Glass handrail systems have become an increasingly popular design choice for both residential and commercial properties. These sleek and modern railings offer a stunning, contemporary architectural focal point while also providing safety and durability.

However, since glass is thought to be a fragile material, many people still have questions about these glass handrails before considering them for their own projects. Here are answers to five of the most frequently asked questions we hear about glass handrail systems.

1. Is a Glass Handrail System Expensive?

One of the most common concerns about glass handrail systems is their cost. While it is true that glass handrails tend to be more expensive than traditional metal or wood railings, they are still a worthwhile investment thanks to their numerous visual and practical benefits.

While the initial cost of a glass handrail system may be higher than other options, it’s important to consider the long-term benefits. For example, glass handrails are extremely low maintenance and do not require frequent repairs or replacements like other materials. They can also increase the value of your property by giving it a modern and luxurious look, securing you a return on investment.

It’s also possible to have a glass handrail system installed at a variety of different price points. The final cost of your glass railing will depend on factors such as the type of glass used, the size of the railing, and the complexity of the project. By compromising in some of the areas, you can find a suitable glass handrail system within almost any budget.

2. Are Glass Handrails Strong?

Another important question people have about glass railings is whether they’re strong and durable. Most people perceive glass as a fragile material, and the thought of it being used as a safety structure may seem counterintuitive. 

However, the glass used in a glass handrail system is tempered, making it incredibly strong and durable. During the tempering process, safety glass is heated to a high temperature and then rapidly cooled, which creates a strong final material that is highly resistant to breakage and thermal stress. 

You can also rest assured that your glass handrail system is strong because glass handrails are required to meet certain building codes and standards to ensure they’re sufficiently strong and safe. When properly installed and maintained, a glass handrail system can withstand heavy windows, pressure, and impact, making them a strong and reliable option for any residential or commercial property.

3. How Safe Is a Glass Handrail System?

Another common concern among homeowners is how safe glass handrail systems are. For the same reason as above — the perceived fragility of glass — many people assume glass handrail systems aren’t safe for commercial properties or homes with kids

However, glass handrail systems are extremely safe. Safety is always a top priority when installing any type of railing system, and this is no different for glass handrails. The tempered glass used in a glass handrail system is designed to be strong and shatter-resistant. Most glass handrail systems are also installed with metal railing posts or frames that provide additional support and stability. 

These posts or frames are typically made from aluminum or stainless steel, which are both durable and rust-resistant materials. In combination with properly installed and maintained glass panels, your glass handrail system will offer visibility while also providing a secure barrier that meets industry safety standards.

4. Which Glass Is Best for Handrails?

When it comes to choosing the right glass for your glass handrail system, there are a few different options to consider. The most commonly used type of glass for railings is tempered glass. This glass is heat-treated to increase its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for safety and reliability.

Another option is laminated glass, which is made up of multiple layers of glass that are bonded together with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) in between. This PVB layer provides extra strength and reinforcement, making laminated glass a great choice for high-traffic areas, hurricane-prone areas, or locations with stricter building codes.

5. What Do You Need to Consider When Installing a Glass Handrail System?

There are several crucial factors to consider before installing your glass handrails:

• Safety: Your glass handrail system must be tempered and thick enough to support sufficient weight. It will need to meet all building codes and local safety regulations.
• Design: Glass railings come in a range of design options, so make sure to choose one that complements your property’s architecture and style.
• Maintenance: Glass handrails are typically lower-maintenance than other railing types, but keep required care in mind when making all of your design and fabrication decisions.
• Cost: Since glass handrail systems can be more expensive than alternative options, keep your budget in mind during the process and don’t break the bank.
• Weather: Your glass handrail system should be able to withstand your region’s most extreme weather conditions, such as high winds, hurricanes, or snowstorms.
• Installation: Proper installation is crucial to ensure a glass handrail system that is 100 percent safe and secure. Take careful consideration when choosing a glass railing installation expert for your project.

Sleek, modern, and easy to maintain, a high-quality glass handrail system can offer great architectural enhancements to your home while improving its functionality. If you want to elevate your home with subtle sophistication, investing in glass handrail installations from Golden Glass is the perfect final touch. Headquartered in Fullerton, Golden Glass is a family-run operation that will give you the personal attention of a small business with the world-class fabrication quality of a national corporation. Give us a call at 800-64-GLASS or fill out our online contact form today to find out more about our glass handrail systems or to receive a free quote for your next project.

If your patio door is getting old or needs replacing, glass patio doors offer a number of benefits for homes of every size. In addition to providing enhanced aesthetic appeal, glass patio doors have many functional benefits that will improve your quality of life and leave you happier than ever with your new home. Here are just three of the many popular styles currently trending in glass patio door design.

All-Glass Patio Doors

One of the top design trends for glass patio doors in 2023 is the use of all-glass patio doors. This refers to patio doors that have large glass panels and a minimal frame, creating a sleek and modern look. 

One of the main benefits of all-glass patio doors is their ability to create a seamless transition between your indoor and outdoor living spaces. The minimal opaque framing creates a sense of openness and spaciousness, and it creates a seamless flow between the two areas for hosting, playing, or otherwise enjoying your outdoor space. 

The increased glass surface not only provides unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape but also allows for more natural light to flood into your living space. This increases your home’s energy efficiency and makes it look bigger and brighter year-round. For a grander feel, install two all-glass patio doors, or if you have a smaller space to work with, you can opt for just one all-glass door.

Sliding Glass Patio Doors

Sliding glass patio doors are a timeless choice that remains on-trend year after year. They’re a popular option because, since they fold in on themselves, they maximize both your living space and your patio space, ensuring that you can use every square foot available. 

Sliding glass patio doors are ideal for smaller outdoor spaces since they take up less room than traditional hinged doors, but they’re equally popular for large homes since their large glass panels add a sense of grandeur.

One of the biggest benefits of sliding glass patio doors is their versatility. They come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them suitable for homes large and small, traditional or contemporary. You can opt for one, two, or three panels; white, black, or wooden frames; and a wide variety of other customizable features.

Similar to all-glass patio doors, sliding glass doors offer a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, making them an ideal choice for your new patio doors in 2023 or 2024.

Folding Glass Patio Doors

Folding glass patio doors, also known as bi-fold doors, are a more modern option that has rapidly gained popularity in the past several years. These doors consist of multiple panels that fold and stack on top of each other when opened, creating a wide opening to the outdoors with completely unobstructed views. When closed, folding glass doors appear like multiple windows next to each other. Folding glass patio doors are able to open up an entire wall, eliminating the barrier between indoor and outdoor living spaces and creating a seamless open concept.

One of the key benefits of folding glass patio doors is their flexibility. They come in various configurations, allowing you to choose the number of panels and the direction they fold in order to best accommodate your unique living space. This makes them a great choice for both larger and smaller spaces, and they can make properties of any size seem much more expansive.

If you’re seeking new glass patio doors for your home, contact Golden Glass today. Headquartered in Fullerton, we’re a family-run business that will give you the personal attention of a small business with the world-class fabrication quality of a national corporation. To learn more about Golden Glass residential glasswork services, including custom sliding glass patio doors, give us a call at 800-64-GLASS or fill out our online contact form today.

When trying to create a peaceful and quiet living space, one of the most effective solutions is double-pane windows installation. Double-pane windows have two glass panes separated by a spacer, creating an insulating layer of air or gas in between. This design not only offers enhanced energy efficiency and thermal insulation, but it also has the added benefit of drastically reducing noise levels inside the home. Here are four of the factors that help double-pane windows effectively reduce noise for property owners.

Multiple Glass Panes

One of the defining characteristics of double-pane windows is that they contain two glass panes instead of one. This additional pane acts as an extra barrier for sound waves to pass through, significantly reducing the amount of outside noise that enters your home.

Single-pane windows only include one layer of glass, allowing sound waves to pass through your home quickly and with greater volume. Double-pane windows are much more effective at blocking noise, while triple-pane windows are even more impressive for soundproofing your home. Ultimately, the more panes of glass between your living space and the outdoors, the greater the noise reduction.

Varying Glass Thickness

It isn’t just the number of glass panes that dictates the soundproofing of your home; the thickness of the glass is also a factor. Glass panes with varying levels of thickness more effectively dampen sound versus two glass panes of the same thickness or one single glass pane.

This is because glass panes of different thicknesses dampen sounds at different frequencies, improving sound control performance and more effectively reducing overall noise inside your home. When you purchase double-pane windows, the outer pane is generally thinner than the inner one, achieving this superior noise reduction common in triple- and double-pane windows.

Air Spacers

Air spacers play a crucial role in the noise reduction capabilities of double-pane windows. The spacer is the layer of air or gas that separates the two glass panes of your window. This layer is an essential component in reducing noise because it dissipates the sound waves more effectively as they move between the panes. 

Sound moves more quickly through solid materials than through the air. As such, the air spacer is crucial for slowing down and dissipating the sound waves, reducing the amount of noise that is able to be transferred inside of the house. In fact, when installing soundproof window systems, the distance between window panes is increased to create a larger air spacer that further reduces outside noise transfer. If you’re concerned about noise, ask your window installers about double-pane windows with the largest air spacers and the greatest noise reduction.

High-Quality Installation

The window itself isn’t the only factor in its ability to reduce noise. The quality of installation and materials used also impact your window’s effectiveness. The better the quality of the materials used, the more effective the windows will be at reducing noise levels. 

For example, compression weatherstripping, insulating window frames, and waterproof caulking all help create a more effective noise-reducing window system versus lower-quality alternatives. To ensure you’re receiving the greatest level of noise reduction possible for your double-pane windows, choose a licensed window installation expert trusted by your local community and backed by five-star reviews.

If you’re in need of new window installation, the experts at Golden Glass can help. We can perform high-quality double-pane window installation and fabricate custom replacement windows that are perfectly suited to your home’s functional needs, design style, and budget. Stop by our Fullerton showroom to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff about your replacement windows, or give us a call at 800-64-GLASS for a free estimate. You can also fill out our online contact form with any inquiries, and we’ll get back to you right away!

Double-pane windows are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners realize the numerous visual and functional benefits they provide. Not only do double-pane windows enhance the appearance of your home and boost curb appeal, but they also offer a return on investment in various ways. If you’re considering double-pane window installation but want to make sure you’re getting the most for your money, consider these three ways in which double-pane windows provide a return on investment.

Local Rebates

As sustainability continues to move to the forefront of national concern, more and more local governments have begun implementing programs and rebates aimed at incentivizing energy-efficient home upgrades. By upgrading from old, single-pane windows to energy-efficient double-pane windows, you can take advantage of rebates in your city, county, or state and ultimately lower the cost of your window installation.

To find local rebates you may qualify for, contact your utility companies or browse their website. Many utility companies will have a page dedicated to rebates. You can also search the websites of your city, county, and state governments, and typically you can apply for the applicable rebate online. These rebates can range from a few hundred dollars to even thousands of dollars, depending on the region you live in and the type of windows installed. For example, the U.S. Department of Energy is offering a Clean Energy tax credit in 2023 for 30 percent of the cost of your windows, up to $600.

Energy Savings

One of the most significant benefits of double-pane windows is their enhanced energy efficiency, which lowers energy costs. Unlike single-pane windows, which consist of one single pane of glass, double-pane windows have two layers of glass with an insulating gas such as argon between the two layers. This design significantly reduces heat transfer through the windows, improving heat retention and reducing energy consumption.

Double-pane windows as a form of insulation have been shown to reduce energy consumption by 12 percent on average. According to energystar.gov, the average homeowner can save nearly $500 per year when switching from single-pane windows and up to $100 when switching from older double-pane windows. Although double-pane windows have a higher up-front cost than single-pane, you can see a return on investment in just a few years thanks to the significant savings in energy costs.

Home Value

Investing in your home through strategic upgrades always helps boost its long-term value, helping you build equity and secure a return on investment. It’s been found that double-pane window installation can increase the value of your home by up to $24,000, which is often more than the cost of the window installation itself.

The improved energy efficiency and reduced maintenance costs associated with double-pane windows are highly attractive to potential buyers. New window installation also increases the curb appeal of your home, while the enhanced safety makes it a desirable addition for families. Whether you’re looking to flip a property or upgrade your forever home, double-pane windows make an excellent investment for anyone looking to increase the value of their property.

If you need double-pane window installation for your home, Golden Glass can make the process seamless and hassle-free. From fabrication to installation, our family-run business will work with you every step of the way to bring your vision to life on time and on budget. Stop by our Fullerton showroom to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff about your next residential window installation project, or give us a call at 800-64-GLASS for a free estimate. You can also fill out our online contact form with any inquiries, and we’ll get back to you right away!

Sliding glass patio doors are a beautiful addition to any home, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits for your family. Whether your current patio door is worn and breaking or merely out of style, installing modern sliding glass patio doors will allow you to make the most of your outdoor space as well as your living room. Here are just a few of the benefits that come along with having custom sliding glass doors from Golden Glass.

Sliding Glass Patio Doors Boost Property Value

If you want to boost your home’s property value before selling or renting, switching to sliding glass patio doors is a great investment. It instantly increases the value of your home and makes it appear updated and modern. 

Potential buyers or tenants will appreciate the unobstructed views, extra security, ample natural light, and modern look. It can also add value by reducing your energy bills if you opt for double-pane glass that can help better regulate your home’s temperature year-round. If you consult your installation experts and make cost-effective choices, your glass patio doors can bring you a significant return on investment right away, whether you want to flip a house quickly or build equity in your forever home.

Sliding Glass Patio Doors Enhance Your Family’s Safety

Whether you’re worried about your kids injuring themselves, burglars breaking in, or harsh weather doing its worst, sliding glass patio doors are the safer choice. Made with durable tempered glass, glass patio doors protect you and your home from the elements and any wildlife without obstructing your view of the outdoors. 

You can also watch your kids at play or supervise your pets while they do their business and make sure every member of the family is safe and having a good time. In the event that your sliding glass patio doors do break, their tempered glass makeup ensures the shards are dulled compared to traditional glass panes, reducing the risk of injury. However, the durability of sliding glass doors makes them extremely difficult to damage, even with rambunctious kids at play.

Furthermore, most sliding glass doors come with a locking mechanism that will help to keep your home secure. They can also be fitted with security screens or a bar to further protect your home and prevent break-ins.

Sliding Glass Patio Doors Can Be Customized To Your Needs

One of the great things about sliding glass patio doors is that they can be customized to your tastes and functional needs. Not only can you choose from a variety of sizes and styles, but you can also choose the colors, finishes, and hardware to ensure it complements your home’s interior design and enhances the look of your patio.

You can also choose from enhanced functions such as security upgrades and locking mechanisms. You can opt to have your sliding glass patio doors motorized so you don’t have to open them manually, and you can add an energy-efficient coating to reduce your carbon footprint and reduce utility costs.

If you’re seeking new sliding glass patio doors for your home, contact Golden Glass today. Headquartered in Fullerton, we’re a family-run business that will give you the personal attention of a small business with the world-class fabrication quality of a national corporation. To learn more about Golden Glass residential glasswork services, including double-pane windows and custom sliding glass patio doors, give us a call at 800-64-GLASS or fill out our online contact form today.