What Are Glass Railings? Benefits and Things to Consider
What exactly are glass railings? Glass railings typically utilize tempered glass. The tempering process adds structural rigidity and prevents against cracking and damage. Many modern home builders turn to glass railings for their customizable elegant design potential and low maintenance.
Glass railings are the future of railing systems with their sleek design, low required maintenance, and great customization potential. Staircases, decks, walkways, and pools are all great places to utilize glass railings. Not only are glass railing systems versatile and aesthetic, they are also a practical design solution.
There are several reasons you might consider installing a glass railing system in a home or office.
Benefits of Glass Railing Systems:
- Opens up a room and increases visibilityLight and visibility are primary concerns when designing a living space. Glass railing systems provide a cost effective and versatile solution to these design challenges. Add railings to a staircase in your home, around a deck or pool in your backyard, or at your business, to open up any space. Wooden or metal railings can be bulky, decrease visibility, and even block sunlight from entering the room. Glass railing systems; however, offer a sleek design that allows natural sunlight to radiate in and make the space feel much more open.One of the best places to install a glass railing system for increased visibility is around a deck. Do your railings block the view from your deck? Do you wish you could see the view or your children better from your deck? Installing glass railings around your deck eliminates the obstruction of your view and allow you to better enjoy your deck
- Requires little maintenance Unlike wooden railings, glass railing systems require little maintenance. In internal applications, wood systems require continual polishing and staining to preserve their color and shine. When wooden railings are outside, the maintenance required skyrockets. Exposure to sun, wind, and water cause the railings to weather rapidly. Glass railings don’t weather nearly as fast or require regular maintenance. Simply cleaning the glass with soap and water will make them look like new instantly.
- Offers safety and durabilityIn addition to their modern design, glass railing systems are safe and extremely durable. Glass railings provide a way to ensure safety on decks and staircases, preventing the possibility of a fall. They also offer protection from the external elements when installed outdoors. Glass railing systems function as a barrier against strong winds, rain, and heavy snowfall.Glass railings will not corrode due to water exposure, crack due to extreme temperatures, or change color due to any number of factors. The tempered glass panels are designed to withstand all of the possible environmental factors, unlike wooden surfaces. After a couple years, wooden railings are generally weathered and in need of repair or replacement. Glass railings offer excellent durability and will continue to look great for a much longer period of time.
- Customizable to any spaceGlass railing systems are highly customizable, allowing every space to be uniquely designed. Whether you are looking for a completely open room or would like a little more privacy, glass railings can be created to fit those needs. Customize the glass by changing the shape, size, and transparency. For greater privacy, consider blurring or frosting the surface of the glass.
Custom Stairwell Glass
Additional Points of Consideration with Glass Railing Systems
While glass railings are becoming increasingly popular, there are a few things to consider as you design and select a product:
- Glass railing systems require often cleaning
- As a transparent material, glass does not allow for much privacy
- Glass railings require an investment for the high quality and durable material
Connect with nvision Glass today
We work closely with companies and businesses to help determine their commercial window and glass installation needs. Ultimately we aim to offer you a wide range of commercial glass solutions including: storefront glass, glass curtain walls and glass partitions. We also handle custom sizing and specifications, with the experience you would expect from industry experts. Contact nvision Glass in Reno or nvision Glass in Las Vegas for more information or for a project estimate.
What Are Glass Partitions?
Glass partitions or glass partition walls are high-quality, non load-bearing panes of glass that function as room dividers. They are great for opening up a room and creating open, airy work environments. Partition wall systems are typically full glass (ceiling to wall) partitions. Aluminum frames or other mounting hardware hold these systems in place.
As a building material, this interior glass allows designers and architects to divide a room, without sacrificing floor space and light diffusion. These walls are ideal for creating comfortable and practical office working environments. When you allow natural light to flow into a given space, it changes how shapes, colors, patterns, textures and people interact. Glass partitions are also one of the simplest ways to update an office or commercial space.
These glazing systems systems are gaining in popularity over traditional drywall installations. Interior designers and architects both appreciate these glass wall systems for their scalability and translucent properties. What are the best glass designs for partitions?
Advantages of Glass Partitions:
- Over time are often more affordable than traditional building materials like drywall.
- These commercial glass systems are scalable.
- You can reconfigure and move the walls to accommodate a wide array of needs.
- As compared to sheetrock, glass partitions are a less permanent and more mobile solution.
- Given their opacity, glass walls allow natural light into a work space.
- Reduces your need for additional lighting.
- Greater transparency.
- Customers, clients and employees all appreciate seeing who they’re working with.
- Creates a greater feeling of openness and connectivity.
Aluminum Framed Walls vs. Full Glass Partition Walls
Aluminum framed walls
These fully framed systems are best suited for use in offices and retail spaces. Partition walls also have residential applications as well. A framed partition wall system creates rooms and separates work areas. Consider your office design or retail space needs as you select these glass modules. In many cases, installation is simple for a trained installer.
Material Composition
Aluminum is typically the preferred building material for holding framed glass partitions in place. This light-weight material lends sufficient rigidity and prevents against corrosion. The surface of the aluminum framing is sometimes finished with natural anodization or powder coated. Slimmer profile systems are yet another partition solution to consider.
Each framed module may also be specified with various infills. Each glass pane is fixed in the framed module with a special transparent silicon sealing, making the transition from glass to aluminum nearly invisible. You may also spec a partition with tempered glass (clear, tinted or opaque) or melamine, MDF, veneer, PVC or acrylic boards.
Doors and Mounting Hardware
An aluminum profiled partition wall system may include typical aluminum framed hinged doors or sliding doors with a bottom guide track. Systems may also incorporate suspended doors with an upper guide track. This leaves the floor surface free from tripping hazards. Recessed door handles and surface mounted rail or pull handles are other options to consider. Locking systems typically incorporate narrow profile locks intended for use in aluminum doors.
Full glass walls
These are full floor to ceiling glass installations. Given their minimum profile, full glass walls leave nearly the entire glass wall area free. These systems create the most airy of working environments.
Material Composition
Most all systems utilize glass and aluminum mounting hardware.
Doors and Mounting Hardware
Full glass systems may be combined with hinged or sliding doors by using specialized hardware.
To ensure safety, glass panes are always tempered and the visible edges are polished. The vertical joint remaining between the two glass panes is filled with transparent silicon or acrylic foam tape to ensure rigidity and sound resistance.
Where needed, vertical profiles connect the glass pane and wall. Opaque and tinted glass panes provide opportunities for creating unique and private rooms. You can also apply decorative films and stickers for company logos or other directional text.
Connect with nvision Glass today.
We work closely with companies and businesses to help determine their commercial window and glass installation needs. Ultimately we aim to offer you a wide range of commercial glass solutions including: storefront glass, glass curtain walls and glass partitions. We also handle sizing and specifications for custom windows, with the experience you would expect from industry experts. Contact nvision Glass in Reno or nvision Glass in Las Vegas for more information or for a project estimate.
What Are Glass Curtain Walls?
Glass Curtain Walls
Glass curtain walls are lightweight aluminum-framed facades housing glass or metal panels. These glazing systems don’t support the weight of a roof or floor. Instead, gravity loads and wind resistance transfer from the surface to the building’s floor line. Curtain walls are often part of a building envelope or comprises one part of a wall system. Each glazing system requires careful integration with other adjacent structural elements such as wall claddings, roofs, and wall details. Curtain wall systems range from standard prefabricated systems to specialized custom wall units. Increased costs often come with additional customization and larger sizing.
These aluminum framed glass wall systems are a hallmark of modern architecture, dating back to the 1930’s. Increases in the availability of inexpensive bulk aluminum following WWII led to their popularity and wide-spread adoption.
Glass curtain walls are not exclusive to commercial applications. They also provide viable glazing solutions for residences as well.
The Differences Between Stick and Unitized or “Modular” Glass Curtain Wall Systems:
Fabrication and installation methods classify glass curtain walls into two general categories: stick systems and unitized or modular systems. Stick systems, utilize a frame made up of millions and glass or opaque panels. These panels are designed and installed as a unitized system.
Unitized systems are composed of large units that are assembled and glazed in the factory. The installer or builder then receives and erects the glass sections on the building site. Each vertical and horizontal mullion in each module mates together with adjoining modules. Typical units are five to six feet wide, while modules range in dimension. The standard size is around one story tall and one module wide; however each section may incorporate multiple modules.
Interior and Exterior Glass Curtain Walls:
Unitized and modular glass curtain wall systems work as both interior and exterior glazing applications. Each offers various advantages and disadvantages. Interior glazed systems allow for glass or opaque panel installation into the curtain wall openings from the interior of the building. These systems typically require specific design per their application.
Exterior glazing systems work well for low rise construction projects that allow for easy access to the exterior of the building. Larger high-rise construction projects may require interior glazing. This is due to the logistics of accessing and replacing multiple stories of glass. These systems often require scaffolding or booms to access the exterior of the curtain wall when repairing or replacing components. Some curtain wall systems may be glazed from either the interior or exterior of the building.
Glass Curtain Wall System Types:
- Pressure-equalized rain screen systems are the best if you need a system to resist air and water infiltration. A gasket surrounds the face of the glass and creates a pressure equalized chamber that forms an airtight barrier. The outside face of the glass and accompanying exterior glazing materials with the aluminum framing create a rain screen and shed water away. These systems also do a fair job of transferring wind loads.
- Water-managed systems incorporate drains and weeps. These systems are designed to resist water infiltration, but they make no effort to create an air barrier or “zone-glaze”. This means that a larger amount of water is forced into the system and must be weeped away. Since no air barrier exists, the pressure differential between the glazing pocket and the interior may be strong enough to force water vertically higher than interior gaskets. This results in leaks.
- Face-sealed systems require continuous and perfect seals between each glass unit, it’s frame and between all other frame members. The long-term durability of these seals is minimal. Patching these systems may require glazing tape.
Glass Curtain Walls and Thermal Efficiency:
The thermal efficiency of a glass curtain wall system depends on the glazing infill panel and the frame construction. Since Aluminum has a high degree of Thermal conductivity it can transfer energy (heat) very rapidly. This results in energy loss. Implementing thermal breaks constructed of non-conductive materials is a common practice that increases energy efficiency.
Improving heat efficiency also depends on the use of low-e and spectrally selective glass coatings. High performance coatings can significantly increase insulation and improve comfort for a building’s occupants. With a glazed curtain wall, the challenges is in balancing the desire for more natural daylight versus managing heat loss and gain. Having too much uncontrolled light can also result in glare. The goal is to find the right materials and glazes that will meet a building’s requirements.
Connect with nvision Glass today.
We work closely with companies and businesses to help determine their commercial window and glass installation needs. Ultimately we aim to offer you a wide range of commercial glass solutions including: storefront glass, glass curtain walls, and glass partitions. We also handle sizing and specifications for custom windows, with the experience you would expect from industry experts. Contact nvision Glass in Reno or nvision Glass in Las Vegas for more information or for a project estimate.
Unlock the potential of modern architecture for your commercial or residential project with nvision Glass. Whether it’s a sleek and contemporary look or enhanced energy efficiency you desire, our glass curtain wall solutions have you covered.
Connect with us today to explore our range of commercial glass options, including storefront glass, glass curtain walls, and custom window solutions. Let’s bring your vision to life!
Residential curtain wall systems.
Like commercial glass curtain walls, residential curtain wall systems envelope buildings in non-structural glass and aluminum facades that transfer loads and resistance to the building’s main structure. These glazing systems utilize thermally broken heavy duty glass panes for optimal heat efficiency. The mullions, transoms and sealings provide further functional and structural benefits including resistance to:
- Rust,
- Temperature expansion,
- Seismic forces,
- Water,
- & Air.
These state of the art glass shells protect the interior from the elements and create a safe and comfortable living environment, all with optimal thermal performance for building occupants. Glass curtain wall systems also feature heavily in commercial applications. The practical glass and aluminum construction of modern residential curtain wall systems define modern residential architecture.
How do you install residential curtain wall systems?
You can retro-fit your home with a variety of residential curtain wall systems and glass partition walls, as long as you’re mindful of your load-bearing walls. Because glass curtain walls are not load bearing, you can’t simply replace any wall with a glass and aluminum structure. If a wall is not load bearing, the install is simple.
All glass curtain wall systems begin with lightweight and durable aluminum framing. Proper measurements are crucial before a manufacturer cuts the components to size. Once the components arrive on-site, an installer double checks measurements and confirms the fitment of each frame. With the frame in place, glass planes then go into place. The installer then reconfirms fitment and the installation is complete.
In most every instance, glass residential curtain wall systems require custom specifications and fitting. There is no one-size-fits all – each project is unique.
How long does it take to install a residential curtain wall system?
The manufacturing process often takes the longest amount of time. This is the number one consideration when estimating installation is lead time. Depending on the accuracy of the on-site measurements, lead time between order and installation can take between 4 and 10 weeks. Other factors like size and complexity create added variables for glass curtain wall manufacturers that can extend lead time.
With proper planning and preparation, lead times may be cut in half. An effective project manager should be able to ensure a rapid installation.
Contact nvision Glass Today
We work closely with companies and business to help determine their commercial window and glass installation needs. Ultimately we aim to offer you a wide range of commercial glass solutions including: storefront glass, glass curtain walls and glass partitions. We also handle sizing and specifications of custom windows, with the experience you would expect from industry experts. Contact nvision Glass in Reno or nvision Glass in Las Vegas for more information or for a project estimate.
Glass Curtain Walls, Storefront Glass and Glass Partitions are all non-structural, aesthetic glazings.
Consider glass curtain walls, storefront glass and glass partitions when modernizing a commercial retail or office space. Each of these modern glazing systems are energy efficient, non load-bearing aluminum framed functional options.
There’s a level of sexiness and curb appeal that comes with an exceptionally designed space. Good design communicates not only to your customers and clients, but also to you and your employees.
Consider the benefits of an office space designed around collaboration, cross pollination and interaction – one that eliminates hierarchy.
What if your glass design presented an attractive image that invited customers and clients in to check you out?
How might large glass panes that allow light to stream into the space effect the mood and overall feel of your space?
What effect might these design choices have on everyone who interacts with your business?
Here’s what you need to know about these commercial glass solutions:
Glass partition walls are one of the simplest ways to update your space and incorporate your more modern taste. These offer huge advantages over traditional building materials like drywall. Not only do these systems improve the aesthetics of a given space, but they also promote co-worker connectivity and openness.
These glass systems are gaining in popularity with interior designers for their scalability and translucent properties. When you allow natural light to flow into a given space, it changes how shapes, colors, patterns, textures and people interact.
Glass Partition Wall Design Advantages:
- Despite their higher initial cost, glass partition walls are over time often more affordable than traditional building materials like drywall.
- These commercial glass systems are scalable, meaning that they can be reconfigured and moved to accommodate your widest array of needs. Sheetrock is a more permanent and often immovable fixture.
- Glass partition walls afford greater transparency. Not simply because they are glass, but because your customers, clients and employees can peer into them. This creates a greater feeling of openness and connectivity.
Your customer’s first impression of your building depends on your storefront. A storefront with gleaming commercial glass doors communicates much more than what your business does, it communicates your tastes, aesthetic and who you are not only as a company, but as people. Updating your storefront glass makes a statement about your business and the type of clients you want to attract.
Adding proper storefront glass may also increase the value of your building or space. In addition to its aesthetic advantages, installing a new glass front reduces energy and power costs. This can help keep your commercial space cooler in the summer and warmer in winter.
Storefront Glass Design Advantages:
- Refreshed storefront glass doors instantly enhance the curb appeal and sexiness of your business or company.
- Properly installed storefront glass results in long-term energy savings and energy efficiency.
- Using greater amounts of storefront glass allows more natural light to filter in and illuminate your retail space.
A glass curtain wall system is essentially a non-structural glass facade. This modern glass alternative is often a lightweight and often cost-effective solution to traditional building design and materials.
This system is not load-bearing, meaning that doesn’t carry any dead load weight from the building other than its own dead load weight. The wall transfers horizontal wind loads that are incident upon it to the main building structure through connections at floors or columns of the building.
A curtain wall is also particularly advantageous for use in Nevada as it resists air and water infiltration, sway induced by wind and seismic forces acting on the building. Curtain wall glass systems differ from other glazing systems in that they span multiple floors, and take into consideration design requirements.
With several different designs and styles, curtain walls update the physical presence of any business. These systems are also available for your personal residence.
Glass Curtain Wall Design Advantages:
- Given its translucent nature, glass curtain wall systems allow for natural light to penetrate deeper into your office space or commercial storefront.
- Curtain walls are thermally efficient, which results in cost effective heating, cooling and lighting throughout your building.
- Curtain walls increase curb appeal and instantly modernize the look of your building or office space.
- Materials for glass curtain walls are often more cost effective and easier to install as opposed to traditional building materials and facades.
Contact nvision Glass Today
We work closely with companies and business to help determine their window and glass installation needs. Ultimately we aim to offer you a wide range of commercial glass doors and windows including: storefront glass, glass curtain walls and glass partitions. We also handle sizing and specifications for custom windows, with the experience you would expect from industry experts. Contact nvision Glass in Reno or nvision Glass in Las Vegas for more information or for a project estimate.
Storefront Glass is Your Commercial Glass Solution
First impressions are important, especially when building connections and this is no different when potential customers view your storefront. As a business or storefront owner, you might be in search of an affordable, yet effective way to refresh your aging storefront glass. A large storefront glass is perhaps the most effective commercial glass solution. Here are several aspects of modern storefront glass that you may not have considered.
Materials
Architects and designers are incorporating greater amounts of modern building materials like aluminum and glass. These sleek, sophisticated materials lend an air of elegance and simplicity to your storefront. Clean lines, hard edges and crisp geometry are synonymous with what we consider modern and contemporary.
Material choice for your storefront glass also makes an impact when it comes to energy efficiency. Energy-star rated glass is the better known choice when ensuring maximum performance and energy efficiency. For extra energy performance, insulated and tinted glass can afford added efficiency to keep things cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Durability and security may also be considerations. Often in those situations, Plexiglas is the most suitable option.
The material for the window frame depends on the building’s architecture as well as how the interior of your business is designed. Usually, frames are made using hybrid aluminum-PVC, vinyl, PVC, aluminum, and wood for the appearance and the added durability it provides.
Security Considerations
Commercial storefront glass is versatile – it can be configured to fit any desired opening or entrance from storefronts to back warehouses. Glass doors may also be fitted with a myriad of security access options. Frameless glass doors are also available when design and cosmetic appeal are priorities. Commercial glass doors often come with any number of hardware, ranging from standard door handles and closers to fully automated closers, access controls, and custom handles. Special hardware is also available for high traffic entrances or where wind might be a factor.
Commercial storefront glass windows also come with a variety of security options ranging from window locks to alarms and secure glass. Plexiglas, as well as reinforced glass, both help to prevent glass panes from shattering.
About nvision Glass – Commercial Storefront Glass in Reno
We work closely with companies and business to help determine their commercial window and glass installation needs. Ultimately we aim to offer you a wide range of solutions for your business’s storefront glass. We also handle sizing and specifications for custom windows, with the experience you would expect from industry experts. Contact nvision Glass in Reno or nvision Glass in Las Vegas for more information or for a project estimate.
Northern Nevada Window Replacement
Retrofitting Your Window
nvision GlassTM completed a custom windows replacement project which ended up being very cost effective for the owner. We used a Flush Fin retro fitting around the existing window frame without disturbing the stucco for a clean and cost effective solution. Sometimes the simpler solution is the right one. We love the opportunity to do designs for custom windows, but we enjoy it even more when we can properly serve our customers.
The Process
The replacement project was unique because of the arch designs in the windows. The house had a little more personality because of these windows and we didn’t want to change that. Yet, you can see a weathered and outdated frame in the ‘before picture,’ which needed an attractive boost. We decided to go with the white Flush Fin Retro fit because it brought out a healthy glow and liveliness to the home
nvision Glass
If you are interested in replacing or upgrading window features in your Reno NV home, think nvision GlassTM. We also provide commercial glass services from curtain walls to storefront glass. Contact us today to learn more about our honest, quality custom glasswork and custom windows. Find our windows in Las Vegas and Reno.
Reno Tahoe Custom Homes
Window Installation in Reno’s Somersett Community
This project turned out beautifully. Somersett is a very nice community located on the outskirts of Northwest Reno. nvision Glass was able to work closely with the owner and designer of the home to create custom windows opening that used incoming light to add to their vision of a very open feeling floor plan.
We used Anderson Windows 100 Series that have a composite frame, Low-E glass standard, and full-perimeter weatherstripping for greater energy efficiency.
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