavity fire barrier. The fact is that wall cavities are at risk for fire and installing barriers is a must.

When it comes to fitting windows into apertures whether new-build or replacement, there are a number of important considerations, especially if you're carrying out the work yourself.

Handling glass is dangerous so be sure to wear appropriate safety equipment.

As UPVC Windows are not designed to be load bearing, a lintel may be required above the window.

Next, a cavity fire barrier is essential. Cavities are hidden areas with the potential for fires to spread. What's more, building Regulations require cavity barriers to be used around wall openings and junctions.

You can use cavity fire barriers to stop the spread of fire in the cavity. Made from compressible mineral wool, fire rated cavity closers are not only environmentally friendly but also afford considerable fire protection

Using an adjustable steel fixing strap allows the rapid fitting of UPVC windows and can handle all types of window and cavity widths. It's the fast, convenient way to add new windows to your new or existing dwelling.

UPVC is truly the material of choice when it comes to modern windows, doors and other house components. To find the best deals for your home, visit the web sites of online vendors and choose the right windows for your home. Then get ready to find out how easy fitting UPVC windows can be.

Window Safety Tips

Windows are a vital component of every household. They provide us with a view of the outside world, from the comfort of the inside. We open them up during the hotter months for fresh breathing air, while closing them during the winter to insulate us from the cold. And in the event of an emergency, windows act as a secondary exit option to escape from a dangerous situation.

However beneficial and vital they are to our lives, windows also pose a great risk to children. While accidental window falls and injuries aren't an everyday occurrence, they do happen. And window cords also pose a safety threat. Nearly 200 infants and young children have perished since 1990 due to accidental window cord strangling, according to the Window Covering Safety Council (WSCS). More of fire rated windows.

Despite these risks, taking the proper safety measures can reduce the likelihood of window-related injuries. It is also important to remember the value of maintaining and practicing a family emergency plan.

Practice an emergency exit plan

In the event of a fire, windows act as a secondary means of escape from a burning building. Every home should have a fire escape plan in place that includes two exit options for each room. Not only is it important to develop an emergency plan, it is vital that you practice it with your family as well. This will allow your children to safely learn how to exit from a window in emergency situations.
Keep the unforeseen threat of an emergency situation in mind when performing window maintenance upkeep. Painted or nailed shut windows lessen your exit options in situations where their accessibility could be vital. Avoid installing air conditioning units in windows that are the only emergency exit option in a particular room.

If you're thinking about installing safety guards or fall prevention devices on your windows, make sure to also have a release mechanism in place so they can be opened in emergency situations. Security bars or similar devices make windows useless during emergencies if they don't have a release mechanism. Contact your local fire department or building code supervisor for information on proper window guard placement.

Cordless window shades

Because of the strong strangulation risk window cords pose onto small children, the best remedy is to remove them from your home and install cordless window shades instead.

All window coverings purchased before 2001 - when new window safety standards came into effect - should be replaced as well. One feature common on several new models is the break-thru safety tassel, which is designed to break if a child becomes entangled in the cord loop. Some new windows actually have blinds built into the interior that can be opened and closed through operation of a lever - removing the risk of strangulation altogether.

If money or other factors prevent you from buying new window shades, consider retrofitting your current ones. Free retro kits can be ordered through the WSCS Web site. The link can be found at the bottom of this article.

Additionally, it is important to never place any cribs, playpens, beds or any type of low-standing furniture near a window, especially in your child's room. When possible, the best option is to place all child-related furniture against a windowless wall.

Discourage play near windows

When children are around, make sure your windows are locked and closed. If you need fresh air open windows inaccessible to children. Keep anything that can be used as a climbing aid, such as furniture, away from the windows as well.

As said before, these measures are not a guaranteed safeguard from window falls and related injuries. While they do help in reducing the likelihood of a window-related injury, adult supervision is always the most effective tool in ensuring child safety around windows.

Air Sealing Tips For the Home

Air sealing is a low cost, do it yourself project that can save you up to 20% on your heating and cooling costs according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Some homeowners are concerned with making the home to tight. This is unlikely in an older home. If you are concerned with the air quality, hire a home energy rater to test your home.

We will start in the attic and work our way down the house and to the exterior.

Attic

Seal penetrations in the wall plates -- Move back the insulation enough to expose the wall plates. Seal around wires and pipes with caulk or spray foam such as Great Stuff. This is a good place to use a fire rated caulk or foam product. In most areas it is required for new construction. Check with your local code official. Caulk both sides of the wall plate where it meets the drywall or plaster with latex caulk.

Chases should be properly sealed off and were almost always left open in older homes allowing air to easily pass though. Use plywood or drywall to cap off the chase. Cut around wires and pipes as close as possible and seal the remaining voids with caulk or spray foam.

Attic hatches - These are often a big loss of air in the home. Install an attic tent or build a box out of foam insulation board to cover the hatch. The high r foam with a foil face works the best. Use a foil face mechanical tape to hold the box together. Do not use duct tape. It will come apart in time. Also use a foam weatherstrip around the hatch door when possible. If your home has a whole house fan, build a box for it too when its not in use.

Living Space

Electrical boxes -- Caulk switch and receptacle boxes. Turn off the circuit breaker and test to be sure the power is off. Remove the wall plate with a screwdriver and caulk between the box and the drywall with latex caulk. Install a foam weatherstrip gasket and replace the wall plate. Use a damp rag to clean up any excess caulk from the wall. Turn the circuit breaker back on.

Plumbing pipes -- Check under all sinks where the pipes go through the wall. Slide back the escutcheons (trim plate) and seal around the water and drain pipes with caulk or spray foam.

Heating and cooling registers -- Remove the grill with a screwdriver and caulk or spray foam between the duct work and the drywall or flooring material. Replace the grill.

Dryer vent -- Caulk or spray foam between the metal pipe and the drywall.

Basement/Crawlspace

Seal penetrations in wall plates -- Same as in the attic.

Chases -- Same as in the attic.

Sill plates -- Seal where the sill plate meets the foundation with caulk or spray foam.

Exterior

Seal penetrations in the siding -- Caulk around electrical wires and conduits, hose bibs and air conditioning line sets with a good quality siding or window and door caulk.

Windows and doors - Inspect around windows and doors for breaks in the caulking. Use a good quality latex or window and door caulk.

Caulking

Latex -- water clean up, paintable, usually white or clear.

Silicone -- difficult to clean up, usually not paintable, comes in white, clear, brown and other colors.

Fire retardant -- use at fire stopping locations such as sealing penetrations in wall plates or chases.

Spray Foams

Standard -- great for sealing voids around pipes and wires.

Window and door -- less expansion, prevents binding of windows and doors due to the foam over expanding and pressing on the jambs. Install a fire rated windows.

Fire retardant -- use at fire stopping locations such as sealing penetrations in wall plates or chases.

Spray foams can be messy! Use caution when applying. Allow it several hours to cure before trimming away excess. Very stick until cured.

Do not seal: weep holes (in brick and windows and doors including storm windows), the bottom edge of lap siding, attic or foundation vents.

Process of Replacing a Broken Window

The following is a step by step guide to replace a broken window. It's not an extremely hard project, but you'll need a few guidelines to follow. One hint to remember is that if the window you are replacing is a large one you may want to remove the entire frame, lay it on a flat surface, and reinstall the glass in this manner.

The first thing you will need to do is to remove all of the remaining glass, being careful for small pieces that will be hard to see. Use heavy protective gloves if possible. Pull one piece of broken glass out at a time and have a bucket or other receptacle handy to place the old pieces in. You will need to remove and discard any putty that is connected to the glass pieces also. When this is finished, remove all old putty inside the frame. Use a putty knife or wood chisel for this. Don't try to remove large pieces of the putty at once, as you may crack the window frame. If the frame includes small metal triangles called glazier's points, you will need to remove them. After removing the old putty and metal pieces use the point of your knife to smooth out any rough areas or your new glass may not fit properly.

It's recommended that you take a cloth dipped in linseed oil, and wipe the entire frame down with it .Linseed oil helps keep the putty from drying out too quickly.

Next you will need to apply a very thin layer of new putty all the way around the frame where the new glass will be set.Try not to apply the putty too thick. A thin layer of putty on the window frame gives it a cushion for the new glass to be placed in. It also helps stop the leakage of air around the glass.

Now you are ready to install the new pane of glass. To do this you need to make sure the glass is the exact size you need. The new pane of glass should be a fraction of an inch smaller then the window area. Insert the new pane gently. Press into place firmly but carefully. While holding the pane in place, insert new glazier's points. Use the glaziers points all around the window for a good hold. Insert the new windowpane into the frame carefully. When this is finished slide a glazing tool along the frame.Mold some putty until it is pliable and smooth. Roll into strips about the size of a pencil. Lay the strip in the frame completely around the new piece of glass, and smooth with a putty knife.Let the putty dry slightly, and replace into window spot.

Some tools you might need for this project is a glass cutter, paint if you plan to repaint the window frame, a putty knife, gloves for protection, a chisel or knife and pliers.

More of fire rated windows.

Glass Block Windows

Glass block windows today are no longer simply the clear, colorless, functional cubes of the block of yesteryear. As Emeril Lagasse would say these blocks have kicked it up a notch! Yes, the benefits of the product's past still hold true -increased security and hard to break, greater energy efficiency than the windows they're replacing, and increased privacy. Contemporary block windows take it to the next level - they're cooler, hipper, safer, easier to install, and environmentally friendly. Let's take a peek at what's new:

Hot Styles and Patterns for your windows

Boring is out, cool is in! Why go colorless when you can match the hottest design colors today. With the new wave of blocks color match (or contrast) your blocks to your tiles, your walls, your furniture, whatever you desire. Put a stripe of color in a clear wall, or just randomly put some color blocks into a wall for style and pop.

In addition to colors there are now artistically & decorative colored glass blocks with murals to stretch your imagination. There are over 60 standard murals you can put into windows, walls or custom design a scene for your exact tastes and interests. Some of the predesigned murals include:

o Places - Manhattan, Acropolis, Santori, and Rome.

o Flowers - Lilies, Iris, Tulips, & Hibiscus.

o Interests - Golf, other sports.

o Famous artists' - Warhol, Van Gogh, Miro, Michelangelo, Picasso.

Cool new patterns are available in the blocks and also bevels are cut onto the blocks with the new products manufactured today. Pittsburgh Corning has come out with Bevel Series line where numerous architectural designs can really put a distinctive edge on your windows and walls. There is a pattern which can remind of you of the sea, called Seascapes from Pittsburgh Corning or Bubble from Mulia. Also there is a Focus pattern block with a circle in the center - very contemporary & hot! Architects, designers, and homeowners alike will have fun making unique windows and walls with these products.

Fire Resistance and Security to Keep You Safe

The thickness of blocks (they are can range from approximately 2" to 4" thick depending on the size and style) have always been recognized as an excellent deterrent to minimize break-ins, but the following new features make today's blocks even more secure and fire resistant.

o 60 minute and 90 minute fire rated security glass blocks - Pittsburgh Corning and Mulia both make fire rated window assemblies that allow a homeowner, commercial developer or home builder the option to meet fire codes while simultaneously providing light and privacy to those occupying the buildings and homes. If you're looking to get light into multi family housing units, tight lots for new homes, stairwells, or corridors the 60 or 90 minute fire-rated blocks might be the design answer for you.

o Vistabrik security glass blocks for safety - If you're looking for the ultimate in window security the Vistabrik product from Pittsburgh Corning is for you. This product is 3" of solid glass, graffiti resistant, and excellent used in either public building or retail spaces where security is of the utmost concern - heavy blocks, incredibly hard to break.

Easier to Install Glass Block Windows & Better for the Environment

Whether you're looking to install blocks in a new home, commercial building, or remodeling an existing space the systems and processes have never been easier. Here are some basic installation recommendations to consider:

o Upper floor windows or wood framed openings - For frame openings consider the Vinyl Wrap Glass Block window system in new construction or remodeling projects. This product, which is available either with or without an integral nailing fin, installs just like a traditional vinyl window and is siliconed together for an all glass look. Some of the more popular uses have been above a soaking or Jacuzzi tub in a bathroom, over a shower surround in a smaller bathroom, garage windows, walk in closet windows, and in stairwells.

o Improve health concerns, increase ventilation, and improve the environment - with this product you don't have to block up the entire window system. In residential and commercial application the use of vinyl ventilation products has become quite common. Standard air vents can be used in any location of the window and there are even exhaust fans, dryer vent options, and removable sash windows. Since glass blocks are extremely long lasting and durable they are a green friendly product as well.

The glass block windows of today truly are cooler, more secure and safer, and easier and more flexible to use than ever before.

Install you a fire rated windows also for your additional protection.

Exterior Window Shades

Exterior window shades are window treatments that are usually hanged or attached to the exterior of the window. They are usually quite large to cover up multiple windows or at least cover a large area that will serve as protection from the heat of the sun. An external shade or awning can offer shelter for kids to play outdoors. They can be on open air and still be shaded from direct sunlight.

Shades Using Awnings

Awnings are much more effective at keeping heat out of the house than curtains or internal shadings, mainly because they stop rays before they even pass through the window. Studies show that it can be as much as 20 Celsius cooler under one than on the Sun, but it takes no college degree to realize that shade is better to stay in than the raging sun at 1 PM in the middle of the summer.

Shapes, Sizes and Types

Exterior shades come in all shapes and sizes, they can be manually operated or electric motor driven but every one of them serves one purpose; they keep your rooms cooler and indirectly electric bills lower. During the summer you can stay under them during a quick rain.

Manually operated models need to be retracted when winds get too strong, motorized variations may pull the fabric back if they detect that certain circumstances are not in favor of its longevity.

Not all shades are awnings; you can keep it simple and easy. External shades act like one with the only difference that they are parallel to the window they are on. This solution has its benefits over an awning. These advantages include less time spent on maintenance and a more reasonable space consumption.

The window shades are also available in manually operated and motorized variations that mainly differ in their price and the ease with which they can be operated. The motorized shades are usually advised to be installed in hard to get to windows like large windows that are hanged in the second floor. There is nothing more convenient that an exterior window shade that knows when to go up or down, or one that can be controlled from the comfort of your couch.

Materials

Exterior window shades are usually manufactured using strong fabrics that are weather resistant and durable. The old traditional window protections use wood but with new technologies, the most popular material used to manufacture these shades are vinyl. They are durable, easy to maintain and provides great protection from the sun. Sunscreen panels are also quite popular and shades that have multiple layers of fabric as protection.

Fire rated windows is also one of the protection used for house windows.