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Why You Need Proper Pool Fencing and Balustrading

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It cannot be overstated the importance of having the proper fencing around your pool. There are a number of reasons why, but the most important is preventing children from falling into the pool and drowning. Even if you don’t have children, it has been known that kids in the neighbourhood might not resist knowing a pool is in your backyard. So, having the proper fencing is very important to prevent accidents from happening.

The same is true for pools at public places, commercial buildings, apartments, hotels and other places as well. While it may not prevent all tragic accidents from occurring, having a fence around your pool will act as a deterrent and may prevent the needless death of a child from occurring.

Proper Fencing Installation

In Australia, there are laws designed to ensure that the proper fencing and balusters are in place to create the safest conditions possible for your pool area. Any materials that you use in the creation of your fence or baluster must comply with Australian law. This means that you will need to have the area inspected to ensure that any access to the pool area can only come through a locked gate or passageway through the fencing itself.

Pool glass installation

Today, there are a wide range of fencing and balustrades that can be used to protect the pool area from the classic iron versions to modern, sleek styles that offer maximum protection, but also fully protect the pool area itself. In addition, pool railings, balconies and stairwells can enjoy this type of protection also when it comes to your pool. From aluminium to steel to wood and more, there are a number of unique designs that can be crafted to make your pool area safe.

Safety in the Design

You may have heard of instances where the fencing itself becomes an issue because kids can stick their arms, legs or even head through the fence and become trapped. In addition, kids may try to climb the fence and get stuck as well. While there is no type of fencing that can prevent all intrusions from occurring, there are still plenty of types that can prevent accidents from occurring while preventing most types of unwanted entries.

  • One Meter High Railings: This is to prevent small children from climbing over the top.
  • 12cm Spacing in Vertical Components: This is to prevent a child’s head from becoming stuck in-between the fencing.
  • 100mm Maximum Spacing from Bottom Rail to Flooring: This is to prevent a child from going under the fencing.

By incorporating these elements into the fencing that is used around your pool, you can help prevent a terrible accident from occurring. You will also need to take into account any areas surrounding the pool such as trees or higher fencing that may allow a child to climb up and jump over the fence around the pool.

By taking everything into account when you put up your fencing and balustrades, you can have the most effective protection against the most unfortunate incidents from happening in your pool.

Ram Raid on Benowa ANZ

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GlassNow was recently able to complete this shop front repair for the ANZ Bank in the Gold Coast suburb of Benowa Queensland. In this case a vehicle was used to perform a Ram Raid on the ANZ Bank.

GlassNow offers a 24hr emergency glass service which includes boarding up the broken windows.

 

smashed shop front

smashed shop front

Simon Says its as easy as 1,2,3

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Are you looking to save your time and resources when sourcing glazing service’s in Brisbane.
We offer the best 24hr/7day glass replacement service specifically designed to support Brisbane schools, while providing the highest quality of safety and service.

fast glass service

Brisbane Glass Replacement

for more information or to schedule a job 24hr 7 days per week booking
please visit our website www.glassnow.com.au or contact us direct 07 3399 9424

History of Glass

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Glass can be traced back to ancient Egypt, with beads of glass being found in the tombs of great Pharaohs.

It is believed that glass was an accidental discovery, being the by-product of metal production. But very soon the true value of this ‘by-product’ was realized and glass became more and more vital in human history over the centuries.

Archeologists have found evidence of glass production throughout the history of the world, from Romans to ancient Chinese.

Sasanid-bowl-japan

Obsidian, naturally occurring glass, was used throughout the Stone Age, but it was the late Bronze Age when the technology to produce glass is believed to have advanced.

Glass was very much a luxury item and it is believed that production was halted due to disasters that occurred to late Bronze Age civilizations.

The Hellenistic period saw a resurgence of glass production as is evidenced by the following quote from Pliny the Elder:

“The tradition is that a merchant ship laden with nitrum being moored at this place, the merchants were preparing their meal on the beach, and not having stones to prop up their pots, they used lumps of nitrum from the ship, which fused and mixed with the sands of the shore, and there flowed streams of a new translucent liquid, and thus was the origin of glass.”

church

The first century BC saw glass blowing being discovered and due to the purity of the sand the Roman Empire was able to make glass not only functional but affordable. Glass in essence became the material that Romans used habitually for all purposes.

Discoveries from the Anglo-Saxon, Chinese, Indian, Arab, Medieval Europe and Roman periods show the advancements made by glass manufacturers in all of the regions of the world. An Arab chemist from the 8th Century left ‘recipes’ for 46 varieties of glass. An early glass manufacturing location was discovered in the United States which shows that immigrants brought their knowledge, skills and tools for glass work with them, though at first most glass was shipped from England to the New World.

The manufacture of glass has continued to evolve to this very day, with discoveries and advances allowing glass to be used for industry and design.

We are all know that mirrors can brighten up your home, but these mirrors brighten a whole town

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Three giant mirrors have brought light, finally, to the winter lives of Norwegians living in the town of Rjukan. Nestled in the valley between mountains Rjukan residents have lived for centuries without even a slight ray of sunlight from September to March each year.

But the dream of town founder, industrialist Sam Eyde, who built the town to house the workers of the massive hydroelectric plant at the foot of a nearby waterfall, was finally made reality by native resident and artist, Andersen.

Three huge mirrors, operating on solar power and controlled by computers in the town at the foot of the mountain over 450 metres below allow the sun’s ray to break through the shadows and shine in the town square. Now residents, who used to have to take a cable car to get into the light to obtain the essential Vitamin D, can gather in the town square to socialise and enjoy the sunlight each day.

mirror rjukan

Until now Rjukan was most famous for being the location of Hitler’s quest for the atomic bomb and the raid on the town to destroy the heavy water plant was immortalised in celluloid by Hollywood in 1965 in the movie “The Heroes of Telemark”. The adventure of the twelve Norwegian saboteurs who parachuted into the freezing tundra to destroy Hitler’s efforts will never be forgotten, and now, with the illumination that the mirrors provide to the sun-starved townsfolk during the winter months it can be truly said that the darkness has been chased away.

The sunlight now lights approximately a third of the town square giving townsfolk the much needed boost of sunshine that they had lacked until now. Residents praise the results, giving credit to Andersen who resurrected Eyde’s dream and raised the necessary sponsorship to raise the 5 million kroner needed.

The mirrors were helicoptered in and placed on the mountainside, carefully positioned to ensure maximum sunlight reached the town on the valley floor. Enthusiastic residents welcomed the mirrors with cocktails and waving of Norwegian flags when the installation went live.

And now, thanks to some clever use of solar panels more usually found providing power in sun drenched deserts, sun starved Norwegians can congregate in the sunlight, and enjoy the long winter out in the sun.

Merits and Drawbacks of do it yourself home glass repairs

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We all know that broken glass is dangerous. And we all know that broken panes of glass are just as dangerous as they have the potential to crack and fall at any time.

And add to that personal safety concern the fact that a broken pane of glass compromises the security of your home then it becomes vital that any broken glass is replaced or repaired as soon as possible.

We all use glass widely in our homes, not just to glaze windows and door panels but also as table tops and fronts for cabinets.

Glass adds light to our homes, allowing us to have natural light stream into our rooms and letting the sun bring warmth with the light.

Used in furniture it adds glamour and elegance, giving an air of space and light that solid wood can’t provide.

And due to the amount of glass in most of our homes we have to be prepared for accidents that lead to broken glass. A ball striking a window, a dropped toy on a glass table top, a bird hitting a glass door; all accidents that happen every day and leave the home owner with the dilemma of how to repair the broken glass safely and in a timely manner. Even the extreme cold of winter or heat of summer can lead to a pane cracking due to contraction and expansion.

As soon as a pane or piece of glass is broken there are some immediate safety steps you should take:

  1. Restrict activity around the broken glass so that no one gets cut or injured in any way
  2. Safely remove any glass that is lying on the floor, putting it into a solid container. Do not put broken glass into a bag as it will just slice the bag and could easily cause injury to anyone carrying the bag.

There are occasions when you might decide to repair the broken pane yourself so here are our ‘Top Tips’ to help you decide if it is a job you can undertake yourself or one you need to call a professional in for.

Firstly, you need to consider whether you are confident in your own abilities to safely and securely replace or repair the damage. If you are confident of your abilities then there are merits.

glass repai

Ask yourself:

  1. Can I ensure a weatherproof seal that will save energy costs?
  2. What is my level of expertise in replacing/repairing damaged glass?
  3. Will I be able to maintain the safety and security of my home through my repair?

If you answered yes to these questions then you could consider ‘doing it yourself’.

The Merits of ‘Doing It Yourself’:

  1. Cheaper, no labour costs.
  2. Immediate action effectively stopping further damage or injury.
  3. You don’t have to wait around for a professional glazier to come to your home.
  4. You gain more experience and skill at replacing and repairing glass.

The Merits of a using a Professional Glazier:

  1. 100% guarantee on all jobs.
  2. Certified and accredited Specialists who have undergone stringent training and testing.
  3. Up to date knowledge on all glazing technology.
  4. Ability to safe and securely install and repair broken windows, doors, tabletops and much more.
  5. A professional repair will be better than that of even an experienced amateur.
  6. Expert advice on the best type of glass for your particular need.

Whether you choose to ‘do it yourself’ or call in a professional there is one thing to remember. Certified and fully trained professionals can always be relied on to do a guaranteed job. Most times it is best to call in the professionals and let them ensure that your home is safe and secure.

Everything you need to know about finding a window glass repairer in Australia

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When you get a window or door pan gets chipped, cracked or shattered it is wise to have it repaired as soon as possible. Even the slightest chip or crack can give cause to serious safety concerns and may lead to the window breaking at the worst possible time.

A simple chip may not seem to be a problem at first but it weakens the integrity of the pane and will lead to serious safety implications, particularly in the summer when the heat expands the glass making it even weaker. So, don’t put it off, have your glass repaired as soon as you can.

window repair

How do you choose a Glass Repair Specialist?

  1. Check that your Specialist has all of the relevant certifications and qualifications. You need to be confident that they are indeed a Specialist and not just a handyman who fits glass as part of their services. An Australian Glass and Glazing Association certified specialist has been examined on many aspects of safe glass repair including how to repair a broken pane and undergoes ongoing training to be up to date on the latest techniques.
  2. Check that you understand exactly what the Specialist is recommending for your repair. Ask about the type of glass they propose to use, the safety grade of the glass and even the colour.
  3. Check references of previous clients that the Specialist has worked for. A great Specialist will be happy to give you a choice of references for the quality of his work.
  4. Check that you are getting a quote before the repair, and compare it to the quotes of other Specialists.

Don’t just go with the first glass repair company you find in the business pages, get quotes and references from several companies before committing to one.

What can a glass specialist do for you?

  1. Repair broken or cracked window panes.
  2. Repair windows that stick or do not open or close properly and easily.
  3. Repair panes of glass that have fallen.
  4. Install bushfire glazing systems.
  5. Ensure the safety of your family and your home.
  6. Advise on thermal performance.
  7. Advise on wind load performance of glass for cyclone and high risk areas.

An AGGA accredited Glass Repair Specialist does more than just replace broken panes, they give you total confidence in their professional abilities. They adhere strictly to the Australian Standards and will take every step necessary to ensure that the glass they use to repair or re-glaze you window is not just fit for the purpose but is reliably sourced. They will be able to show you documentation that will verify the safety of the glass and that the installation is 100% compliant with all standards and regulations, giving you complete peace of mind.

How to Repair Scratches in Glass Tabletops

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Glass top furniture is elegant in any room of your home. It adds the illusion of more space and light. However, just a couple of scratches and our beautiful glass tops look aged and worn. And over time dust and dirt gathers in the scratch making it even more prominent!

Here are our top tips to help you repair those scratches with ease, bringing your furniture back to its former glory.

glass repair

  1. If the scratch is very thin use a polishing cloth to rub clear whitening toothpaste into the scratch making it disappear in a flash! Make sure not to use a gel toothpaste, it must be a paste to be effective.
  2. A homemade remedy that cures glass tabletops of small scratches is simple to make and just as simple to use. Add ½ ounce of ammonia to ½ litre or water. Soak a clean cloth in the solution and rub over the scratch in a circular movement. It will clear away the scratch as though by magic! Be careful when using ammonia as it can be dangerous if misused.
  3. Clean the scratch thoroughly and then using a clean cloth that is dipped in clear nail varnish rub it over the scratch. Use another clean cloth to remove any excess nail varnish and allow it to dry for 24 hours. Then polish the table top with a glass cleaner and the scratch is gone!
  4. For deeper scratches you need to get a professional repair kit. Ask an advisor at your local furniture store about the best product to use. Make sure to be clear about the glass you need to repair; it’s depth, colour and whether it is bevelled.
  5. Another option for scratch removal kits is to visit your local home improvement centre and ask one of the specialists there for advice on the best glass removal/removal kit. Again, make sure to give them all the information about your glass top so that they can give you the best advice.
  6. This is only for those who are both brave and very competent with electric tools! Connect the disk in the repair kit to your drill and smooth the scratch away. Some kits come with a polish that you rub onto the area before using the disk to polish the scratch from the glass top surface. Be careful not to apply too much pressure as you could weaken the glass when all you need is a light touch to remove the scratch.
  7. If your scratch is really deep or long it might be best to take the glass top to have it professionally repaired.

Top Ten Reasons to Double Glaze Your Home

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You know that double glazing is more energy efficient, and that you can cut down on both heating and cooling costs. But there is still something holding you back from reglazing your home.

double glazing window

Here are our ‘top ten’ reasons to make the choice for double glazing:

  1. Protection! Double glazing has two panes of glass that provides your home with extra protection from would be intruders who would prefer to move on to a home with only single pane windows which is much easier to get through.
  2. Noise! If you live near a busy road or rail track, or even under a flight path you will be delighted at the level of noise reduction offered by professionally installed double glazing. Statistics have shown noise reduction to be up to 70%. Even the everyday sounds of neighbours cutting grass and children playing outside with be reduced instantly, giving you more peace and quiet in your own home.
  3. Added value! Double glazing has been proven to add value to your property and make it more appealing to future Online pharmacy buyers.
  4. Health! Many homes have issues with condensation which can lead to mold and mildew problems. Protect your family’s health by installing double glazing that eliminates that problem.
  5. Safety! If you have children or pets who play indoors you can rest easy knowing that a bump against double glazing reduces the risk of injury dramatically. Toughened and laminated glass is impact resistant and also ensures that there won’t be lethal shards of glass if there is a breakage.
  6. Low Maintenance! Most double glazing is installed in uPVC frames. You don’t have to repaint the frame and your frames won’t rot over time, needing replaced, due to weather.
  7. Life saving! The fire resistance quality of uPVC framed windows is one of their best features. Fully flame resistant they will not combust in the event of a fire.
  8. Environmentally Friendly! Not only do they help you reduce your energy usage, and carbon footprint, but they are fully recyclable and help prevent harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
  9. Comfortable! The heat of the summer and the chill of the winter won’t be able to affect the interior temperature of your home as much. You will be able to control your home’s environment much more effectively and save money as you do.
  10. Durable! Our extensive range of beautiful windows is perfect for homes that are exposed to extremes of temperatures, high winds or the ocean air. They won’t deteriorate over time and very effectively keep out sneaky draughts.